The Silicon Valley of India which has become one of the biggest metropolitan cities is bustling with work and activities throughout the week. The city houses a large number of youngsters going for their nine to five jobs and longing to break from this monotony. Fortunately, one does not have to suppress one's inner wanderlust since Bangalore is surrounded by a number of tourist destinations that will revitalize you and keep you going. Do not waste your next long weekend binge-watching your favourite show, go out instead to explore these wonderful places on your next 3-day break.
1. Ooty and Coonoor
In the green mountains of Nilgiri, spend your weekend exploring the scenic landscapes of Ooty and Coonoor. Leave early morning for your 5-hour journey to Ooty. Spend the rest of the day with exploring the Botanical Garden and Ooty Lake in the cool breeze of the Nilgiris. Next day, head to Coonoor and climb to the top of Doddabetta, the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills, for a trekking adventure and have a magnificent panoramic view of the Nilgiris from there. Spend the rest of the journey exploring Sims park, the Lamb rock and sip a cup of piping hot tea at one of the tea plantations. The calm and serene landscape of the city coupled with its humble and warm people will offer you a respite from the concrete jungle of everyday life. For an added historical touch, you can visit St Stephen's Church and the Stone House which is a landmark 1822 bungalow. These places carry the traces of Ooty's first British settlements. Make sure to purchase the delicious home-made chocolates widely sold in Ooty. Take a trip on the toy train of Ooty for fond memories of the scenic landscapes. Grudgingly return to Bangalore the same night or the next day. A three-day trip to the Queen of Hills and Coonoor will rejuvenate your spirits and make your weekend memorable.
2. Mysore and Srirangapatna
Distance from Bangalore: 150 kilometres
Looking for a cultural excursion with some scenic views of nature? Head straight to Mysore and Srirangapatna. The royal city of Mysore is famous for its rich heritage and marvelous monuments. The third largest city of Karnataka, Mysore is rich in cultural and historical attractions. Start with Mysore which is approximately 3 and a half hours away from Bangalore. Get a camera and a guide as you set forth to unravel the historical and religious monuments of the city like the Chamundi Hill Temple, the Mysore Palace, the Jagan Mohan Palace, the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, the St. Philomena's Cathedral and the Brindavan Gardens. Spend another day here because there is just so much to see, like the Mysore Zoo, the Lalitha Mahal Palace, the Regional Museum of Natural History and the Kukkarahalli Lake. On your final day, you can head to Srirangapatna to see the Srirangapatna Fort, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the Daria Daulat Bagh, the Gumbaz, the spectacular Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the majestic Balmuri and Edumuri Waterfalls. These are just some of the popular attractions these cities provide which will definitely call you back again for another trip. The City of Palaces famous for its array of things like the Mysore silk sarees and sandalwood would definitely make your 36 hours worthwhile.
3. Kodaikanal
Shrouded in mists and surrounded by thick clouds, Kodaikanal situated in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu will be the perfect destination for a three-day leisure vacation. Known as the Princess of Hills, Kodaikanal literally means The Gift of Forests. This is the only hill station in India which was developed by the Americans. You can either take an overnight train or a bus since it is a slightly longer journey. Spend the first day at the Bryant Park and the placid Kodai Lake. Head to Devil's kitchen, the giant group of caverns located amidst the Pillar Rocks. Take a stroll on the Coakers Walk and make sure to see the magnificent cascade, the Pambar Falls. Spend your last day seeing the awe-inspiring Bear Shola Falls, the Silver Cascade, and the Shenbaganur Museum. Cover the Moir Point and Dolphin's Nose before you head back to Bangalore. You can even undertake a trek for Dolphin's Nose till Echo point which is exhausting yet adventurous. There are a number of other places that you can cover like the Silent Valley View, Caps Fly Valley, and the Berijam Lake View. To make your trip even more exciting, you can go for horse-riding or cycling around the city and admire the rolling hills and the green forests.
