Are you one of those people who lives in Bangalore and bored with working from home amidst the pandemic. With almost half the year gone, and many travel plans busted, I thought let’s rather write it out. The monsoons are here and soon the weather’s at its best for that quick outing nearby. Grab a breakfast while starting and finish with hearty lunch on the way back.
You can plan so many trips around Bangalore. From palaces to forts, natural rock formations to hills, lakes to waterfalls, there’s almost everything around Bangalore, to satisfy the traveler in you. Bangaloreans are lucky to have so many trip options. Here’s a list of some of the best places to see in a day around Bangalore:
Bheemeshwari and Sangam
- Location: Mandya District
- Distance from Bangalore: 103 km
- Activities: Trekking, River Rafting, Bird Watching, Fishing
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Trivia: The Kaveri River here is home to the mahseer, the largest game fish in the world
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Bheemeshwari is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Bangalore. It is famous for its fishing camps and has facilities for boating, camping, and trekking. This place is also famous for its exotic wildlife and beautiful birds. We took the drive through the Cauvery National park and along the Cauvery river all the way to Mekedatu & Sangam. This is the quintessential picnic by the riverside. Plus you have a chance to explore the riverside, relax by the water, and enjoy nature.
Chunchi Falls, en route to Sangam, is a short hike from the main road. Do add this to the list of attractions near Sangam. On your way to the waterfall, you will also find a watchtower to devour in a 360-degree view of the entire rocky terrain peppered with trees adding a bit of greenery. You can also hear the river flowing by along with the calmness of the nearby forest.
Kendatti, blue water lagoon, Kolar
Famous for: Picnic, Quarry
Roundtrip Odometer: 280 km
It is a quarry that has been inactive for over a year and collected water at most of its sections. This blue water and the white rocks of the quarry make it look very attractive. Attractive enough for people to call it the “Chota Ladakh”.
Gudibande fort
- Location:
- Distance from Bangalore: 92 km
- Activities: Hiking, Picnic
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
Take a left after around 70kms from Bangalore on the Hyderabad highway. The roads are beautiful in the countryside with small hills and boulders dotting the landscape. The fort, which is small compared to other forts in Karnataka, was inspired by the Madhugiri fortress. It is a multi-level edifice that was built about 400 years ago, in the 17th century, by Byre Gowda, a local chieftain of Gudibande who ruled the place for only three years. Enjoy the cool breeze at the top with great views of the town and the nearby Bhairasagara lake.
Antargange, a short hike, and caves
- Location: Kolar District
- Distance from Bangalore: 67 km
- Activities: Cave Exploration, Rock Climbing
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Trivia: The hillocks and caves here are of volcanic origin
Only approximately 70kms from Bangalore, Anthargange Hills is a great getaway on the weekend. Located in the Shathashrunga Range, the Anthargange Hills rise to an altitude of 1712 meters above the sea level. It is an ideal place for tourists interested in trekking and cave exploring on a day trip from Bangalore.
Lepakshi
- Location: Kolar District
- Distance from Bangalore: 120 km
- Activities: Explore the temple
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Trivia: Hanging pillar of Lepakshi temple
A leisurely drive from Bangalore will take you to the lovely temple tour of Lepakshi. Spend around an hour and a half to explore the lovely temple built during Vijayanagara period. Get amazed at the huge monolithic bull and rock-cut shrine of Nagalinga. The legend has it that during the exile of Lord Rama (Ramayana), this was the place the bird Jatayu fell. Jatayu wounded itself after a futile battle against Ravana who was carrying away Sita. When Lord Rama reached the spot, he saw the bird and said compassionately, “Le Pakshi” — ‘rise, bird’ in Telugu.
Club it with a small detour to Gudibande Fort while your way back to Bangalore, for some great views of the countryside.
Manchanabelle Dam
- Location: Ramanagara District
- Distance from Bangalore: 36 km
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
Manchinbele is a small water reservoir that is frequented by those seeking a quick break from the mundane city routine. The dam is very close to Bangalore, and a beautiful ride across the countryside, riding across some small hills. Enjoy a hearty traditional breakfast at Vattika Vegetarian Restaurant, with a great seating outdoors. On return to Bangalore take a small detour to visit the The Dodda Aalada Mara, literally translated to Big Banyan Tree, a giant approximately 400-year-old banyan tree.
Mysore
- Location: Mysuru District
- Distance from Bangalore: 145 km
- Activities: Sightseeing, Attending Mysore Dasara
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Trivia: Till 1973, the state of Karnataka was known as Mysore
Mysore is one of the most popular weekend destinations from Bangalore. Spend a day exploring the Mysore Palace which is the centre of all kinds of Dussehra celebrations. Known for the architectural marvels from the Tipu Sultan era and the British Raj, Mysore is often hailed as the cultural capital of Karnataka.
St Philomena Church is a beautiful architectural treat in Myusuru
Nandi Hills
- Location: Chikkaballapur District
- Distance from Bangalore: 61 km
- Activities: Cycling, Biking, Paragliding
- Best Time to Visit: August to March
- Trivia: Legend has it that the shape of the hills is similar to a sleeping bull, which usually refers to the mythical Nandi; hence, the name ‘Nandi Hills’
One of the most popular places to visit near Bangalore in one day, Nandi Hills is often addressed as a hidden paradise. Fantastic views of the lush landscape can be captured from a cliff at a height of 600 meters. Further, witnessing the sunset and sunrise with beautiful hills in the backdrop is a must-have experience for couples, who are looking forward to spending some romantic time together.
Quite a few places we are missing this year!