Best Places to Visit Near Bangalore This Weekend

Living in Bangalore has a hidden blessing—no matter how busy life gets, you’re always just a few hours away from peaceful hills, wildlife forests, coffee estates, ancient temples, and charming little towns. Every time the weekend starts to feel too short, escaping the city for even 24 hours can reset everything. Over the years, I’ve tried countless weekend getaways from Bangalore, each one offering its own pace and personality. If you're looking for places that genuinely feel refreshing, meaningful, and easy to explore, here are some of the best places to visit near Bangalore this weekend, shared from real travel experiences.

These destinations offer the right combination of scenic beauty, simple travel logistics, and enough things to do to keep you engaged without feeling rushed.

1. Coorg: For Coffee Estates, Cool Weather, and Slow Mornings

Coorg remains one of those classic weekend escapes that never loses its charm. Even if you’ve been multiple times, the feeling of driving through winding forest roads and seeing layers of coffee plantations never gets old. The town has a peaceful rhythm—misty mornings, quiet afternoons, and evenings filled with the aroma of filter coffee.

One of the best things about Coorg is how flexible your trip can be. You can spend your day visiting nearby attractions like Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, or the Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe. Or you can simply stay inside a homestay tucked between estates and enjoy a slow, unhurried weekend.

The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather feels almost like air-conditioning. Reaching Coorg from Bangalore is easy—around a five-hour drive—making it an ideal Friday night escape. When budgeting, expect moderate costs, especially if you choose estate stays, but the experience is always worth it. For nature lovers, short hikes like Tadiandamol or Nishani Motte add the perfect bit of adventure.

2. Sakleshpur: A Green Escape for Trekking and Camping Lovers

If you prefer quieter, less commercial places, Sakleshpur is one of the best weekend spots near Bangalore. Its hills are covered with rich plantations, old railway tracks, hidden waterfalls, and stretches of grasslands that look magical during monsoon and winter.

One of my favourite experiences here is weekend camping—waking up to the sound of streams, drinking hot chai in the cold morning air, and trekking through untouched trails like the Ettina Bhuja Peak. Sakleshpur’s charm lies in its simplicity. You don’t go there for crowds or fancy restaurants—you go to escape all that.

Traveling to Sakleshpur takes about four and a half hours, and the route is smooth. The best time to visit is from June to February. For a suggested itinerary, arrive by Friday night, trek on Saturday morning, and spend the evening by a campfire before ending your Sunday with a plantation walk. Budgeting is easy since most stays and campsites offer all-inclusive packages.

3. Chikmagalur: Perfect for Coffee Trails and Misty Peaks

If Coorg is the more popular cousin, Chikmagalur is the quieter one with dramatic landscapes and some of the best sunrises you’ll ever see. The region draws you in with its green hills and winding roads. The highlight for many travellers is trekking the famous Mullayanagiri Peak, the highest peak in Karnataka, and the nearby Baba Budangiri Range.

Chikmagalur also has lovely cafés, gorgeous stays with panoramic views, and peaceful lakes like Hirekolale. What makes it one of the best places to visit near Bangalore this weekend is the sheer variety—you can spend your time exploring coffee estates, go on long drives, trek to peaks, or simply enjoy the fog settling over the valley from your balcony.

Winter months (November–February) offer crisp mornings and clear views, while monsoon brings dramatic clouds. It takes about five hours to reach Chikmagalur, and the drive itself is almost as enjoyable as the destination. For a short trip, stick to Mullayanagiri, Hirekolale Lake, and a coffee estate visit. For longer weekends, add Jhari Waterfalls or Kemmanagundi.

4. Kabini: For Wildlife, Backwaters, and Utter Peace

If you're someone who enjoys slow travel, bird-watching, or wildlife photography, Kabini is a dream weekend destination. Located just a few hours from Bangalore, this wildlife region is where you can spot elephants, deer, bison, langurs, and, if you're lucky, even tigers and leopards.

Most stays here are located near the river or backwaters, offering unbelievable silence—just the soft sound of the water and occasional calls of birds. Safaris inside the Nagarhole National Park are the main attraction, and each one feels different depending on the season. During summer, animals gather near the river, offering incredible sightings. In monsoon, the entire forest turns lush and alive.

The best time to visit Kabini is November to May. Safaris cost extra, so budgeting is slightly higher than hill stations, but the experience is one of the best you can have near Bangalore. To reach Kabini, drive toward Mysuru and continue for an hour until you see the forested landscape open around you.

5. Hampi: A Weekend Filled With History and Breathtaking Landscapes

If you want to spend your weekend doing something different, Hampi is a brilliant choice. It mixes ancient temples, dramatic boulder landscapes, riverside cafés, cycling routes, and archaeological sites. Walking through Hampi feels like stepping into another world—each ruin has a story, and the views from places like Matanga Hill or Hemakuta Hill are unforgettable.

You can explore the Virupaksha Temple, the Vijaya Vittala complex (famous for the stone chariot), or simply take a coracle ride across the river. The evenings feel magical as the entire landscape glows in golden light.

Hampi takes about six hours from Bangalore, making it a slightly longer weekend trip, but totally manageable if you leave early. The best time to visit is between October and February. Stays are available on both sides of the river, with budget options for backpackers and rustic resorts for families.

6. Wayanad: Kerala’s Green Paradise Just a Drive Away

Just across the Karnataka border, Wayanad gives you a different flavor of nature. Waterfalls like Soochipara and Meenmutty, wildlife sanctuaries, bamboo forests, lakes, and scenic viewpoints make it a fantastic weekend getaway. The region is cooler than Bangalore, especially during monsoons and winter.

One of the highlights is Chembra Peak, known for its heart-shaped lake. If you want something gentler, Pookode Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam offer peaceful surroundings for a relaxed day.

Wayanad is about six hours from Bangalore depending on where you stay—Kalpetta, Meppadi, or Vythiri are common choices. Since the area is spread out, planning a suggested itinerary helps. For a two-day weekend, focus on either waterfalls viewpoints or trekking wildlife. The food is delicious, and the budgeting is flexible depending on the type of stay you choose.

Travel Tips, Safety, and Budgeting for Weekend Getaways

Most weekend destinations near Bangalore have good roads and safe routes, but planning a few small things makes the trip smoother. Start early in the morning to avoid traffic, especially toward Mysuru Road. Booking stays in advance during long weekends is essential since popular places fill up quickly. For treks, carry proper shoes, rain gear (especially June–September), and enough water. Avoid night driving in forest areas.

Budgeting usually ranges from ₹3000–₹7000 for a weekend depending on the destination, stay type, safari or trek fees, and food choices. Shared trips or group travel can significantly reduce costs.

Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Weekend Is Just a Drive Away

The beauty of living near Bangalore is that nature, history, wildlife, and peaceful escapes are never far away. Whether you're craving misty hills, quiet coffee estates, ancient ruins, or lakeside evenings, there’s always a place waiting just a few hours from the city. These destinations aren’t just “tourist spots”—they’re places that refresh you, slow you down, and make the weekend feel longer than it actually is.