10 long weekend destinations near Bengaluru, where you can enjoy the Diwali break

India’s thriving tech metropolis of Bengaluru is a creativity hub and the long weekend travel trend of the city is something many will be shocked to know as almost all parking lots at housing societies get empty during weekends and especially long weekends. Those living in Bengaluru get to the benefit of its location as there are plenty of places nearby to visit during long weekends and the upcoming Diwali break. From Bengaluru travellers have easy access to beach destinations, hillside resorts and picturesque retreats where you can combine spiritual, adventure, heritage, and nature travels all within a few hours’ drive. The CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has handpicked 10 such destinations that will pleasantly surprise help you rejuvinate all without requiring to travel far from your home. (Image Shutterstock)

Coorg | Coorg, often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India,’ captivates tourists with its beautiful coffee farms, cascading waterfalls, and foggy hills. It has an array of hiking routes, such as Kopatty, the Nishani Motte trip, and the Tadiandamol trek, and is home to many stunning waterfalls, like Mallalli Falls, Iruppu Falls, and Abbey Falls. (Image Shutterstock)

Chikkamagaluru | Coffee lovers will adore the city’s rolling hills, pleasant climate, and daring hiking routes, as well as the Mullayanagiri viewpoint and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Kudremukh, Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, and Netravati treks are excellent options for those looking for an adventurous trip. (Image Shutterstock)

Wayanad | Tucked away in Kerala’s Western Ghats, Wayanad is home to peaceful waterfalls, old caves, and verdant forests. Adventurers can visit the Thirunelli Temple and pray to Lord Vishnu, trek to Chembra Peak, or explore the ancient Edakkal Caves. (Image Keralatourism.com)

Ooty | Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nilgiris mountain range along the journey from Bengaluru to Ooty if you opt for a long drive. Besides visiting the Ooty Botanical Gardens, visitors may take a ride on the famous toy train that passes through picturesque locations, including Wellington and Coonoor. (Image Wikimedia Commons)

Sakleshpur | Trekkers and nature lovers will adore this hidden jewel in the Western Ghats. Explorers particularly favour it since it provides a variety of trekking options, such as the Jenukal Gudda, Hadlu Waterfalls, Bisle Ghat, and Yedakumeri railway treks. (Image Wikimedia Commons)

Gokarna | Gokarna is similar to Goa for a relaxed seaside experience because of its clean beaches and serene atmosphere. Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach are good choices if you prefer quiet, clean beaches. (Image: Shutterstock)

Hampi | Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique setting of ancient ruins and meadows scattered with boulders. You can ride a coracle (a round bamboo boat) over the Tungabhadra River, cycle among the ruins, and visit famous temples like Virupaksha and Vijaya Vittala. (Image Canva)

Mangaluru | Mangaluru is a popular destination for long weekend trips from Bangalore, as it offers visitors an excellent blend of beach fun and city activities. One can visit Milagres Church or St. Aloysius Chapel, Tannirbhavi or Panambur beaches, and Kudroli Shri Gokarnanatheshwara Kshetra or Kadri Shree Manjunatha temples. (Image Shutterstock)

Udupi and Malpe | Watching the sunrise at Mattu Beach and kayaking across the Saligrama mangroves are two excellent activities in Udupi. Malpe, on the other hand, is well-liked by tourists who may enjoy water sports, including jet skiing, speedboat rides, surfing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. (Image PTI)

Varkala | The trip from Bangalore to Varkala can take you about 12 hours. Exploring Varkala Cliff Beach, praying at the Janardhana Swamy Temple, and visiting Kappil Lake are some of the best things to do while you are here. (Image: Shutterstock)