4. Wayanad and Iruppu Falls
Historical caves, majestic waterfalls, large plantations and rich wildlife. If this sounds enticing to you, spend your next long weekend exploring Wayanad in God's Own State. A 6 hours journey, Wayanad has a myriad of tourist attractions. Literally translated as the Land of Paddy Fields, this picturesque paradise is nestled in the Western Ghats. Spend your first day at the Banasura Dam, the largest earthen dam on India. You can spend your time boating here and trek to the Banasura Peak. Next, you can see Lakkidi and the exquisite Pookot Lake. Indulge in satiating your historical cravings at the Edakkal Caves and the Wayanad Heritage Museum next day. Conclude the day with a trip to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. On your final day, visit the Pazhassi Raja's Tomb and relish in the serenity of the Kuruvu Islands. Before heading back to Bangalore, do witness the beauty of the mesmerizing and sacred Iruppu Falls.
5. Coorg
Well known for its green sceneries and coffee, the most affluent hills station of Karnataka, Coorg or Kodagu is your best weekend escape. The culture, the people, the misty landscape and the lush greenery is a great therapy from the hustle-bustle and busy streets of Bangalore. About 6 hours away from Bangalore, Coorg offers you a plethora of options to indulge in. start your trip with Abbey falls which is placed amidst the coffee and spice estates. Next, rejuvenate your soul with the mesmerizing sunset at Raja's Seat. On the second day, visit the Bhagamandala and Talacauvery. Next, explore the historical Madikeri Fort from the !7th century and the Omkareswara Temple. On your final day, visit the Golden Temple, a Buddhist Monastery and finally the Dubare Elephant Camp to get an experience of coexisting with trained elephants. If you can spare some more time before returning to Bangalore, there are several places that you can cover in Coorg. You can undertake the Tadiandamol trek. Tadiandamol is the highest peak of Coorg. Here you will get to see beautiful waterfalls, a rich flora and fauna, and the Padi Igguthapa Temple. The charm of the enchanting Shola Forests and acres of coffee and sandalwood plantations adding to the greenery of Coorg has rightly given Coorg its name, The Scotland of India.
6. Badami - Pattadakal - Aihole
If architecture and history interest you, then take the 9-hour journey to Badami. Rich in Dravidian architecture and take delight in the magnificent fortresses, caves, and carvings. Visit the famous cave temples at Badami that display intricate carvings and paintings. Next, you can see the enchanting Agastya Lake which is surrounded by the sandstone temple, Bhuthanatha Temple. If you are not on a time crunch, then include a trip to the Badami Fort in your itinerary. On your second and third day, head to Pattadakal and Aihole. These locations are an abode of temples like the Jain Temple, the Kadasiddeshwara Temple, the Galaganatha Temple, the Jambulinga Temple, the Sangameshwara Temple, the Virupaksha Temple, the Mallikarjuna Temple, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Papanatha Temple, the Galaganatha Temple Complex, the Durga Temple / Fort Temple, the Archaeological Museum, the Suryanarayana Gudi, the Ladkhan Temple, the Goudaragudi Temple, the Chakra Gudi, the Ambigera Gudi Complex, the Jyotirlinga Temple Complex, the Ravanaphadi Cave Temple, the Huchchimalli Temple, the Mallikarjuna Temple Complex and the Meguti Jain Temple. Whether you are a lover of history, an admirer of architecture or a pilgrim, this trip will surely enrich your experience.
7. Chikmagalur and Kemmanagundi
A four and a half hours journey from Bangalore, Chikmagalur is famously known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka. In the foothills of Mullayangiri Range in Karnataka, Chikmagalur is famous for its peaceful surroundings, dense forests, and majestic mountains. A coffee enthusiast will surely have the time of her life strolling in one of the coffee plantations. Trekkers can enjoy a number of treks here like the Mullayangiri trek, the Kemmanagundi trek, and the Baba Budangiri trek. There are numerous places here that you can explore depending on your interests. For a lover of history, religion, and architecture, you can see the Belur Temple and the Kodanda Rama Temple. For adrenaline junkies, there is an opportunity to go rafting in the Bhadra River. The Bhadra Life Sanctuary and the Jhari waterfalls are breath-taking locations that one must visit. From there you can visit Kemmanagundi to see the bewitching cascades of Hebbe Falls and Kalhatti falls. Come back to Bangalore after visiting Mullayanagiri, the Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint, Baba Budangiri and the mighty Manikyadhara Falls. Coffee lovers should surely include the Coffe Museum in their travel diaries.
