8 Offbeat Weekend Getaways near Bangalore

In a busy life weekends are the only time when one can relax and revitalize oneself. Weekend getaways are a wonderful way to rejuvenate the tired mind and body. Bangalore and its surrounding areas have several places that are ideal for weekend getaways.

We bring to you eight offbeat weekend getaways near Bengaluru that are great for a quick blissful vacation.

1. Bylakuppe

Status of Golden Buddha at Bylakuppe. Photographer Sahyadri H S

Bylakuppe is a lesser-known Tibetan town in Karnataka. It is located to the west of Mysore on SH 88 and is at a distance of about 215 km from Bangalore. Bylakuppe is known for being the second largest location of Tibetan refugee settlements in India. It is the location of Lugsum Samdupling (established in 1961) and Dickyi Larsoe (established in 1969).

This serene weekend getaway near Bangalore has several attractions like the Namdroling Monastery (also known as the Golden Temple of Bylakuppe), Ingalakere (the largest lake in Mysore district), Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Sakya Monastery, Serpom Monastic University, etc. It is an ideal destination for those who desire to spend a peaceful weekend amongst scenic landscape. Click here for more information about Bylakuppe.

2. Dandeli

Dandeli is a picturesque town located on the banks of River Kali in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. It is at a distance of about 481 km from Bangalore. Dandeli is known for its wildlife sanctuary and forest resorts. It is an ideal weekend getaway near Bangalore for those who love nature, wildlife and adventure.

The main attractions of Dandeli include adventure activities like safari trips in open jeeps inside the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, white water rafting, crocodile spotting, angling, boating, trekking to hill tops, etc. One can also visit historic and religious spots like Kavla caves, Ulavi temple, Syntheri rocks, Supa Dam, etc. Click here for more information about Dandeli.

3. Halebid

Halebid or Halebeedu is an ancient town with a glorious past. It is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka and is at a distance of 215 km from Bangalore. It was the capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12^th century. Halebid is home to some of the best exhibits of Hoysala architecture. It is an ideal weekend getaway for those who seek to explore the historical and cultural beauty of a place.

The ruined town of Halebid has a mesmerizing collection of temples, shrines and sculptures, many of which represent ornate architectural splendour. Some of the major attractions of Halebid are the Hoysaleswara temple, the Kedareswara temple, the Shantaleswara temple, various Jain temples, the archaeological museum, etc. Click here for more information about Halebid.

4. Muthathi

Muthathis is a charming settlement situated on the banks of the River Kaveri in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is situated at a distance of about 100 km from Bangalore. The settlement is surrounded by a dense forest that houses the Kaveri Wildlife Sanctuary. The place is a heaven for trekkers, adventure seekers as well as nature lovers.

Muthathi is the ideal weekend getaway near Bangalore to enjoy several activities such as nature walks, nature photography, overnight camping on the riverbank, trekking, picnics, etc. The Soligere hills near Muthathi offers amazing views of the surrounding areas.

5. Badami

Badami Caves. Photographer Sanyam Bahga

Badami is an ancient town located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is situated at a distance of 454 km from Bangalore. Badami stands in a valley of rugged red sandstone. The beautiful Agastya Lake adds to its beauty. Badami is also known as an adventure destination due to its sandstone cliffs which make the place a rock climber’s delight.

The town boasts of beautifully crafted soft sandstone cave temples, fortresses and carvings. Among the many attractions of Badami are the four cave temples, the Badami Fort, the Dattatreya temple, the Bhutanatha temple, several Shivalayas, the archaeological museum, etc. Click here for more information about Badami.

6. Honnemaradu

Honnemaradu is a cosy little village situated by the Honnemaradu Reservoir (also known as the Linganamakki reservoir). Honnemaradu is located along with the backwaters of River Sharavathi and is at a distance of about 409 km from Bangalore. The place is the perfect weekend getaway near Bangalore for adventure enthusiasts.

Honnermaradu is a picturesque destination that offers several adventure and water sports activities like coracle riding, kayaking, canoeing, wind rafting, trekking, etc. It is also a great spot to enjoy spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets. Click here for more information about Honnemaradu.

7. Karkala

Gomateshwara Statue, Karkala. Photographer Vaikoovery

Karkala is a quaint peaceful town located in the Udupi district of Karnataka. It is at a distance of about 362 km from Bangalore. The serene town has a number of natural and historical landmarks. Situated near the Western Ghats, this town remains green throughout the year.

Karkala has several attractions like the Chaturmukha Thirthankara Basadi, Hiriyangaddi Neminatha Basadi and Anekere Padmavathi Basadi. It has a 42 feet high monolithic statue of Bhagawan Bahubali located just 1 km away from the town. Karkala also has several beautiful temples like the Anantashayana, Gopalakrishna, Veerabhadra, and Venkataramana temples.

8. Biligiri Rangana Hills

Biligiri Rangana Hills, also known as B R Hills, is a hill range situated on the south-eastern border of Karnataka. The area is called Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or simply BRT Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located at a distance of about 200 km from Bangalore.

B R Hills is an offbeat nature centric weekend getaway near Bangalore. The place offers excellent opportunities to enjoy bird watching, trekking and spotting various wildlife species. Visitors can also go for jungle safari trips inside the wildlife sanctuary or enjoy rafting, angling or riding a coracle in the waters of the Kaveri and Kapila Rivers. Other attractions of the place include the Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple, the Soliga and the Jenukurba tribal hamlets, etc. Click here for more information about Biligiri Rangana Hills.

So start planning your weekend right away and explore these amazing weekend getaways near Bangalore.

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