20 Best Weekend Getaways from Goa

Traversing and exploring Goa will remain incomplete if you don’t take on weekend getaways from Goa to its bordering regions. There are many popular getaways from Goa which are must to visit during your vacation at the “City of Beaches.”

1. Mangalore

Mangaluru is the official name of Mangalore officially, which is the major port city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located at a distance of about 350 kilometres from Bangalore (the capital city of Karnataka). Between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges is situated the Mangalore city. In terms of top business destinations of India, it is ranked at 13th position. Being considered as one of the rapidly developing cities, Mangalore hosts many multinational and domestic corporations. The city has many attractions likes Churches, Temples, Museums, Park and Dock.

Distance: 361 km
Duration: Around 6 hours 40 minutes
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Location: Karnataka

2. Bijapur

Bijapur is located 530 km northwest of Bangalore. It houses many well known monuments of historical importance built during the administration of Adil Shahi. It is an ancient city of varied cultures and a land of five rivers. The various attractions of Bijapur include Gol Gumbaz, Gagan Mahal, The Archaeological Museum, Jami Masjid, Shree Siddeshwar Temple and many more which attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Distance: 331 km
Duration: Around 5 hours 10 minutes
Best Time to Visit: September-March
Location: Karnataka

3. Chorla Ghats

mostly visited nature destination situated to the north-east of Panaji in Goa. Being situated on the borders of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra in the Western Ghats, it shelters unusual species of wild animals like wolf snake and variety of birds and butterflies in its forests. In addition, many waterfalls are there that offers a dramatic natural view. The major attractions of Chorla Ghats are Twin Vajra Waterfalls and Peak of Lasni Temb. This place also provide opportunities for various activities like Foot trail, Jungle walks, Treks and hike, Machans and hide.

Distance: 58 km from Panjim
Duration: 1 hours 26 minutes
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Location: Goa

4. Agumbe

In the Malnad region of Karnataka is situated a small village known as Agumbe. Agumbe is one of the major destinations of Indian tourism, which is also associated with rainforest conservation, Power generation, medicinal plants and cottage industry. Being situated in the western ghats it contributes to the scenic beauty with its amazing landscape and lush greenery. Adventurous tourists can visit this place as it provides opportunities for trekking. Agumbe is well known for its waterfalls. The major attractions of Agumbe include Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Fall, Jogigundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls and the Sunset Point.

Distance: 382 km
Duration: Around 7 hours
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Location: Karnataka

5. Malpe

About 6 km to the west of Udupi, Malpe is a natural port situated in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is also considered as an important harbor on the coast of Karnataka coast. It is known for its fascinating and natural scenic beauty. It has been a centre for commercial activities since long. It has three rocky islands, which draws the attention of the tourists. Its attractions also include the temples of Balarama and Ananteshwara.

Distance: 313 km
Duration: Around 6 hours 20 minutes
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Location: Karnataka

6. Hampi

This village of northern Karnataka in India is located near Hospet town in the Karnataka, within the leftover of the city of Vijayanagara in the former capital of Vijayanagara Empire. The word Hampi means "champion". It is one of the sites under UNESCO World Heritage. This place is surrounded with amazing hills and valleys that draws the attention of the tourists. It has more than 500 monuments.

Distance: 316.4 km
Duration: 6 h 22 min
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Location: Karnataka

Suggested Tour : 3 Days - Hampi and Hospet Tour from Bangalore

7. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is nestled in the Western Ghats and is 1,372 meters above sea level. It is located in the Satara District of Maharashtra. It receives tourists in large number as it offers panoramic view, which includes soaring peaks, exotic flora and fauna, breathtaking valleys, beautiful lake along with cool mountain breeze. It is one of the popular hill stations of Maharashtra. One can carry on with the activities like fishing, boating and pony riding.

Distance: 391.0 km
Duration: 7 h 24 min
Best Time to Visit: October-June
Location: Maharashtra

8. Kolad

Kolad is situated at a distance of 117 Km from Mumbai in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is nestled on NH 17 also known as the Mumbai - Goa highway. It is regarded as the adventure capital of Maharashtra as it offers opportunities for White Water Rafting, rock climbing, rafting and trekking. The waterfalls of Kolad are very famous and draw numerous tourists from all over the world.

Distance: 466.5 km
Duration: 9 h 15 min
Best Time to Visit: June to March
Location: Maharashtra

9. Lonavala

One of the most admired tourist destinations is Lonavala. It is a town as well as a hill station situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is 64 km away from Pune and 96 km away from Mumbai. Domestic and foreign tourists visit this place for its attractions like Lonavla Lake, Duke's Nose, Tiger's Leap, Karla Caves and more. It is a place that provides peace to those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Distance: 505.7 km
Duration: 8 h 53 min
Best Time to Visit: October-May
Location: Maharashtra

Read More About - Weekend Destinations Near of Mumbai

10. Dudh Sagar Waterfalls

It is regarded as one of the highest waterfalls of India. Being nestled at Mollem in the southern part of Goa, it is near the border of Karnataka. According to Konkani language, Dudh Sagar means Sea of Milk. One has to go through the forest department gate of Collem to enter the waterfall. It is located in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary of South Goa.

Distance: 72.3 km
Duration: 2 h 6 min
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Location: Goa

11. Udupi

The Udupi district in Karnataka which lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea was formed in August 1997. This district is also called as the Parashurama Srishti. Udupi is popular among tourists for its beaches and temples. A Krishna temple called the Kanakanakhindhi is a must visit for most tourists who visit Karnataka. Paryaya is a famous festival which is held once in every two years and attracts tourists and pilgrims alike. Other popular temples are Chandramoulishwar Temple, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple and the Ananteshwar Temple. Udupi is also well known for its educational hub – Manipal which is home to students from all over.

