Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of India, is not just a hub for IT professionals but also a gateway to numerous scenic and historic attractions within a short drive. The region around Bangalore is blessed with lush greenery, serene lakes, ancient temples, and picturesque hills, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or adventure seeker, there’s something for everyone. From the ancient temples of Nandi Hills to the lush greenery of Bannerghatta National Park, these destinations offer a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. These spots are easily accessible, providing a much-needed escape from the bustling city life without the need for extensive travel plans.
Overview: Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurg, is a popular hill station located near Bangalore. It offers a serene environment with lush greenery, a cool breeze, and a pleasant climate. Historically significant, it was once the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan. The hill station is famous for its sunrise views, making it a favorite among early-morning visitors. The ancient Nandi Temple, situated atop the hill, adds a spiritual touch to the destination.
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best time: September to February
Highlights: Sunrise view, Nandi Temple, Tipu’s Drop, cycling, and paragliding.
Getting there: By car or bike via NH44, or by bus from Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station.
Overview: Known as the ‘Silk City,’ Ramanagara is famous for its rocky landscape and silk industry. The rocky terrain offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing and trekking, making it a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts. The area gained fame as the shooting location for the iconic Bollywood movie ‘Sholay.’ The Ramanagara hills, especially Ramadevara Betta, provide panoramic views of the surroundings.
Distance from Bangalore: 50 km
Travel time: 1 hour
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Rock climbing, trekking, silk market, and the ‘Sholay’ shooting site.
Getting there: By car or bus via Mysore Road (NH275).
Overview: Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga, is a historic fortress situated atop a hill. It is popular for night treks, where trekkers start their journey in the early hours to reach the peak by sunrise. The trek is moderately challenging and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the starry sky at night. The ruins of the old fort at the summit add a touch of history to the adventure.
Distance from Bangalore: 61 km
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best time: November to March
Highlights: Night trek, sunrise view, fort ruins, and camping.
Getting there: By car via NH44, with the base located near Chikkaballapur.
Overview: Savandurga, known for its monolithic rock formations, is one of the largest single-rock hills in Asia. The area is surrounded by dense forests and offers trekking opportunities to the top, where the ruins of a fort and two temples await explorers. The trek is moderately challenging but rewards climbers with panoramic views of the surroundings. The Manchanabele Dam nearby is also worth a visit.
Distance from Bangalore: 48 km
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best time: November to May
Highlights: Rock climbing, trekking, fort ruins, and temples.
Getting there: By car via Magadi Road, or by bus to Magadi.
Moderate trek, suitable for everyone, with some steep sections.
Huttari Betta trek offers diverse trails through rocky terrain and lush forests.
Descending trek provides serenity, ideal for escaping urban chaos and reconnecting.
Overview: Channapatna, also known as the ‘Toy Town,’ is famous for its traditional wooden toys and crafts. The town has a rich cultural heritage, and its artisans have been crafting vibrant, eco-friendly toys for generations. A visit to the toy factories offers insights into the craftsmanship and the meticulous process of toy-making. Channapatna toys are known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Wooden toy shops, toy factories, and local crafts.
Getting there: By car or bus via Mysore Road (NH275).
Overview: Bheemeshwari, located on the banks of the Cauvery River, is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The area is known for its lush greenery, abundant wildlife, and various adventure activities such as trekking, fishing, and river rafting. The Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp is a popular spot for tourists looking to indulge in outdoor activities and enjoy the serene environment.
Distance from Bangalore: 100 km
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Best time: November to February
Highlights: River rafting, fishing, trekking, and wildlife spotting.
Getting there: By car via Kanakapura Road, or by bus to Muthathi.
Overview: Mekedatu, meaning ‘Goat’s Leap,’ is a scenic spot where the Cauvery River flows through a narrow gorge. The place is famous for its unique rock formations and the powerful flow of the river. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and take a coracle ride in the river. The nearby Sangama, where the Arkavathi River merges with the Cauvery, is a popular picnic spot.
