Bangalore, which is officially named Bengaluru, is one of the upcoming metropolitan cities in India, a convergence of modernity, spirituality, and heritage. Not only does the town echo the clamour of the techies, but it also reflects the princely beams of light from the royal walls. What should we say more about Bangalore? Bangalore catches the imagination of leisure capers, explorers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers among the towering houses, factories, luxury hotels, and resorts, beating nightlife.

Bangalore is surrounded by numerous towns and villages, with its princely architectural works, quaint palaces, temples, and vibrant gardens, from which one can still discover the traces of prehistoric civilizations and explore the ancient empire of Vijayanagara and other dynasties. The town is also known as a gateway to the Western Ghats’ hidden hues and rich ecosphere, home to many species of flora and fauna.

Below is a detailed list of Bangalore’s top 21 weekend getaways that can guide your weekend away from the scope of trumpets and highway hollers:

HISTORY, HERITAGE AND CULTURE

1. MYSORE

India’s eccentric palaces that pull visitors from Bangalore on weekends, as well as visitors from various parts of the country and across the border, are in Mysore. Mysore has a glorious history that dates back over 700 years and reflects the drama of the Kingdom of Mysore. The quaint city also boasts of bustling markets, magnificent monuments, cosmopolitan culture, and a friendly populace. It is also a thriving centre for premium silk, sandalwood, and incense.

Distance from Bangalore – 180 kilometres

2. HAMPI

One of India’s popular tourist destinations – Hampi is the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It holds several temples, civil buildings, and military buildings.

Distance from Bangalore – 370 kilometres

3. HOSPET

Hospet is one of the prominent archaeological sites that reflect the medieval hues of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Tungabhadra Dam is another famous attraction at Hospet.

Distance from Bangalore – 328 kilometres

4. BELUR

Belur is another collection of heritage that highlights the Hoysala Empire’s architectural works. The Chennakeshava temple complex is the main attraction in Belur.

Distance from Bangalore – 230 kilometres

5. HASSAN

In the 11th century, Hassan was discovered by the Hoysala Dynasty. One of the top weekend breaks from Bangalore is the city with its illustrious temples and intrinsic architectural and carved works.

Distance from Bangalore – 190 kilometres

6. BADAMI

Badami demonstrates the brilliant architectural works of the mighty Chalukya Dynasty, noted for its impressive rock-cut cave temples and red sandstone cliffs. The Cave Temples of Badami were mainly carved between the 6th and 8th centuries. Cave 1 is dedicated to Shiva, and Caves 2 and 3 are dedicated to Vishnu. Jain Tirthankaras’ reliefs are shown in cave 4. The Badami Fort, which lies east of the temple of Bhuthnatha, is another major attraction.

Distance from Bangalore – 510 kilometres

NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

7. BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

One seeking an exotic weekend escape from the dust and techie clamour of the city of Bangalore can steer his wheels to Bandipur National Park. Bandipur National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and covers an area of 874 square kilometres.

Among the animal species, the park houses lions, leopards, Indian giant squirrels, gaurs, and sloth bears. It is also famous for hosting safaris and jeep safaris for elephants. The morning safari starts at 6 and begins at 9, and the afternoon safari starts at 4 and lasts until 6.

Distance from Bangalore – 220 kilometres

8. NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

The Nagarhole National Park is another rejuvenating and relaxing getaway from Bangalore that winds the path away from many wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and occupies an area of 643 square kilometres. There is a lush blanket of woodland, tiny streams, hills, valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife in the park.

Tigers, leopards, and wild elephants are the main attractions. The Nagarhole National Park morning safari begins from 6:00 and continues until 8:00, while the afternoon safari starts from 3:30 and runs until 5:30.

Distance from Bangalore – 220 kilometres

9. BANNERGHATTA NATIONAL PARK

The Bannerghatta National Park is one of Bangalore’s enthralling weekend getaways. The park is home to one of the country’s richest natural zoological reserves. A zoo, a biological reserve, and a butterfly park are also maintained in the park.

Distance from Bangalore – 22 kilometres

10. KABINI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

A scenic weekend getaway from Bangalore that pulls in many weekenders is the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary with its vast green foliage. Leopards, panthers, sambhars, spotted deer, cheetahs, panthers, and many species of birds are popular attractions.

