Dear Marco,
Our family of six adults is planning to take a weekend break in end September. We need information on places close to Bangalore (not more than 450km) which we can drive to. Also, many places that we checked out (beaches mostly) advise against coming during the monsoons. Could you please suggest some places that would be suitable to visit during this period? We prefer beaches and hills, but are open to other options.
Shefali Sunderan Harsha

Dear Shefali,

For weekend breaks from Bangalore, you’re spoilt for choice. September falls in the cusp between seasons and it might still not be a good time to wade out into the sea. Which leaves the hills. From the more obvious choices, I’d suggest Madikeri in Coorg (237km from Bangalore), which offers a fair range of things to do that might occupy six adults for three days, or any of Coorg’s hill stations: Dubare, Kabini, Siddapur or Kakkabe — all of which will be lush and beautiful after the rains. Consider also Kemmangudi (295km) or Kudremukh (351km) in the Malnad region. There are more options, of course: I recommend that you get yourself a copy of Outlook Traveller Getaways’ Weekend Breaks from Bangalore, which has detailed info on 52 destinations.