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Best weekend getaways near Bangalore
Best weekend getaways near Bangalore: When the monotony of life gets daunting and stressful and the daily hustle seems overwhelming, travel is the only escape from reality.
Traveling is powerful especially if you’re setting your own path. There’s nothing quite satisfying and endearing than discovering a new place on your own- taking it all in without anyone but yourself.
Solo traveling is a whole different experience as compared to group tours. More often than not, solo travelers face their fears, empower and evolve through them. Not only do they overcome them, but they also describe the numerous benefits of traveling alone.
From a casual bike ride to a week-long trip, Karnataka is one of the few states in India that offers it all. Here are some perfect getaways near Bangalore for solo travelers.
1.Nandi Hills
Located 60 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is a tourist spot that was discovered over the years and now has successfully become a famous weekend break.
Nandi Hills is scattered with foggy mornings and monuments, with beautifully carved bows and majestic pillars with elaborated walls and ceilings. Located at 4851 feet above sea level, you can observe a bunch of happy riders and friends catching a glimpse of the sunrise in the early hours.
Location: Chikkaballapur, Outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka.
2.Mysore
Well known as the Cultural Capital of the state, Mysuru, located at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills is the most well-illuminated example of rich culture and diversity. The Chamundi hills is a holy shrine of the goddess Chamundi that a lot of tourists pay visits to.
The Mysuru Dasara that is celebrated with such pomp and vibrancy is what puts it on the global map and has visitors across the world visiting the city.
The city is also famed for its Mysore Silk Sarees and melt in the mouth delicious Mysore Pak and Mysore Masala Dosa. Although visited throughout the year, it is best witnessed during the week of the Dasara celebrations.
Location: 143 km from Bangalore, Karnataka
3.Lepakshi
Located in The Anantpur district, Lepakshi is a small village in the state of Andra Pradesh. It withholds a great sense of heritage and fine craftsmanship. Legend has it that some of these crafty wonders are monolithic and represent skill and perseverance.
The famous Veerabhadra temple dates back to 1583 which is listed out as one of the oldest temples of India. For travelers holding a special interest in fine art and culture, this solo getaway destination is definitely
the one to be next on the list.
Location: 135 km from Bangalore, Anantpur District, Andra Pradesh.
4.Coorg
Popularly known and the Scotland of India, with perpetually misty landscapes and scenic coffee estates, Coorg is the most popular hill station in the State. The cool breeze and the breathtaking views make a bike ride a beautiful experience.
Coorg not only is an ideal travel destination but also is the homeland of the Kodava warriors who fought gloriously in the Karnatic wars. A land of refreshing waterfalls and well-known spice plantations and Coffee estates, Coorg happens to be the largest producer of honey.
Cities like Kushalnagar, Virajpet, Somwarpet add to the beauty of the town and the various homestays make the trip a memorable one!
Location: 243 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.
5.Ooty
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station located at the foothills of the Nilgiri hills and is often referred to as The ‘Queen of Hills’. With ample sightseeing locations and picturesque destinations.
The land filled with lush greenery and pine trees also possesses many tourist spots such as the Ooty lake, Botanical Garden, St. Stephens Church, and many more. One of the major attractions happens to be the Nilgiri mountain Railways, which is popularly known as the toy train. The soothing Nilgiri scents and oils serve as a great souvenir to take back home as a memory.
Location: 265 km from Bangalore, Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu.
6.Wayanad
Known for its pleasant temperature throughout the year, Wayanad is one of the most visited tourist destinations around Bangalore. Wayanad, also known as the Spice garden of India, is known for its deep wood forests, misty hills, and long-spread greenery.
It is also a hub for trekking, rock climbing, and many more adventurous activities. It also does not miss out on its cultural aspect as it consists of various religious spots such as Karinthandan Temple, Ancient Jain Temple, and much more.
Location: 271 km from Bangalore, Kerala, India.
7.Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a beautiful district located in the western part of Karnataka. This destination is on the wish list of coffee and nature lovers. The story behind the naming of the town is quite interesting as it was given as dowry to the younger daughter of a legendary chief who ruled Sakrepatna- Rukmangada.
And that is how it was named. The places worth visiting when in Chikmagalur are Mulayanagiri, Baba Budan Giri, and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to name a few.
Location: 243 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.
8.Kotagiri
The next best thing after Ooty in the Nilgiri hills in Kotagiri. Kotagiri is a small hill resort surrounded by lush green tea estates. Kotagiri, situated 1793 m above sea level has a climatic advantage, as it is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges from the onslaught of the monsoons.
Kotagiri offers many trekking and rock climbing spots that attract tourists across the country. Apart from them, the Catherine falls and the Elk falls are a must-visit when in Katagiri.
Location:293 km from Bangalore, Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
9.Hampi
Hampi, located in the northern part of Karnataka served as the capital of the Vijayanagar Dynasty. It is also listed among the World Heritage sites in India by UNESCO.
Among the famous attractions of the place are the beautiful temples, ruins of palaces and places, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings… the list is practically endless. Hampi is a backpacker’s paradise, the same way a pilgrim’s delight. The excellent workmanship is to look out for in the heritage city.
Location: 341kms from Bangalore, Karnataka
10.Gokarna
Filled with palm trees, golden sand, and its immaculate beaches, Gokarna is the new and happening hub for beach lovers and hippies. Situated on the coastal lines of Karwar, Gokarna is known for its famous Kudle Beach and Om Beach.
These beaches also cater to the various water sport adventures that the tourists like to indulge in. It attracts major foreign tourists as the beaches are meant for a slow, relaxing holiday and are also a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination.