Distance from Bangalore – 205 kilometres

HILL STATIONS

11. OOTY

Ooty puts out a quixotic escape by tapping the minds of many love birds, families, and weekenders during the hustle and bustle of a long week. Ooty provides an opportunity to suspire fresh air during the year with a sheer range of greenery blanketed over the gently rolling hills and expansive pine forest. Also, Ooty boasts many lakes surrounded by lush greenery that often makes wheeling and whizzing for a picnic on weekends. Another important tourist attraction is the Toy Train ride from Ooty to Coonoor.

Distance from Bangalore – 270 kilometres

12. COONOOR

For many trekking expeditions, Coonoor is an ideal base that leads deep into the blues of Nilgiri. It is about 20 kilometres from Ooty and is thus regularly visited by tourists from various corners of India. Sim’s Forest, Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock, Droog Fort, and Law’s Falls are the major tourist attractions in Coonoor. Besides, another draw in Coonoor is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway that connects Coimbatore and Ooty.

Distance from Bangalore – 290 kilometres

13. WAYANAD

Mysore Highway and then National Highway 212, take you deep into God’s Land, Wayanad in Kerala, to the perfume of nature. With the mystic solemnity of the mountains, lush greenery dotted with paddy fields, tea and spice gardens, and lakes, Wayanad is one of Bangalore’s most exotic weekend getaways. Wayanad, however, is also home to many tribes that reflect an indigenous community that attracts both weekend explorers and international visitors.

Distance from Bangalore – 270 kilometres

14. BR HILLS

The Biligiriranga Hills is a waterfall of lush green rolling hills that connects the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats as an ecological span. The area is home to more than 800 plant species from different families and shows a near resemblance to the Western Ghats. Also, it draws in and catches the attention of many lovers of wildlife.

Distance from Bangalore – 190 kilometres

15. COORG

Coorg is one of the Western Ghats slices that offers a vast ecosphere bristled with coffee and spice orchards, numerous plants, and tree species, gurgling streams, waterfalls, and wildlife. Coorg has a mild climate during the year and is a frequent weekend getaway from Bangalore. The colours of the Tibetan colony are also dilated by Coorg.

Distance from Bangalore – 260 kilometres

PILGRIMAGE

16. PUTTAPARTHI

Puttaparthi is a prominent spiritual site in Andhra Pradesh, famous for Baba’s Prasanthi Nilayam ashram. The Hanuman temple, a village mosque, and Sathyabhama temple are other attractions in Puttaparthi.

Distance from Bangalore – 160 kilometres

17. TIRUPATHI

Tirupati, at an altitude of 850 meters, is famous for the Venkateswara Swamy temple, which is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. It is one of the largest Hindu pilgrimage sites in India that draws in many spiritual leaders and pilgrims from all over the world. The most important festival celebrated every year in September is Brahmotsavam, which welcomes millions of devotees over a short period of a week.

Distance from Bangalore – 249 kilometres

18. KANCHIPURAM

Kanchipuram is another popular pilgrimage and weekend getaway, situated in Tamil Nadu. It has a variety of temples showing the architectural works of many former dynasties. The main pilgrimage attractions in Kanchipuram are the Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Also, the quaint city is famous for its hand-woven silk sarees, and most of the workforce in the weaving industry is involved in the city.

Distance from Bangalore – 280 kilometres

BEACH GETAWAYS

19. PUDUCHERRY

Puducherry is one of the remarkable getaways from Bangalore, with a few drives for a spiritual break, a few drives for a beach getaway, and a few to explore the quaint French colonies. This French colony has a multitude of things to do and see, brimming with unspoiled beaches, heritage houses, French and Tamil quarters, ancient temples and churches, and a colonial atmosphere.

Distance from Bangalore – 310 kilometres

20. KANNUR

Another peaceful beach getaway is Kannur, where one can enjoy the exclusive coastal coastline and savour the spicy delicacies of Malabar. Also, the cultural array with the Looms and Lore industries cascade and the ritualistic folk art diorama preserved in temples draws visitors from all over the world. Kannur hosts many other tourist attractions to view the colonial atmosphere.

Distance from Bangalore – 315 kilometers

21. MANGALORE

Bangalore to Mangalore may not be an escape from the hues and cries of life, but all the exhaustion is broken by the silent walk on Panambur Beach overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Mangaladevi Temple, Sultan Battery that was founded in 1784 by Tipu Sultan, and the ruins of Mangalore Fort are the other major attractions in Mangalore.

Distance from Bangalore – 350 kilometers