So, you have decided to take your team for an outing. You wish to have a 2-day-1-night trip and have started looking out for options. Just two requirements – you need some team activities and the entire outing should be within your budget. A reasonable demand, considering the amount of time you spent convincing your team members to come for the trip. Here, we have covered 10 destinations for your next day out from office. Along with these team outing places near Bangalore , we also suggest stays which you can consider. These have been chosen keeping in mind the abundance of activities they offer and the value-for-money factor.
1. Coorg
The first destination that comes to your mind for a short trip if you are a resident of Bangalore would obviously be Coorg. The place, the people, the cuisine…everything is special. So special that you wouldn’t mind going to Coorg repeatedly. Also, there is no dearth of economical places to stay here, offering good accommodation and food at a competitive price.
Our picks: Chetty’s Homestay and Brindavan Estate
Located around 18kms from Madikeri, Brindavan Estate is located amidst a 40-acre coffee plantation. The place offers many activities such as plantation walks and mountain biking along with an outdoor swimming pool and facilities for outdoor and indoor games. In case you choose to spend a quiet evening by yourself, you can do that as well. The food is freshly-cooked, homely and includes traditional Coorgi cuisine or other Indian delicacies if you prefer. As the place can accommodate around 15 people, it would be your next stop for an exclusive team outing.
People who have visited Chetty’s always say that it was special. It may be because of its traditional architecture, combined with the comforts it provides inside. Or it may be because of the enthusiastic host, who ensures you have a completely immersive experience. Perhaps, it’s the beautiful surroundings that appeal to guests, with a stream that flows through the property (a big hit among everyone who visits the place) or the authentic mouth-watering Coorgi cuisine served. I don’t know. You decide after you visit the place.
2. Chikmagalur
Catching up with Coorg as one of the preferred destinations for weekend getaways from Bangalore, Chikmagalur is next on our list of team outing places near Bangalore. It is an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. If your team is big on adventure and outdoor fun, Chikmagalur is one of the best destinations for you.
Our picks: Bella Homestay and The Blossom
Bella Homestay can be your starting point for a team trek. The place is cosy and provides good food. It is located around 7 km from the base camp of Kudremukh National Park. You may keep this homestay as your base camp for treks to Kudremukh, Bhamikonda and Kuranjal, and also for your visit to Elaneeru waterfalls. Be sure to visit the Horanaadu temple and pay your respects. The ambience of the temple is enchanting and will put you at peace. While you’re at it, you may also consider visiting the nearby tea estate and the hanging bridge.
If you are in the mood for some luxury at an affordable cost, you can consider The Blossom in Chikmagalur for your next corporate outing. Sightseeing spots like Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Hirekolale Lake, Hebbe Falls and the Coffee Museum are a short drive away and if you are in the mood for some adventure, Baba Budangiri and Mullayanagiri are also nearby. The resort has a lot of in-house options for fun including a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor games and activities such as rope climbing, archery and zip lining.
3. Sakleshpur
Located in the same direction as Coorg and Chikmagalur, this destination has great options for budget resorts, with plenty of activities. Also, with around three hours’ drive time from Bangalore, Sakleshpur is becoming a preferred destination for team outings.
Our picks: Aroha Hill Resort and an eco-resort
Aroha Hill Resort is nestled amidst cliffs and mountains and has a plethora of activities in store for you. With cosy red brick cottages as accommodation and cheerful hosts to help you with all your needs, this place is ideal for a corporate team outing. From a visit to a nearby waterfall to ziplining into water and slush volleyball, this place offers you the perfect weekend getaway with your team. You have Manjarabad Fort, one of Tipu’s old bastions, the Hemvati river and Sakleshpura temple in case you decide to venture out of the resort.
Another great option for you in Sakleshpur is an eco-resort located amidst a 150-year-old coffee plantation. From campfire, barbecue and cycling trails to coffee trails, mountain treks and railroad treks, this place has a lot to offer. There is also a waterfall nearby where you can go and enjoy along with your team.
