1. Coorg
Coorg (also known as Kodagu) is a hill station located in Karnataka famous for its coffee and tea plantations. Coorg is called the ‘Scotland of India’ and also ‘Kashmir of the South’ thanks to its majestic beauty and cool climate. It is situated at 3500 ft above sea level. Nestled among lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Coorg offers an unmatched beautiful vacation to tourists.
What to do: Explore the Madikeri, Raja’s Seat, Abbi Falls, Bylakuppe, Dubare elephant camp and Talakaveri...etc
Distance from Bangalore: 240 km (5 hours 35 minutes).
2. Mysore/ooty
Things to do: You should start exploring the city with the Mysore Palace. The rich history and beautiful architecture of the monument are something you must not miss. The palace has a fusion of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The paintings, spacious halls and the beautiful pillar will take you back in time.
Dassera is another time for the year when you should visit Mysore. Mysore palace is lit up for the occasion. The Wodeyars’ family goddess is Chamundi and the idol of the goddess is taken out for in an elaborate procession involving elephants, horses and dancers.
What to do: Explore the Mysore Palace, Chamundi hills, Brindavan Garden, Ranganthittu, KRS, Srirangapattna and Zoo..etc
Distance from Bangalore: 151.6 km (3 hours 24 minutes)
3. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a beautiful district situated on the western part of Karnataka. It is mostly popular for its coffee plantations and a pleasant climate. Another renowned attraction that Chikmagalur is known for is its Bababudan Giri ranges. Though it was among the underexplored destinations, the hill station thanks to its picturesque landscapes and greenery has earned a lot of attention from tourists across. The literal meaning of Chikmagalur is ‘Land of the younger daughter.’
What to do: Explore the Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, Kalhatti falls, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Manikyadhara falls, Kudremukh national park, Kadambi falls, Mahatma Gandhi Park, Sharada temple and Bhadra Dam.
Distance from Bangalore: 242.9 km (4 hours 17 minutes)
4. Wayanad
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is the least populous district in Kerala and is known for its mist-laden mountains, lush forests and green paddy fields stretching up to the horizon. With an altitude ranging from 700 to 2100 m, the climate of Wayanad is pleasant throughout the year.
Although it lies in the state of Kerala, Wayanad is a short drive from Bangalore and offers some amazing sight-seeing and trekking options.
What to do: Explore the Edakkal caves, trek up the Chembra peak, take a safari in the Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, visit the bamboo factory at Uravu. Distance from Bangalore: 265 km