Day Trip From Bangalore on a Budget

Tired of pub hopping in Bangalore and want to do something exciting this weekend? Pack your bags and head out for a day trip! 

Whether you’re craving nature, want to dive into history, or just need a break from the chaos, there’s something for everyone just a short bus ride away. And the best part? You don’t need to break the bank. With Bangalore’s amazing bus connectivity, exploring these gems is both easy and affordable. Why not make the journey a part of the adventure?

Here’s a guide to some of the best day trips you can take from Bangalore.

Quintessential Bangalore, Nandi Hills offers a refreshing retreat with its cool weather and rich history.

Highlights:

• Sunrise viewpoint: If you’re an early riser, Nandi Hills offers one of the best sunrise views around Bangalore.
• Trekking: There are several trails to explore, including the Nandi Hills Trek, which is ideal for a moderate hike.
• Historical sites: Explore the Nandi Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and the ancient fort built by the Vijayanagara rulers.

Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset for pleasant weather and stunning views. Note that weekends are usually quite crowded.

Bus schedule and ticket price:

• Bus Schedule: Buses to Nandi Hills depart early in the morning. There are no direct buses, but you can take a bus to Chikkaballapur, the nearest town, and then hire a taxi to Nandi Hills.
  •  Departure from Majestic Bus Station (Bangalore): Every 30-40 minutes starting from 5:30 AM.
  • Return buses from Chikkaballapur: Starts at 8:30 PM, with buses available every 2 hours.
• Ticket Price:
  • KSRTC: Under INR 100 (one-way).

The "City of Palaces" is an elegant blend of history, art, and vibrant culture.

Highlights:

• Mysore Palace: Visit the grand Mysore Palace, a stunning blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles.
• Chamundi Hill: Climb the 1,000 steps to Chamundeshwari Temple for an excellent view of the city.
• Brindavan Gardens: Located about 30 km from Mysore, the Brindavan Gardens are famous for their musical fountain, a treat for the eyes in the evening.
• St. Philomena’s Church: A beautiful neo-gothic church worth visiting for architecture enthusiasts.

Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is cooler.

Bus schedule and ticket price:

• Bus schedule: Frequent buses from Bangalore to Mysore. Both KSRTC and private bus operators provide comfortable services.
  • Departure times: Every 30 minutes from 6am to 10pm.
  • Return buses from Mysore to Bangalore: Every 30 minutes from 5:30am to 10:30pm.
• Ticket price:
  • KSRTC (Air-conditioned bus): INR 250-300 (one-way).
  • Private buses: INR 200-350 (one-way), depending on the bus type.

Known as the "Scotland of India," Coorg is famous for its lush coffee plantations, misty mountains, and serene landscapes. 

Highlights:

• Coffee Plantations: Coorg is famous for its coffee, and a visit to one of the coffee estates is a must.
•  Mandalpatti: A breathtaking hilltop offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. This offbeat destination is accessible via a thrilling jeep ride through rugged terrain.  
• Abbey Falls: A scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
• Talacauvery: The source of the River Cauvery, located at an altitude of 1,276 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
• Dubare Elephant Camp: For animal lovers, this camp offers a chance to interact with elephants and learn about their care.

Best time to visit: October to March for pleasant weather and clear skies.

Bus schedule and ticket price:

• Bus schedule: Several buses to Madikeri (Coorg’s main town) operated by KSRTC and private bus services.
  • Departure times: 7am, 9am, 10:30am (from Bangalore KSRTC bus station).
  • Return buses from Madikeri: 2pm, 6pm, 8pm.
• Ticket price:
  • KSRTC (Air-conditioned bus): INR 500-600 (one-way).
  • Private buses: INR 450-650 (one-way).

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transports you to the glorious days of the Vijayanagara Empire. Known for its ancient temples, ruins, and boulder-strewn landscapes, Hampi is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Virupaksha Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the main attractions in Hampi.
• Vijaya Vittala Temple: Famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars, a unique architectural wonder.
• Hampi Bazaar: Explore the ruins of the once-thriving market area of Hampi.
• Matanga Hill: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the entire Hampi landscape.

