Whether you’re in the mood to trek into misty hills, get lost in space, smash a few things for catharsis, or simply play games indoors — October 10–12 offers a fascinating mix of experiences around Bangalore. Below is a curated itinerary of seven activities you can pick from (or combine), each with practical details, pros & cons, and tips to make your weekend memorable.
7 Things To Do In Bangalore This Weekend
1. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (English Shows)
What & Why It’s Great
Step into the cosmos — the Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru runs a series of dome / sky theatre shows that bring astronomy, the solar system and deep space to life through immersive visuals, narration and sound.
- Shows include “Dawn of the Space Age” at 10:30 AM (Sat & Sun), “Our Sun and Its Family” at 12:30 PM, and “Exploring the Universe” at 4:30 PM.
- Ticket pricing starts from INR 60 onwards per person.
- The planetarium accepts advance online booking (BookMyShow) for many slots; local show schedules are also maintained.
What to Expect, Tips & Caveats
- Duration: Each show runs ~35–42 mins depending on content.
- Shows are in English; there are also Kannada / regional versions at times.
- Arrive early (15–20 mins before show) — seating is limited, and late entry may be disallowed.
- The planetarium also has a science center / exhibits (in some visits) that explain key physics or astronomy principles (optics, illusions, etc.).
- If you’re comparing with offline ticket counters: when I checked, some visitor reviews mention ticket counters opening ~30 minutes before shows.
Best For
Families, students, or anyone wanting a quiet yet mind-expanding indoor activity. Good fallback for rainy afternoons or midday breaks.
2. Skandagiri Sunrise Trek by Tripbae
What & Why It’s Great
This is a classic “escape the city, wake up on a hill” overnight trek: depart late night, climb in the dark, and reach the summit for sunrise above the clouds. The views, fresh air, and camaraderie make it a highlight for many Bangaloreans.
Key Itinerary Details
- Pick-up Time / Meeting: ~11:00 PM from Bangalore (multiple pick points like Gopalan Arcade, Kathriguppe, BTM, Silk Board etc.)
- Trek Start: Guides typically start ascent ~5:30 AM after brief rest.
- Sunrise at Summit: ~7:00 AM (weather permitting)
- Descent & Return to Bangalore: Descent begins ~8:00 AM; reach base ~10:00 AM; then back to Bangalore by ~1:00 PM with drop points same as pickups.
- Ticket Options: INR 759 with transportation, INR 257 without transport.
- Forest Permit: NOT included; an additional cost (~INR 505) for forest permits may apply depending on regulations.
- Age Limit: 8 years and above.
On the Ground Tips
- Carry a headlamp / torch, warm clothes, trekking shoes, extra water (2 L+), energy bars, rain protection.
- Weather is critical — cloud cover or rain may spoil the sunrise view.
- Be prepared for uneven, steep and rocky terrain.
- Confirm your exact pick-up point and time with organizers a day before.
- Permits are subject to availability — book well in advance.
- Respect environment: carry back your litter, avoid loud noise, don’t wander off path.
Best For
Adventure-seekers, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and people looking to break free from city life for a few hours.
3. Timezone — Phoenix MarketCity, Bangalore (Arcade & Indoor Gaming)
What & Why It’s Great
Need a relaxed, indoor fun break? Timezone (Phoenix MarketCity) offers gaming, VR, arcade machines, redemption counters, and family-friendly light thrills. A good choice when you want play without exertion.
Details & Pricing
- Duration: ~2 hour sessions (or flexible play time depending on ticket / playcards)
- Ticket / entry cost begins around INR 590 onward.
- It’s listed in BookMyShow under “Activities → Theme / Arcade / Amusement” categories.
Tips & Suggestions
- Visit early (afternoon) to avoid crowding in evening / weekend rush.
- Bring extra battery / phone power — continuous games / VR can drain devices.
- Combine with mall time — Phoenix has lots of food, shops, cafes.
- Review games you most want to try ahead so you don’t waste time deciding.
Best For
Groups of friends, families, or when weather is uncertain and you want a fun indoor break.
4. Snow City, Bangalore (Indoor Snow / Winter Experience)
What & Why It’s Great
Snow City Bangalore offers a delightful indoor winter experience in the heart of the city, featuring real snow, snow slides, snowball fights, and more.
What to Expect / Things to Note
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Snow Slides: Thrilling slides for all ages.
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Snowball Fights: Engage in friendly snowball battles.
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Snow Mountain Climbing: Challenge yourself with snow-covered climbs.
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Fantasy Snow Castle Making: Unleash creativity by building snow castles.
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Snow Rafting: Experience the joy of rafting on snow.
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MadLabs: Interactive science exhibits for curious minds.
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Eyelusion: Mind-bending visual illusions and AR experiences.
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AR Zoo: Augmented reality zoo with 3D animal interactions.
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Devil’s Dark House: A spooky adventure for thrill-seekers.
Best For
Those who want a “winter experience” in Bangalore, especially children or groups seeking a whimsical, immersive environment.
5. Board Games Joy (Tabletop / Social Gaming)
The Board Games Joy event in Bengaluru is a social board and tabletop gaming meetup, offering a relaxed and engaging environment for both beginners and seasoned gamers. It’s an excellent way to spend an evening with friends or meet new people over classic and modern games.
Cost
While the exact entry fee for Board Games Joy is not mentioned, similar events at board game cafés in Bengaluru typically range from INR 199 to INR 299 per person.
Why It’s Worth Trying
A relaxed, low-cost, high-fun social option. Great for a laid-back Sunday evening with friends.
6. Rage Room Bengaluru (Smash & Release / Stress Room)
What It Likely Is
Rage Room Bengaluru offers a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience where you can unleash your frustrations in a safe and controlled environment. Whether you’re looking to vent after a stressful week or seeking an unconventional outing with friends, this is the place to be.
Location & More
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Address: 3rd Floor, 23 Hari Prem Complex, Opposite Inflow House, Behind Asha Sweets Center, Stage 1, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038
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Operating Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM
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Ticket Price: Starting at ₹500
7. Gokarna / Beach Trekking (Coastal Adventure)
What It Appears To Be
The Gokarna Beach Trek is a scenic coastal hike in Karnataka, taking you through pristine beaches like Kudle, Om, Half Moon, and Paradise. The trek covers approximately 10–12 km, with varying terrains including sandy paths, rocky trails, and forested areas. It’s suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels.
What You Should Investigate
- Most operators offer 2-day, 1-night packages, typically departing from Bangalore on Friday night and returning by Sunday night. This schedule is ideal for weekend getaways.
- Packages start from ₹2,599 to ₹3,199 per person, including transportation, meals, and accommodation.
General Tips:
- Book tickets early, especially for treks and planetarium slots (which fill fast).
- Confirm all details (pickup times, meeting points, cancellation policy) the day before.
- Pack smart: trekking gear, layers, power banks, extra clothes, hydration.
- Be realistic: don’t overbook — allow rest and buffer times.
- Check weather forecasts — cloud cover or rain can impact sunrise treks significantly.
- Keep IDs/permits for treks available; follow safety instructions strictly.
Final Thoughts
This weekend (10–12 October) in Bangalore offers a compelling mix: cosmic exploration at the Planetarium, an adrenaline-charged hill trek (Skandagiri), indoor gaming fun at Timezone, a chilly snow-play experience at Snow City, and more offbeat options like Board Games Joy, Rage Room, and a potential coastal trek in Gokarna (if confirmed).
