The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express has revolutionized travel in India, and for Bangaloreans, it has opened up a treasure trove of quick weekend escapes. Gone are the days of exhausting 8-hour drives or cramped bus journeys. With world-class comfort, high speed, and punctuality, you can now reach amazing destinations in half the time.
If you are looking for a weekend trip by train from Bangalore that doesn’t involve spending your entire day in transit, you are in the right place. We have curated a list of 6 fantastic destinations you can reach in under 5 hours using the Vande Bharat Express. From historical forts to culinary havens and hill stations, these fast train getaways in South India are perfect for your next break.
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1. Mysore (Mysuru) – The Royal City
Time Taken: ~2 Hours
Mysore needs no introduction. It is the cultural capital of Karnataka and the most popular weekend getaway from Bangalore. However, the Vande Bharat Express has made this classic trip even smoother. While driving on the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway is fast, it can be stressful on weekends due to traffic bottlenecks at the entry and exit points. The Vande Bharat whisks you away from the chaos of Bangalore traffic and drops you in the heart of Mysore in just 2 hours, fresh and ready to explore.
The Vande Bharat Experience
The journey is incredibly short, almost feeling like a metro ride but with luxury seating. The landscape shifts rapidly from the concrete jungle of Bangalore to the lush green sugarcane fields of Mandya. Since the travel time is short, you barely have enough time to finish the complimentary snack and tea before you arrive!
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Train Numbers | 20607 (Chennai-Mysore VB), 20664 (MGR Chennai-Mysore VB) |
| Departure Station | KSR Bengaluru City (SBC) |
| Departure Time | ~10:20 AM or ~05:40 AM (Check specific train schedules) |
| Travel Time | 2 Hours |
| Ticket Price (Approx) | CC: ₹485 | EC: ₹950 |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March (Dasara Season is peak) |
Top Attractions
- Mysore Palace: The architectural marvel that defines the city.
- Chamundi Hills: A spiritual climb with a panoramic view of the city.
- Brindavan Gardens: Famous for its musical fountain show in the evening.
- Mysore Zoo: One of the best-maintained zoos in India.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Fastest way to reach Mysore (beats weekend road traffic). | ❌ The journey is so short you might not fully enjoy the “train experience.” |
| ✅ Very frequent connectivity. | ❌ Tickets sell out very fast on weekends. |
| ✅ Stations are centrally located. |
Expert Review
“Taking the Vande Bharat to Mysore is a no-brainer for a quick day trip or weekend stay. It eliminates the stress of the Mysore Road traffic, especially on long weekends. The Executive Class (EC) isn’t really necessary for such a short 2-hour hop; the Chair Car (CC) is perfectly comfortable and offers great value. Tip: Sit on the right side while going towards Mysore to catch glimpses of the Ramanagara rocks.”
2. Vellore (Katpadi) – The Golden Temple City
Time Taken: ~3 Hours
Often overlooked, Vellore is a hidden gem accessible via the Katpadi Junction stop on the Bangalore-Chennai Vande Bharat route. Vellore is a city that blends history, spirituality, and medical tourism seamlessly. It is home to the stunning Golden Temple (Sripuram) and the historic Vellore Fort. The Vande Bharat drops you at Katpadi, which is just 15-20 minutes away from the main city attractions.
The Vande Bharat Experience
This route takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Eastern Ghats. The train maintains a high speed, often touching 110-130 km/h, making the journey thrilling. It’s a perfect duration—long enough to enjoy a movie or a book, but short enough to reach by breakfast or lunch.
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Train Numbers | 20608 (Mysore-Chennai VB), 20663 (Bangalore-Chennai VB) |
| Departure Station | KSR Bengaluru (SBC) or SMVT Bengaluru |
| Departure Time | ~02:50 PM or ~07:50 AM |
| Travel Time | 3 Hours |
| Ticket Price (Approx) | CC: ₹650 | EC: ₹1,300 |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February |
Top Attractions
- Sripuram Golden Temple: A spiritual park covered in real gold foil, beautiful at night.
- Vellore Fort: A 16th-century granite fort surrounded by a deep moat.
- Jalakandeswarar Temple: Located inside the fort, known for intricate carvings.
- Vainu Bappu Observatory: Located in Kavalur (a bit further out), great for astronomy buffs.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Katpadi station is very well connected. | ❌ Auto-rickshaws in Vellore can be pricey for tourists. |
| ✅ Perfect for a spiritual weekend trip. | ❌ Summers can be extremely hot and humid. |
| ✅ The Golden Temple is unique in India. |
Expert Review
“Vellore is an excellent unconventional choice. Most people stay on the train until Chennai, but getting off at Katpadi allows you to explore a city rich in history without the metro chaos. The Vande Bharat schedule is perfect—take the morning train, reach by 10:45 AM, visit the Fort and Temple, and you can even return the same night if you wish. Pro Tip: Visit the Golden Temple in the evening when it is illuminated.”