Best time to visit: October to February, avoiding the summer heat.

Bus schedule and ticket price:

• Bus schedule: Hampi is well-connected by overnight buses and day buses.
  • Departure times (overnight buses): 8pm, 9pm (from Bangalore KSRTC bus station).
  • Return buses from Hampi: 6am, 7am.
  • For day trips, take a morning bus and return late in the evening.
• Ticket price:
  • KSRTC (Air-conditioned sleeper bus): INR 600-800 (one-way).
  • Private buses: INR 500-700 (one-way).

Chikmagalur, the coffee capital of Karnataka, is another perfect day trip for nature lovers. Located in the Western Ghats, it’s known for its coffee plantations, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather.

Highlights:

• Mullayanagiri: The highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri offers stunning views and is ideal for trekking.
• Coffee Estates: Take a guided tour of a coffee estate to learn about the coffee production process and enjoy a freshly brewed cup.
• Hebbe Falls: A beautiful waterfall nestled in the coffee estates, surrounded by dense forests.
• Baba Budangiri: A mountain range famous for its pilgrimage sites and the origin of coffee in India.

Best time to visit: September to March, when the weather is most comfortable.

Bus schedule and ticket price:

• Bus schedule: KSRTC and private buses operate from Bangalore to Chikmagalur.
  • Departure times: 6:30am, 8am, 9am (from Bangalore KSRTC bus station).
  • Return buses from Chikmagalur: 2:30pm, 6pm, 8pm.
• Ticket price:
  • KSRTC (Air-conditioned bus): INR 450-550 (one-way).
  • Private buses: INR 400-550 (one-way).

Srirangapatna is an island town located on the banks of the River Kaveri, known for its historical significance and cultural importance. It was once the capital of the kingdom of Mysore under Tipu Sultan.

Highlights:

• Ranganathaswamy Temple: A major religious site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with stunning architecture.
• Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: Visit the palace built by Tipu Sultan, showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture.
• Daria Daulat Bagh: Tipu Sultan’s summer retreat, famous for its beautiful frescoes.
• Gumbaz: A mausoleum where Tipu Sultan, his father, and his mother are buried.

Best time to visit: October to March, during the cooler months.

Bus schedule and ticket price:

• Bus schedule: Frequent buses operate to Srirangapatna from Bangalore. The closest bus station is Srirangapatna Bus Stand.
  • Departure times: Every hour from 6am to 10pm.
  • Return buses from Srirangapatna: Every hour from 6am to 10pm.
• Ticket price:
  • KSRTC (Non-air-conditioned buses): INR 100-150 (one-way).
  • Private buses: INR 80-120 (one-way).

Sakleshpur, a quiet hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, is famous for its picturesque landscapes, coffee plantations, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Highligts:

• Coffee Plantations: Explore the coffee estates and enjoy the lush green scenery.
• Manjarabad Fort: A historical fort built by the Wodeyars, offering great views of the surrounding landscape.
• Bisle Viewpoint: Known for its stunning views of the Western Ghats and the dense forest.
• Hemavathi Reservoir: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride and the serene environment of the reservoir.

Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is ideal for exploring.

Bus schedule and ticket price:

• Bus schedule: Sakleshpur is well-connected by buses operated by KSRTC and private services.
  • Departure times: 6am, 7:30am, 9am (from Bangalore KSRTC bus station).
  • Return buses from Sakleshpur: 2pm, 6pm, 8pm.
• Ticket price:
  • KSRTC (Air-conditioned bus): INR 400-500 (one-way).
  • Private buses: INR 350-500 (one-way).

• Book in advance: Use KSRTC’s app or private operator sites for hassle-free ticketing.
• Choose comfort: Opt for air-conditioned buses for longer rides.
• Carry essentials: Pack snacks, water, and a jacket for overnight or long journeys.

 So, where’s your next adventure? Let the road take you there!