Less than 300 km drive from Bangalore: 5 lesser-known destinations for an extended Good Friday weekend, offering off-beat experience

Bangalore can get pretty hectic, and sometimes you just need a few days away to breathe, take long drives, and enjoy some quiet time in nature. This Good Friday weekend is a perfect chance to step out of the city and explore spots that are not crowded, off the usual tourist path, and still within a few hours’ drive. From hills and waterfalls to riverside retreats, there are plenty of places where you can relax, click photos, or simply sit and watch the clouds pass by.

According to Tripoto, these destinations are all within roughly 300 km, making them ideal for a weekend trip without spending too much time on the road. Most of them offer simple pleasures like scenic drives, small hikes, or just sitting near a river or waterfall. They are great for people who want to escape the city noise, enjoy some greenery, and experience a slower pace of life for a couple of days.

Bisle Ghat

About 260 km from Bangalore, Bisle Ghat lies in the Western Ghats between Kukke Subrahmanya and Sakleshpur. This area is known for lush forests, green farmlands, and small scenic villages. You can watch clouds and mist moving across the hills and spot peacocks dancing in the rain.


Other attractions include the ancient Manjarabadh Fort and the dilapidated Shettihalli Church, also called the Floating Church. The drive itself is picturesque with winding roads, waterfalls like Mallalli and Mookanmanay, and a railway stretch with 58 tunnels and 109 bridges. Best visited from June to February.

Ganjam and Karighatta Black Hill

Ganjam is around 125 km from Bangalore and is famous for the Nimishamba temple at the Sangam. Karighatta Hill has an old temple dedicated to Lord Vaikunta Srinivasa.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic by the Cauvery river at Mahadevpura, climb the steps to see a 6‑ft black idol of Lord Vishnu, and even take a coracle ride with local fishermen while spotting rare birds and hearing folklore. The ideal time to visit is September to February.

Kabini

Kabini, about 210 km from Bangalore, is perfect for wildlife lovers and anyone who wants a break from the digital world. You can watch elephants swim across the river, go on a boat safari between two national parks (Nagarhole in Karnataka and Bandipur), or relax near the paddy fields and Iruppu Falls. Wildlife is best spotted from November to January.

Kemmangundi

Kemmangundi, 255 km from Bangalore, is known for its red soil and scenic hills. Visitors can explore Hebbe Falls, trek to Z Point, and climb Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. Sunset views from Raj Bhavan are especially recommended. Monsoon and winter months are the best times to visit.

Coonoor

Coonoor, about 290 km from Bangalore, is a quieter alternative to Ooty. It offers tea gardens, the Sim’s Park with plants from around the world, Catherine Falls, and a vintage UNESCO‑heritage train ride. You can also picnic near Rallia Dam. The best months to visit are October to March.


These five off-beat destinations are ideal for anyone looking to spend a relaxing Good Friday weekend. Whether it’s a short trek, a scenic drive, or just time by the river, these spots let you unwind without the crowds.

Planning a short trip like this also means keeping a few basic things in mind, especially since many of these off-beat places don’t have strong phone networks or easy access to shops. It helps to carry enough cash, download offline maps, and keep essentials like snacks, water, and fuel sorted before you leave the city. Early morning departures usually make the drive smoother, and since some of these routes pass through forest areas, it’s better to avoid late-night travel.