Distance from Bangalore: 90 km
Travel time: 2 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Scenic views, rock formations, coracle rides, and Sangama.
Getting there: By car via Kanakapura Road, with a short trek from Sangama to Mekedatu.
Overview: Chunchi Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near the village of Yeleguri. The falls, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain, are formed by the Arkavathi River. The cascading waters create a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip. The falls are particularly beautiful during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.
Distance from Bangalore: 83 km
Travel time: 2 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Scenic beauty, photography, and trekking.
Getting there: By car via Kanakapura Road, followed by a short walk to the falls.
Overview: Devanahalli Fort, a historic site dating back to the 15th century, is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. The fort is the birthplace of Tipu Sultan and has been a witness to many historical events. The fort walls, bastions, and gateways reflect the architectural style of the Vijayanagara era. Visitors can explore the ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Distance from Bangalore: 40 kms
Travel time: 1 hour
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Historical architecture, Tipu Sultan’s birthplace, and panoramic views.
Getting there: By car or bus via NH44.
Overview: Bannerghatta National Park, located on the outskirts of Bangalore, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, lions, and a butterfly park. The safari experience is a major attraction, allowing visitors to observe animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers trekking trails and a zoo for a comprehensive wildlife experience.
Distance from Bangalore: 25 kms
Travel time: 1 hour
Best time: November to June
Highlights: Wildlife safari, zoo, butterfly park, and trekking.
Getting there: By car via Bannerghatta Road, or by bus from various parts of Bangalore.
Overview: Anthargange is a unique destination known for its volcanic rock formations and cave exploration. The hill is dotted with caves formed by volcanic rocks, providing a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Trekking and cave exploration are the main activities here. The hilltop offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making the trek rewarding and enjoyable.
Distance from Bangalore: 70 kms
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Cave exploration, trekking, and scenic views.
Getting there: By car via NH75, or by bus to Kolar, followed by a short trek.
Overview: Lepakshi, located in Andhra Pradesh, is famous for its ancient temples and rich heritage. The Veerabhadra Temple, known for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, is the main attraction. The temple complex also features a giant Nandi statue and murals that depict various mythological stories. Lepakshi is a treasure trove of history and art, attracting tourists and art enthusiasts alike.
Distance from Bangalore: 120 kms (slightly over 100 kms)
Travel time: 2 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Veerabhadra Temple, Nandi statue, and ancient murals.
Getting there: By car via NH44, or by bus to Hindupur, followed by a local taxi.
Overview: Nrityagram, an internationally acclaimed dance village, was founded by renowned dancer Protima Bedi. The village is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical dance forms. Visitors can witness dance rehearsals, interact with dancers, and explore the beautifully landscaped campus. Nrityagram provides a unique cultural experience and a deep dive into the world of Indian classical dance.
Distance from Bangalore: 30 kms
Travel time: 1 hour
Best time: November to February
Highlights: Dance performances, cultural interaction, and scenic campus.
Getting there: By car via Tumkur Road, or by bus to Hessarghatta, followed by a short taxi ride.
Overview: Janapada Loka, meaning ‘Folk World,’ is a cultural museum dedicated to preserving the folk traditions of Karnataka. The museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, including traditional musical instruments, masks, costumes, and sculptures. Visitors can explore various exhibits that highlight the diverse folk culture of Karnataka, including music, dance, art, and rituals. Janapada Loka also hosts cultural performances, workshops, and demonstrations to educate visitors about the rich heritage of Karnataka’s folk traditions.
Distance from Bangalore: 53 kms
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best time: Throughout the year
Highlights: Folk artifacts, cultural performances, workshops, and demonstrations.
Getting there: By car or bus via Mysore Road (NH275).
