Amazing Weekend Retreats Near Bengaluru India

Located a whopping 1,000 metres above sea level and the third-largest city in India, Bengaluru is a fast-paced city with temperatures that can reach up to 43°C during summer. The nearby plush green-capped mountains of the Deccan Plateau, however, are an ideal refuge from the heat and chaos. Famous for the scenic beauty, pleasant weather and relaxed atmosphere, these hills provide a perfect setup to escape Bengaluru – here are our top retreats.

Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka

Distance from Bengaluru: 270 km

Go for: Coffee estates, cool weather, and trekking

Stay options: Tamara Coorg, Amanvan Resort, Porcupine Castle

With its highest peak, Tadiandamol, at 1,750 meters, Coorg is a must-visit in any weekend getaway list from Bengaluru. The mystical origin of the Kaveri River, waterfalls such as Irrupu, Abbey, and Mallali, rafting in Barapol River, and the close proximity to various wildlife sanctuaries make Coorg one of the most popular destinations among Bangaloreans. Coorg also offers a challenge for the trekking enthusiasts, with Tadiandamol Peak. Amidst the scenic beauty one can also connect with the spiritual side at the beautiful and ornate Tibetan Golden Temple of Coorg. All in all, Coorg is one of the highlights among all the hill stations near Bengaluru.

Kabini, Karnataka

Distance from Bengaluru: 230 km

Go for: Wildlife sanctuary

Stay options: Jungle Lodge, Serai Kabini, and Orange County

One of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in the southern part of India, Kabini is the perfect getaway from the monotonous and fast-paced life of the city. The striking features of this place include the jungle safari and boat rides along the Kabini River. The breezy Jeep tracks of the Kabini National Park offer an amazing view of the jungle life in its most unadulterated forms. You can spot elephants, deer, and even leopards if you are lucky. With barely any network connection and the elegant accommodation in and around the area, Kabini is the most-visited national park of southern India all year around.

Valparai, Tamil Nadu

Distance from Bengaluru: 460 km

Go for: Tea estates

Stay options: Woodbriar Bungalows

Located 1,100 metres above the sea amidst the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, Valparai is one those places where one can literally lay back and relax. The green hills, covered with terraced tea plantations, guarantee a site that will make you forget all about the urban life and its associated troubles. With over 40 hairpin turns covered by misty clouds, the hills form a beautiful backdrop for an incredibly scenic road trip with friends, family, or your better half. Major attractions include the Sholayar Dam, Nirar Dam, and the Aliyar Dam.

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Distance from Bengaluru: 230 km

Go for: Lady’s Seat and the beautiful mountains

Stay options: GRT National Trails Sky Rocca

Located 1,515 metres above sea level, the entire area around Yercaud is covered by the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats. Eco-tourism, coffee plantations, rose gardens, and silk farms form the major attractions of this area. The highest point of the place is the Servarayan Temple located at 1,623 meters above the sea level. Yercaud has two viewing points viz. Lady’s Seat and Pagoda Point, where tourists can enjoy a kaleidoscopic view of the plains below. With a cool climate, Lake Forest and an array of rivers alongside, Yercaud is one the major tourist spots near Bangalore.

Halebid, Karnataka

Distance from Bengaluru: 210 km

Go for: Ruins, temples, and street shopping

Stay options: Various small hotels and homestays

If the mountains make you nauseated, Halebidu is the right option for a quick weekend summer getaway near Bangalore. The name Halebeedu translates to ‘old city’ and functioned as the capital of the Hoysala Empire. The major tourist attraction is the ruins of the Hoysaleswara Temple built by the Hoysala rulers. The temple walls house beautiful workmanship depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, animals, and dancing figures. Facing the temple are two beautiful lakes that accentuate the beauty of two Monolithic Nandi images. Apart from the temple, tourists can also indulge in the local shopping of souvenirs, clothes, and figurines.

Dark Clouds over the majestic entrance to Halebid

Dandeli, Karnataka

Distance from Bengaluru: 470 km

Go for: Water sports, wildlife

Stay options: Treehouses

Deriving its name from a local deity, Dandelappa is a city marked by a tropical climate owing to its dense forest cover and a moderate elevation of 473 metres. Located close to Goa and Gokarna, this place is often visited by travellers looking for a break/change from the monotony of visiting the aforementioned places. Dandeli offers a perfect blend of adventure water sports and scenic beauty. One can beat the heat with a wide variety of activities ranging from white water rafting and kayaking to enjoying the jungle safari at the wildlife sanctuary. Ganeshgudi Hills, Kali River, Kaval Caves, and Sinteri Rocks are the real highlights of this area.

Munnar, Kerela

Distance from Bengaluru: 475 km

Go for: Tea plantations, green-capped mountains, Devikulam Lake, Mattupety Dam

Stay options: Royal Retreat, Tea Valley Resort

1,700 meters above the sea, Munnar enjoys a cool and favourable climate throughout the year. In close proximity to various wildlife sanctuaries, this is a perfect destination to enjoy the picturesque green hills covered with tea plantations. The name Munnar is believed to mean ‘three rivers,’ referring to its location at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly rivers. Major attractions in the vicinity include Eravikulam National Park, Mattupety Dam, and Anayirangal Dam. Surrounded by the mountains on three sides, this place serves as a perfect location for beautiful boat rides and acts as a safe haven from the crowded and heated environment of the city.

A beautiful drive amidst the green mountains covered with the misty white clouds

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.