Decembers in Bengaluru hit different — chilly mornings, warm sunsets, and that sudden urge to escape the city for one last adventure before the year ends. Whether you want misty hills, quiet riversides, beaches, or a full road-trip circuit, a perfect weekend escape is just a few hours away.
In this guide, I’ve handpicked four incredible weekend getaways from Bengaluru that are perfect for a quick December vacation — each offering a mix of nature, comfort, and easy travel plans.
1. Coorg — 265 kms from Bengaluru
Coorg in December feels like stepping inside a warm postcard — misty valleys, endless coffee estates, and cozy homestays that make you want to stay just a bit longer. Whether you’re sipping freshly brewed local coffee, hiking to a sunrise viewpoint, exploring waterfalls, or just cruising through scenic roads, this weekend getaway from Bengaluru offers the perfect “slow and soothing” weekend escape.
Why Coorg in December?
- Cool, misty mornings
- Fresh post-monsoon greenery
- Perfect for slow, cozy travel
Highlights
- Coffee plantation walks
- Mandalpatti Sunrise Jeep Safari
- Abbey Falls
- Raja’s Seat sunset
Route details
- Drive time: 5.5 hrs
- Route: BLR → Mysore Road → Kushalnagar → Madikeri
- Pro tip: If you are on a bike, the Mysore Expressway would have a lot of speed breakers which could ruin the ride experience. Select this route through Kanakapura road and you will have a far better time on the saddle!
2. Ooty – Coonoor — 270 kms from Bengaluru
If winter had a favourite hideout in South India, it would be the Nilgiris. The Nilgiris wrap you in cozy mornings, glassy lakes, aromatic tea estates, and that magical fog that makes every frame look straight out of a movie. Ooty and Coonoor pack in everything — chilly rides through forest curves, skyscraping viewpoints viewpoints, endless tea estates, and café vibes perfect for lazy afternoons.
Why Ooty–Coonoor in December?
- Cold, chilly weather
- Clear mountain views
- Tea gardens at their prettiest
Things to Do
- Tea & Chocolate Factory
- Doddabetta peak
- Needle Rock viewpoint
- Dolphin’s Nose & Lamb’s Rock
Route details
- Drive Time: 6-7 hrs
- Route: BLR → Mysore → Bandipur → Ooty
- I have shared the link to a detailed itinerary of the routes I explored on my blog. Do check it out!
3. Kanakapura & Barachukki Falls — 120 kms from Bengaluru
If you’re craving a short, refreshing escape without long drives, Barachukki Falls and the Kanakapura belt are exactly what you need. December brings just the right amount of mist to the falls, making the whole landscape look cinematic. From peaceful lakes, quiet forest stretches, and simple local food to mesmerising coracle rides and short nature walks, this region is perfect for those who love slow travel but don’t want to go too far from Bengaluru.
Why This Region in December?
- Perfect weather for outdoor activities
- Water volume at Barachukki still impressive post-monsoon
- Great for adventure lovers + families
Things to Do Around
- Barachukki & Gaganachukki Falls
- Bheemeshwari nature camp
- Karadi Betta sunrise trek
- Kayaking & coracle rides
- Chunchi Falls
Route details
- Drive Time: 2-3 hrs
- Route: BLR → Kanakapura Road → Shivanasamudra belt
Ideal For
Quick trips, one-day outings, budget travellers, adventure enthusiasts.
Hidden Spot: Barachukki Falls can get very crowded, especially on weekends — so here’s a little gem from my own ride. While exploring the area, I stumbled upon a serene hidden riverbed viewpoint just a few minutes away from the main falls (The first picture is from that spot back when I visited the falls in the post-monsoon period). Crystal-clear water, zero crowds, and the kind of peaceful vibe you rarely find at popular tourist spots. Click here for the spot’s location!
Gokarna – Murdeshwar – Jog Falls – 1070 km Circuit
If you want the most versatile weekend getaway in December, this coastal + Western Ghats circuit is unbeatable.
Watch a golden sunrise in Gokarna, feel the sea breeze in Murudeshwar, and then head into the mountains to witness Jog Falls roaring after the monsoon.
It’s the kind of trip that feels like three vacations rolled into one — beaches, backwaters, ghats, incredible food, and the chillest vibes.
Perfect for road trip lovers and anyone who wants to experience a lot in 2–3 days.
Why This Circuit in December?
- Murdeshwar’s coastal views are stunning in winter
- Clear skies for beach days
- Jog Falls still has some residual post-monsoon flow
Things to Do
Murdeshwar
- India’s second-tallest Shiva statue
- Beachfront temple
Jog Falls
- Sunset photography
- Watkins viewpoint
Gokarna
- Kudle → Om Beach
- Hilltop walk to Paradise Beach
- Sunset at Gokarna Cliff
Itinerary and Route details
- Day 1 – Bengaluru to Gokarna – Route, explore the beaches, enjoy the magical sunsets
- Day 2 – Gokarna to Murdeshwar to Jog falls, return to Bengaluru by night – Route
- If this feels too rushed, feel free to break this down into a 3 day plan for a much richer experience.
Each of these getaways offers something different interms of the experience but they all intend to reap one thing— stories that stay with you long after the trip ends. So where are you headed to this December? Let me know in the comments!
You may also like
- My Kinnaur travelogue – a raw, heartfelt journey through valleys, monasteries and remote Himalayan villages
- My Bengaluru to Ooty monsoon ride – a story of rain, forests, fog and roads that felt straight out of a dream
- How I plan budget-friendly trips – practical tips to travel more without spending more