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Nestled amidst scenic landscapes and vibrant culture, Bangalore not only turns out to be a happening city but also turns out to be a gateway to incredible weekend trips. If you deeply long for a getaway from urban life, look no further. Just a stone’s throw away are a few breathtaking destinations that will take you to a world apart into serenity, adventure, and culture. From misty hill stations to historical marvels and wildlife sanctuaries, weekend getaways from Bangalore offer quite a lot for a traveler's delight. So, strap on your seat belt and tour some of the best escapes near this dreamy city. Perfect Weekend Getaways From Bangalore From scenic backdrops to thrilling activities and cultural experiences, all these places have them. Let us have a look at some of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore where you can de-stress, recharge, and forge unforgettable memories.  Coorg Best place for nature enthusiasts. Lying beautifully amidst the Western Ghats, Coorg is a delightful place located approximately 250 kilometers away from Bangalore. It is one of the most preferred weekend getaways from Bangalore and is often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’ due to its stunning views of misty hills and vast coffee estates. Coorg is perfect for nature enthusiasts and for those in search of peace. You can experience some of the best nature walks, visit numerous waterfalls, including Abbey and Iruppu, birdwatching in the lush greenery, tasting freshly brewed Coorg coffee, and feeling the warmth of local Kodava culture are just some of the attractions.  Distance from Bangalore: 255 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: September to June Book Now: Coorg The Scotland of India from Bangalore Mysore Vegetable market in Mysore city. A couple of hours from Bangalore lies the historic town of Mysore and is one of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore. The city is famed for its grand palaces, beautiful temples, and colorful festivals. It is a place that blends heritage with modernity. Visit the grand Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, and see the light and sound show that describes its royal history. Take part in ancient traditions at the Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hills and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Take a walk in the Devaraja Market, famed for its colors and you'll find yourself buying some authentic local handicrafts and tasting local treats like Mysore Pak. Distance from Bangalore: 144 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: October to March Book Now: Mysore Private Day Tour from Bangalore Pondicherry Puducherry is a fascinating blend of Indian and French cultures. If you are to have a good coastal escape from Bangalore, then Pondicherry is where the calm beaches meet the streets. This former French colony, officially referred to as Puducherry, is a fascinating blend of Indian and French cultures and is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore. Stroll down the famous Promenade Beach at your own pace, take in the charming beauty of the French Quarter with its colonial architecture, and lively cafes, and visit the spiritual haven of Auroville. At the Aurobindo Ashram, spirituality and the quest for inner peace can be fulfilled. The French architecture, slow-paced, artistic vibrations, and French cuisine conjure up Pondicherry as a place to be free of the stresses and strains of city life. Distance from Bangalore: 316 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: October to March Ooty Queen of hills, Ooty is a top hill station down south of India. Ooty lies at the backdrop of the beautiful Nilgiri Hills and is one of the ideal places to visit near Bangalore. Hop on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes you through emerald green tea plantations, dense forests, and rolling green valleys. Also, visit the serene Ooty Botanical Gardens, housing the most exotic flora, or the beautiful Ooty Lake with boating facilities under peaceful surroundings. If you’re an adventure lover trek to the top of the Nilgiris' Doddabetta and reach the point where the view is truly magnificent. Distance from Bangalore: 269 km Approximately Best Time To Visit:  March to June Hampi Hampi is a World Heritage Site. Travel back in time through the ruins of Hampi, a world heritage site and the former royalties of the Vijayanagara Empire and is one of the perfect places near Bangalore to visit for history buffs. Stretching out to 4,000 great monuments of the past, Hampi is home to majestic temples, palaces, and marketplaces. Walk through the exquisite carvings of the Virupaksha Temple, gaze at the grandeur of the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant stables, and discover the marvelous ruins of the Vijaya Vittala complex home of the famous stone chariot. Hampi's rare attraction and fascinating architecture take tourists back in time making it a paradise for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.  