Distance: 292 km via NH 66
Duration: Around 6 hours 20 minutes
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Location: Karnataka

12. Tarkarli

Tarkarli is a tiny village in Maharashtra which is well known for its narrow and long beach. People know it for its white sand and pristine water and also the sea fort called Sindhudurg. It is a great weekend getaway which is not marred by commercialization. The Maratha forts and bastions, along with pristine beaches with Suru trees, Malvani food and fine sand is enough to tempt many a tourist looking for a peaceful and quiet time. Sometimes Dolphins can also be sighted.

Distance: 123 km
Duration: Around 3 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Location: Maharashtra

13. Gokarna

Gokarna is another beautiful town on the Karwar coast in Karnataka which is known for its Hindu temples and beaches. It has recently become a popular destination for hippies and beach lovers. This is a great town to visit for some peace and quiet. The beaches are lined with beautiful palm trees and clean sands. On the other hand it is also popular for the Mahabaleshwar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A temple tank called the Koti Teertha is nearby wherein devotees take a wash.

Distance: 154 Km
Duration: Around 4 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Location: Karnataka

14. Dandeli

Dandeli is a lovely town in the Uttara Kannada District in Karnataka. It is well known for its greenery and the Kali River. It is a well known spot for river rafting enthusiasts and other adventurists who can indulge in trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, cycling as well as canoeing. Another important place worth visiting is the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary wherein one can see Black Panthers, elephants, monkeys, Bison and several bird species. The Kali Tiger Reserve which is encompassed by the Anshi National park and the Kavala caves are other famous places.

Distance: 123 Km
Duration: Around 3 hours and 15 minutes
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Location: Karnataka

15. Malvan

Malvan is counted among the eight Taluks of Sindhudurg of Maharashtra. It is a holiday destination which has something for every kind of tourist. Right from famous Malvani dishes to beautiful beaches to adventurous activities everyone has something to do here in Malvan. Malvan is a rare place where Scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can enjoy. The nature of the backwaters makes it ideal for several water sports. The Dolphin sighting and rides are pretty well known too. There are also several temples for those that would like to get pious.

Distance: 121 Km
Duration: Around 3 hours
Best Time to Visit: January to April
Location: Maharashtra

16. Amboli

Amboli which is at an altitude of 690m is lying in the Sahayadri hills of the Sindhudurg district and is a well known hill station in the South of Maharashtra. It is maybe the last hill station. After this, start the highlands and coastal lands of Goa. It is famous as it is one of the well known Eco Hot Spots in the world. It has an abundance of rare species of flora and fauna. Amboli also is the wettest as it gets the highest rainfall in the state and thus the reason for all the greenery. It is a great weekend getaway for those who love nature.

Distance: 95 Km
Duration: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Location: Maharashtra

17. Karwar

Karwar which is sometimes also called the ‘Queen of the Konkan Coast’ is mostly a port city in Karnataka. It is famous among tourists for its divine beaches like the Rabindranath Tagore beach and the Tilmati Beach with its black sand. You also have spots which are good for diving. A former missile boat made into a Warship Museum called the INS Chapal holds videos and artifacts of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The Sadashivgad Fort, the Kali River Bridge is also well visited along with the Durga temple.

Distance: 95 Km
Duration: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Location: Karnataka

18. Kolhapur

Kolhapur is situated on the Panchaganga River banks of Maharashtra. It is popular for its temples namely the Mahalakshmi Temple. An old palace by the name of the Bhavani Mandap has been made into a museum which displays stuffed wild animals. Another tourist spot is the Rankala Lake in between an expanse of gardens. The city outskirts hold the Jyotiba temple which is on a hilltop. Kolhapur is known for Naga Panchami festival which is held in August. It is also famous for its cuisine and Kolhapuri chappals.

Distance: 214 Km
Duration: Around 5 hours
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Location: Maharashtra

19. Kodagu

Kodagu is the official name of Coorg which is a rural district in Karnataka. It is a well known hill station known for its lush scenery and exotic greenery. Madikeri Fort is the most famous tourist site in this town which boasts life sized elephant statues, a church in Gothic style and a museum on the same grounds. The Omkareshwara temple is also famous among Hindus. This hill station is also famous for its coffee production and the Kodava clan that specialize in martial arts.

Distance: 510 Km
Duration: Around 11 hours and 50 minutes
Best Time to Visit: September to June
Location: Karnataka

20. Kudremukh

Kudremukh which is a peak and mountain range is located in the Chikkamagaluru district of the Karnataka state. It shares its name with a hill station and mining town based near the mountain. As the name suggests, it is so called as the mountain is supposedly in the shape of a horse’s face. This is in itself a crowd puller along with the place being beautifully scenic and known for the biodiversity. It is a paradise for those that are given into nature and trekking. Its mountainous paths, grasslands, dense forests and meadows are enough to make one fall in love with the place. Varaha Parvatha which is close by is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distance: 402 Km
Duration: Around 9 hours and 15 minutes
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Location: Karnataka

21. Panchgani

Panchgani is a hill station in the state of Maharashtra and is so called because of the five hills that surround it. It is a famous hill station in the state and is located near another tourist place called Mahabaleshwar which is almost like a twin city. Panchgani is famous for the Table Land which is a volcanic plateau. The Kamalgad Fort which was used by the British in the 19th century as a prison and the Dhom Dam Lake can be seen from various tourist points of Panchgani. There is also a Lord Kartikeya temple which is housed by the Rajpuri caves.