Table of Contents
Bengaluru aka Bangalore also called the Silicon Valley of India is a swish cosmopolitan city that boasts of a forever-pleasant climate (never mind the traffic!) and gorgeous lakes and gardens. The city is the capital of Karnataka, the state that shares borders with Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This means that when a long weekend comes waving at you, you pack your bags and go exploring an idyllic destination. Period.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a coffee connoisseur or a nerdy history buff- Bangalore and its rich surroundings wouldn”t let you down.
So you aren’t lost, here is a list of places to visit near Bangalore that’ll take you away from the hustle bustle of city life and turn your long weekend into quite a roaring success!
Wayanad district is the perfect holiday abode in Kerala. The list of offerings this breathtaking place has will make you spoilt for choice. You can visit wildlife sanctuaries, trek to the cascading Irupu and Soojipara waterfalls, go rafting, and of course, soak in the luxurious and therapeutic Kerala Ayurvedic massages. Did we hear you sigh, already?! The Wayanad adventure camp and Edakkal caves must find themselves on your list too.
Undoubtedly, a long weekend could appear too short at a place like this don’t you think? If this wasn’t enough, the 300 km drive to Wayanad is picturesque to say the very least. The destination is as promising as the journey up till here. Wayanad promises to welcome you to Kerela in the most invigorating ways, so don’t think twice before packing up for this adventure.
Surrounded by Western Ghats is the Bandipur national park- the erstwhile private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore. This 874-sq.-km forestedreserve is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve that is home to a small clutch of tigers, elephants, panthers, four horned antelopes to name a few. The highest peak of the national park is the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta that is a heavily wooded forest engulfed with dense fog all year around. You can catch spectacular sunrises” and sunsets” views from the top of this hill. In case you want to explore a bit more. Step into Masinagudi, a quaint and beautiful place near Bandipur National Park. This has a number of jungle resorts and wildlife lodges too. The weather here is pleasant and if you love reading then this is the tranquility you need.
If you’re a fan of ancient ruins and the grandeur of carved temples, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the long weekend getaway you need. The absolute must on the list here are the monolithic statues of kadalekalu Ganesha and the bull Nandi. Don”t miss the intricate 64-pillar mantap that is sure to take your breath away. You can also explore the renowned 7th-century Virupaksha temple that is the oldest functioning temple in the country.
Anegundi fort at Anegundi village, on the banks of Tungabhadra river, is the heart of Hampi. The numerous cafes alongside the river add to the touristy-chill vibes making it the mini Kasol of southern India. The heritage homes in the Anegundi village provide you with camping experience alongside Tungabhadra river and earthy cottages for the real old-world Hampi feel. How can one talk about a holiday without mentioning food? The local cuisine is finger-licking good and is served on a banana leaf with coconut oil chutney, native vegetables, rice, and papad. Simple and delicious. The journey from Bangalore to Hampi whether by road or train is a counting experience since it covers an expanse of natural beauty that will make you go ‘wow’.
The unperturbed beaches of Gokarna are laid-back and tranquil. The half moon beach is a treasured pick owing to its sparkly clean sands and its inaccessibility by road. The best part, you ask? You can reach this gem only by a motorboat. Did that pique your interest? We guessed so! Apart from the beaches, Gokarna is also prominent for pilgrimage thanks to the renowned Mahabaleshwar Temple. Don’t forget to visit the cascading Jog or Joga falls, just a couple of hours away from Gokarna. This gorgeous cascading fall is the second highest plunge waterfall in India.
Bangalore, clearly, is the most amazing city when it comes to taking short trips on a long weekend. Apart from Wayanad or Hampi, places like Coorg, Ooty, Chikmanglur, and Puducherry are just a couple of hundred kilometers away too. There is little to complain about the journey considering the routes are lush green with a promise of an insight into the wildlife.
At Cleartrip, we want everyone to travel without a care. That”s why we help you plan such quintessential short trips from Bangalore in the most viable way. All one has to do is log on to Cleartrip.com or even better download their app available on iOS and Android and get exploring. So, clinch the best deals as per your requirements and always be up for an exploration!
long weekend getaways from bangalore | places to visit near bangalore
