The Best Child-Friendly Weekend Getaways From Bengaluru

With long weekends and summer holidays just around the corner, you better be planning a fun trip for the children! Whether you are planning a few weekend getaways or one long trip, Bangalore is a great starting point. There are so many places around the city that are just a short drive away. If your child is interested in wildlife or adventure, there is something for everyone. And the best part is, the resorts will guarantee that you get a break as well.

So here is the complete list of the best child-friendly weekend getaways from Bangalore. Start planning now!

Mysore –  Bangalore to Channapatna – 61.1 kms Channapatna to Mysore – 85.7 kms

Mysore is just a short drive away from Bangalore and has tons of things to do not just at the destination but the drive there is fun too! Make sure you stop off at Maddur and Chennapatna, en route to Mysore. At Maddur stop for breakfast and sample tasty Maddur Vadas. A hidden secret only a Karnataka resident will be able to tell you about. If travelling with kids, stop at Chennapatna, home to wooden toys that you simply must buy! Your kids will love the colourful toys and there is something for everyone. Once in Mysore, make sure you visit the Mysore Zoo. Ranked as one of the best zoos in India, it is definitely a treat you simply can’t miss. Also Brindavan gardens, Musical fountains, Mysore Palace should all be on your must-see list.

Wonderla Amusement Park – Bangalore to Wonderla – 28.5 kms

For a good dose of fun and excitement, enjoy a day at the Wonderla Amusement Park with friends and family. Wonderla is spread across 82 acres of landscaped gardens and boasts of about 56 thrill rides! Definitely, a must-visit for a weekend.

Nandi Hills –  Bangalore to Nandi Hills – 61.3 kms

Nandi Hills is a very popular weekend getaway near Bangalore. Nandi Hills is at an elevation of 1,479 metres and has great sightseeing opportunities and is a fantastic terrain for trekking.

Scroll down to see more amazing suggestions! 

Tractor Safari at Kolar –  Bangalore to Kolar – 67.2 kms

Kolar is a unique weekend getaway from Bangalore. It has something different for everyone in the family. Goldfields, Valmiki’s ashram from Ramayana, silk farms, wool spinning units, temples like the Kotilingesvara temple with ten million lingams, adventure sports, Black Buck safari…phew! Definitely something for everyone!

Bheemeshwari Adventures – Bangalore to Bheemeshwari – 101.9 kms

The River Cauvery is a definite must see. Your kids will love the coracle ride and will definitely enjoy a stay at the Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp. The stay will be a wonderful mix of nature and wild adventure, this camp is close enough for easy access and far enough to cut yourself off from the everyday humdrum. Definitely, a must visit for kids who are nature enthusiasts!

Shivanasamudra Waterfalls – Bangalore to Shivanasamudra falls – 135.5 kms

The Shivanasamudra waterfalls branch out of the river Cauvery. The bifurcation of the river results in two grand waterfalls, standing tall side by side. Your kids will definitely be taken aback by the grandeur of it all. Blessed with excellent natural beauty, the Shivanasamudram Falls is an excellent place for sightseeing and trekking.

B R Hills – Bangalore to BR Hills – 173 kms

The Biligirirangana Hills or BR Hills as they are popularly known are abodes of green and serene natural beauty. As far as the eyes can see, there is the expanse green hills and mountains that one can explore on a weekend trekking expedition near Bangalore.

Hogenakkal waterfall – Bangalore to Hogenekkal – 179.4 kms

The milky Hogenakkal waterfalls is a sight to behold. Located in Tamil Nadu and situate don the mighty Cauvery river, the entire water facade will be something kids would love to see and the mighty grand falls will simply mesmerize them!

Kabini – Bangalore to Kabini – 209.4 kms

Kabini is perfect for kids of any age group. Young ones who are still learning about animals or older ones eager to do some animal spotting. The land where nature is untouched and wilderness embraces you, Kabini has many charms to offer. Take a coracle ride on the mystic Kabini River, spot a tiger on a boat ride if you are lucky, take an elephant ride, or a jeep safari to witness exotic wildlife. The riveting list is endless!

Bandipur – Bangalore to Bandipur – 223.2kms

The Bandipur national park is an established tiger reserve. Home to gorgeous resorts and homestays this will be the perfect place for your kids to spot tigers, elephants, deer, and other animals. If your child loves animals this is the perfect place to take them. Summer is a great time to visit as the animals come out to the watering holes.

Nagarhole – Bangalore to Nagarhole – 224.3 kms

There is no dearth of wildlife-themed weekend getaways from Bangalore and in the same vein, Nagarhole doesn’t disappoint. Take your children on a safari and watch their excitement as they spot deer, elephants and even tigers. While forest guides will accompany you on the many safari trips, if you would like you can even take the kids on a safari on elephant back! Elephants are trained to take the visitors to a particular spot to see animals. What a treat indeed!

