Budget Weekend Getaways from Bengaluru

Known for its majestic gardens, Bengaluru is rightly famous as the garden city. Located in the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, it boasts a rich, vibrant culture and picturesque view-points. Like any other touristic destination, a vacation can turn into an expensive ordeal. However, one can explore various places in and around Bengaluru on a shoestring budget with much ease! We tell you how!

Here is a list of the top six weekend getaways which are affordable for all!

1. Honnemardu

Only 380 kilometers from Bengaluru, Honnemardu is a touristic village purely for nature-dwellers found in the foothills of Karnataka with scenic viewpoints. For water-lovers take a ride on the coracle, a small circular boat made of wickerwork to explore the backwaters of the Sharavathi River. For those of you looking for a spiritual getaway, Honnemardu’s Sigandooru (a holy abode of goddesses) or the Ikkeri Shiva temple is ideal for spiritual growth.

How to get there:  You can opt to travel drive or take a taxi which will take around 7 hours and cost an average of 4.5 INR/km. You can also travel by a direct bus which will take around 9 hours and cost approximately 1100 INR/head.

Where to stay: Honnemardu has a healthy option of hotels, however, there are also camps and tents available for those of you seeking an outdoor thrill-seeking adventure. The average cost of accommodation is between 3000-4500 INR/night.

2. Savandurga

Only 50 kilometres from the west of Bengaluru, Savandurga is known for its largest monolith hills in the whole of Asia. It’s a perfect getaway for nature lovers and religious people. A historic temple is located on the top of the hill known as the temple of Narasimha with a scenic pond nearby. For those of you seeking an adventure, try out the day trek to enjoy a close view of the monolith hills!

How to get there: You can opt to drive which will take around 1 and a half hours and cost approximately 4 INR/km. You can also choose to travel by bus which covers part of the journey with an average time of 2 hours 15 minutes and the rest of the 4km is covered by an auto with an average time of 30 min with a total cost of 50 INR/head.

Where to stay: There are a limited number of hotels near Savandurga. However, three of the best hotels have an average cost of 1000 INR – 2500 INR per night with a total cost of travel and light snacks of 200 rupees/day.

3. Yercaud

A hill station located 222 kilometres from Bengaluru, Yercaud is widely known for its rich coffee plantations, picturesque viewpoints and its temples. A perfect getaway for coffee lovers, Yercaud can be visited in two days and is affordable for all. The Karadiyur viewpoint is a treat for the eyes followed by the majestic Kiliyur waterfalls. Famous for its coffee plantations, most hotels in Yercaud can organize coffee plantation visits for its guests which is an entire day’s program.

How to get there: You can reach Yercaud by bus which covers part of the journey with an average time of 2 hours 15 minutes and the rest of the 4km is covered by an auto with an average time of 30 min; the total cost is between 1400-1700 INR/head. You can opt to drive which will take around 4 and a half hours via NH7. Travelling by train is the most affordable option, a train will depart from Bengaluru and will take 4 hours to reach Salem, after which a bus will take you to Yercaud in half an hour with an average cost of between 580-610 INR/head.

Where to stay: There are a vast number of scenic cottages available which are built on the foothills. Recommended hotels include Hotel golden Nest resorts which costs an average of 2000 INR/night and Wellington Hill resort with an average of 1500 INR/night.

4. Pondicherry

Located 378 kilometers from Bengaluru, Pondicherry is known for its rich French history. Visit Pondicherry and you’ll ask yourself whether you’ve stepped in France or India. Pondicherry is a quaint little place which can be covered in one and a half days and is perfect for a quick weekend getaway. It’s the ideal place to relax and de-stress by meditating on the white-sand beaches. You can also visit the Aurobindo Ashram for spiritual growth or visit the many churches that are embellished with French architecture.

For the history enthusiasts, Pondicherry allows you to explore the French war memorial which is used to commemorate all the French soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. Moreover, the Pondicherry Museum contains artifacts and curious during the time Pondicherry was under the control of the French and the British.

How to get there: You can take one of the numerous trains available on this route with a duration of around 9 and a half hours and an average ticket fare of between 212-230 INR/head. You can opt to take the bus to enjoy spine-tingling views with a duration of around 7 and a half hours and an average ticket fare of between 600-650 INR/head.

Where to stay: Pondicherry offers diverse types of hotels where the average cost of 3-star comfortable hotels is between 1520-3000 INR/night. We recommend you to stay at Shenbaga hotel (3110 INR/night) or at Le Royal Park (2700 INR/night).*

5. Bheemeshwari

Located only 102 kilometers from Bengaluru, Bheemeshwari is perfect for wildlife lovers with a range of activities from fishing to trekking. For water-lovers, kayaking is the best option to explore the white-water rapids! Explore the wild-life trails where you may get to see Jackals, Leopards and even Crocodiles. For those of you who aren’t afraid of heights, zip-lining through the dense forest is a thrill-seeking experience! The best way to explore wild-life would be to take a bold move and camp in tents, however, for those of you who want to take it a step back, Bheemashwari offers quaint log huts or tented cottages.