3. Davangere – The Culinary Capital
Time Taken: ~3 Hours 30 Minutes
For foodies, this is the ultimate Vande Bharat trip from Bangalore. Davangere is world-famous for its “Benne Dose” (Butter Dosa). Before the Vande Bharat, driving here took 6+ hours, making it tiring for just a weekend. Now, the Bangalore-Dharwad Vande Bharat gets you there in just 3.5 hours! It’s not just about food; the city has beautiful lakes and temples that offer a relaxed vibe.
The Vande Bharat Experience
This train (Dharwad Vande Bharat) is generally less crowded than the Chennai or Mysore routes, offering a more peaceful journey. The train moves towards North Karnataka, passing through Tumkur and the scenic Chitradurga region (famous for its windmills visible from the train).
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Train Numbers | 20661 (Bangalore-Dharwad VB) |
| Departure Station | KSR Bengaluru City (SBC) |
| Departure Time | ~05:45 AM |
| Travel Time | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Ticket Price (Approx) | CC: ₹810 | EC: ₹1,600 |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
Top Attractions
- Benne Dosa Trail: Visit legendary spots like Sri Guru Kottureshwara Benne Dosa Hotel.
- Kunduvada Kere: A massive lake perfect for sunrise/sunset walks.
- Harihareshwara Temple: A stunning Hoysala-era temple in nearby Harihar (15 mins away).
- Glass House: A beautiful garden structure inspired by Bangalore’s Lalbagh.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ A foodie’s paradise reachable in record time. | ❌ Limited “tourist” sightseeing spots beyond temples/lakes. |
| ✅ Clean and less crowded destination. | ❌ Early morning departure requires waking up very early. |
| ✅ The train timing (morning) leaves the full day for food/fun. |
Expert Review
“This is my favorite ‘hidden’ Vande Bharat route. You leave Bangalore at 5:45 AM and you are eating hot Benne Dosa in Davangere by 9:30 AM for breakfast! It’s the ultimate breakfast run. The town is quiet, the air is cleaner than Bangalore, and the food is heavy but heavenly. Verdict: Highly recommended for a relaxed, gluttonous weekend.”
4. Salem (Gateway to Yercaud)
Time Taken: ~3 Hours 30 Minutes
While Salem itself is a major textile and steel hub, for tourists, it is the gateway to Yercaud, the “Jewel of the South.” Yercaud is a charming hill station just a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Salem Railway Station. By taking the Vande Bharat to Salem, you cut down the tedious drive on the Hosur highway and get straight to the foothills of the vacation.
The Vande Bharat Experience
You have multiple options here! The Bangalore-Coimbatore VB, the Bangalore-Madurai VB, and the Bangalore-Ernakulam VB all stop at Salem. This gives you great flexibility in choosing your timings. The route via Hosur and Dharmapuri is scenic, winding through parts of the Tamil Nadu uplands.
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Train Numbers | 20641 (CBE VB), 20672 (Madurai VB), 20631 (Ernakulam VB) |
| Departure Station | Bangalore Cantt (BNC) or SMVT Bengaluru |
| Departure Time | ~01:30 PM (Madurai VB) or ~02:20 PM (CBE VB) |
| Travel Time | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Ticket Price (Approx) | CC: ₹700 – ₹800 | EC: ₹1,400 |
| Best Time to Visit | September to May |
Top Attractions
- Yercaud Lake: Boating in the center of the hill station.
- Lady’s Seat & Gent’s Seat: Viewpoints offering stunning views of the plains.
- Kiliyur Falls: A breathtaking waterfall (best post-monsoon).
- Loop Road: A 32km scenic drive through coffee plantations.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Bypasses the heavy traffic at Hosur/Krishnagiri. | ❌ You need to hire a cab from Salem station to Yercaud (~₹1500). |
| ✅ Multiple train options (Coimbatore/Madurai/Kerala lines). | ❌ Trains often depart from Cantonment or SMVT, not City station. |
| ✅ Comfortable start to a hill station trip. |
Expert Review
“Using the Vande Bharat to reach Yercaud is a smart travel hack. The drive from Bangalore to Salem can be stressful with trucks and tolls. The train is smooth. I recommend taking the Madurai Vande Bharat (departs ~1:30 PM), reaching Salem by 4:30 PM, and taking a cab up the hill to catch the sunset at Yercaud. It’s a magical start to the weekend.”
5. Chennai (MGR Central)
Time Taken: ~4 Hours 30 Minutes
Chennai, the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu, is a classic getaway for beach lovers, shoppers, and culture vultures. The Vande Bharat has made the travel time comparable to air travel (when you factor in airport check-ins and cab rides). In under 5 hours, you move from the gardens of Bangalore to the beaches of Chennai.
The Vande Bharat Experience
This is one of the most popular Vande Bharat routes in the country. The train maintains high speeds and offers excellent catering services. The route passes through the industrial belts of Ambur and Vellore. Arriving at Chennai Central is an experience in itself, given the station’s grand heritage architecture.
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Train Numbers | 20608 (Mysore-Chennai VB), 20663 (Bangalore-Chennai VB) |
| Departure Station | KSR Bengaluru (SBC) |
| Departure Time | ~07:50 AM (Morning) or ~02:50 PM (Afternoon) |
| Travel Time | 4 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Ticket Price (Approx) | CC: ₹950 | EC: ₹1,900 |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February (Pleasant winter) |
Top Attractions
- Marina Beach: The second-longest urban beach in the world.
