Hospitality
Spring Getaways in South India: Discover Hidden Gems Near Bangalore
April 30, 2025
As spring breathes new life into South India, the landscape becomes a riot of colour-bursting blossoms. With pleasant weather and clear skies, it’s the ideal time for short getaways and discovering hidden gems near Bangalore. Owing to its strategic location, the IT city is a gateway to several offbeat destinations, offering a perfect blend of nature, adventure and relaxation.
Whether you love natural escapes and adventure trips or are a history enthusiast, these are the best places to visit near Bangalore in spring. The blog explores some little treasures only a drive away from the city. Travellers can also get information on hotels near Bangalore for weekend getaways.
Spring Getaways Near Bangalore
Avani: The Land of Mythology and Rock Formations
- Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 95 kms.
- Options of Transport: With well-maintained roads, a car or a bike are the best options to reach
- Reasons to Visit: Known as the 'Gaya of the South', Avani houses rock-cut temples and boasts abundant mythology and strange rock formations. This is one of the unexplored places near Bangalore that combines spirituality with natural beauty and is the right destination for spring visits.
Activities:
- Inhabiting the rocky hills, rock climbing is quite a sport.
- Visit ancient temples such as the Ramalingeshwara Temple.
- Take amazing pictures of rock formations and landscapes.
- Delve into local folklore and mythology, adding an aura of mystique to the visit.
- Trek to Avani Betta, where scenic beauty and challenging trekking are enjoyed.
Travel Tips:
- Begin early enough to avoid the onslaught of heat as you hike in the midday sun.
- Pack enough water and snacks because you may not find such amenities in this remote part of the area.
- Wear comfy trekking shoes for a better grip on rocky terrain.
- Pay respect to local customs and traditions during temple visits.
Gudibanda - A Minuscule Fort Town
- Distance from Bangalore: Roughly 90 kms.
- Travel Choices: The best option would be to go on the road by car or bike as they travel through scenic roads.
- Why Go: Gudibanda hides a picturesque hill fort and a serene lake. This place is not much talked about and offers serenity for the traveller to unwind.
Activities:
- Hiking to the Gudibanda Fort for excellent panoramic views.
- Bird watching by a peaceful lake.
- Experience local culture and heritage.
- Explore local small markets and taste regional specialities.
- Lake boat riding and tranquility in the surroundings.
Historical Significance:
- Built by a local chieftain, the Gudibanda Fort has a rich history that indicates the region's past.
- The fort's architecture suggests the strategic importance given to the site so long ago.
- The town of Gudibanda is intact, with a hint of its old-world charm and traditional houses along narrow streets.
Devarayanadurga – A Spring Paradise with Hilltop Temples
- Bangalore Distance: About 70 kms.
- Ways to Travel: This route is ideal for a drive or a bike ride, offering scenic views and lush greenery that feast on the eyes.
- Reason to Visit: Devarayanadurga is a hill station characterised by a cool climate, breathtaking views and an aura of spirituality. Hilltop temples add tranquillity, making it a grand spring destination.
Activities:
- Hiking along beautiful trails.
- Visiting the Yoga Narasimha and the Bhoga Narasimha temples.
- Having a picnic among the lush greenery.
- Watching the flora and fauna come alive in the spring.
- Visiting the related Namada Chilume, an important historical natural spring.
Travel Tips:
- The evenings can get chilly, so carry a light jacket.
- Respect local customs and dress codes to honour the sanctity of the temples.
- Plan your weekday visit to avoid the crowd and enjoy a more relaxed ambience.
- Pack a set of delicacies and feel free to dine in nature at one or several breathtaking spots.
Bylakuppe: A Tibetan Cultural Retreat
- Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 220 kms.
- Travel Options: By car, depending on the highway chosen, it could either be straight ghetto or scenic.
- Why Visit: Bylakuppe is considered one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India and a good place to experience Tibetan culture. The calm monasteries and soothing atmosphere contrast with modern-day city life.
Activities:
- Visiting the most amazing Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple).
- Enjoying some delicious pure Tibetan food.
- Exploring the markets and handicrafts of Tibet.