Masinagudi – Bangalore to Masinagudi – 229.0 kms

Wildlife buffs can head to the untamed beauty of Masinagudi in Tamil Nadu. For a unique experience visit the Elephant Camp where around 29 pachyderms are taken care of and trained. Witness how the adorable creatures are given a bath and fed. Take a safari at the national park and you might stumble upon bears, deers, and boars. You could even take an elephant ride!

Chikmagalur – Bangalore to Chikamagalur – 242.9 kms

Home to sprawling hills, stunning valleys, and snow-white coffee blossoms, Chikmagalur is often known as the coffee district of Karnataka. A calm, serene town full of scenic surprises, Chikmagalur is nestled in the Baba Budan hills and a trekker’s delight. Stay in one of the resorts or homestays if travelling with children and if you are a family that loves to walk and explore, this is the best place to visit.

Coorg – Bangalore to Coorg – 263.8 kms

Coorg, also known as the Scotland of India, is a stunning hill station with misty hills, lush green valleys, evergreen forests and breathtaking waterfalls. Kids can feed deer at Nisargadham, watch elephants at Dubbare, go for long treks and catch insects, and even take a mini toy train ride at King’s Seat.

Bannerghatta National Park – Distance from Bengaluru 35.7 km by NH48

As an 8-year-old, wildlife was something new to me, something magical yet realistic, the only thing I remember was seeing a beautiful red panda running through the bushes finally climbing a tree. Such instances make childhood memories worth remembering, so why not you do the same for your kids. Before 10 years of age, it is the best time to take your kids to the national parks and for that matter, you can visit Bannerghatta National Park located just an hour away from the city centre of Bengaluru. Since you’re travelling with kids, chances are you may get exhausted by the end of the day and to relieve your tiredness; BNP has jungle lodges and resorts like Muyura Vanashree that offers sleeping accommodation and restaurants to fill your tummy. And to make things even more convenient, there is another restaurant called Hill View located in the vicinity of the national park. In addition to witnessing beautiful animals via safari, the park also facilitates boating activities to relax.
Contact: 080 29776466
Timings: 09:30 to 05:00

Hoysala Village Resorts, Belur Road – Distance from Bangalore 194kms

This is a beautiful nature resort in Hassan surrounded by history and culture. The rustic look meets modern amenities (traditional wood architecture, et al) and entertainment options like the pool, indoor/outdoor games, cycling, and even bullock cart rides and musical shows. Enjoy within the resort or even make a short historical visit to the nearby Halebidu and Belur. They organise music and dance programs featuring local artists to give the guest a peek into the rich culture of Karnataka.
Contact: +91 8884444125 / 9591077400 / 080-22340166
Website: Hoysala Village Resorts

Morrit Farms, Bethamangala Road – Distance from Bangalore 90kms

Located at Kolar Gold Fields, a mere 90 mins from Bangalore, Morritt Farms, is an eco-friendly farm-stay, set overlooking a farm lake and the rolling plains of D. K. Halli Plantation. Situated in a quiet rural area, guests at the farm can enjoy the peaceful environment, laze by the pool, ride a bullock cart, or just walk around the farm, ensuring a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily city life. Children can enjoy a Military-Style obstacle course located within the farm. The children’s play area or play zone is well equipped with slides, large swings etc. The play area is well located and viewable from everywhere. Other activities like Ball-Badminton, Basketball, Milking the cows, etc are also available.
Contact: +91-9739754329
Website: Morritt Farms

Brindavan Gardens – Distance from Bengaluru 149km by NH275

Adjacent to Kaveri River and the Dam, this beautifully Mughal built Brindavan Gardens is one of the most popular tourist spots in Karnataka. This symmetric design terrace garden is surrounded by colourful ornamental plants that also feature a number of fountains that illuminate with colourful lighting during the night show. As a kid, seeing the fountains dance in the rhythm of the music is one one of the most memorable experiences. The Brindavan Gardens are divided into South Brindavan, North Brindavan and Childrens’ Garden, there is also a fruit orchard, two Horticulture Farms and Cacti and Succulent Garden.
Timings: 6:30am to 9:00pm

Yelagiri – Distance from Bangalore: 159.9km

Located in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri is called as the Poor Man’s Ooty. The hill station, which is located at an elevation of 4,626 ft in Vellore district, is a famous trekking destination. Surrounded by rose gardens, orchards and lush green valleys, Yelagiri is one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India. Yelagiri is not as commercialized as other famous hill stations and the government has undertaken many steps to promote this place. The place offers many adventure sports like rock climbing, trekking and paragliding.
Things to do – Swamimalai Hills is one of the places you must visit. The place offers one of most scenic treks in the region. The artificial Punganur lake is one of the places in Yelagiri you must visit if you are a boating enthusiast. The nature park located in Yelagiri is home to several varieties of plants. Spread across 12 acres of land, the park is an ideal place to relax and unwind. The park also has a bamboo house, fish aquarium and many more features.