Winter Is Here! Check Out The 15 Top Getaways Around Bangalore During The Winter Season

We think winter is one of the best times of the year to explore destinations around Karnataka, more so because there is no hassle of rains ruining the vacation by the monsoons have left the earth in full bloom, neither do you have to worry about the sweltering heat of summer. Here are 10 destinations we've put together for you and most of them are yet to be commercialised. So go ahead and that year-end vacation you deserve!

Pondicherry

The French Riviera of the East has plenty to offer to every kind of traveller. If you are somebody who loves exploring the culture of a place, plan a visit to Auroville and Sir Aurobindo Ashram. If adventure is what you seek, you can sign up for snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing classes. We also recommend a visit to the Pichavram Mangrove Forest and the boat ride, which is an experience unlike anything else.  Pondicherry is famous for its leather goods and is home to brands like L’opulence and Hidedesign where the products are sold at half the price, so shopaholics, don’t miss this. The Pondy trip isn’t complete without exploring the dining options – breakfast at Bread And Chocolate, Villa Shanti for seafood and a seasonal menu, Chez Francis for a romantic dinner and Mason & Co for chocolates.  

Distance from Bangalore - 310 km

Hampi

A view of River Tungabhadra, lush green paddy fields all set against a backdrop of large, mammoth-sized boulders is what Hampi has to offer. Hampi is way too hot to be visited during summertime and hence winter, just after the rains is ideal. We recommend you stay at Veerapuragaddi or popularly known as Hippie Island, an island formed by tributaries of River Tungabhadra. Plan a visit to the ruins of Vijayanagara Empire, Stone Chariot and Narasimha Temple and hire a guide who will give you an encyclopaedia worth of knowledge about the history. For those who seek activities, bouldering and rappelling are quite popular here. Make sure you pack in a visit to the Happy Buddha Cafe which is by the riverside and is known for delicious grub. 

Distance from Bangalore - 340 km 

Mysore

A city quite as popular as Bangalore, Mysore has much more to offer for a tourist, our favourite being the Zoological Garden which will take half a day. Follow it up with a visit to the Mysore Palace and an evening trip to the Chamundi Hills and temple (plenty of buses plying to and fro from the city bus stand). Once you are done with the city tour, you can check out Sri Rangapatna, Tipu Sultan Fort, Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary and the Brindavan Gardens. The city has plenty of interesting options to stay including Mansion 1907 and Bunkers Ashram. Don’t leave the city without trying the famous Mysore Hanumanthu Mutton Pulav. 

Distance from Bangalore - 145 km

Belum Caves

Situated in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, Belum Caves was only opened to the public in the year 2002. You may have heard of Belum’s more popular sister destination – Gandikota which is about 1.5 hours away. Made of long caverns, gorges and passages, the temperature inside the cave is quite cool given that they were formed due to the force from the flow of water. While the caves are large, it can easily be climbed into and out of and guides can be hired at the entrance. Look out for the quartz deposits, stalactite and stalagmite formations, which are a thing of beauty, especially when the light hits them. Follow it up with a visit to Gandikota for some stunning pictures.  

Distance from Bangalore - 297 km

Yelagiri Hills

Situated 4,625 feet above sea level, on the highway between Chennai and Bengaluru, Yelagiri sits amid the rustic surroundings, farms of mango and jack-fruit, apiaries (bee yards) that making it a beautiful destination. Check out the Punganur Lake, great to take in the surroundings, long, lazy walks by the bank and boat rides. If you are up for it, trek the Swamimalai forest and visit the Jalagamparai Waterfalls. There are a few adventure sports clubs, like Adventure Sports Centre and Yelagiri Wild Zone, that feature sports like rock climbing, paragliding, go-karting and rifle shooting. 

Distance from Bangalore - 160 km 

Pollachi

Amidst lush greenery and incredible waterfalls, Pollachi is located at the cusp of Anamalai Hills and plains of Coimbatore. What sets Pollachi apart from other travel destinations is the beautiful coexistence misty mountains, expansive large tea gardens, tall coconut trees (after all, it’s known as the Coconut Paradise). Your trip would be incomplete without a visit to the Monkey Falls considered to be one of the most popular tourist spots because of its spectacular beauty. Moreover, you can also trek at the falls through the evergreen forests,  - great for adventure enthusiasts we think! Water babies can take up kayaking at Thirumoorthy Dam and witness the most magical view while you’re at it. Follow it up with a visit to the Top Slip (part of Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary), forest reserve which is home to animals like tigers, sloth bears, Nilgiri Langur and more. 

