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Short weekend getaways from Mangaluru for a quick escape

Mangalore offers plenty of short weekend getaways that offer a taste of culture, nature, adventure, and food, just a few hours away.

Mangalore is a major industrial port city in the Indian state of Karnataka (Representational Image: Unsplash)

Mangaluru, the port city of Karnataka, has an impressive geographical profile. Not only is it blessed with beaches, forests, waterfalls, and hill drives, but it is also close to many gorgeous nearby locations. The city offers plenty of short, refreshing getaways. Whether you’re craving cool mountain air, quiet coastal towns, or spiritual calm, several destinations lie just a few hours away—ideal for a spontaneous weekend break.

1. Coorg (Madikeri)

Known for its misty hills and coffee estates, Coorg is a classic weekend retreat that balances nature, culture, and slow travel. It’s ideal for couples and nature lovers looking to unwind.

Distance & travel time: ~135 km | 4–5 hours
Must visit: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, coffee plantations, Dubare Elephant Camp

Coorg is also known as the Scotland of India (Image: Unsplash)

2. Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur offers sweeping hill views, trekking routes, and plantation stays. It’s quieter than Coorg and perfect for travellers seeking greenery without heavy crowds.

Distance & travel time: ~165 km | 5–6 hours
Must visit: Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Budangiri, coffee estates, Hebbe Falls

3. Udupi

A laid-back coastal town, Udupi combines spiritual heritage with easy access to the beach. It’s ideal for a short, low-effort weekend break from Mangalore.

Distance & travel time: ~60 km | 1.5–2 hours
Must visit: Sri Krishna Temple, Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Island, Kaup Beach

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Situated on the Arabian Sea coast, offering beautiful beaches like Malpe Beach (Image: Unsplash)

4. Bekal

Bekal is best known for its sea-facing fort and uncrowded beaches. It suits travellers who want coastal views without the bustle of bigger beach destinations.

Distance & travel time: ~70 km | 2 hours
Must visit: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, and nearby backwaters

5. Sakleshpur

Set in the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur is a quiet hill destination with monsoon greenery, plantation homestays, and scenic viewpoints.

Distance & travel time: ~140 km | 4–5 hours
Must visit: Manjarabad Fort, Bisle Viewpoint, railway bridge trek

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6. Kudremukh

Kudremukh is a paradise for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts, known for rolling grasslands and protected forest landscapes.

Distance & travel time: ~95 km | 3–4 hours
Must visit: Kudremukh Peak trek, Lakya Dam, forest trails

Bahubali Statue is a massive 57-foot monolith carved from a single granite rock, built around 981 AD by Chavundaraya, representing Jain ideals (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

7. Dharmasthala

A major pilgrimage centre, Dharmasthala, also attracts visitors for its serene setting and spiritual calm amid forested surroundings.

Distance & travel time: ~75 km | 2.5 hours
Must visit: Dharmasthala Temple, Bahubali statue, Netravathi bathing ghat

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8. Gokarna

Gokarna blends temple-town charm with relaxed beaches, making it a peaceful alternative to more crowded coastal destinations.

Distance & travel time: ~235 km | 6–7 hours
Must visit: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, beach trek trail

Agumbe, the biodiverse village in the Western Ghats, is also known as the “Cobra Capital of India” due to its high King Cobra population (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

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