What Are The Offbeat Places To Visit Near Bangalore On A Weekend? (2024)

“You do not need magic to disappear. All you need is a destination.” And when you are in a place like Bangalore you have enough breathtaking places nearby to visit near Bangalore. Sitting at home during weekends never makes sense if you are in or around Bangalore. You can visit some of the best offbeat places and enjoy a blissful weekend. Here is our list of 22 amazing offbeat palces to visit near Bangalore.

What Are The Offbeat Places To Visit Near Bangalore On A Weekend?

You can experience the bliss of nature by visiting various hill stations, forests, valleys, and dams, or can enjoy the most amazing culture and architecture at various offbeat places near Bangalore during the weekends. Check below to know about some of them.

1. Gandikota

One of the best offbeat places to visit near Bangalore on a weekend is Gandikota. This is a small hamlet on the bank of Pennar. This place has a beautiful fort that is made of red stones and is bordered by a deep and rocky gorge. If you want to experience a great time then Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh is an ideal place near Bangalore.

Distance From Bangalore: 280 KM

Activities To Do: Explore the Gandikota Fort and Gorge and visit Ranganatha Swamy and Madhavaraya temple.

How To Reach: You can travel from Bangalore to Mudanur via train, which is the nearest railway station. You can also take the APSRTC buses from Bangalore and reach Jammalamadgu, from where you can take private cabs or APSRTC buses to Gandikota.

2. Kunti Betta

If you are an adventure lover then Kunti Betta will surely excite you. This place is popular for rock climbing and trekking. You can enjoy an adventurous night:stay in tents in this place. If you have been looking for an offbeat place to visit near Bangalore on a weekend then this would be the right option for you.

Distance From Bangalore: 130 Km

Activities To Do: Rock climbing, trekking, night camping in tents, etc.

How To Reach: You can reach by road in just two and a half an hour from Bangalore.

3. Gudibanda

Are you looking to take a short break from your busy schedule and have a great time in one of the best offbeat places near Bangalore? If yes, then choose Gudibanda that is just 91 km away from the garden city. The Gudibanda fort which was built by Byre Gowdas 400 years ago is the perfect destination for an ideal day out near Bangalore.

Distance From Bangalore: 91 Km

Activities To Do: Visit Gudibanda fort, the hill, and the lake and explore nearby villages like Chinna Halli, Nicchanabandahalli, and Bramharahalli.

How To Reach: The destination is just one hour from Bangalore if you take a taxi or a car.

4. Kabini

Dotted between Bangalore and Mysore, is an amazing place for visitors, named Kabini. You can get extreme relaxation in Kabini’s backwaters. If you are fond of wildlife, then this place has stored a lot for you. One of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the state is located here and you can witness a wide range of flora and fauna in Kabini. You will get a wonderful chance to witness a fantastic sight all around and enjoy a great boat ride on the Kabini river.

Distance From Bangalore: 215 Km

Activities To Do: Jungle Safari in the Nagarhole National Park, Boating in Kabini river, Elephant Safari, and visit nearby Rameshwara Temple and Iruppu falls.

How To Reach: The most cost:effective way to reach Kabini from Bangalore is via bus. You can also try the railways. The nearest railway station is the Mysore railway station which is 70 km away from the destination.

5. Manchinbele Dam

A peaceful dam within the dense deciduous forests is what the Manchinbele dam is all about. This is another great offbeat place to visit near Bangalore on a weekend. The dam is located at the foothills of Savandurga and is a great place if you are looking for a serene yet exciting weekend.

Distance From Bangalore: 36 Km

Activities To Do: Witness the serenity of the dam, enjoy swimming in the backwaters, and go rock:climbing, and trekking.

How To Reach: It would take just 30 minutes from Bangalore to reach this offbeat destination if you travel by car.

6. Doddamakali

Do you want to enjoy a beautiful place surrounded by exquisite landscapes? If yes, then try visiting Doddamakali. This is an ideal site for nature camping. This offbeat place near Bangalore, located near the Cauvery river is also known as the “Bird’s paradise”.

Distance From Bangalore: 114 Km

Activities To Do: Trekking, rock climbing, fishing, and angling.

How To Reach: If you choose to take on the roadway then you will be at your destination in just two and a half hours of drive from Bangalore.

7. Devanahalli

Devanahalli is a small fort town that is very close to Bangalore. It is known for its century:old temples and has attained momentum in the past few decades. This area is growing very vast and is under vast urbanization process with many IT parks, Science parks, and business parks coming in the recent future.

