Bangalore (officially Bengaluru), Karnataka’s capital city, is one of India’s bustling metropolises. Being an IT hub, the frenetic pace of city life can be exhausting. If you are looking for short and sweet 2-day trips from Bangalore, check out these 12 destinations.
Places For 2 Day Trips From Bangalore
1. Mysore (143 Km)
Mysore, the Palace City of Karnataka, is widely known for its royal charm. It was the capital of the Mysore Kingdom for almost six centuries during the reign of Wodeyars.
The imposing heritage structures and finely laid out gardens in the city speak volumes about its opulent past. Mysore is one of the closest getaways for a 2-day trip from Bangalore.
It takes around 3 hours to reach Mysore from Bangalore by road. Trains also run between the two cities and the travel time ranges between 2 to 3 hours.
Things To Do in Mysore
From historical to natural sites, Mysore has an eclectic mix of tourist attractions. Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hills and Temple, and Karanji Lake are some of the must-visit places in Mysore.
Besides these, Shuka Vana, a walk-through aviary is also worth a visit for bird lovers. It holds the Guinness world record for hosting most bird species in an aviary.
For a detailed 2-day Mysore itinerary, check this post: 10 Best Tourist Places in Mysore to visit in two days.
Where To Stay in Mysore
There are plenty of hotels, scattered all around the city. Here are some of the hotels located at the center of Mysore city
- Grand Mercure Mysore
- Royal Orchid Metropole
- Fortune JP Palace
If you want to enjoy royal living during your Mysore sojourn, Lalitha Mahal Palace hotel is a great choice.
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Stay in Mysore.
2. Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve (228 Km)
Widely known for its flagship species, the royal Bengal tigers, Bandipur National Park is a wildlife lover’s wonderland. It is situated in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district and covers an expanse of 874 sq km.
Bandipur is one of the nine tiger reserves that were set up for the first time under Project Tiger in 1973-74. It forms an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a major habitat of the Asiatic elephants in India.
Also Read: Best Wildlife Destinations for Sighting Elephants in India.
Nagarhole National Park touches its northern boundary whereas Mudumalai Tiger Reserve lies on the southern edge. Bandipur is no more than a 5-hour drive from Bangalore via Mysore.
Things To Do in Bandipur
The Forest Department offers two types of safari – jeep safari and bus safari. Jeep safari is recommended if you wish to click a lot of pictures. Bandipur safari booking can be done online.
The tiger reserve is blessed with plentiful wildlife. According to Karnataka Forest Department’s recent assessment of 2020, there are 126 tigers in Bandipur. Some of the frequently seen animals in this forest are gaur, elephant, dhole, gray langur and jackal.
Besides mammals, Bandipur supports a variety of avifauna (birds). Peacock is the most conspicuous bird of Bandipur. You may come across many peacocks as your safari progresses deep into the forest.
Also Read: 10 Best Places To Sight Wild Peacocks in India.
Other commonly sighted birds in this national park include crested serpent eagle, grey junglefowl, Indian roller and many types of bee-eaters. Needless to say, it is one of the best 2-day trips from Bangalore to have incredible wildlife encounters.
Where To Stay Near Bandipur
Forest guest house, run by Karnataka Forest Department is a great choice for nature lovers. It lies in the precincts of the reserve forest.
Another reasonably priced hotel near Bandipur Tiger Reserve is The Mangifera. It is a well-kept property, located in the middle of a farm. The Safari Booking Point is within walking distance from the hotel.
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Room in The Mangifera.
3. Hassan (182 Km)
Hassan is an ancient city in Karnataka that was ruled by the Hoysala Empire for a long time between the 11th and 14th centuries. The city derives its name from the Hasanamba temple, dedicated to the Goddess Amba.
The entire city is brimming with majestic temples and monuments belonging to the Hoysala era. It is definitely one of the best 2-day trips from Bangalore during a weekend break. Hassan city is no more than a very manageable 3 hours drive away from Bangalore.
Things To Do in Hassan
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Hasanamba Temple and Lakshmi Devi Temple are the architectural marvels of the Hoysala dynasty. Take a tour of Hassan city to explore the rich cultural heritage of this region.