8. Hogenakkal and Yercaud
One of the most beautiful places in Tamil Nadu, Hogenakkal is a 3-hour journey from Bangalore. A small village on the banks of River Kaveri, this peaceful town is serene and picturesque. Spend a day here and head to Yercaud. Yercaud is replete with forests and coffee plantations. Visit the Yercaud Lake or the Emerald Lake which is surrounded by hills and has a beautiful garden on its banks. You can go boating on this lake and see the floating fountain. Next, see the splendid Killiyur Falls which is also a trekking spot and is spellbinding. Bear's cave, situated near Norton Bungalow, is also a popular attraction. Pagoda Point will give you a panoramic view of the city of Salem and neighbouring villages. To see the flora and fauna, visit the Botanical Garden and make sure to visit the Silk Farm to learn about the art of Sericulture or silkworm rearing. Conclude your trip with Lady's Seat nearby and the Tipperary View Point.
9. Mangalore - Udupi - Dharmasthala
Another great option for your three-day trip will be a trip to Mangalore, Udupi, and Dharmasthala. A seven-hour journey from Bangalore, Mangalore is the perfect place for beach lovers. The KREC beach, Someshwara beach, Panambur beach, Tannirbavi Beach should top your travel list if you love the sand under your feet with the ocean breeze playing with your hair. Mangalore also has many temples and religious places to add to your experiences like the Rosario Cathedral, the St. Aloysius Chapel and the Kudroli Temple. Make sure to make a trip to the Bejai Museum if you are a history buff. Set out for Udupi on day two and relax at its beautiful beaches like the Malpe Beach and the Kaup Beach. Apart from its fantastic architecture and beaches, Udupi is famous for its restaurants. Make sure to treat your palate and see the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and the St. Mary's Island. For your third day head to the popular pilgrimage point for the Shaiva, Vaishnava and the Jain devotees, Dharmsthala. Here you can see the gigantic, monolithic Bahubali Statue on top of the Ratnagiri Hill near River Nethravathi. On the banks of the Nethravathi river, you will find the Dharmasthala temple that attracts devotees from all religions and sects. The peaceful Chandranath Swamy Temple, the Ram Mandir, and the Annappa Betta are other religious and sacred places that you can visit. The Netravathi River Barrage is famous for its nature care hospital which follows the system of the Panch bhoothas or the five elements. History buffs should certainly see the Manjusha Museum that showcases the history and culture of the city. It is privately owned by Shri Veerendra Heggade.
10. Goa
Located at a distance of 10 hours from Bangalore, a 3 days 2 nights trip to Goa is an ideal trip for anybody. Start your first day at Goa with an exploration of the rich Portuguese heritage of the union territory. Trace the historical lineage of Goa with a visit to its ancient cathedrals and forts like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, and Chapel of St. Francis Xavier. On your next day, you can explore the several enchanting beaches of Goa or maybe relax and enjoy few of them. Indulge in fun activities like water sports and sunbathing at beaches like Anjuna Baga where you can visit the local markets too to purchase junk jewellery and souvenirs. Do not waste the night and experience the dazzling nightlife at places like Tito's Bar which is famous for its night parties. You can spend your last day in South Goa and the shacks, bars, resorts, cottages, eateries, and discos on the beaches in South Goa before you head back to Bangalore.
