In this blog post, you’ll find information about our favourite destinations in Karnataka, Kerala and more. Click on the links below to know more about each of those destinations. And plan your best weekend trips from Bangalore or any other city!

Coorg, Karnataka

Known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is famous for its beautiful weather and mountaineous scenery! The lush green landscapes makes Coorg an all year destination. Explore the old city of Madikeri, spend a night in the hills of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery. Then trek up beautiful grassy hills into the clouds and find inner peace at the Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe.

However, before you decide to stay in hotels, consider staying in one of the many homestays and coffee plantations. Its an experience you will never forget!

Expect to spend about INR 1,000 per day for hostel accommodation, local transport and food.

Read about what to do in Coorg here

Pondicherry

The French left behind a beautiful piece of their culture in Pondicherry (Puducherry). The former colony has some of the most colourful streets in India. In addition to the pastel coloured walls in yellows, oranges and blues, Pondicherry also has beautiful beaches which are safe to play in! Pondicherry is also famous for its french cuisine and french themed cafes in the French Quarter called White Town.

December to February is best time to visit Pondicherry weather wise. Expect to spend about INR 2,000 per day for budget accommodation, french food, local transport, etc.

Read about the best Pondicherry itinerary here

Kochi, Kerala

Fort Kochi is a cultural medley of Portuguese, Dutch, and British ancestry and the remnants of colonisation remain even today in parts of town. The old town feel, the classic architecture, the small sunset beaches and the local markets are enought to convince you to spend a few days in Fort Kochi.

Fort Kochi is an ideal backpackers’ paradise with cheap hostels, affordable street food and amazing cafes, particularly on Burgher Street. Best visited in winter months, expect to spend as little as INR 700 for a day in Fort Kochi including stay, food, local transport, sightseeing and more!

Read about spending a weekend in Fort Kochi here

Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Chikmagalur is an all-time favourite weekend destination from Bangalore for most people! Why? The lush green scenery and the amazing weather is just one side of the story. Chikmagalur is famous for its coffee estates and warm homestays.

Chikmagalur is a year-round destination, but most of its beauty comes out in the monsoon months of June to September. Expect to spend as little as INR 1,500 per day for simple stay, food and some sightseeing. 

 Read more about Chikmagalur here

Kannur, Kerala

Looking for someplace quiet and off beat? A white-sand beach on mainland India is rare to find. But finding an empty beach without a crowd is even rarer. And thats what Kannur is about! With five amazing beaches and hardly any tourists, Kannur is absolutely beautiful and parts of it are seemingly untouched.

We spent a long weekend on the beach experiencing the soft waves of the sea, We climbed rocks on a natural sand bank and had the most amazing candle lit dinner right on the beach!

Kannur is best visited between October and March. Expect to spend from about INR 3,000 per night for a beautiful beach house stay with all meals included. Sightseeing can be arranged easily too. The city is well connected with other major cities by train, bus and international airport too.

Read about staying at a serene beach house in Kannur here

Jog Falls, Karnataka

As one of India’s tallest waterfalls, Jog Falls attracts so many visitors from all over the country. It is one of the most easily accessible nature spots in Karnataka with a 1,400 step walkway to the bottom of the falls. There are many other affordable hotels but we recommend the KSTDC Mayura hotel. It offers the best view of the falls as it sits right across on the edge of the valley.

We loved visiting in June when the monsoon had just about begun feeding the falls with water. However, in July and August, the water level makes it impossible to visit the base of the falls. The village of Jog is like a time machine: taking you back to the 80s and 90s with its culture and simplicity.

With exellent bus connectivity, expect to spend as little as INR 1,500 for a day at Jog Falls for simple accommodation, autorickshaw rides and food.

Read about visiting Jog Falls here

Looking for more destinations to plan the best weekend trips from Bangalore? Moreover, if you just want to explore India we’ve put together free guides and blogs here.

If you have more questions or want to explore a destination with us, write to us and we’ll plan a trip together!