Distance From Bangalore: 40 Km

Activities To Do: Visit Devanahalli Fort and spend time at the Venugopalaswamy Temple.

How To Reach: It would take just 30 mins from Bangalore to reach Devanahalli.

8. Dandeli

Dandeli is one of the most exciting offbeat places to visit near Bangalore on a weekend. This is far away from the crowd and an extremely peaceful area. Moreover, it is just the perfect place for people who seek adventure.

The most highlighted thing about Dandeli is the water sport in the Kali river. You will also have a great time here if you are an admirer of wildlife. You can enjoy a night safari and bird watching on the banks of river Kali. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most known wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and majestic animals like tigers and elephants can be spotted here. Some other attractions of Dandeli include the Shiroli peak, Kavala caves, Daandelappa temple, and Kulgi Nature Camp.

Distance From Bangalore: 460 km

Activities To Do: Bird watching, night safari, river rafting, Kayaking, etc.

How To Reach: You can prefer the roadways to reach Dandeli from Bangalore. It would take around 7 hours and 45 minutes. However, if you choose to visit the destination by train, then you can board the trains from Bangalore station and get down at any of the nearest railway stations like Hubli, Alnavar, or Londa, and from there take a private cab or bus to reach Dandeli.

9. Galibore

This is a deciduous forested land nestled on the banks of Cauvery river and is one of the most famous destinations for people preferring to spend a good time with nature. Galibore is mostly known for its Nature camps, particularly fishing camps. Visit the place and have an exciting weekend.

Distance From Bangalore: 102 Km

Activities To Do: Trekking, fishing, and nature walk

How To Reach: To reach this offbeat place from Bangalore, you can take a road drive or prefer taking a bus. This would take you around two and a half hours.

10. Nrityagram

“Dance can add more flavors to life!” Nrityagram is India’s first modern Gurukul that enriches you with vibrant colors of Indian dance forms or Bharatia Nritya. If you are looking for a divine place known for dances, near Bangalore, then this is the best one for you.

Distance From Bangalore: 30 Km

Activities To Do: Explore the modern Gurukul in Nrityagram and also visit Hesaraghatta Lake.

How To Reach: You can reach this offbeat place near Bangalore in just 30 minutes if you prefer to go via roadways.

11. Nandi Hills

If you are in Bangalore, you surely might know about Nandi hills. This is one of the best offbeat places to visit near Bangalore on a weekend. This is the ideal destination if you are looking for a mountain retreat. The best part of this place is that you will forget about your busy life when you surrender yourself to the open arms of nature.

Distance From Bangalore: 61 Km

Activities To Do: trekking, and visiting the viewpoints and temples.

How To Reach: There are KSRTC and BMCTC buses that frequently run from Bangalore to Nandi hills. You can also prefer taking a cab from Bangalore to reach the destination

12. Antara Gange

Antara Gange is another offbeat place near Bangalore that can be visited during the weekends. This is a mountain that is located in the Shathashrunga mountain range, in the south of Bangalore and is just 67 km from the main city. This place is also famous for the Sri Kashi Vishweshwara temple and a lot of tourists get attracted to it. If you love to witness village life then this is the best place as you can explore around seven prominent villages in the vicinity.

Distance From Bangalore: 67 Km

Activities To Do: Village visit, witness the amazing temples, and explore the great surroundings.

How To Reach: You can catch a train and enjoy the scenic route throughout the journey from Bangalore and reach Kolar(located at a 3 km distance from Antar Gange). You can also take the roadways to directly reach the destination from the garden city

13. Bylakuppe

Bylakuppe is located in the Mysore district and is a Tibetian Refugee resettlement. The Golden Temple at this place is for Tibetan expatriates. This is also a learning and preaching hub for Buddhists in South India. With all this, it must be listed among one of the best offbeat places to visit near Bangalore on a weekend.

Distance From Bangalore: 214 Km

Activities To Do: Explore Golden Temple, Sakya Monastery, and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, shop at various Tibetan shops, etc.

How To Reach: You can take a train or flight to reach Mysore and then take a cab or bus to the destination that is 50 km away from Mysore city. You can also prefer taking 5 hours of road drive from Bangalore to Bylakuppe.

14. Karighatta

There are a lot of amazing offbeat places near Bangalore to visit on a weekend. One of those is Karighatta. This is an ancient hill near Srirangapatna. There is an age:old temple of Lord Vishnu here and the river Lokapavani, which is a tributary of river Cauvery is also present here.