How to get there: You can drive to Bheemeshwari which will take around 2 hours and enjoy at the several pit stops which can be taken at dhabas. You can also opt to take a taxi which will cost between 9-15 INR/km (varies based on car type)

Where to stay:  Bheemeshwari offers a wide array of hotel and campsites which cost between 2000-3500 INR/night*

6. Mysore

An ideal place for history lovers, Mysore is located only 149 kilometers from Bangalore and has a rich history & culture. You can explore the Mysore Palace, one of India’s royal palaces, and enjoy a fine collection of artifact and curios. For those of you who want to feel like a royal, dine in the grand ballroom of the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel at Rs. 500/ a thali. For a religious visit, the Somnathpur temple offers one of the finest representations of Hoysala architecture and takes half a day to cover.

How to get there: You can take a bus to Mysore which will take around 4 hours and cost between 350-500 INR/head. You can also opt to travel by train with a duration of 4 hours and an average cost of 695 INR/head (Second class AC)

Where to stay: Mysore offers an array of hotels where comfortable 2-star hotels are within a price range of 1300-1700 INR/night. We recommend you to stay at The Quorum (2500 INR/night).*

7. Camping in Coorg

The perfect place to de-stress from the urban chaos, Coorg is located 270 kilometers from Bengaluru and is the perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts! Ideal for a family trip, Coorg allows you to experience camping amongst rich green surroundings. You can enjoy the misty hills, coffee plantations, small river streams and the calm serene surroundings. For those of you who want to trek, Coorg provides the perfect opportunity to go on a day trek on rugged terrains.

How to get there: You can travel by bus which will take around 5 hours and 15 minutes and cost between 300-350 INR/head. You can also drive or take a taxi which will take around 5 hours and cost 10

Where to stay: Coorg offers an array of possible camping stations which vary between 3000-4000 INR/night (without tax). We recommend you to stay at the Coorg Country resort (2695 INR/night) or at Parampara Resort and Spa (4000 INR/night)*

8. Skandagiri

Located only 62 kilometers away from Bengaluru, Skandagiri is known for its clear skies and panoramic views for night gazing. For those of you ready for a night adventure and romantics alike, Skandagiri is the perfect place for exploring the midnight haze. During the day you can enjoy the challenging trail of Skandagiri up to an ancient fortress which is a treat for the eyes. Perfect for a two-stringed budget. It only costs 990 INR/head to climb up the rocky terrains to get a perfect view of the starry night.

How to get there: You can drive to Skandagiri with a duration of 1 and a half hour or opt to take a bus which costs 2250 INR/head.

Where to stay: Options for accommodations are limited in Skandagiri, however they are affordable and cost between 3500-4500 INR/night.*

9. Dandeli

Located 462 kilometers away from Bengaluru, Dandeli is known as the adventure hub of Karnataka, perfect for risk-takers willing to indulge in a weekend of pure thrill-seeking activities! For mountain bikers, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in a weekend full of rough terrains and arduous paths. If you love the white water, Dendeli’s white-water rapids allow you to go kayaking or rafting to get high on adventure! Not only does Dandeli allow you to get in touch with the nature, but also gives you the opportunity to get to know some of the unique tribes such as the Lamani tribe (gypsies of Rajasthan) or the Siddhi tribe (African by origin and brought to India as slaves).

How to get there: You can opt to travel by bus which takes around 7 hours and costs 700 INR/ head (sleeper class). To enjoy breath-taking views you can drive which takes around 6 and a half hours via NH4.

Where to stay: Dandeli offers a wide array of accommodations with an average cost of 2500-3800 INR/night (2-3 Star hotels). We recommend you to stay at the Dandeli Jungle Inn (2438 INR/night) or at the Whistling Woodz (3600 INR/night).*

10. Yelagiri hills

Located only 158 kilometers from Bengaluru, Yelagiri allows you to indulge in scenic beauty found nowhere else around the world. Yelagiri hills contain different tribes which engage in agriculture and forestry and allow you to get to know their culture and habitat. For trekkers, Swamimalai Hill is the highest point standing tall at 4,338 ft. with unforgettable views. The best time to visit Yelagiri would be during the summer to enjoy the vibrant summer festival with stalls from different departments, flower shows, and various cultural programs.

How to get there: You can take a train from Bengaluru to Chittoor station after which you can take a cab from Chittoor to Yelagairi Hills with a total duration of 6 hours and a train fare of 180 INR/head (sleeper class). You can also opt to drive to Yelagiri which will take around 3 and a half hours via NH 46

Where to stay: Yelagiri offers luxurious hotels at relatively low prices averaging between 3000-3500 INR/night. We recommend you to stay at Hotel Kumararraja Palace (3000 INR/night) or at Hotel Nigress (3300 INR/night).*

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