Weekend Getaways from Bangalore: 9 Best Places to Escape

Planning one of those weekend getaways from Bangalore that actually feels like a break? You are in luck. Within a few hours of the city, you can wake up to sunrise on a hilltop, walk through a royal palace, spot elephants in the wild or simply relax by a pool with nothing to do.

In this guide, we list the best weekend getaways from Bangalore, sorted from the closest to the farthest, with what to do at each and how far it is. Distances are approximate road distances from central Bangalore and depend on your route.

Quick List: Best Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

The closest escape is Sportico Resorts in Malur, about 26 km from Whitefield, for adventure, a pool and a relaxed stay. Next comes Nandi Hills (about 60 km) for sunrise and a short trip, followed by Lepakshi (about 120 km) for history and temple art, and Shivanasamudra Falls (about 130 km) for waterfalls. A little further away is Mysore (about 145 km) for palaces and culture, then Nagarhole National Park (about 220 km) for a wildlife safari and Yercaud (about 230 km) for a quiet hill station and lake. The farthest are Chikmagalur (about 245 km) for coffee estates and trekking, and Coorg (about 260 km) for coffee, waterfalls and misty hills.

1. Sportico Resorts, Malur: The Closest Escape

If you want weekend getaways from Bangalore without long drives, start here. Sportico Resorts is a luxury resort set across 30 green acres in Malur, about 26 km from Whitefield and 22 km from Sarjapur, with Karnataka's biggest island pool.

It is the easiest of all weekend getaways from Bangalore because everything is in one place:

1. Rooms and suites for a relaxed overnight stay
2. Adventure sports like zipline, dirt kart, wall climbing, paintball, free fall and a high rope course
3. Rain dance, cricket turf and a kids' play area
4. Deliza Wellness Spa, Saffron multi-cuisine restaurant, Mist rooftop bar and Frequency pub

Spend Saturday on adventures and the pool, enjoy a quiet evening at the rooftop bar, and wake up to a slow Sunday breakfast. See our staycation rooms or read our guide to adventure activities in Bangalore.

Good for: Couples, families, friends and anyone who wants a break without the long drive.

2. Nandi Hills: Sunrise Above the Clouds

Nandi Hills is one of the most popular short weekend getaways from Bangalore. Reach the top early in the morning and you can watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds. The hill also has an old fort, the viewpoint known as Tipu's Drop and peaceful walking paths. At the foot of the hill is the ancient Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.

Tip: Start very early for sunrise, as weekend crowds and traffic build quickly.

Photo: Traveller Freak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Lepakshi: A Temple Full of Stories

Just across the border in Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi is home to the Veerabhadra Temple, famous for its "hanging pillar", detailed ceiling paintings and stone carvings. Nearby stands a giant Nandi (bull) carved from a single rock. It makes a great day trip or a relaxed stop on a weekend drive.

Photo: Vipulvaibhav5, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Shivanasamudra Falls: Twin Waterfalls on the Kaveri

At Shivanasamudra, the Kaveri river splits into two beautiful waterfalls, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. The falls are at their most powerful after the monsoon, when the water thunders down the rocks.

Tip: Visit between August and November to see the falls at their fullest.

Photo: Unni.hariharan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Mysore: Palaces, Gardens and Culture

Mysore is a classic choice among weekend getaways from Bangalore. Walk through the grand Mysore Palace, climb or drive up Chamundi Hills for the temple and city views, and end your day at the Brindavan Gardens. Don't leave without tasting Mysore Pak and shopping for Mysore silk and sandalwood.

Tip: Try to see the palace lit up at night. It is one of the most beautiful sights in South India.

Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim, GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons

6. Nagarhole National Park: Into the Wild

For nature lovers, Nagarhole National Park is one of the most exciting weekend getaways from Bangalore. The forest is home to elephants, deer, bison, birds and, if you are lucky, tigers and leopards. Jungle safaris and the nearby Kabini river make it a favourite for wildlife photographers.

Tip: Book safaris early through the official forest department or its approved operators, especially on weekends.

Photo: Yathin S Krishnappa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. Yercaud: A Quiet Hill Station

Yercaud, in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a calm and less crowded hill station. Go boating on Yercaud Lake, enjoy the views from Lady's Seat and walk through coffee and orange plantations in the cool mountain air.

Photo: Mandayamr, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

8. Chikmagalur: Coffee Country and Mountain Peaks

Chikmagalur is where coffee first grew in India, in the misty Baba Budangiri hills, and the region is still covered with coffee estates. Drive or trek up to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, stay in a homestay on a plantation and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee every morning.

Photo: Gpkp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Coorg: Misty Hills and Waterfalls

Often called the "Scotland of India", Coorg is perfect for a slow weekend. Visit Abbey Falls, watch the sunset at Raja's Seat in Madikeri, and spend time among spice and coffee plantations. Local Kodava food is a must-try.

Tip: Coorg is a long drive, so it works best for a long weekend.

Photo: Ashwinstein, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to Choose Your Weekend Getaway

1. Short on time? Pick a place under two hours away, like Sportico Resorts or Nandi Hills.
2. Want to do nothing at all? Choose a resort stay with a pool, spa and good food.
3. Love nature? Head to Nagarhole, Coorg or Chikmagalur.
4. Love history? Mysore and Lepakshi are packed with stories.
5. Travelling with kids? A resort with activities, a pool and a play area keeps everyone happy.

Tips for a Stress-Free Weekend Trip

• Leave early: Beat the Friday evening and Saturday morning traffic.
• Book ahead: Popular places fill up fast on long weekends.
• Check the weather: Hills and waterfalls change a lot between seasons.
• Pack light: Comfortable shoes, a light jacket for the hills and sunscreen.
• Plan the drive back: Sunday evening traffic into Bangalore can be heavy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best weekend getaways from Bangalore? Some of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore are Sportico Resorts in Malur, Nandi Hills, Lepakshi, Shivanasamudra Falls, Mysore, Nagarhole National Park, Yercaud, Chikmagalur and Coorg.

Which weekend getaway is closest to Bangalore? Sportico Resorts in Malur is about 26 km from Whitefield and 22 km from Sarjapur. Nandi Hills is about 60 km from central Bangalore.

Which getaway is best for a relaxed resort stay? If you want a pool, spa, good food and adventure in one place, Sportico Resorts is an easy choice close to the city.

Where can I see wildlife near Bangalore? Nagarhole National Park is one of the best places for a jungle safari, with elephants, deer and the chance to spot big cats.

Which places are good for a one-day trip? Sportico Resorts, Nandi Hills, Lepakshi and Shivanasamudra Falls can all be done in a single day from Bangalore.

Plan Your Next Weekend Escape

From hilltop sunrises to jungle safaris, there are weekend getaways from Bangalore for every mood. If you want the closest and easiest break, with a pool, spa, adventure and comfortable rooms, make Sportico Resorts your first stop among weekend getaways from Bangalore.

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