Top 10 Short Road Trips from Bangalore for Weekends

Let’s be real—weekends were made for vibes, drives, and a quick escape from the city noise. After five days of back-to-back work, traffic meltdowns, and screen time that makes your eyes twitch, you deserve better than just binge-watching another series. Whether you're someone who chases sunrises like it’s a hobby, a lowkey adventurer who lives for bonfire nights, or just that friend who needs fresh content for the 'Gram—this list is for you.

Bangalore has plenty of dreamy getaways tucked just a few kilometers away—no flight bookings, no major planning. Just gas up, grab your crew (or go solo if that’s your vibe), throw on a fire playlist, and hit the road. From misty hills to quiet lakes and rocky sunrises, here are 10 short road trips that are low effort, high reward.

Let the city fade. The weekend’s calling.

1. Kanakapura

📍 Distance: 60 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~1.5 hours 

🎒 Vibe: Waterfalls, hidden hills, and solid nature-core

Tired of Cubbon Park and need something actually wild? Kanakapura is that under-the-radar weekend rescue where nature doesn’t try too hard—because it doesn’t need to. The landscape here is a mix of rolling hills, forest trails, and the Arkavati River running quietly in the background. Bananthimari Betta offers a short but fulfilling hike, and there are plenty of small waterfalls tucked away like nature’s secrets.

The drive itself is super chill—green fields, narrow village roads, and the occasional shout-out from cows crossing the road. For the adventurers, there are jungle camps and coracle rides. For the lazy ones? Just roll out a mat, open a book, and call it a day.

Address: HF84+24C, Karnataka 562117

2. Vatadosahalli Lake

📍 Distance: 98 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~3 hours 

🎒 Vibe: Nature’s soft launch—pure peace, no people

If you’re the kind of person who hates crowds and likes places where time slows down, Vatadosahalli Lake is your new weekend haven. It’s not Insta-famous (yet), which is exactly why it’s perfect. The lake just sits there—peaceful, wide, and blue—with zero drama. There are no shacks, no vendors, no distractions. Just you, your thoughts, and maybe a sleepy dog that follows you for company.

This one’s great for journaling, sketching, or taking moody reels where you look out into the distance like you're in a music video. Go early, and the mist over the water makes the whole place look like a still from a K-drama. Real ones know.

Address: https://g.co/kgs/nqvpWbJ

3. Kanva Dam

📍 Distance: 70 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~1.5 hours 

🎒 Vibe: Calm water, cleaner air, and main character energy

Kanva Dam doesn’t scream for attention—but that’s exactly why it’s so refreshing. You won’t find massive crowds or buzzing food trucks here. Instead, what you get is serenity served raw. With the water calmly spread out and low hills guarding the edges, the place gives you exactly the kind of mental detox the city can’t offer.

Perfect for a group drive or a solo soul-searching ride, Kanva welcomes you with chilled-out vibes. Pack a thermos of coffee, play some soft lo-fi beats, and let yourself do nothing. Trust, it’s therapeutic. And if you’re into photography, golden hour here will have you spamming your own feed.

Address: https://g.co/kgs/gVGHGKr

4. Manchanabele Dam

📍 Distance: 40 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~1 hour 

🎒 Vibe: Quick escape with minimalist vibes

If spontaneous is your middle name, Manchanabele Dam is your kind of plan. It’s close enough for a last-minute ride and far enough to feel like a proper getaway. The dam’s surrounded by rocky hills and dotted with wild shrubbery—no artificial frills, just Earth doing its thing. The reflection of the sky in the reservoir? 10/10 aesthetic.

You can find hidden corners around the banks where you can just sit and think about life—or nap, no judgment. It’s also ideal for bike trips. But don’t be reckless—this place has seen its fair share of warning signs. Stick to safe zones, bring your own food, and leave no trash behind.

Address: V8FP+XC4, SH 85, Bengaluru, Manchanabele, Karnataka 562201

5. Skandagiri

📍 Distance: 70 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~2 hours 

🎒 Vibe: Cloud walk, no cap

Skandagiri is not for the weak-hearted—or the late risers. You start the trek in pitch dark, usually around 3 AM, climbing by torchlight with nothing but stars above and chill in the air. Then around 6 AM, just as you hit peak panting-mode, you see it: a sun that rises slowly above a sea of clouds. You’re literally above the clouds. It’s giving: movie finale energy.