Some 31 km away from Hassan town is another marvellous temple of the Hoysala period, known as Hoysaleswara Temple. It is located in Halebidu which is about an hour’s drive from the town.
Where To Stay in Hassan
Palguni Residency and Mallige Residency are some of the budget-friendly choices to stay in the heart of Hassan city.
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Stay in Hassan.
4. Yelagiri (146 Km)
A tiny hill station located in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri is largely known for its captivating landscapes. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lush green valleys.
Yelagiri comprises 14 villages scattered over several hills. It sits at an average altitude of 3,645 ft with Swamimalai Hills as the highest point (4,338 ft). It is one of the best 2-day trips from Bangalore for weekend travelers. Yelagiri is around 3.5 hours drive from Bangalore.
Things To Do in Yelagiri Hills
The hill town is home to many attractions including Yelagiri Lake, Swamimalai Hills, Velavan Temple and Yelagiri Nature Park.
Yelagiri lake, a small artificial lake in Nilavoor village, is popular for pedal boating. There are no motorboats here.
Swamimalai Hills is a wonderful place for trekkers. It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the hilltop.
Perched on a small hill, the Velavan temple is also worth a visit. It is a well-maintained Murugan temple, encompassed by greenery on all sides.
The Yelagiri Nature Park is a nicely landscaped garden with an aquarium and fountains. A 30-minutes musical fountain show is organized in the evening which is the star attraction of the park.
Where To Stay in Yelagiri
There are not as many choices as you might find at other popular hill stations in Tamil Nadu, like Kodaikanal. It offers mainly budget accommodations. AGS Holiday Resorts and TGI Kairos are a few nice hotels for your sojourn at Yelagiri.
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Stay in Yelagiri.
5. Bheemeshwari (106 Km)
Set on the banks of the river Cauvery, Bheemeshwari is a popular ecotourism site in Karnataka’s Mandya district. The town is well-known for its verdure and numerous fishing points. It is approximately 2 hours drive by car from Bangalore.
Things To Do in Bheemeshwari
A wealth of fishing camps in the town is a major draw for those interested in angling. Mahseer fishes are found here in abundance. Once you catch a fish and take pictures, it needs to be released back into the water.
Additionally, adventure sports like river rafting, rappelling, zip-line and rock climbing are also offered in Bheemeshwari.
Coracle ride in the serene waters of the Cauvery river is an experience that you should not miss. For adventure seekers, it is one of the most amazing 2-day trips from Bangalore.
Where To Stay in Bheemeshwari
You can book a log hut or a tented cottage in nature camps. Surrounded by lush forests, Bheemeshwari Nature and Adventure Camp offers a peaceful stay.
6. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (130 Km)
Covering some 0.67 sq km, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary forms a cluster of 6 islets in the river Cauvery. The riverine islets serve as a major nesting ground for over 200 bird species, including native and migratory.
In 1940, it was established as a bird sanctuary by the then Maharaja of Mysore. A little over 2.5 hours drive from Bangalore takes you to Ranganathittu. It is one of the best 2-day trips from Bangalore owing to its proximity to the city.
Things To Do in Ranganathittu
A trip to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is all about birdwatching and enjoying a boat ride in the serene river Cauvery. You can see flocks of spot-billed pelican and painted stork in the sanctuary.
Other frequently spotted birds in the sanctuary are open-billed stork, brahminy kite, marsh harrier and many types of egrets.
Also Read: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – The Essential Travel Guide.
Where To Stay Near Ranganathittu
There are no hotels in the immediate vicinity of the bird sanctuary. Srirangapatna is the nearest city where you can book accommodation.
Mayura Riverview, run by KSTDC, is one of the best hotels in the neighbourhood. The sanctuary is just about 3 km away from there.
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Room in Mayura Riverview.
7. Yercaud (205 Km)
Perched at 4,970 ft (1,515 m) in the Shevaroy range along the eastern coast, Yercaud is a picturesque hill station in Salem district of Tamil Nadu.
David Cockburn, a Scottish Collector of Salem, developed this hill station in the early nineteenth century. Yercaud is within driving distance from Bangalore. The car journey is around 4-4.5 hours long.