4. Kabini
Located around 200 km from Bangalore, this destination is popular among wildlife enthusiasts. If you are willing to shell out that extra cash, you will be ensured atop-class experience. There are more than a few beautiful resorts located here.
Our picks: Red Earth and Serai Resorts
Located close to the backwaters of the Kabini dam, Red Earth is one of those places which you would want to add to your bucket list. The resort is very calm and peaceful with a lot of activities such as yoga, bird watching, safari, cycling and trekking, guided nature walks, bullock cart ride and facilities for indoor and outdoor games.
Serai Resorts are always a class apart. The Serai Kabini is no different. Again, it is expensive. We give you that. But the experience is unparalleled and worth every penny you spend. With a plethora of activities such as kayaking, cycling, boat ride, nature ride, jungle safari, boat ride to Bhiman Kolli temple and archery, this place guarantees a fun-filled outing for your team. With all the hard work your team has been putting in, we think they deserve such an experience as a token of your appreciation.
5. Bandipur
Located in the same area as Kabini, this destination is best known for Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary and the safari that comes along with it. Located in the heart of the forest, there are a couple of jungle resorts here that will help you reconnect with nature. These places are ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts (unless your idea of fun is loud music and party lights). Nevertheless, if you are looking for a relaxing time and a close encounter with wild animals, Bandipur is the place for you.
Our picks: Windflower Tusker Trails and Jungle Lodges & Resorts
With spacious rooms, delicious food and eco-friendly surroundings, Windflower Tusker Trails is perfect for your next team outing. With an in-house swimming pool, facilities for indoor games, safaris and treks arranged from the property, Windflower Tusker Trails is a good choice for a fun-filled yet peaceful team outing. The in-house restaurant has more than enough options to cater to your palate.
The properties of Jungle Lodges and Resorts are good and reliable, and the one in Bandipur is no different. Owned and operated by the tourism department, the staff here is very courteous and service is really good. It comes with safari and other activities. The food is good and the stay a pleasant one. Both these properties are expensive but worth every penny spent.
6. Wayanad
Around 5 hours drive time away from Bangalore, Wayanad is a destination which has a little of everything to satisfy all kinds of travellers. Be it to relax, have fun or satisfy your sense of adventure, Wayanad has it all.
Our picks: Uravu Bamboo Grove and Dare 5000 Nature Campz
Uravu Bamboo Grove is located near the Bamboo Village of Wayanad, Thrikkaipetta. The whole property is designed with bamboo, including cosy rooms which are designed for comfort and luxury. You have offbeat activities to pick from over here, like the tour of a local bamboo craft shop which makes artefacts, toys and other handicrafts from bamboo or an authentic farming experience to understand how a day in the life of a farmer is. You also have bird watching and cookery classes to help you cook some delicious Kerala dishes.
Dare 5000 Nature Campz is more for adventure freaks. The camp is located at the highest point in Wayanad and the only way to reach this place is by the 4-wheel drives provided by the property. The rooms are comfortable and the place has activities galore to satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you. These include zip lining, Burma bridge, valley crossing, laddering and off-road jeep ride, to name a few. The food served is authentic Kerala cuisine cooked fresh by the locals. Situated on a secluded hill, this place is also a heaven for bird watchers.
7. Masinagudi/Gudalur
Compared to Coorg or Wayanad, Masinagudi is a destination that’s less frequented among team outing places near Bangalore. But there is no dearth of good accommodation and activities in this destination conveniently tucked away in the Mudumalai Wildlife Reserve.
Our picks: Whispering Willows and Whispering Wilderness
Whispering Willows is one of the best properties that you will come across in Masinagudi. Ideal for a team of 20-25 people, it provides the right amount of luxury, comfort and activities to keep you engaged. The food is traditional local cuisine which adds to the flavour of the place. Pykara Waterfalls and boathouse are a drive away from Whispering Willows and you have other activities such as fishing, nature walks, bird watching and plantation tours along with the customary safari of Mudumalai Reserve.
