Top 5 Weekend Tours from Bangalore

Discover popular and offbeat weekend destinations around all Indian cities with our travel expert Reetwika Banerjee.

Bangalore can offer superb weekend tours to satiate your wanderlust hunger. Be it the hills, forests, lakes or heritage spots – you find it all within 200 kilometers. Here you go with the top 5 weekend getaways from the garden city.

1. Mysore

Just 150 kilometers from Bangalore via NICE Road, you will land at the erstwhile kingdom of the Wadiyar dynasty which still houses their grand palace, popularly known as Mysore Palace. However the capital rose to its glory mainly during Tipu Sultan and Haidar Ali’s reign. The road conditions are too good for a creamy drive, taking hardly four hours to reach. Plenty of hotels are available in all ranges. While in Mysore, you can also visit Brindavan Garden and Chamundeshwari Temple. The heritage city is also famous for its Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Peta Silk Sarees and Mysore Pak Sweet.

2. Nandi Hills

At a stone throwing distance of just 60 kilometers from Bangalore, Nandi Hills would offer you a stunning escapade from the city bustles. It’s named so because from Bellary Road, the hill resembles a sleeping bullock. It is nowadays quite famous among biking freaks and young couples. Can be easily covered over a day trip or one can also plan a night out at the luxury resort on top.

Perched at an altitude of 4900 feet ASL, it does not take more than 1.5 hours on bike or car to reach the spot. The last few bends will really give the thrill of a hill drive.

The hill houses an ancient fortress built by Ganga Dynasty rulers on a small hillock. One can choose to hike up the hill or risk a rock climbing adventure. However, there is no proper infrastructure in place for adventure sports. You may dare it at your own risk.

The bird’s eye view from hilltop is just awesome. There is nothing much to do at Nandi Hills except enjoying bungee jumping, para gliding and rejoicing a lazy evening at the adjoining resort.

3. Channapattana

Another unique getaway from Bangalore is a drive to the Toy Capital of Karnataka – Channapattana. 60 kilometers from Bangalore on NICE Ring Road, it offers the largest production of wooden toys, painted indigenously with a special organic lacquer. It can also be visited on way to Mysore.

4. Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Bandipur is one of the oldest national parks of Karnataka which offers safe house to an array of endangered wildlife including sloth bear, tusked elephants, Indian musk deer, cheetah, Royal Bengal tiger and many others. Around 220 kilometers from Bangalore via Mysore Road, Bandipur can be reached within 5 hours by road. Early morning elephant safari will make it a memorable trip. A number of resorts bordering the national park are available, however stay inside the forest is not allowed.

5. Yelagiri

If you love quietness of hills, valleys, rose garden and mountain lake, then Yelagiri is a must go place in your Bangalore weekend itinerary. Though not in Karnataka, it can be easily reached via Hosur Road within 3.5 hours.

160 kilometers from Bangalore, Yelagiri houses a quaint hill station, a beautiful lake and a small hill temple. From Bangalore, head towards Tamil Nadu. Crossing the interstate border near Attibele, take the straight road via Krishnagiri.

Though a hill, the terrain is very flat here. Even a novice can try a self-drive. The altitude of Yelagiri is only 3600 feet ASL with a temperate climate throughout the year. On a winter morning, a relaxing boat ride on the lake will definitely soothe your weariness.

There are no luxury accommodations available but a handful of budget stays will not disappoint you. Do not forget to try organic products of Yelagiri like Indian spices, honey and fruit juice. You will find innumerable shops around the periphery of the lake which sell locally farmed items at highly reasonable rates.