Bangalore has an abundance of places nearby when it comes to planning the perfect weekend getaway. Not only are these destinations a matter of few hours by road but also are they enjoy a great weather throughout the year.  With plenty of lakes, hills, waterfalls and wildlife to choose from, a road trip from Bangalore isn't such a bad idea to end the week with.

Here is a list of the most awesome places around Bangalore for short road trips:

Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is a popular destination for road trip enthusiasts from Bangalore, especially the cyclists. This spectacular place is located 60 kilometres from the city and popular among the tourists, especially during summer. The most popular places of interest in Nandi Hills are Tipu's Drop, Tipu Sultan's Fort, Amruth Sarovar, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple. Nandi hills is also one of the few places in the state with paragliding facilities.

How to reach Nandi Hills: The 60 kilometre long Bellary Road from Bangalore is the easiest way to access Nandi Hills.

Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Skandagiri

Skandagiri, which is also known as Kalavara Durga, is a mountain fortress located approximately 62 kilometres from Bangalore. This place is perfect for a one-day road trip and is particularly famous for its night trekking. The trekkers start the climb at around 2 am and proceed downhill during the mesmerising sunrise. The best time to visit Skandagiri is between November to February. During the winter months, the hill is engulfed in a blanket of mist which makes it extremely beautiful.

How to reach Skandagiri: Most travellers usually follow the NH 44 to reach Chik Belapur and then move to Papagni Math from where they start to trek.

Driving Time: 1.5 hours

Coorg

Coorg is considered to be one of the best hill stations in south India and is an ideal place for road trips from Bangalore. Coorg is located 280 kilometres from the city and hosts several tourists from across the world every year. This hill station is surrounded by beautiful hills and forest slopes. The place has many tourist options and is particularly known for trekking, rafting and river sightseeing. The Namdroling Monastery, Golden Temple, Omakareshwara Temple and Dubare Elephant camp are some of the popular places of attraction in Coorg.

How to reach Coorg: The best way to reach Coorg by road is to take SH 17 via Mysore and take a deviation post Srirangapatana, bypassing Mysore city.

Driving Time: 5 to 6 hours

Bheemeshawari

The small town of Bheemeshwari is located 105 kilometres south of Bangalore and is the perfect getaway for a nature lover. This ideal road trip destination is picturesque and is one of the finest fishing destination in the region. Bheemeshwari attracts tourists round the year and the all-round pleasant climate is an added advantage. Cauvery Fishing Camp, Doddamakkali Nature Camp, Galibore Fishing Camp and Sangam are few of the popular places of interests in and around Bheemeshawari.

How to reach Bheemeshawari: The easiest way to reach Bheemeshawari from Bangalore is taking the NH209 stretch. The roads are well maintained with rest stops and petrol bunks.

Driving Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Coonoor

Coonoor, the 2nd largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills is known for its scenic beauty and tea plantations. Approximately 300 kilometres from the city, this is one of the most popular road trip destinations from Bangalore. The pleasant climate throughout the year has attributed to the constant inflow of tourists from various places. However, the best time to visit Coonoor would be between October and March. When in Coonoor, do not forget to take a ride on the world famous toy train. Sim's Park, Highland Tea Factory, Dolphins Nose, Rallia Dam and Lamb's Rock are few popular places of interest here.

How to reach Coonoor: The fastest route to Coonoor is via Mysore SH17, Gundlupet NH212 and Gudalur NH67. After crossing the Karnataka border, travel across Mudumalai

Driving Time: 5 to 6 hours

Apart from these spectacular destinations, other places such as Bandipur, Avalabetta, Sangam, and Hampi are also pretty close by and have a lot to offer. Reach out to the best self-driven car rentals in the city to visit these places at your own comfort.