Whispering Wilderness is the place to go to if you just want to relax and enjoy the clean air around you. You can go on long walks around the property and enjoy the moon and stars around a campfire at night. The caretaker of the property leaves no stone unturned to ensure your comfort. Being a native of Sholur (a nearby town), he is well-versed with the surroundings and can take you on short fascinating trails into the forest. The place is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, and you might get to spot monkeys, spotted deer and the occasional grizzly. The food is simple, homemade and tasty. This place is the ideal stressbuster for those high-performing teams.
8. Ooty
Ooty needs no introduction as a tourist destination, with its sprawling hills and forests. One can be assured of having a great time at this place. Going to Ooty during the peak season can put a hole in your pocket but if you are travelling as a team, it can actually be quite cheap, as economies of scale come into play. As the destination has a lot of sightseeing spots, the concept of the accommodation itself being an experience does not apply here. We have chosen a couple of places that are comfortable with friendly hosts and easy access to major sightseeing spots.
Our picks: Prabhu’s Place and Sanctuary Boutique Hotel
Prabhu’s Place is a simple guest house located in one of the prime locations of Ooty. All the major tourist spots are a stone’s throw from this place. The no-frills accommodation is cosy and will provide you with a good night’s rest after a day filled with outdoor fun. The food is good and the hosts are courteous. All in all, Prabhu’s Place will give you a pleasant stay and access to the prime spots of Ooty at a very competent price.
Sanctuary Boutique Hotel brings together all the key factors like a great stay, wonderful hosts and convenient location. Enjoying close proximity to the must-visit places of Ooty, the place is well maintained and the staff are cheerful and hospitable. It is truly a delight to come back to this place after a day of exploring.
9. Pondicherry
Too much of mountains and jungles can make your travel monotonous. Let’s mix it up a little and bring in a bit of the sea. Think sea and think close to Bangalore. The first destination that pops into your mind would be Pondicherry. A little over 300 km from Bangalore, Pondy is a good destination for a short sojourn and an excellent destination to explore with your team.
Our picks: Tranquil Guest House and A la Villa Creole
Tranquil Guest House in Pondy gives you the bang for the buck and offers a slew of experiences. If you are an art and culture aficionado, this is the place to be, with theatre workshops, drumming lessons and kalarippayattu workshops regularly conducted along with live performances. They also have Ayurvedic therapies and swimming lessons. Being right next to Auroville, a chance to visit and get involved in the unique community enterprises is an added benefit.
Situated in the French quarters, A la Villa Creole offers you a glimpse into the colonial influence of France. The place is comfortable, cheap and a stone’s throw away from major spots such as Seaside Promenade, the Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Ganesha Temple. This stay gives you the comfort to explore Pondicherry’s varied facets – culture, heritage, spirituality and beaches.
10. Krishnagiri
In case you are looking for a quick getaway from Bangalore and don’t want too much travel, then Krishnagiri is among the best team outing places near Bangalore. Hardly 85 km away from Bangalore, Krishnagiri maybe the quickest getaway from Bangalore to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Our pick: Bamboo Rustles
If you are looking for a nature camp with good food and tons of activities, Bamboo Rustles is the place for you to be. The food is cooked in firewood, which adds to the flavour. The plethora of activities they offer includes trekking, kayaking, coracle rides, fun gipsy rides, cycling and bird watching. If you choose to camp outside under the starry sky, you have the choice to do that as well.
These are but a snapshot of the places you can go to for an experiential corporate outing. It is meant to give you a good start to your team outing initiative. So, before you spend that quarterly budget on just dinner and drinks, we suggest you think again. For a little over the same amount, you can probably go to one of these team outing places near Bangalore and provide a wonderful memory to your team.
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