Distance from Bangalore - 350 km 

Kumbalangi

A model fishing village and rural eco-tourism spot, surrounded by backwaters and marked by mangroves, this is where you need to head to for a true nature retreat. While the serene and beautiful sights are enough to delight you, you also get to get a glimpse of daily life and activities here. Opt for the Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village Project which has tour packages you can opt for with options like boating along with a tour of the village which takes you through their activities like coir making, fishing and pottery. You’ll also get to tuck into a lovely Kerala-style meal of seafood specials. When you’re done soaking up the sights and interacting with the friendly locals, spend time by the backwaters, gaping at the Chinese fishing nets or the quiet charm of the village.

Distance from Bangalore - 546 km

Belgaum 

One of the oldest cities of Karnataka, Belgaum is a perfect place for travellers who are looking for underrated or less-explored spots near Bangalore. Located along the Western Ghats and boasting of rich history this place is sure to please nature and adventure lovers. And if you need some spiritual motivation on the way, there are many sacred shrines in the vicinity. With its combination of rocky terrain, scenic beauty, traditions, cultural heritage and food. Visit the stunning Gokak Falls, just 70 km from the city. 

Distance from Bangalore – 507 km

Mulki 

Imagine yourself out at the beach, the ocean stretching to the horizon with the smell of salt and sea in the air, glorious seafood to dine on; bliss isn’t it? Mulki, a town near Mangalore is the point where River Shambhavi and River Nandini meet the Arabian Sea which sets it apart from any other beach destination. Travellers have a plethora of water activities to explore from kayaking at the river to surfing at the beach. If you are aren’t into adventure, you can always visit little shacks and cafes around the town or simply choose to read a book or two by the riverside. 

Distance from Bangalore - 377 km

Araku Valley 

Araku Valley, a hill station nestled in Andhra Pradesh is quite unexplored and offers everything from local dishes to unexplored caves. The timing couldn’t be better because Araku Valley will be in full bloom thanks to the post-monsoons. The valley has plenty of breathtaking waterfalls but the most popular remain Chaaparai and Katiki. Chaaparai Waterfall is surrounded by the thick, emerald forest and flows over (almost) flat boulder, making it ideal for a dip. Don’t leave without trying the Bongulo Chicken  - chicken marinated local spices, stuffed into a bamboo stem and steamed over coal. 

Distance from Bangalore - 1,094 km

Gokarna

Winters can be a little too cosy for us to get out of our beds, but the soothing warmth of sun, sand, and water in Gokarna still makes you crawl out of it. Located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, Gokarna is a heaven for beach lovers and adrenaline seekers. Though, many pilgrims flock to the temple during winters. However, Beach lovers can peacefully soak in the beauty at Om Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach. Have fun!
Distance from Bangalore: 486 km

Ooty

Mountains and winters have to be synonymous with a cosy destination. Ooty, Queen of the Hills, is absolutely perfect for mountain lovers. Book a homestay in the heart of a tea estate, wake up to local breakfast and then head to Culinarium for a meal to remember. Visit the Boathouse and the Government Botanical Gardens, get comfy while holding a mug of hot chocolate from Cocoapods, trek to the Catherine Waterfalls; a trip to Ooty will be that much needed getaway you didn’t know you needed.
Distance from Bangalore: 266 km

Shimoga

Start drafting a leave application, as the trip to Shimoga needs a long winter vacation. Yes, from mighty falls, to safaris, and dams; Shimoga has a number of attractions for you. Officially known as Shivamogga, the city lies on the bank of Tunga River, and is popularly called as ‘Gateway of Malnad’. You can visit sanctuaries, reservoirs, palaces, and climb the Varadahalli hillock too. Shimoga is home to the world famous Jog Falls, and 500-year-old Ikkeri Temple.
Distance from Bangalore: 302 km

Kabini

Winter can be a great season to explore the flora and fauna around the state. Yes, you can walk as much as you want without sweating like a pig. Well, all of us have been there! Kabini River Cabin offers exactly what you need during a winter holiday. Boating on the river Cauvery, roaming around the Kabini and Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuaries, visiting Kabini Dam as well as going for the elephant safari! Let’s plan a trip, shall we?
Distance from Bangalore: 169 km

Chikmagalur

If waking up to a fresh aroma of coffee keeps your motor running, then Chikmagalur is the perfect destination for you. When we say go visit this hill station, we are not just talking about a serene spot for you to cleanse your soul. We are also talking about gorgeous falls like Hebbe, Jhari and Kadambi, a series of activities like camping and sightseeing, walking tours to experience coffee plantations and a trip to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary as well. Chikmagalur lies on the foothills of Mullayanagiri peak of the Western Ghats, and makes for a very popular spot during the winter season.
Distance from Bangalore: 245 km