Nowadays, even weekends seem to stretch out long and drab. What you need to uplift your spirits is a refreshing weekend getaway. And that is why we have picked out a few weekend trips from Bangalore for you. All these places have a flavour of unusuality that you'll be amazed to explore. So, bid goodbye to weekend blues and say hello to fun, here I come!

Mekedatu

Mekedatu, meaning Goat's Leap in Kannada, is a popular place for weekend trips from Bangalore. It is basically a steep gorge through which the river Kaveri passes after merging with the Akravati river at Sangarama. It is well-known for its beautiful scenery as well as pleasing atmosphere. Thus making it a perfect picnic spot.

Moreover, you can also go swimming in the Kaveri river in the more leveled and less rocky part of the gorge. Even so, caution is advised during monsoons when the flow of water increases.

Mekedatu is a well-liked destination for nature lovers as they get to bask in the serene beauty. Try out oracle boating with your companions in the clear waters, and have a blast.

Time and Distance from Bangalore: 2 hr 43 min; 100.2 km

Food and Accommodation: There aren't any nice hotels or restaurants in Mekedatu. And the nearby ones are about 30 or more km away.

Road Conditions: The connecting roads to Mekedatu from Bangalore are accessible and well-maintained.

Nearest Petrol Pump: Kanakapur

Best Time to Visit: This place is open to visitors all year around. However, monsoons are less recommended because of heavy water flow.

Melukote

Situated at the top of Narayangiri hill, Melukote is a well-known religious site in Karanataka. It is widely famous for its ancient temples. The Hoysala Kings of early centuries- the ardent art patronizers, crafted these amazing temples.

Devotees from all over India come to visit the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. It is a shrine of Lord Vishnu, located on the top of Yadugiri hills. During the pompous festival of Vairamudi Sevam, the idol of Lord Vishnu is adorned with a diamond crown. Additionally, the temple has two more jewelled crowns that are kept in government security.

The Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is another popular holy sanctum in Melukote. Ardent worshippers of Lord Narsimha should definitely visit this temple at least once.

Did you know that the people of this town do not celebrate Diwali? That is because, in 1790, Tipu Sultan had plundered Melukote and destroyed the lives so hundreds of people during Diwali. Therefore, instead of forgetting this history and celebrating, they mourn the destruction.

Melukote also has a wildlife sanctuary. It shelters animals such as jungle cat, leopard, and pangolins. All the bird lovers, here's your paradise. You will find about 200 species of birds at the Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary.

Want to check out a few other popular temples around Bangalore? If yes, click here.

Time and Distance from Bangalore: 2 hr 55 min; 147.8 km

Food and Accommodation: You won't be able to find any comfortable stays or eateries nearby.

Road Conditions: The connecting roads to Melukote from Bangalore are accessible and well-maintained.

Nearest Petrol Pump: Mandya

Best Time to Visit: Melukote temples are open for devotees all twelve months.

Talakadu

For weenkend trips from Bangalore, the third stop is Talakadu. This city of temples lies covered by sand dunes. It is a popular historical sites in Karnataka. It has multiple temples within its region, thus making it a pilgrimmage destination.

Located on the banks of the river Kaveri, Talakadu is claimed to be a cursed city. Let me tell you the story behind it. The Wodeyar King had captured this city and intended to take the jewels of the Queen Alamelamma. Finding no escape, the queen drowned herself and her jewels in Kaveri while cursing the King. Folklore says that the curse led to the downfall of the once-prosperous Talakadu and shrouded it with sand.

The archaeological temples in Talakadu attract several Shiva devotees. Additionally, the architectural exquisiteness of these memorials will leave you awed.

If you are looking for a few more historical sites near Bangalore, click here.

Time and Distance from Bangalore: 2 hr 51 min; 131.2 km

Food and Accommodation: The nearest resorts and restaurants are in Mysore.

Road Conditions: The connecting roads to Talakadu from Bangalore are accessible and well-maintained.

Nearest Petrol Pump: Malavalli

Best Time to Visit: You can visit this historical temple site all year round.

Sathanur Dam

Constructed across the Thenpennai river, Sathanur Dam is a great place for weekend trips from Bangalore. You can easily walk over the dam to behold the striking view of the jewel-blue river and surrounding greenery.

Furthermore, there is a park nearby which is an amazing picnic spot. With several gardens and children's play area, it is perfect for a family outing.

There is a very unusual place near Sathanur dam. A crocodile farm. Feeling a bit confused, aren't you? It is basically a shelter for lots of crocodiles. You'd have never seen so many of such scary creatures at the same place ever before.

Time and Distance from Bangalore: 4 hr 27 min; 202.7 km

Food and Accommodation: You might think this place would have some good restaurants. You are up for a disappointment. You will have to bring your own snacks. Moreover, there's no facility for overnight stay.

Road Conditions: The connecting roads to Sathanur Dam from Bangalore are accessible and well-maintained.

Nearest Petrol Pump: Not-known

Best Time to Visit: While the dam remains open the entire year, winters are the best season to visit. You can also go there during monsoons to escape heat.

Bandipur

All the animal lovers out there, you need to head over to this National park. An amazing spot for weekend trips from Bangalore, Bandipur National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. The grassy wilderness and dense forests make it a favourable place for the wildlife. It is also a popular tiger reserve in India.

Located at the foothills of Western Ghats, the Bandipur National Park is, of course, a beautiful place with a serene ambience. It habituates varieties of flora and fauna. You will get to see Asian elephants, leopards, antelopes, tigers..etc. Moreover, it is also famous for the Sandalwood trees and the Indian Gaur.

Time and Distance from Bangalore: 4 hr 21 min; 213.1 km

Food and Accommodation: The Government of Karnataka maintains a nice stay at Bandipur. Besides that, there are many resorts and hotels as well.

Road Conditions: The connecting roads to Bandipur from Bangalore are accessible and well-maintained.

Nearest Petrol Pump: Gundlupet

Best Time to Visit: During or after monsoons is the best time to visit Bandipur National Park.

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