Distance from Bangalore: 343 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: October to March Book Now: 2-Night Hampi and Hospet Private Tour from Bangalore Kabini See various animal and bird species in their natural habitat. The Kabini, nestled in the vibrant natural surroundings of the Nagarhole National Park, is a source of thrill for visitors looking to see various animal and bird species in their natural habitat. It is one of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore. On the safari trip (either by jeep or boat) you will be able to observe magnificent animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and numerous species of birds. Savor the stillness of the Kabini River as you head out on nature walks, bird watching, or coracle rides. The destination is located deep in the jungles beside the vast greens of Kabini, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience.  Distance from Bangalore: 206 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: October to February Wayanad Mother nature at its best. Wayanad in Kerala is a land of pictorial beauty. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and heritage and is ideal for a 3 days trip from Bangalore. Wayanad gives each trekker and nature lover satisfaction with its rolling hills, green forests, and wondrous waterfalls. Wander through the ancient Edakkal Caves, walk around the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, and witness the scenic beauty of the Soochipara Waterfalls. Boating and other recreational activities are available in Pookode Lake, which is also the site of a great variety of freshwater fish and other aquatic life. This place, with its mist-covered peaks and peaceful ambience, promises refreshment and rejuvenation, and that’s the reason this is one of the most preferred weekend places near Bangalore.  Distance from Bangalore: 277 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: October to February Book Now: 3-Day Wayanad Tour from Bangalore Gokarna There are many famous beaches in Gokarna. Gokarna is a town on the west coast of Karnataka and a very famous travel destination for holidays and adventure. Situated along the Konkan coastline, Gokarna is famous for its pristine beaches, charming streets, and sacred temples. Visit the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple, located right on the shore of the Arabian Sea, and witness the breathtaking sunset at Om Beach. Walk along the lush greenery around Kudle Beach, or discover Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach. Gokarna is ideal for beach lovers with a perfect escape. Distance from Bangalore: 487 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: October to March Yercaud Yercaud is a serene hill station in Salem. Situated on the hilltops of Salem, Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a serene hill station that guarantees peace and is one of the ideal places near Bangalore for a weekend getaway. This is a hideaway par excellence with a pleasant climate, abundant greenery, and cascading waterfalls. Visit the picturesque Pagoda Point, the tranquil Lady's Seat, and the imposing Killiyur Waterfalls. Proceed to Yercaud Lake, which is home to several aquatic species, and relish water boating and many other recreational activities. The view and quiet Yercaud's beauty offer the perfect escape to enjoy your weekends. Distance from Bangalore: 230 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: October to June Chikmagalur Most picturesque hill station in Karnataka. Placed in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is among the most picturesque hill stations famous for its aesthetic beauty and historical sites. Chikmagalur is ideal for a 2-day trip from Bangalore. Walk through the lush greenery of coffee plantations, take breathtaking views from the Mullayanagiri Peak, and a trip around the hills surrounding will be a thrilling experience. Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, an excellent UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient Belavadi Temple, which reflects the rich cultural legacy of Karnataka. Enjoy mouthwatering local dishes and freshly prepared coffee in a peaceful atmosphere. Distance from Bangalore: 242 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: September to February  Kodaikanal Nothing can beat the pristine natural beauty and tranquil ambiance of kodaikanal. Kodaikanal, located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, is one of the very famous hill stations with pristine natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. Walk across the enchanting streets in the town with the backdrop of the most scenic views of the Kodai Lake, and visit the ancient Bryant Park. Visit the majestic Berijam Lake and indulge in activities such as trekking, and boating, or go for nature walks amidst the dense forest surrounding. Also, visit the enigmatic Pillar Rocks, view the Dolphin's Nose, and the mist-covered peaks, and enjoy some horse riding at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. With its misty mountains, refreshing climate, and great landscapes, Kodaikanal indeed stays being one of those astonishing weekend places to visit. Distance from Bangalore: 465 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: November to February Book Now: Ooty & Kodaikanal Tour  Sakleshpur Sakleshpur is a hidden gem when it comes to surreal beauty. A small hill station perched somewhere amidst the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur is a hidden gem when it comes to surreal beauty, towering mountains and gushing streams. Cross over the natural beauty of the Bisle Ghat and enjoy the view of the magnificent Western Ghats from the Manjarabad Fort. Go trekking amidst the lush greenery and trek to the highest peak of Pushpagiri range, Kumara Parvatha. Explore the stunning environs of the Bisle Reserve Forest and discover the vibrant wildlife it beholds. Indulge in adventurous activities like rock climbing, zipline, camping, and more. Sakleshpur, the place, is serene, and beautiful, and one can take part in many outdoor activities, all set for a weekend of excitement and making memories.  Distance from Bangalore: 221 km Approximately Best Time To Visit: November to February Suggested Reads: Top 14  Waterfalls Near Bangalore:  A Journey Through These Cascading Beauties Concluding Thoughts So that concludes our journey through these captivating weekend getaways from Bangalore. We hope that you are all pumped up to go on your adventure and get some unforgettable experiences, be it peace in the lap of nature, unwinding stories hidden in historical ruins, or adventurous fun, these places have it all in store for you. Leave all the worries of city life behind and come embrace the peace and excitement that these getaways have to offer.  FAQs Which are the best short trips from Bangalore for 2 days? Mysore, Coorg, Ooty, Hampi, Kabini, Chikmagalur, Yercaud, Pondicherry, Nandi Hills, and Shivanasamudra Falls are some of the best places near Bangalore for 2 day trip. Which are the best weekend trips from Bangalore within 100 km? Nandi Hills, Savandurga, Skandagiri, Bheemeshwari, Ramanagara, Nrityagram, Anthargange, Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley), Shivagange, and Kanakapura are ideal for a 1 day trip from Bangalore for the weekends. What are the best places near Bangalore for weekends for couples? Coorg, Kabini, Wayanad, Ooty, Chikmagalur, and Pondicherry are popular destinations for weekend trips from Bangalore for couples.

In the heart of Kodaikanal lies a gem of a place that is a visual masterpiece! The Pillar rocks Kodaikanal! These majestic monoliths stand tall, reaching out for the skies amidst the expansive splendor of the Nilgiri Hills. Located at an elevation of 1,755 meters above sea level, Pillar Rocks is a sight to behold, with its rugged cliffs, lush forests, and awe-inspiring vistas. It's no wonder this natural beast has earned its reputation as one of Kodaikanal's most cherished spots!  Pillar Rocks Kodaikanal History visitors walking towards the Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal. Esteemed as one of the best places to visit, Pillar Rocks Kodaikanal has an exciting story behind it. One of them is the fact that the Pillar Rocks were formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. It is also known to have been home to the celestial beings. The most known and popular story which puts this spot in the limelight is about a cross that extended up to 30 feet which symbolized the love shared by the british couple Irine Gelli and David Gelli. The cross ceased to exist when Irvine slipped into the depths of pillar rocks and died. David tried his best to replace the cross with a wooden one which also fell after many years. Looking For A Romantic Getaway: Book now, A Romantic tour in Kodaikanal How To Reach By Railway: The nearest railway station to Pillar Rocks is Kodaikanal Road Railway Station, located approximately 80 kilometers away. From there, you could hire a taxi or take a neighborhood bus to reach. By Flight: The nearest airport to Pillar Rocks is Madurai Airport, situated approximately 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a taxi or take a bus to Kodaikanal, where you can make your way to Pillar Rocks. By Car: You can reach Pillar Rocks by using the scenic highways that wind their way through the Nilgiri Hills. The adventure from Bangalore