Overview: Shivagange, also known as Dakshina Kashi, is a popular pilgrimage center and a trekking destination near Bangalore. It is famous for its Shiva temple located on the hilltop, which attracts devotees and trekkers alike. The trek to the top is moderately challenging and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The hill is also known for its natural spring called ‘Gangadhareshwara.’
Distance from Bangalore: 54 kms
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Shiva temple, trekking, Gangadhareshwara spring, and panoramic views.
Getting there: By car via Tumkur Road, or by bus to Dabaspete, followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride.
Overview: Kokkare Bellur is a serene village known for its large population of painted storks and spot-billed pelicans. The village is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts who visit to observe and photograph these migratory birds. Kokkare Bellur is also famous for its efforts in bird conservation and eco-tourism, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful day in nature.
Distance from Bangalore: 85 kms
Travel time: 2 hours
Best time: November to March
Highlights: Painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, bird watching, and eco-tourism.
Getting there: By car via Mysore Road (NH275), or by bus to Maddur, followed by a local taxi.
Overview: Kunti Betta is a picturesque hill located near Pandavapura, known for its trekking trails and beautiful sunrise views. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Pandavas and Kunti stayed here during their exile. The trek to the top of Kunti Betta is relatively easy and rewards trekkers with stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. Night treks are also popular here for witnessing the sunrise.
Distance from Bangalore: 125 kms (slightly over 100 kms)
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Trekking, sunrise view, and panoramic vistas.
Getting there: By car via NH275, or by bus to Pandavapura, followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride.
Overview: Hesaraghatta Lake, located to the northwest of Bangalore, is a man-made reservoir that provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The lake attracts migratory birds during the winter months, making it a favorite spot for bird watchers and photographers. Visitors can enjoy boating, bird watching, and picnicking along the lake’s shores. The Hesaraghatta Grasslands nearby are also worth exploring.
Distance from Bangalore: 27 kms
Travel time: 1 hour
Best time: November to February
Highlights: Bird watching, boating, picnicking, and Hesaraghatta Grasslands.
Getting there: By car via Tumkur Road (NH75), or by bus to Hesaraghatta.
Overview: Balmuri Falls is a small man-made cascade on the Cauvery River, known for its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere. The falls are not high, but the gentle flow of water creates a perfect spot for swimming and relaxing. The surrounding countryside offers a serene backdrop, making it a popular spot for day picnics and photography.
Distance from Bangalore: 143 kms (slightly over 100 kms)
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Waterfall, swimming, picnicking, and photography.
Getting there: By car via NH275, or by bus to Srirangapatna, followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride.
Overview: Hogenakkal Falls, often referred to as the ‘Niagara of India,’ is a breathtaking waterfall on the Kaveri River. The falls are famous for their medicinal baths and coracle rides. The surrounding area is rich in flora and fauna, offering a unique experience for nature lovers. The waterfall is a popular day trip destination from Bangalore, especially during the monsoon when the water flow is at its peak.
Distance from Bangalore: 180 kms
Travel time: 3.5 hours
Best time: October to March
Highlights: Waterfall, coracle rides, medicinal baths, and nature walks.
Getting there: By car via NH44, or by bus to Dharmapuri, followed by a local taxi.
In conclusion, the tourist places near Bangalore within 100 kms offer a delightful mix of adventure, history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, these destinations have something to offer everyone.
From the serene hills of Nandi Hills and Skandagiri, the adventurous treks of Anthargange and Savandurga, to the historical insights at Devanahalli Fort and Lepakshi, each place provides a unique experience. The region’s natural beauty is showcased through spots like Bheemeshwari, Mekedatu, and Hogenakkal Falls, while cultural enthusiasts can explore the heritage at places like Janapada Loka and Nrityagram.
These destinations are easily accessible from Bangalore, making them perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a tranquil retreat, the places within 100 kms of Bangalore cater to all tastes and preferences.
Plan your next escape to one of these picturesque locales to immerse yourself in Karnataka’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders, all just a short drive away from the bustling city of Bangalore.
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