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple: A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture in Mylapore.
- Mahabalipuram: A UNESCO heritage site (1 hour from Chennai).
- T. Nagar: The ultimate destination for shopping (sarees and jewelry).
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Fastest land connection between the two metros. | ❌ Chennai is very humid; not ideal for summer visits. |
| ✅ Arrives at Chennai Central, which is well-connected by Metro. | ❌ Tickets are priced higher due to high demand. |
| ✅ Morning train reaches by lunch; afternoon train reaches by dinner. |
Expert Review
“I prefer the Vande Bharat over flying to Chennai now. By the time you travel to Bangalore airport (KIA), wait for security, fly, and then travel from Chennai airport to the city, you’ve spent 5 hours anyway. The train takes 4.5 hours city-center to city-center with zero stress and more legroom. It’s the best option for a weekend city break.”
6. Kurnool (Gateway to Alampur)
Time Taken: ~4 Hours 30 Minutes
Heading north towards Hyderabad, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh is a fantastic offbeat destination reachable under 5 hours via the Kacheguda Vande Bharat. Kurnool serves as the base to visit Alampur, home to the Jogulamba Temple (a Shakti Peeth) and Navabrahma Temples, which rival the architecture of Hampi and Pattadakal.
The Vande Bharat Experience
This train departs from Yesvantpur (YPR), not the main city station. The route is dry and rocky but fascinating, passing through the rugged terrain of Rayalaseema. The train is usually punctual and offers a very comfortable ride to a region that was previously considered difficult to access quickly.
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Train Numbers | 20704 (Kacheguda Vande Bharat) |
| Departure Station | Yesvantpur Junction (YPR) |
| Departure Time | ~02:45 PM |
| Travel Time | 4 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Ticket Price (Approx) | CC: ₹900 | EC: ₹1,700 |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February |
Top Attractions
- Konda Reddy Burru: An iconic fort structure in the heart of Kurnool city.
- Alampur Jogulamba Temple: A major pilgrimage site and architectural wonder (25km from Kurnool).
- Orvakal Rock Garden: Stunning natural rock formations (shoot location for ‘Baahubali’).
- Belum Caves: (A bit further, ~1.5 hrs from Kurnool) The second-longest caves in India.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Opens up a new tourism circuit (Rayalaseema) for Bangaloreans. | ❌ Departs from Yesvantpur (YPR), which can be far for South Bangaloreans. |
| ✅ Perfect timing to reach by evening and rest. | ❌ Afternoon departure means you reach destination at night. |
| ✅ Less crowded than Mysore/Chennai routes. |
Expert Review
“Kurnool is the underdog of weekend trips. The Vande Bharat makes it accessible. If you love history and architecture but hate the crowds of Hampi, go to Alampur via Kurnool. The temples are ancient (7th century) and peaceful. The train ride is smooth, and you can easily cover the main spots in a Saturday-Sunday trip.”
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Express has truly redefined weekend getaways from Bangalore. Whether you crave the “Benne Dosa” of Davangere, the cool air of Yercaud (via Salem), or the beaches of Chennai, you can now get there in under 5 hours.
Quick Summary for the Weekend Traveler:
- For Foodies: Davangere (3.5 hrs)
- For Heritage Lovers: Mysore (2 hrs) or Kurnool (4.5 hrs)
- For Nature/Hills: Salem/Yercaud (3.5 hrs)
- For City/Beach Vibe: Chennai (4.5 hrs)
- For Spirituality: Vellore/Katpadi (3 hrs)
So, book your tickets on IRCTC, pack your bags, and get ready for a high-speed weekend adventure!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which is the shortest Vande Bharat trip from Bangalore? A: The trip to Mysore is the shortest, taking approximately 2 hours.
Q2: Do all Vande Bharat trains start from KSR Bengaluru (Majestic)? A: No.
- Mysore & Chennai trains usually start/stop at KSR Bengaluru (SBC).
- Davangere (Dharwad VB) starts from KSR Bengaluru (SBC).
- Salem/Coimbatore/Madurai trains often start from Bangalore Cantonment (BNC).
- Kurnool/Hyderabad trains start from Yesvantpur (YPR).
- Always check your ticket carefully!
Q3: Is food included in the Vande Bharat ticket price? A: Yes, if you choose the “Food Opted” option while booking. You will be served snacks/tea and a meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) depending on the timing. You can also opt-out to save money on the ticket.
Q4: How far in advance should I book Vande Bharat tickets for the weekend? A: For popular routes like Mysore and Chennai, it is recommended to book at least 10-15 days in advance for weekends. For Davangere or Kurnool, 5-7 days prior is usually sufficient.
Q5: Are there charging points in Vande Bharat? A: Yes, every seat in both Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC) has access to a charging socket/USB port located under the seat.
Disclaimer: Train schedules and ticket prices are subject to change by Indian Railways. Please check the official IRCTC website or app for the latest updates before planning your trip.
