Looking for short escapes from Bangalore?
If you’ve lived in Bangalore long enough, you know the drill.
One minute you’re sipping artisanal coffee in Indiranagar, the next you’re staring at Google Maps, wondering how that 12-minute commute has turned into a Netflix mini-series.
That’s when it hits me. I need an escape.
Not a move-to-the-mountains-and-grow-my-own-vegetables kind of escape (though tempting), but a short, sweet break that doesn’t require me to sell a kidney or apply for leave three months in advance.
From misty hills to ancient forts and luxury retreats, my favorite short escapes from Bangalore prove that a change of scenery is never more than a road trip away.
The good news?
Bangalore is like that friend who knows everyone, hills, forests, beaches, heritage towns, luxury resorts… you name it, and it’s just a few hours’ drive away.
One weekend, you could be standing on a misty hilltop with clouds drifting by, and the next, staring at centuries-old carvings, wondering if ancient sculptors had better chisels or just more patience.
Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to explore these quick getaways, sometimes with friends, sometimes solo, sometimes with Google Maps confidently sending me down suspiciously narrow “shortcuts.”
And each trip, whether it’s chasing waterfalls, stalking sunrise spots, or eating my body weight in local delicacies, reminds me why we Bangaloreans are so spoiled for choice.
So, buckle up (literally), because I’m about to take you through my personal list of Short Escapes from Bangalore.
Tried, tested, and guaranteed to make you forget about traffic signals… at least until Monday.
Quick Information: Short Escapes from Bangalore
In a rush to plan your getaway?
I get it. Sometimes the call of the hills (or a buffet breakfast) won’t wait.
Here’s your whistle-stop tour of the article in table form, minus the scenic detours and my questionable jokes. 🙂
| Destination | Category | Distance (from Bangalore) | Travel Time (approx) | Highlights |
| Nandi Hills | Hill | 60 km | ~1.5 hours | Sunrise views, temples |
| Mysore | Heritage | 150 km | ~3 hours | Palace, Chamundi Temple |
| Coorg (Madikeri) | Hill/Nature | 265 km | 5–6 hours | Coffee estates, waterfalls |
| Belur/Halebidu | Heritage | 204 km | ~4 hours | Hoysala temples |
| Chikmagalur | Nature | 250 km | ~6 hours | Coffee hills, Mullayanagiri |
| Ramanagaram | Nature | 50 km | ~1 hour | Rocky outcrops (Bollywood’s Sholay rocks) |
| Kabini (Nagarhole) | Wildlife | 227 km | ~5 hours | Elephants, boat safaris |
Each of the above spots (and more!) gets covered below.
Lace up your sandals (or dust off that camera), because we’re hitting the road!
Short Escapes from Bangalore: Hill Escapes
Nandi Hills – the classic “closest hill station” run.
I’ve lost count of dawns spent here snapping sunrise selfies. The 60 km drive is brisk, and once up top (1,478 m), the city feels far, far away.
There’s an old Nandi temple on the hill, clouds drifting by, and if you’re lucky, monkeys plotting to steal your breakfast.
(Pro tip: feed the road-monkeys anything other than your samosa.)
I often park at the bottom due to weekend crowds and use the shuttle, but you can also drive up and conquer the final staircase.
Early birds get the views. It’s a famous vantage point for sunrise.
One hour south of Nandi is Savandurga (Ramanagaram). The enormous pinkish rock made famous in Hindi films.
At about 50 km, it’s just over an hour’s drive.
I’ve hiked Savandurga many times, scrambling over boulders and spotting hikers on its two peaks.
It’s perfect for a half-day trek and some laughs (“Don’t slip!” – me to my clumsy self).
The Coorg (Kodagu) region packs several hill escapes. The main town, Madikeri (Coorg’s district headquarters), is about 265 km away (5–6 hrs by road).
I once did that drive listening to Kannada folk songs, winding through endless coffee and spice plantations.
Madikeri’s Raja’s Seat viewpoint is gorgeous at sunset, plus there’s a cool 17th-century fort and the dramatic Omkareshwara Temple.
Nearby are the Brahmagiri Hills (Coorg).
An awesome multi-day trek up to Brahmagiri Peak (1,608 m), starting from the Irupu Falls area.