- Be part of all meditation workshops and cultural events.
- Interactive sessions on learning about Tibetan Buddhism and its teachings at the monastery.
Cultural Significance:
- Bylakuppe was established in the 1960s as a Tibetan refugee settlement and has become a hub of Tibetan culture and religion.
- The Namdroling Monastery is one of the largest teaching centres of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
- The prayer flags and murals offer liveliness to the area around them.
Muthathi - Tranquil by the River in the Heart of the Forest
- Distance from Bangalore: 100-odd kms.
- Travel Options: This is an ideal destination for driving, with amazing driving options by the Kaveri River.
- Why Go: Muthathi is a secluded oasis on the banks of the Kaveri River. Engulfed by lush forests, it is perfect for one-day trips from Bangalore and provides an enchanting spot for nature lovers and peaceful seekers alike.
Activities:
- Boating across a calm river.
- Taking slow walks through the woods.
- Picnicking at scenic spots.
- Wildlife watching and nature photography.
- The nearby Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp makes for a truly adventurous fishing experience.
Travel Tips:
- Carry insect repellents to fend off mosquitoes and other insects.
- Observe the surroundings by littering it and keeping the noise level low.
- Pack a small first-aid kit and be prepared for minor injuries while enjoying outdoor activities.
- Plan your weekday visit to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
Channapatna - The Land of Toys
- Distance from Bangalore: About 60 kms.
- Travel Options: It can be easily travelled by car or train and well-paved roads.
- Reasons to Visit: Channapatna is famous for its colourful wooden toys and handicrafts. It is a lovely small town that makes it an even better place to visit with family and art enthusiasts. It can become your best weekend trip from Bangalore.
Activities:
- Local tour to visit workshops about toy-making.
- Shopping for colourful wooden toys and souvenirs.
- Sightseeing inside attractions like Janapada Loka and the cultural museum.
- Knowing the traditional art and history of the town.
- Going to workshops on toy-making and making your souvenirs.
Historical Significance:
- Channapatna boasts a rich heritage of toy-making, preserved and passed down through generations of artisan families.
- The toys are made through traditional processes and dyed with natural materials to ensure they are safe for children and the environment.
A Stay in Luxurious Retreats in Bangalore
Wouldn't spending a spring vacation at one of Brigade's hospitality properties in Bangalore be charming? These luxury stays in Bangalore are on the list of the best hotels in Bangalore for a weekend stay.
The Woodrose, JP Nagar, Bengaluru
- Perfect for: A serene club-style stay with recreational facilities.
- Amenities: Sports facilities, wellness centre and greenery.
- Highlights: A peaceful retreat with a calming ambience, spacious rooms and superior facilities.
Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, Sheshadri Road
- Perfect for: Whoever seeks connectivity and a view of Bangalore's famous racecourse.
- Amenities: Rooftop dining, modern rooms and near-to-most-of-the-city attractions.
- Highlights: The rooftop dining offers a spectacular view of the racecourse, adding to the uniqueness of the stay.
Grand Mercure, Bengaluru
- Perfect For: A plush stay with a lush feel that suits business and casual vacations.
- Facilities: High-end dining, spa, lovely interiors.
- Highlights: The heritage-modern luxury fusion makes it a first pick with discerning travellers.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bengaluru OMR
- Perfect for: Quick stops with efficient services and business-friendly amenities.
- Amenities: Compact, modern rooms, free breakfast, a fitness centre.
- Highlights: Strategically located and efficient services serving business and leisure travellers.
Conclusion
Spring in South India is a magical season, offering the perfect opportunity to explore offbeat destinations near Bangalore. While popular spots like the mythological Avani and the serene riverside of Muthathi attract visitors, many hidden gems, far from the usual tourist trails, are waiting to be discovered.
Whether you seek a spiritual retreat, a rich cultural experience, or the best weekend trips from Bangalore, these offbeat getaways cater to every kind of traveller. With some of the best hotels in Bangalore for a comfortable weekend stay, you can unwind after an exciting journey. So, pack your bags, hit the road and uncover the hidden treasures of spring. Happy travels!
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