11. Munnar
A 3 days trip to Munnar in God's own Country is the best escape from the trials and tribulations of every day. The pleasant climate, the extensive flora and fauna and the scenic landscapes can elevate anybody's spirits. Spend the first-day sightseeing to refresh yourself from the travel exhaustion with the awe-inspiring the beauty of cascades like Cheeyappara, Valara and Attukadu waterfalls. You can visit one of the many plantations in Munnar and explore the local market. On your second day, go far a safari in Eravikulam National Park and conclude the day after seeing the Rose Garden, Photo Point, the Honey Bee Tree, the Tea Museum and the Blossom Park. Indulge in adventurous activities like trekking, boating, and rock climbing if you like the adrenaline rush. You can go on a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, and Marine drive in Kochi if you have enough time on your last day before you head back to Bangalore.
12. Hampi
The ancient village of Hampi in Karnataka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the valleys of Karnataka, this former capital of the Vijaynagar Empire still carries the traces of the gone glory in its relics and monuments. With hundreds of monuments, temples, and remnants of history, Hampi is a treasure trove for lovers of history, heritage and culture. On your arrival to Hampi, begin with a tour of the Vittala temple, King's Balance and Pattabhirama Temple. On your second day, explore the various temples like the Ugra Narasimha Temple, Sri Krishna Temple, the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, the Virupaksha Temple, the Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex and the Achyutharaya Temple. Make sure to set some time aside for the archeological museum and Hampi Bazaar. On your final day, conclude your trip with a visit to the Queen's Bath, Dasara Dibba, Stepped Tank, Royal Enclosure, Durbar Hall, Hazara Rama Temple, Lotus Mahal, Zenana Enclosure and Elephant Stables. Hampi is replete with monuments and one trip will definitely be not enough to cover them all. Plan wisely and experience the joy of being a part of something that has survived dynasties.
13. Gokarna
Distance from Bangalore: 484.6 kilometers
On the coast of Karwar, Gokarna is a pilgrimage town with exquisite beaches and beautiful landscapes. Being secluded, the beaches are pristine, untouched and provide a relaxing experience away from the complexities of everyday life. If you prefer a laid-back beach holiday with crazy parties, this is the right place for you. Spend your first day hopping from one beach to another. The most popular beaches include Paradise beach, Half-moon beach, Om beach, Kudle beach and the Gokarna beach. Paradise and Half-Moon beach are secluded and serene. You can either trek to them or take a boat ride. You can indulge in a number of water sports here. On your second day, you can visit Yana and Vibuthi Waterfalls. Spend your dusk at one of the beaches you could not cover the previous day and enjoy the sunset. Before leaving for Bangalore, visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple and explore the local markets. You can even rent a bike for a more enriching experience.
14. Pondicherry
A 6 and a half hours journey from Bangalore, Pondicherry, referred to as the French Riviera of the East is the most mesmerizing place to spend your weekend at. The backwaters, the gothic churches, the boulevards and the French heritage makes Pondicherry a must visit place for everybody. To have the most serene experience, first, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Rent a bicycle or walk to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to see the magnificence of Gothic Architecture. End your day with the calmness of Paradise Beach. Next day, set forth to the French town Auroville and visit the Matri Mandir. The walk to the Mandir is through twelve beautiful gardens named after different principles of life. Enjoy the sunset at Serenity Beach. Conclude your trip with the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, the second largest Mangrove Forest in the world and enjoy some time boating there. Cycle around Pondicherry and shop till you drop before you return.
15. Hassan and Halebid
Located in the Malnad and Maidan districts of Karnataka, Hassan also referred to as the temple -architecture capital of Karnataka is abundant in monuments and ancient temples. On your first day, visit the Shettyhalli Church, the Gorur dam, and the majestic temples like Shri Ranganatha temple, the Nageshwara temple and the Channakeshava temple. On your second day, head to Halebid, located 30 kilometers from Hassan. The shrines, temples, and structures of Halebid make it the Gem of Indian Architecture. Here you can explore the magnificent temples, the Yagachi Dam, Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple, the Basadi Halli and the Archeological Museum. Conclude your trip with the Ramanathpur Temple at Hassan and the colorful local markets.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. And neither do you have to follow the given itinerary. Leave the concrete jungle of the city and make your weekend memorable.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. And neither do you have to follow the given itinerary. Leave the concrete jungle of the city and make your weekend memorable.