5 Good Friday-Easter weekend getaways from Bengaluru to escape crowd

With Good Friday and Easter long weekend just a few days away, Bengalureans are already looking for an escape from the city! While popular tourist destinations like Coorg, Chikmagalur, or Ooty are great options, they can be overcrowded during peak holiday seasons.
So here we have curated a list of top 5 offbeat destinations that offer a refreshing break and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Karnataka and beyond.

If you’re craving some time by the sea but want to avoid the crowds of Goa, Gokarna is a great offbeat alternative. Located around 485 kilometers from Bengaluru, Gokarna is a small coastal town known for its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe. ​
What to do: The main attractions in Gokarna are its beautiful, less-crowded beaches such as Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach. You can indulge in water sports, relax by the beach, or take a peaceful walk to explore the surrounding areas.

This is a perfect place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Kabini makes for an excellent offbeat destination to explore and it is only 220 kilometers from Bengaluru. It’s a beautiful town on the banks of the Kabini River and is part of the Nagarhole National Park. This region is famous for its rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
What to do: You can spend your long weekend taking a jeep safari through the forest, enjoy a boat ride on the Kabini River, and even go for nature walks with experienced guides. The area also has several beautiful resorts that offer luxurious stays with the opportunity to experience the wilderness from the comfort of your accommodation.

Sakleshpur in the Western Ghats is around 220 kilometers from Bengaluru. This lesser-known hill station is all about coffee plantations, misty hills, and scenic beauty. The town is lesser-known compared to other hill stations in Karnataka.
Sakleshpur offers several activities, such as coffee plantation tours, nature walks, and treks to places like the Manjarabad Fort and the charming Hebbe Falls. The cool climate, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination to relax.

For history and architecture lovers, Hampi is an unmissable destination. Located around 350 kilometers from Bengaluru, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
What to do: Walk through the iconic Stone Chariot, explore the Virupaksha Temple, visit the Royal Enclosure, and marvel at the intricacy of the Vijaya Vittala Temple. Beyond the temples, Hampi’s boulder-strewn landscapes and peaceful vibe make it an ideal getaway to unwind and reflect on the past.

Also known as the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’, Agumbe is a hidden gem located around 350 kilometers from Bengaluru in the Western Ghats. The place is all about misty hills, scenic waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking peace and solitude. The village is noted for its dense forests, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
What to do: Agumbe is known for its Sunset Point, where visitors can witness spectacular views of the sun setting over the hills. For trekkers, the Kudlu Theertha Falls trek is a must-do, offering scenic views and a refreshing dip in the waterfall.