Things To Do in Yercaud
Yercaud is largely known for its beautiful landscapes dotted with coffee plantations and spice plantations. It is one of the best 2-day trips from Bangalore to escape city life and get close to nature.
Loop Road, Yercaud Lake (Big Lake), Pagoda Point, Shevaroy Temple and Cauvery Peak are among the major attractions of this hill town.
A joy ride through the 32 km long stretch of Loop Road is a must-do activity in Yercaud. It starts from Yercaud Lake and takes you through dense plantations.
There are some nice viewpoints where you can halt, click pictures and soak in the stunning vistas of the surroundings. If you want to take a tour of the coffee factory and plantation, visit Cauvery Peak.
Where To Stay in Yercaud
Budget-friendly accommodation options: Grand Signature Hotel & Spa, WOW Bison Woods, The Cliff Resort.
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Stay in Yercaud.
8. Coorg (248 Km)
Tucked in the Western Ghats, Coorg is a gorgeous hill station located in southern Karnataka. It is perched at an average altitude of 3,000 ft (900 m) above sea level.
The Coorg region boasts spectacular landscapes dotted with scenic waterfalls, coffee & spice plantations, and lush green teakwood forests.
It is one of the best 2-day trips from Bangalore that you can take on a weekend. Coorg is nearly 6 hours drive from Bangalore city.
Both KSRTC and private buses ply from Bangalore to Coorg. You can take an overnight bus which drops you at Coorg early morning.
Things To Do in Coorg
Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Raja’s seat, Dubare and Talacauvery are the major attractions in Coorg. Overlooking a valley, Raja’s seat is a beautiful garden and a sunset viewpoint.
Talacauvery is known as the source of the holy Cauvery, one of the prominent Indian rivers. A temple on the hilltop, dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma is worth seeing. Apart from the temple, you can enjoy stunning views of the Brahmagiri hills and misty surroundings.
Visit Dubare Elephant Camp if you want to interact with elephants and experience bathing them.
Also Read: 6 Amazing Places To Visit in Coorg in 1 Day.
Where To Stay in Coorg
Madikeri, the center point of the Coorg region, offers accommodation for every budget. From basic to mid-range to luxury, there are many options.
- Affordable: Hotel Mayura Valley View, Hotel Le Coorg
- Mid-range: Coorg Cliffs Resort, Heritage Resort
- Luxury: The Ibnii
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Stay in Coorg.
9. Sakleshpur (220 Km)
Set at an altitude of 3,136 ft, amidst the lush hills of the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur is a peaceful hill station in Karnataka’s Malnad region.
The town is teeming with coffee and spice estates. Sakleshpur is known for its tranquil environs and relaxed vibes. It is a perfect getaway for a 2-day trip from Bangalore.
The best way to reach Sakleshpur from Bangalore is by road as the drive is quite scenic. It takes nearly 4.5 hours to get there by car from Bangalore. Trains also run between the two locations.
Things To Do in Sakleshpur
It is a perfect retreat to unwind in nature’s midst. So, you can choose to do nothing and simply relax. Some of the must-visit attractions in Sakleshpur include Manjarabad Fort and Sakaleswara Temple.
The star-shaped Manjarabad Fort was built by Tipu Sultan in the late eighteenth century. The trek up to the fort is moderate. Get rewarded with magnificent views of the nearby hills once you reach the top.
Sakaleswara Temple is located right at the entrance of the town. It is a small but ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Where To Stay in Sakleshpur
Sakleshpur offers many mid-range and budget lodging options – The Kaduhithlu Resort, Golden Wood Resort.
Apart from hotels and resorts, there are some wonderful homestays in Sakleshpur – Hema Koota Homestay, Robin Woods Homestay.
10. Kabini (205 Km)
Kabini Forest Reserve forms the southeastern part of the Nagarhole National Park. It once served as a hunting ground for the rulers of the Mysore Kingdom. Kabini has emerged as one of the renowned wildlife destinations in Karnataka though it is not a sanctuary in itself.
Located on the bank of the river Kabini, this area is blessed with abundant wildlife and forest vegetation. From Bangalore, it takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach there by car.