Location: 490 km from Bangalore, Karnataka
11.Alleppey
When you think of Alleppey, you say backwaters and lagoons. Alleppey is best described by its lagoons, blue backwaters, and famous boathouses. It is located in Kochi in the South of India and it is known for hosting tourists across the globe. The numerous houseboats, ayurvedic retreats, and serene backwaters are what make Alleppey worth the drive.
The famous fish curry and the exquisite seafood varieties are something that a traveler should be looking forward to exploring. To witness the famous boat race, one must visit it during the months of August-September to catch a glimpse of the famous sport.
Location: 595 km from Bangalore, Kerala, Karnataka.
12.Bandipur
Bandipur is a pilgrimage for all wildlife lovers. Bandipur is claimed to be one of the most beautiful national parks in India. Located amidst the Western Ghats of the Ooty-Mysore highway, it is a combination of Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park and Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, giving the travelers the best of both regions.
The Bandipur forest safari is one of the most popular grounds for endangered species and is the home for the most number of tigers in the country. The Kabini forest area is home to the most endangered panther named “Maya” whose spotting is what the wildlife enthusiasts are always looking forward to. Bandipur and Kabini combined are the perfect wildlife getaway from Bangalore for solo travelers.
Location: 233 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.
13.Sakleshpur
Sakleshpur is a scenic getaway located in the western ghats of Malnad which offers some breathtaking and spellbinding exotic views with some rich coffee estates and plantations.
The mesmerizing trails of the western ghats offer memorable experiences for nature enthusiasts and trekking lovers. A list of places that can make a traveler’s visit to Sakleshpur more eventful includes Manjarabad Fort, Bisle Viewpoint, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Shettihalli Rosary church, and many more.
Location: 220kms from Bangalore, Karnataka
14.Murudeshwara
A city dedicated to Lord Shiva, Murudeshwara is situated on the southern coast of the Arabian sea in Karnataka. The aesthetically pleasing sunsets by the beaches of the Arabian Sea are what make the destination beautiful and soothing.
Some water sports that tourists popularly indulge in are scuba diving, jet ski rides, boat rides, etc. Jog falls, Marvanthe beach, Idagunji Mahaganapathi Temple are a few tourist spots that could be included in the Murudeshwara itenary.
Location: 489 km from Bangalore, Karnataka
15.Pondicherry
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry is a perfect illustration of the French Colonial Rule in the early 1900s in India. Some local residents of the town still speak French which is what gives it the title of “The French Riveria”.Many streets of Pondicherry are filled with vibrant colors and bougainvillea-laden walls and have a lot to offer.
The union territory is filled with authentic French bakeries bohemian stores and cobble-stoned paths that are delightful for a leisurely stroll or a bicycle ride. Along with this is there is the Rock beach that adds much more zest to the wonderful place.
Location:356 km from Bangalore, Karnataka
16.Varkala
Varkala, being one of the very few non-commercialized tourists spots is located in the southern part of Kerala and is filled with nothing but blue skies and lush greenery. Varkala is also known for its long beaches, lighthouses, and on-shore shops for jewelry.
The harem pants, ayurvedic spas, and oxidized jewelry also make Varkala a perfect getaway. Varkala being a calm and quiet surrounding also is home to the two-thousand-year-old shrine, the Janardhan Swamy temple that stands on the cliff of the beach. It also consists of the famous Shivagiri mutt at a very little distance from the beach.
Location: 692 km from Bangalore, Kerala.
17.Dandeli
Popularly known as the adventure capital of South India, Dandeli is located on the western ghats of Uttara Karnataka and lies on the banks of the Kali river. It is the hub for river rafting on the river Kali.
Adventure enthusiasts have a wide range of options such as trekking, cycling, kayaking, and canoeing. The Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is another exciting element Dandeli has to offer. It is said to be home to many wild bison and black Panthers that can be spotted amidst the rich flora and fauna.
Dandeli has famous attractions that include Ulavi temple, Yana caves, and the famous Sky Point that which gives the tourists a spectacular view of the entire western ghats.
Location:458 km from Bangalore, Karnataka
18.Mangalore
Mangalore or also addressed as Mangaluru is the largest city in the Dakshin Kannada district of Karnataka. Being an industrial hub, the coastal city is located on the banks of the Arabian sea and is widely known for its delicious mouth-watering seafood platters.
The beaches are filled with coconut trees and the beachside churches offer an exotic experience to travelers. The food extravaganza does not stop at seafood as the city is also known for its famous ice cream parlors located across the city, Pabbas being the most famous one among them all.
Mangalore is also home to many thermal power stations and is well known for its educational institutions that produce academic prodigies.
Location: 351 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.
19.Agumbe
Stealing the beauty of the Malnad descent is yet another destination, Agumbe. It is a small village which is also known as the “Cherapunji of the South” as it gets the heaviest rainfall in the south.
Agumbe has the only Rainforest research station in India and its forests are known for their rich medicinal plants. Among the most scenic tourist spots is the sunset point where travelers witness the calming sunset over the Arabian sea.
The Barkana Falls, the Jogigundi Falls, the Kunchikal Falls, the Koodlu Theertha Falls, and the Onake Abbi Falls are popular among tourists and trekkers.
Location: 378 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.
20.Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal situated in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu is the perfect example of nature being a gift to mankind. The famous hill station, also known as the ”Switzerland of the East” is home to varieties variety of adventures and beautiful nature retreats.
Kodaikanal is the place to go to when one wants to get away from the rigorous and cumbersome city life as it helps an individual to take a step back and connect with nature.
Location:464 km from Bangalore, Tamil Nadu
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