Escape on a Budget – Best Quick Getaways from Bengaluru

Notorious for its majestic gardens, the state of Bengaluru is rightfully famous as the garden city. It is not just an amazing place for techies but for travelers as well. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hill station or an adventurous wildlife spot, Bengaluru has something for everyone. Planning a vacation can be pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options for short trips in and around Bengaluru. If you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, it’s best to plan your trip on random weekends instead of public holidays. Read on to find out the endless options available for budget-friendly getaways from Bengaluru and uncover some of the best affordable destinations that promise unforgettable memories. 

1Ooty

Photo by Ravi Pinisetti

Ooty is one location that has to be mentioned when discussing weekend getaways from Bengaluru. Without a doubt, one of the most popular hill towns in southern India, Ooty, is tucked away in the Nilgiri Hills. It is a quiet hill station renowned for its lush tea gardens, scenic vistas, and pleasant weather. Ooty Lake is the perfect place for leisure and environment lovers, as visitors can enjoy boating in the lake, exploring the lively Botanical Gardens, and riding the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. 

Distance from Bengaluru: 270 km

Best Time to Visit: October to June

How to Reach Ooty from Bengaluru: The most convenient way to reach is by road. You can drive or take a bus to Ooty, both of which provide beautiful scenery along the way.

2Mysore

Photo by Keith Lobo

Found in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is the lovely city of Mysore, also known as Mysuru. Millions of tourists visit Mysore each year because of its rich history, culture, and heritage, making it a popular vacation spot. The city is well known for its breathtaking beauty, which includes magnificent temples, exquisite palaces, and verdant parks. 

There are many things to do in Mysore, such as strolling through the lovely gardens or shopping in the neighborhood markets. In addition, the city is renowned as a yoga and wellness destination, with a wide range of retreats and facilities providing workshops and lessons. It is the perfect spot if you are looking for an enjoyable weekend getaway near Bengaluru within 200 km.

Distance from Bengaluru: 150 km

Best Time to Visit: October to February

How to Reach Mysore from Bengaluru: The most common route is by road, which takes around 6-8 hours by car or bus. You can also take a train to Hospet, the nearest railhead to Hampi, and then a short drive to the historical site.

3Coorg

Photo by Aakash Goel

Coorg (also famously known as Kodagu) is a breathtaking hill station in Karnataka. Wake up to the tranquilizing smell of coffee and take in the stunning scenery of this misty region of hills and streams. Often referred to as the Scotland of India, it lives up to its name with an alluring blend of luxury, adventure, history, and delectable food. This well-known coffee-producing hill station is situated along the western ghats and is renowned for its extravagant scenery. With its magnificent mountains, tumbling waterfall, and breathtaking surrounding flora and fauna, this location is undoubtedly one of the best vacation spots for those seeking a break from their routine and hectic 9 to 5 life.

Distance from Bengaluru: 263 km

Best Time to Visit: October to March

How to Reach Coorg from Bengaluru: The most common way to reach is by road. You may drive or take a bus to reach your destination.

4Wayanad

Photo by Nakkeeran Raveendran

If you are looking for short trips from Bengaluru, then you can take one to Wayanad. It is a tiny bit of heaven on earth, nestled in Kerala, and is around a five-hour journey from Bengaluru. Wayanad is renowned for its emerald vistas, immaculate forests, and abundant biodiversity. With attractions like the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, historic temples, and tea plantations, it provides the ideal fusion of culture and nature, making it the perfect vacation spot for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Distance from Bengaluru: 276 km

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

How to Reach Wayanad from Bengaluru: Wayanad can be reached from Bengaluru by road, and the most common route is via Mysore.

5Kabini

Photo by Rohan Rangaswami

The state of Karnataka in southern India is home to the magnificent wildlife hotspot Kabini. It is well known for its lush surroundings, the immaculate Kabini River, and its abundant wildlife, which includes tigers, elephants, leopards, and a diverse range of birds. Enjoying boat excursions, nature walks, and wildlife safaris, visitors can fully immerse themselves in this unspoiled sanctuary’s natural beauties and enjoy a low-budget trip near Bengaluru. The perfect weather, a host of activities, camping options, and more make Kabini a tourist favorite.

Distance from Bengaluru: 164 km

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

How to Reach Kabini from Bengaluru: The most convenient way to reach is by road. You can drive or hire a taxi, which takes around 5-6 hours.

6Shivanasamudra Falls

Photo by Ananya Anand

Shivanasamudra Falls is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka and is a stunning natural wonder. The falls have two cascades, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, created by the Kaveri River. The whole place is just magnificent, with the sound of the falls and lush greenery making it a top spot for nature lovers looking to escape the city. Perfect for a budget-friendly day trip, this is a popular place to relax with friends and families. The refreshing vibes of this spot will wash away all your stress, and the beautiful scenery will be a treat for your eyes.

Distance from Bengaluru: 125 km

Best Time to Visit: August to February

How to Reach Shivanasamudra Falls from Bengaluru: The most convenient way to reach this scenic destination is by road. You can drive or take a bus.

7Coonoor

Photo by Camille Favreau

Coonoor, located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a beautiful hill station famous for its lush tea gardens, peaceful landscapes, and pleasant weather. It’s the perfect place for nature lovers and anyone looking for a calm and refreshing break. Despite being a hill station, it’s easy to reach, with the nearest airport just 79 km away, great for a quick getaway from Bengaluru. With a small population, Coonoor offers a quiet and peaceful environment that sets it apart from other hill stations. The climate is perfect, with cool summers and not-too-cold winters.

Distance from Bengaluru: 284 km

Best Time to Visit: October to March

How to Reach Coonoor from Bengaluru: Coonoor can be reached from Bengaluru by road. The most convenient route is to go by bus or drive via NH275, which can take around 7-8 hours.

Enjoy the beauty of nature, relax on the beach, or explore heritage sites – the choice is yours! So, the next time you’re contemplating a break, consider these budget getaways near Bengaluru for an enriching experience, and follow @things2doinbengaluru on Instagram!

by Sakshi Tyagi

Content Writer at Things2do