A festive long weekend is the perfect excuse to step away from the everyday and make time for a change of scene. Whether you want to wake up amid coffee plantations, retreat to the foothills of Nandi Hills, spend a few days by the sea or simply enjoy a luxury break without leaving the city, these stays offer different ways to make the most of the Ganesh Chaturthi holiday.
The Serai Resorts, Chikmagalur: A coffee estate escape
Set within a sprawling 70-acre coffee estate and surrounded by the Western Ghats, The Serai Resorts, Chikmagalur offers a stay rooted in the landscape of coffee country.
Guests can discover the estate through guided plantation walks, nature trails and the Bean-to-Cup experience, which follows coffee from the plantation to the cup. For those looking to explore beyond the property,
Mullayanagiri Peak and Jhari Falls offer opportunities to experience the region’s natural beauty, while the lake provides a quieter setting for an unhurried afternoon.
The connection with Chikmagalur continues at the dining table, with plantation picnics, lakeside breakfasts and Malnad-inspired flavours bringing the character of the region into the stay. Spacious villas with private pools offer a secluded retreat, while the surrounding coffee estate remains part of the experience.
Best for: Nature lovers, couples and coffee enthusiasts
Conrad Bengaluru: A luxury staycation without leaving the city
Not every long weekend requires a road trip. Located in the heart of Bengaluru, Conrad Bengaluru offers a way to turn the festive break into a luxurious city escape.
The property brings together a range of dining experiences, from Indian flavours at Indian Durbar and the all-day dining at Caraway Kitchen to Japanese-inspired offerings at Mikusu and Italian cuisine at Tiamo. Whether the plan is a leisurely festive meal, dinner with family and friends or simply trying something different, there is plenty to explore without leaving the hotel.
For those looking to make the break about relaxation, wellness and spa experiences offer time to disconnect from the everyday. Its central location also places Ulsoor Lake within easy reach, allowing guests to add a little Bengaluru sightseeing to an otherwise indulgent staycation.
Best for: Couples, families and city dwellers looking for a luxury break close to home
Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud: A lively city break
For a more playful take on the long weekend, Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud offers a relaxed stay in North Bengaluru. As India’s first Moxy hotel, the property brings the brand’s youthful, design-led approach to hospitality to the city.
The long weekend can be as active or laid-back as guests want it to be. Spend time by the pool, settle into the hotel’s vibrant social spaces or simply use the extended break to catch up with friends and family.
Its convenient location also makes it easy to explore Bengaluru at an unhurried pace before returning to the hotel’s lively atmosphere. With its youthful design and experience-led approach, Moxy offers a fuss-free way to turn the festive break into a change of scene.
Best for: Friends, young travellers and families looking for a relaxed staycation
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort: A festive escape by the sea
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate a long weekend is to head towards the coast. Located about an hour from Chennai, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort sits beside the Bay of Bengal, offering a slower-paced escape shaped by the sea and the cultural character of Mahabalipuram.
Mornings can begin with a leisurely breakfast followed by a walk through the gardens, while children can spend time at Planet Trekkers. Guests can also make use of the pool, pickleball court and nature trails, or simply find a quiet spot to take in the coastal surroundings.
Food is another part of the experience, with The Melting Pot, KoKoMMo and Tao of Peng offering different dining options. As evening arrives, Viora Sky Lounge provides a setting to watch the coastline transform under the setting sun.
There is plenty to do beyond the resort too. A visit to the Shore Temple, a trip to DakshinChitra or time spent exploring the surrounding coastline can add a cultural and leisurely dimension to the getaway. Those looking for a complete reset can instead opt for meditation by the sea, time at Amrtam Spa or simply a slow day at the resort.
Best for: Families, beach lovers and travellers looking for a mix of relaxation and experiences
JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire: A luxury retreat at the foothills of Nandi Hills
For those wanting to escape Bengaluru’s city pace without venturing too far, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa offers a long weekend surrounded by the Nandi Hills landscape.
The resort brings together dining, wellness and outdoor experiences, making it possible to spend the entire break on the property. Mornings can begin with a relaxed breakfast before heading to the Flamingo Pool & Bar, exploring the expansive grounds or unwinding with a wellness treatment at Spa by JW.
The JW Garden offers a closer connection with nature, while The Aviary provides a distinctive setting for leisurely evenings. Dining options include Aaleeshan and Terrace Bar, while The WKND adds a more casual, social element to the stay.
Whether it is a family break, a weekend with friends or simply a few days away from the city’s pace, the resort’s setting at the foothills of Nandi Hills makes the stay itself part of the getaway.
Best for: Families, groups and luxury travellers looking for a resort escape near Bengaluru
Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills: A quiet boutique retreat
If the idea of a long weekend is less about doing more and more about slowing down, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills offers a quieter alternative.
Located close to Nandi Hills, the boutique retreat is suited to those looking for a nature-led break, with cottage-style accommodation and a setting that encourages guests to take the weekend at their own pace.
Wellness is central to the experience at Ksema Spa, which features private treatment rooms as well as a hammam, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Guests can spend their days enjoying the property, heading out towards Nandi Hills or simply making the most of a few unhurried hours away from the city.
Its proximity to both Nandi Hills and the airport also makes it a convenient option for a short escape, without compromising on the feeling of being away from the everyday.
Best for: Couples, small families and travellers seeking a quieter, intimate retreat
Six ways to spend the long weekend
From coffee plantations in Chikmagalur and the shores of Mahabalipuram to luxury resorts around Bengaluru, the Ganesh Chaturthi long weekend offers plenty of ways to step away from routine. Whether the priority is food, wellness, nature, family time or simply a change of scenery, the best part may be choosing a stay where there is nowhere else you need to be.