I attempted it last monsoon.
Lush green surroundings and waterfalls (Iruppu Falls) made it dreamy, but remember to carry mosquito spray and courage!
Further south, the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu hold Coonoor and Kotagiri, sister hill stations to famed Ooty.
I hit Coonoor on one trip (about 290 km away).
It’s less touristy than Ooty, so you get peaceful tea gardens and even a quaint toy train ride (the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage steam train).
The walk in Sim’s Park, misty tea estate hikes, and a stop at mighty Catherine Falls are highlights.
Kotagiri (nearby) is equally charming with fresh mountain air.
If you have more time, Ooty itself (the Queen of Hill Stations) is about 270 km from Bangalore and famous for its botanical gardens and Ooty Lake (a bit touristy, but a classic).
Early morning at Nandi Hills is a Bangalorean classic. The city’s lights fade behind the foggy valley.
Short Escapes from Bangalore: Heritage Escapes
History buffs, rejoice!
Around Bangalore, you can time-travel all weekend long.
Mysore (150 km) is a must.
I often tell myself I’m just popping to the Palace for a “quick” visit, only to spend hours marveling at Maharaja architecture, strolling through lovely Brindavan Gardens, and treating myself to Mysore pak sweets.
The opulent Mysore Palace (night illumination especially) is fabulous, and the Chamundi Hill temple is worth the climb.
Quick fact: Mysore Palace and the grand temples in Belur/Halebidu/Somanathapura are Hoysala style (12th–13th c.), famous for hyper-realistic stone carvings. (They’re a UNESCO World Heritage “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.”)
A road trip of ~4 hours west brings you to Belur and Halebidu (~204 km).
These twin towns boast intricately carved sandstone temples built by the Hoysalas.
I once lay on the warm stone in Belur’s Channakeshava Temple courtyard, gazing at lion sculptures and celestial dancers carved into every surface.
Just a few more turns of the wheel (and an hour) takes you to Somanathapura, home to the Keshava Temple, another star example of Hoysala mastery.
(Pro tip: carry water and wear comfortable shoes; the temple courtyards can get hot by noon.)
All around Hassan district (where these lie), the sheer artistry is mind-blowing.
You feel ancient history whispering in the breeze.
Eastward, Chitradurga Fort (~200 km, 3 hours) is a personal favorite.
This 18-km wall-fortress sprawls over rocky hills (it’s called “Lovable,” as it soars above town).
I spent a day hiking its seven concentric walls and hidden temples, imagining the tales of brave rulers.
The landscape is wild, goats and banyan trees populate the fort, and on a clear day, you can see dozens of tiny villages scattered below.
(Caution: it’s one loooong climb to the top, so snack up first!)
South-east lies Pondicherry (Puducherry) at ~336 km.
True, it’s a bit farther, but a night’s stay by the beach in this former French colony feels like a mini Europe-India dream.
I wandered the charming French Quarter with its pastel mansions and the famous promenade by the sea.
It’s on the edge of our map (~6–7 hours drive), but many Bangaloreans swear by it for a mix of colonial charm and south-coast waves.
Tirupati (about 250 km) is another pilgrimage stop.
I once tagged along with my friend to the famous Venkateswara Temple.
The journey up the mountain is an adventure in itself (and a nice break from city monotony).
For something really different, check out Nrityagram (just 30 km from Bangalore).
It’s a dance village founded by famed Odissi dancer Protima Gauri, basically a serene Ashram setting where you can catch classical dance classes or performances.
It’s offbeat but magical if you appreciate the arts.
Short Escapes from Bangalore: Nature Escapes
Need more green in your life?
Karnataka (and nearby Kerala/Tamil Nadu) have it in spades.
Ramanagaram (45 km) – my favorite half-day trip.
This was actually the filming location for the Bollywood classic Sholay, so you’ll see “Gabbar’s Rock” (Ramadevara Betta).
I usually hike there with friends; the granite hills and monolithic boulders are perfect for a quick climb.
On a clear morning, you might spot dozens of kites circling overhead.
(Just watch out for mischievous monkeys on the trail!)
Bheemeshwari (104 km, ~2 hours) – a spot for awesome jungle adventures.
There’s a famous fishing camp on the Kaveri River.