Distance From Bangalore: 125 Km

Activities To Do: See Lord Vishnu temple and have a fine time around the river bank.

How To Reach: You can go for a road drive from Bangalore and reach Karighatta in just two and a half hours.

15. Ramanagara

Ramanagara is a famous place near Bangalore that is filled with hills and mountainous landscapes. This is a great spot for trekking and hiking. You can take a short break from your busy schedule and visit this Ramanagara during weekends.

Distance From Bangalore: 49 km

Activities To Do: You will have an adventurous time here while trekking , camping, and hiking. If you love photography then this is the perfect destination for you.

How To Reach: Being very close to Bangalore city, you can reach Ramnagara easily through roadways. A short bike ride will also take you to the destination.

16. Kanakapura

Kanakapura can also be listed among one of the best offbeat places to visit near Bangalore on a weekend. This is a small town located at a distance of just 64 km from the city of gardens. There are a lot of adventure camps and resorts here that would make your trip a great one. You will also find different spots for bird watching and also enjoy a serene nature walk. So, if you need to spend some time with your family or friends and rejuvenate yourself, then do not forget this place.

Distance From Bangalore: 64 Km

Activities To Do: Bird watching, nature walk, camping, and temple tours.

How To Reach: You will easily reach Kanakapura from Bangalore via roadways. It would take you just half an hour.

17. Skandagiri

Skandagiri dotted near the Kalvara village and 1459 meters above sea level, is another great place near Bangalore that would give you some great memories once you plan a trip there. The high terrains and rough landscapes at Skandagiri would surely excite you if you are an adventure enthusiast. You can enjoy trekking and hiking here whilst experiencing the peaceful and quiet nature all around.

Distance From Bangalore: 60 Km

Activities To Do: Hiking, trekking, nature walk, and temple tours.

How To Reach: To reach this offbeat place near Bangalore, you can either catch a bus or cab; or can go on a bike ride from Bangalore.

18. Hesaraghatta Lake

If you are a nature lover and want to witness paradise on the Earth, then Hesarghata Lake is one of the best destinations for you. You can go for boating and other recreational activities here. This is a man:made freshwater lake and offers a tremendous opportunity for picnic, especially during the nighttime under the stars. This is spread to around 100 acres and gives you an ample scope to feel and take in the fresh and cool air.

Distance From Bangalore: 32 Km

Activities To Do: Boating, picnic, and stroll in the wide space.

How To Reach: Hesaraghatta lake is pretty close to Bangalore and one can reach the destination in just half an hour of road drive.

19. Makalidurga

Makalidurga is a serene village near Bangalore that is mostly famous for its Makalidurga hill fort. Another sight to behold is the railway line that crosses the terrain. You can also enjoy watching the lake and hills in your surroundings when you are in Makalidurga.

Distance From Bangalore: 61 km

Activities To Do: Witness the natural surrounding, relax at spas, and visit the hill fort and lake.

How To Reach: You can take a bus or book a cab from Bangalore and reach the destination in just two hours.

20. Savandurga

One more amazing offbeat place near Bangalore that can be visited on a weekend is Savandurga. This is the largest monolith hill in Asia. You can go trekking, highing, and night camping here. So, if you are fond of adventure then this is the best place to visit near Bangalore.

Distance From Bangalore: 69 km

Activities To Do: Adventure camping, trekking, and temple tour.

How To Reach: You can hire a cab or reach the destination by bus from Bangalore at an ease.

21. Devnarayanadurga

Devnarayanadurga is a spiritual destination that houses lots of glorious temples. It is located between rocky hills and forests. So, if you need to have a weekend pilgrimage tour near Bangalore, then you can visit here.

Distance From Bangalore: 73 Km

Activities To Do: Visit Ramadevara Betta, temple tours.

How To Reach: You can choose roadways and take a bus or cab to reach the destination.

22. Muthyala Muduvu Waterfalls

Muthyala Muduvu Waterfalls gifts you a refreshing and pleasant environment. The view of the waterfall will take you to a different world. This is a mesmerizing destination for people who love camping.

Distance From Bangalore: 42 Km

Activities To Do: Camping and picnic

How To Reach: This place is just a one:and:a:half:hour drive from Bangalore. So, you can easily take the road transport and reach the destination.

Conclusion:

If you have been lately planning for a weekend tour to an offbeat place near Bangalore then choose any of the above:mentioned places and create a wonderful weekend filled with bliss, peace, and excitement.