The hike’s a mix of rocky patches and narrow dirt trails, but the reward is unmatched. Pro tip: get trekking permission in advance and wear shoes that don’t betray you halfway up. This one stays with you long after you’ve come down. Address: https://g.co/kgs/rhYpbcu

6. Turahalli Forest

📍 Distance: 20 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~1.5 hours 

🎒 Vibe: Bangalore’s answer to a digital detox

You don’t need to leave the city to leave the noise. Turahalli Forest is that tiny green bubble that exists in the middle of madness. Whether you’re a mountain biker, casual walker, or someone who just wants to hear birds instead of honks—this place gets it. It’s one of the last surviving forest patches near the city, and it’s surprisingly wild.

The terrain’s rocky, the trees are dense, and the view from the hilltop at sunrise? Mood-lifting. It’s also a fav among climbers who love bouldering. Just go early before the cyclists take over. Pack your chai, wear good shoes, and enjoy your main-character forest walk moment.

Address: 100 Feet Rd, Thurahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560062

7. Nandi Hills

📍 Distance: 60 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~1.5 hours 

🎒 Vibe: Sunrise goals with classic Bangalore energy

Nandi Hills is the OG weekend spot for every Bangalorean who’s touched a bullet bike or tried to impress a date with “spontaneous plans.” Even if you’ve been there before, it somehow never gets old. Winding roads, cool breeze, and that one hairpin curve that always makes your playlist hit harder—it’s the ride, not just the hill.

What makes it iconic is that sunrise. You’re standing above a blanket of clouds, sipping tea from a local vendor, surrounded by strangers who all agreed it was worth waking up at 4 AM. It’s that collective silence right before the sun rises that makes this spot legendary. Address: https://g.co/kgs/kKHJbSV

8. Savandurga Hill

📍 Distance: 60 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~1.5 hours  🎒 Vibe: Rock solid adventure (literally)

Savandurga is not your walk-in-the-park kind of trek. This hill is raw, massive, and dramatic—the kind that gives your thighs a workout and your camera some brag-worthy shots. At over 1200 meters, it's one of the largest monolith hills in Asia, and reaching the top feels like you’ve conquered something major (because you have).

The trail is steep and slippery at times, but the adrenaline is real. On top, you get views of the surrounding forest and water bodies. No cafés, no shops—just clean wind and ancient vibes. Carry energy bars, hydrate like a pro, and please, don’t wear flip-flops. Respect the hill.

Address: https://g.co/kgs/6nZ1CU8

9. Chota Ladakh

📍 Distance: 60 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~1.5 hours 

🎒 Vibe: Desert-core, Bangalore edition

Tucked away near Dodda Ayur, Chota Ladakh is what happens when nature and an abandoned quarry collab. The terrain is dusty, the rocks are pale, and the water reflects the sky like it’s been edited. But this place is 100% real and surprisingly peaceful.

The walk from the road is short but scenic—fields on either side, birds chirping, and the occasional cow giving you side-eye. Once you reach, you’re greeted by a surreal landscape that feels more Ladakh than Karnataka. It’s a hit with campers, casual stargazers, and people who just want to lie back and vibe. Just don’t forget to carry your trash back out.

Address: 428G+64, Arabikothanur, Karnataka 563133

10. Manchanabele Dam (Yes, Again)

📍 Distance: 60 km 

⏱️ Drive Time: ~1 hour 

🎒 Vibe: Versatile and mood-matching

Okay, yes, it made the list twice. But that’s because Manchanabele Dam is a whole mood depending on how you approach it. The first trip? Maybe you picnicked. But the second trip? Bring your tent, your telescope, or just a new perspective. This dam is like that one friend who always adapts to your vibe.

Want to sketch? There’s a rock for that. Want to read? Find shade. Want to scream into the void? Plenty of echo space here. It's one of those places you keep coming back to because it doesn’t expect anything from you. Just show up—and let it work its quiet magic.

Address: V8FP+XC4, SH 85, Bengaluru, Manchanabele, Karnataka 562201

Final Thoughts: Why Wait?

So there you have it—10 easy-breezy road trips from Bangalore that don’t need a week off or a massive budget. Whether you're in the mood to hike, vibe by a lake, or just catch a golden-hour sky with your playlist on repeat, there's something on this list for every kind of weekend mood.

Remember, you don’t always need to cross states to feel like you’ve gone somewhere. Sometimes, the best adventures are just a tank of petrol and a good coffee stop away.

So pick a spot, pack some snacks, and get out there. Your weekend glow-up? It’s waiting just down the road.

Because sometimes, the only therapy you need is a full tank and a playlist.