Waquar Habib
Situated just 270 km from Bengaluru, a matter of a 5 hour ride, Ooty is the perfect weekend getaway for New Year. It is a British era hill station where you can enjoy expansive tea plantations, take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway ride which is a UNESCO site, or go sightseeing its attractions like the Ooty Lake, St. Stephen's Church, or Doddabetta, the highest peak in the Nilgiris.
Popular as the 'Scotland of India,' Coorg is just a 5 hour drive from Bengaluru at a stretch of 242 km. It is a coffee-producing hill station that makes for a perfect weekend getaway. You can visit the Namdroling Monastery, stroll around the madikeri Fort, or witness the majestic Abbey Falls.
Hampi is renowned for its majestic temples which are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing at a 6 hour ride away from Bengaluru, the village is the perfect retreat in winter. Apart from witnessing the architectural marvels like the Vijaya Vittala Temple and Virupraksha Temple, you can go artefact-shopping at the Hampi Bazaar.
If you are keen on history and architecture, you must consider Mysore for a weekend getaway. Located at just 150 km from Bengaluru, it houses sites of immense historic importance such as the Mysore Palace and Chamundeshwari Temple. You can also spend time at the serene Brindavan Gardens.
At just 200 km from Bengaluru, the Nagarahole National Park is a pristine getaway for the New Year weekend. It is part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve and also called the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. You can walk around the park and spot tigers, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and crocodiles, among others.
Nestled in the Shevaroys Range of the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is just 230 km from Bengaluru. The place is also called 'The Land of Seven Forests' and is famous for its coffee plantation, orange groves, and scenic viewpoints. You can enjoy the Yercaud Lake, Lady's Seat, or the Killiyur Falls on your weekend here.
At just 241 km from Bengaluru, the verdant Chikmagalur makes for a perfect weekend destination with its tea and coffee plantations and terrain suited for adventures. You can find serene trails around the Baba Budangiri or Mullayanagiri mountains or camp under the clear skies. Sharadamba Temple and Coffee Museums are among other places you must check out here.
The quaint town of Puducherry is just a 6 hour drive from Bengaluru. Over the weekend, you can explore its French colonial quarters, relax at the Promenade Beach, walk around the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, or visit the iconic Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
At just 60 km from Bengaluru, the Nandi Hills of Chikkaballapur is a hill station. The place is famous for its Tipu Sultan Fort, a summer treat of the 18th century king. An inconic feature is the huge statue of the bull, Nandi, at the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple. The place offers lush landscapes and scenic views of valleys that will make your New Year picturesque.
Wayanad is located just 277 km from Bengaluru and is quite promising as a weekend getaway. The place boasts terrific caves called the Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Lakkidi Viewpoint, and the Kanthanpara Waterfalls where you can picnic, among other things.