I spent a weekend here, coracle-boating and fishing.
The river valleys are calm, with thick greenery on either side.
If you’re into kayaking, zip-lining, or even white-water rafting (class I–III), this is your playground.
Bonus: the local lodges serve amazing rajma rice by the campfire.
Hogenakkal Falls (150 km) – Technically in Tamil Nadu, but only ~3 hours’ drive.
I once went in the monsoon; the falls roar and mist up in dramatic sheets.
You can take a coracle boat into the falls (be ready to get drenched!) and even sip on locally-made fresh jackfruit juice sold by vendors on the shore.
Sakleshpur (215 km) – Rolling hills and spice estates.
I took a train ride through the breathtaking railway ghat with dozens of tunnels (worth the ticket price by itself).
On foot, check out the 19th-century Manjarabad Fort (an 8-pointed star shape!).
The area around Sakleshpur is great for hiking, with trails winding through coffee and pepper farms.
Chikmagalur (250 km) – Heart of coffee country.
I usually combine this with Coorg or Mysore for a longer trip, but it deserves a solo mention.
Misty hills (Mullayanagiri peak, the highest in Karnataka at 1,930 m) offer killer sunrise treks.
The coffee aroma literally hangs in the air.
We once camped atop Mullayanagiri, and the Milky Way was so bright, it felt like day.
Wayanad (Kerala) (280 km) – About 5–6 hours away.
Worth it for lush backwaters and wildlife.
Wayanad has ancient caves (Edakkal Caves with petroglyphs), spice farms, and green paddy fields.
One hike I’ll never forget: Chembra Peak, with its heart-shaped lake.
It’s a tough climb (you need permission), but the views from the top are epic.
Kudremukh (Heaven made of ferns) – Around 240 km from Bangalore.
It’s an old iron-ore mining range now a National Park. The hills are knee-deep in green, ideal for trekking (one day, I want to try the full Kudremukh Peak trek).
The trek through evergreen forest, grasslands, and mist-covered ridges feels like Narnia at times.
A tranquil woodland trail near Chikmagalur – one of many forest paths I’ve wandered in these escapes. (Every Karnataka hill has its own Zen trail.)
Short Escapes from Bangalore: Wildlife Escapes
Yes, you can go on safari too.
Bangalore is a great springboard to India’s Western Ghats biodiversity.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) blankets much of the Western Ghats across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Think Bandipur, Nagarhole, Mudumalai, they’re all part of this rich ecosystem.
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve (~220 km). I’ve done both day and night safaris here. The ghats’ silhouettes at sunset are legendary. We spotted elephants crossing the road, and a sloth bear once ambled by our jeep (their snuffle-chuckle is hilarious up close). Timings: dawn and dusk are best for wildlife, so plan an early or late safari.
- Nagarhole (Kabini) (~227 km). Kabini River Lodge and other riverside resorts here put you right by waterholes. We watched a herd of elephants bathing at the Kabini riverbank one evening. It felt like National Geographic. Boat safaris are big here. If you’re lucky, you might see tigers too (we did – my heart skipped a beat!). The dense forests are also home to gaurs (Indian bison), deer, and many birds.
- BRT (Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Tiger Reserve) – About 180 km south of Bangalore. It’s also in the Nilgiri range. I once hiked up the hill shrine of Kote Bettahalli here and saw wild elephants grazing below (from a safe distance!). The reserve’s mix of forests and hills draws leopards, elephants, and a ton of birds.
All these forests are best visited in winter (Oct–Feb) or just after the monsoon.
The jungles are lusher and animals come out for water.
Just remember: stay safe in the wild (guide+jeep is recommended) and always obey park rules.
Short Escapes from Bangalore: Escape to a Resort
Sometimes, an actual home (with free WiFi and room service) is the best escape!
The areas around Bangalore have some world-class resorts for that pampered break:
- Soukya (in Whitefield, Bangalore outskirts). It’s actually an international holistic health center combining Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, and more. I spent a detox weekend here sipping herbal teas, meditating by the lake, and trying really green diets. The wellness vibe is next-level. They even have guest lectures by the Dalai Lama now and then!