Things To Do in Kabini
The state forest department offers two types of safaris at Kabini – jeep safari and boat safari in the river Kabini. If you book accommodation with them then safari charges are included in the overall package cost.
A boat safari in the Kabini river provides opportunities to explore the diverse wildlife of the region. Elephant herds are frequently sighted on the banks, particularly in summers.
If luck favours you, you may sight a black panther, fondly called the ghost of Kabini. Without any doubt, it is one of the best 2-day trips from Bangalore for wildlife enthusiasts.
Where To Stay in Kabini
Kabini River Lodge, operated by Karnataka Government is a great choice for your Kabini sojourn. They make all the safari arrangements including safari vehicles and naturalists.
11. Hampi (342 Km)
Hampi is a historic town in central Karnataka that was once the capital of the Vijayanagara empire in the 14th century. The ruins of Hampi, also called, the Hampi Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was one of the wealthiest cities of India in its heyday.
Hospet is the nearest city and also hosts the closest railhead to reach Hampi. It is around 6.5 hours drive from Bangalore by car.
Things To Do in Hampi
Explore the heritage structures and remains of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, a great Hindu empire of South India. Some of the must-see places include Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Krishna Temple and Hazara Rama Temple.
Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest shrines in Hampi. A 3-day long pompous Hampi festival is also well worth attending if you visit during the month of November. The festival showcases the splendour of the Vijayanagara empire.
Where To Stay in Hampi
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in Hampi.
- Budget: Hotel Clarks Inn
- Mid-range: Heritage Resort (around 7 km from the heritage site)
If you are looking for cheaper alternatives, consider booking a homestay or a guest house.
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Stay in Hampi.
12. Nagarhole National Park (253 Km)
Nagarhole National Park is counted amongst India’s best tiger reserves. It is flanked by Bandipur National Park in the South East and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the South West.
Popular for abundant flora and fauna, it makes one of the fantastic 2-day trips from Bangalore for wildlife lovers.
Nagarhole forest is home to several wild animals and birds. Tiger, leopard and wild dog are the main carnivores of this forest. It is recognised as an Important Bird Area and hosts nearly 270 bird species.
The park was brought under Project Tiger in 1999. It is spread over 642 sq km and forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is conveniently approachable by road from Bangalore via Mysore which is around 6 hours journey.
Things To Do in Nagarhole
Nagarhole National Park offers canter safari and open jeep safari. Nanchi gate is the main safari entrance gate, located in the vicinity of Kutta.
You can book a canter safari at the park entrance. The open jeep safari is available from Kabini side only. Kabini is around a 1.5-hour drive from Nanchi gate.
Ideally, you would want to traverse the forest through all the gates to maximize wildlife sightings. However, a 2-day long vacation is too short to cover Nagarhole and Kabini in a single trip. Consider planning two trips, if you are a weekend traveler.
Where To Stay Near Nagarhole
Machaan Wilderness Lodge is one of the best options here in proximity to Kutta side gate of the national park. The resort is located in the middle of a coffee estate.
It is a wonderful place for nature lovers and birdwatchers as the resort attracts a lot of birds. They offer a homely ambiance and superb food.
Check Availability, Prices and Book A Room in Machaan Wilderness Lodge.
Further Reading
For more inspiration and tips for your South India vacations, please read our posts:
- 12 Best Tourist Places To Visit in Kodaikanal in 3 Days.
- 10 Best Resorts For Memorable Stay in Kodaikanal.
- Top 12 Tourist Places To Visit in Munnar in 2 Days.
- 8 Best Forest Resorts in Munnar.
- 6 Best Places To Visit in Ooty – 1 Day Itinerary.
- 7 Best Nature Resorts in Ooty For A Getaway.
- Top 10 Tourist Places To Visit in Mysore in 2 Days.
- Best Heritage Hotels in Mysore.
- Wayanad’s Most Amazing Forest Resorts.
Over To You Now…
From this list of 2-day trips in Bangalore, which places have you been to? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Thanks for the detailed information
You’re welcome!
Thanks for the information. Very helpful to plan the trip.
I am glad you found this post helpful. Happy planning!