THE BEST LONG WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM BANGALORE

Weekend getaways can be an insanely fun and exhilarating break from everyday life. Such short trips do not require very thorough planning and are often pocket-friendly. You can gather a group of friends or your work colleagues and escape the monotony for a few days in the lap of the mountains or by the calm shores of the sea.

Residents of Bangalore are in for some good news as the city offers a plethora of scenic and picturesque destinations, ideal for weekend trips. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the best destinations in close proximity to Bangalore, which you can consider for your weekend getaway.

Gokarna


Even though Gokarna, home to the famous Sri Mahabaleshwara Swami Temple, is primarily a temple town, it has recently risen in popularity amongst solo travellers and backpackers. It is now one of the most sought-after destinations for weekend trips from Bangalore. This quaint seaside town has sprawling beaches and a much calmer ambience than Goa or other beachside destinations. The best time to visit Gokarna falls between the months of October and May. The central attractions here are the four beaches namely, Kudle, Om, Half-moon and Paradise beaches, and Sri Mahabaleshwara Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Catch mesmerising sunsets on the golden shores and relax in the calming silence accompanied by the waves of the blue Arabian Sea.

people standing on the gokarna beach
palm trees on a beach in goa

Goa


The sunshine state is not very far from Bangalore. A long drive of 10 hours will bring you right up to the lively shores of Goa. It is home to many pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, immaculate restaurants and an alluring nightlife. During the day you can indulge in sightseeing and several adventure activities, while at night you can go pub-hopping or visit the most famous restaurants and cafes in town. As for your stay, Heritage Village Resorts & Spa is the perfect choice for your stay in Goa. Located at a walkable distance from Arossim Beach, our resort offers rooms that sport the architecture of the by-gone Portuguese eras. We have four in-house dining facilities where you can try delicacies from all around the world. Additionally, you can opt for any of the signature experiences we offer here including beach picnics and secret food trails.

Coorg


The hamlet of Coorg sits in the lap of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. At a distance of approximately 265 km from Bangalore, Coorg welcomes you to a peaceful retreat tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This quaint hill station is dotted with lush coffee plantations, majestic waterfalls, spell-binding panoramic views and thick dense forests. Coorg sees a moderate climate all throughout the year and it is hence, an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Each season lends its own signature charm to this town. Some of the most popular places of attraction here are Dubare Elephant Camp, Raja’s Seat Viewpoint, Abbey Falls and Madikeri Forest. Some of the coffee plantations here provide a guided tour to visitors where they can learn about the different types of coffee grown in the area.

lush green mountains and hills in coorg
lush green mountains in chikmagalur

Chikmagalur


A land of mountains, vast stretches of green meadows and all-in-all striking natural beauty, Chikmagalur is a picturesque hill station just around 242 km from Bangalore. If you prefer mountains more than seas, Chikmagalur is the place to be. The best time to visit Chikmagalur is between September and May due to the favourable weather accompanied by soothing breezes and clear skies. The highlight of any Chikmagalur itinerary is visiting the three main peaks - Sheethalagiri, Baba Budan Giri and Mullayanagiri. This town is also home to several coffee plantations which are known to produce some of the best coffee in the country. You can also visit the beautiful waterfalls in and around the town including Hebbe Falls and Kalhatti Falls.