to Kodaikanal takes approximately 8-9 hours  From Kodaikanal Bus Station: Many state buses are available at regular intervals from the Kodaikanal Bus Station. The distance to Pillar Rocks is 11 km. The bus will take you through the observatory Pillar Rocks road to reach the destination. Timings & Entry Fee Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: INR 5 Guna caves in Kodaikanal. Things To Do At Pillar Rocks We are here to unwrap a few details and give you a detailed guide of the Pillar Rocks, from the ‘Kurinji’ flowers that envelop the areas of these rocks giving it a unique pop of color to the vast history, we are here to display the hidden treasures that lie around so you have a smooth sailing when you plan your visit. 1. Picnic At Pillar Rocks Looking for a slice of solitude under the Pillar rocks Kodaikanal? This spot allows you to have a comfortable picnic surrounded by the steep boulders that loom skyhigh. This place also known as Pillayar is an ode to Lord Ganesh, explore the play of fog and mist and make your way through the crevices to view the ‘Devil’s Kitchen’. You can take a walk around the textured walls of the pillars to reach a clearing that is carpeted by the ‘Kurinji flowers’, these flowers bloom every 12 years. You can even walk further to explore the nooks and crannies of these pillars as there is a lot that people don’t see from the regular view point. 2. Sunset Spectacle At Pillar Rocks The main Pillar Rocks Viewpoint is equipped with binoculars and telescopes and distinguished information of the majestic rock formations and the lush landscapes. With the arrival of the evening hues, you can see the rugged cliffs transform and blend with the incoming contrast. You can use the telescopes to observe the retraction of light during the sunset time along with the floating mist that grazes the boulders delicately. 3. Trekking Adventures At Pillar Rocks It’s tough not wanting to explore the rugged terrain of Pillar Rocks, the hiking trails provide an exciting adventure through the 400-feet granite rock formations and misty forests. This place is a gateway to many treks and offers well defined trails for a comfortable experience along with being a hub for birding as it provides the clear view to spot them casually soaring through the clouds. Book Now: The best of Kodaikanal walking tour 4. Exploring Guna Caves Want to explore the best of South India? Guna Caves, additionally known as Devil's Kitchen is located near the Pillar rocks Kodaikanal in Kodaikanal, these caves are carved by using the forces of nature over thousands and thousands of years, Guna Caves provide a labyrinth of passages and chambers waiting to be explored. As you go deeper into the darkness, be prepared to be amazed by the tricky stalactites and stalagmites that enhance the cavern partitions, giving rise to an otherworldly atmosphere that feels instantly out of a novel. But Guna Caves are more than just a geological surprise – they're steeped in history and folklore. This area is situated among 3 naturally arranged imposing boulders. According to local legend, those caves served as a shelter for the Pandavas during their exile, earning them the nickname "Devil's Kitchen", as the fog passes the cave, rises and springs out of the chimney-like opening, it appears as though a devil is cooking.  Catch beautiful sunsets from Pillar rocks. Final Thoughts From the intriguing history of volcanic formations to the mythical memories of celestial beings, Pillar rocks Kodaikanal are an adventurous soul’s dream come true. As you plan your visit, make sure to indulge in the steep boulders, the wooded forests around that open up major trekking trails and recall the glory of the child within you. Don’t forget to climb up to the view point and observe the details of the crevices through the dedicated telescope. FAQs What should I bring with me on the trek? Be certain to carry necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, strong hiking shoes, and a digicam. If you take medication, make sure to carry it with you. Is there an age limit for the trek? While there is no particular age limit, it's important to not forget the difficulty levels of the treks before allowing kids to do it. Assessing their health and physical wellbeing must be at the utmost priority. What is the story of Pillar Rocks? Pillar Rocks is believed to have been formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. Legends also speak of a tragic love story of a British couple, Irvine and David Gelli, with a towering pass symbolizing their love that ended with Irvine's untimely death. What is the height of Pillar Rocks? Pillar Rocks Kodaikanal height stands tall at an elevation of 755 meters above sea level, the granite boulders almost reach for the sky and give trekkers looking for a thrilling experience, a sigh of relief.