- Shreyas Yoga Retreat (Devanahalli, 25 km north). I treated myself to a weekend of yoga classes, Ayurvedic massage, and calm contemplation. The property is on a lush farm (25 acres), and there’s a meandering stream, so relaxing. It’s no cell-phone zone inside (thankfully). Great for hitting pause on life and returning home zen.
- Galibore Nature Camp (by the Cauvery River, ~120 km). A rustic jungle lodge in the Kanakapura district. They have riverside cottages and sitar nights by the bonfire. I remember learning coracle rowing here on the Cauvery, then grilling fish we caught – pure rural fun (with surprisingly good food).
- Kabini River Lodge (Nagarhole). Tucked on the Kabini backwaters, this CGH Earth resort feels cozy. We stayed in a tented cottage with an elephant statue in front. They arrange safaris and bird-watching; at dusk, I’d lounge by the pool listening to croaking frogs.
- Orange County (Evolve Back), Coorg – Luxury in the jungle. Think private villas inside a coffee estate. They pampered me with Coorgi cuisine (pandi curry, yay!) and a rejuvenating spa. I even did a spice plantation walk (my mouth watering at pepper vines and cardamom!)
- Georgia Sunshine Village (Malavalli) – This quirky resort (near Shivanasamudra Falls) bills itself as a day-trip haven. We did a night stay there once; the cottages are fun, there’s a lagoon pool, and they have silly names for drinks like “Mad Monkey”. It felt like summer camp for adults (minus the uncertainty of mosquito wings).
These resorts are perfect when you just want to read a book by the pool, enjoy a massive buffet breakfast, or indulge in a couples massage, all with very little “hustle” required.
Looking for short escapes from Bangalore beyond 600 KMs?
If I may stretch the definition, India’s east/west coasts are also within reach for a long drive.
Goa (~550 km) makes a popular monsoon escape.
The beaches of Gokarna and Karwar (~500 km) are coastal escapes.
But that’s a topic for another very long trip.
Right now, our focus is on those sweet mid-range drives!
FAQs on Short Escapes from Bangalore
What are the best weekend getaways from Bangalore?
It depends on what you crave! For hills and forests, Nandi Hills, Coorg (Madikeri) and Chikmagalur are top picks. For heritage, Mysore and the Hoysala temples (Belur/Halebidu) are unbeatable. If adventure calls, try Bheemeshwari or Kabini. We covered many in this guide – pick based on your mood!
Which hill station is closest to Bangalore?
Nandi Hills wins by a mile, only 60 km away. You can be up on the peak in about 1–1.5 hours. Other “nearby” hills include Ramanagaram (45 km) and Savandurga. Slightly farther (3–5 hours) are Sakleshpur, Coorg and Chikmagalur.
What wildlife can I see near Bangalore?
Elephants are the most commonly sighted (Bandipur, Kabini, BRT all have them). You may also spot deer, wild boar, leopards (rare!), monkeys, peacocks, and a variety of birds (eagles, kingfishers, etc.). Monsoon-early winter is the best season – many animals come to waterholes. Remember to book with forest department guides; safety first!
How far is Hogenakkal Falls from Bangalore?
It’s about 130–150 km (a 3–4 hour drive) via Hosur-Tirupattur roads. Note it’s in Tamil Nadu, so you’ll need to stock up on Telugu cinema hits or Tamil songs for the trip! 😉
Any tips for planning these trips?
Start early. Many getaways (like Nandi or waterfall treks) are best seen in morning light and cooler weather.
Check timings. Temples and parks often close by dusk.
Pack water and snacks. Even a 2-hour drive can get long if there are no stops.
Rain gear for monsoon. Roads can get slick from June–Sep, but also enchantingly green.
Stay flexible. Don’t over-schedule; half the fun is discovering roadside chai stalls and unplanned detours!
Short Escapes from Bangalore: Book Your Next Mini-Break!
I hope this roundup on the short escapes from Bangalore sparks some wanderlust.
Next time your brain feels “loading… city” (as mine often does), remember that a hilltop dawn or a monsoon-fed waterfall is just a road trip away.
Pack your bag, crank up the playlists, and hit one of these short escapes for a refreshing change of scene!
Ready to explore?
Let me know your favorite Bangalore escape in the comments below.
Safe travels and happy road tripping!
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Exploring Bangalore, one story at a time — right here on tariqsp.com.
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