Tired of the usual pub-crawling and weekend chores? Looking for a better way to spend your weekends, preferably in the great outdoors away from the chaos of the city? You’ve come to the right place. As happening as Bangalore may be, there’s only so much city life one can take before wanting to get out and explore. And with that in mind, we at Plan The Unplanned have compiled the below list of places to visit near Bangalore that offer you the perfect mix of adventure and calm while rejuvenating your senses and bringing alive the explorer in you.

Located just 100 km from the city, not only do they make for a perfect one-day trip from Bangalore these destinations are suitable for both the novice trekker venturing out into the world of trekking as well as the more experienced ones looking for a more relaxed weekend hike.

Kunti Betta

Located at Pandavapura, in the Mandya district of Karnataka, Kunti Betta stands proudly amidst an ocean of sugarcane, paddy, and coconut fields. The region and the hillock owe their name to the Pandavas and their mother Kunti who is believed to have ended their 14-year long exile at this very spot offering an interesting insight into Hindu mythology. Roughly around 4 km to and fro, the Kunti Betta trek offers the perfect mix of adventure and calm. The challenging trail combined with its close proximity to Thonnur Lake makes for a perfect one day trip from Bangalore suitable for both novice and ardent trekkers

• Kunti Betta Trek Distance: 4 km (to & fro)
• Kunti Betta Trek Duration: Under 2 hours one way
• Bangalore to Kunti Betta Distance: 125 km
• Kunti Betta Travel time from Bangalore: 3 hours
• Best time to visit Kunti Betta: October to May
• How to Reach Kunti Betta from Bangalore: Bengaluru – Ramnagara – Maddur – Mandya – Srirangapatna – Kunti Betta
• Join Plan The Unplanned for Kunti Betta Trek here.

Makalidurga 

A granite hillock located 15 km from Doddaballapur, Makalidurga is flanked by the ruins of an ancient fort with an active temple dedicated to Makali Malleshwara at its summit. One can also witness the Gundamagere lake in the shape of the South American continent in all its grandeur along the trail and is one of the highlights of the Makalidurga trek. Another unique feature of this trail is its starting point from the Makalidurga Railway Station followed by an almost 2 km hike along the railway line until the base of the Makalidurga hills. Alternatively one can also start the Makalidurga trek from the parking lot at the base of the hill if coming via private vehicle.

• Makalidurga Trek Distance: 4 km (to & fro)
• Makalidurga Trek Duration: Under 2 hours one way
• Bangalore to Makalidurga Hills Distance: 60 km
• Makalidurga Hills Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Makalidurga Hills: September to February
• How to Reach Makalidurga from Bangalore: Bangalore-Doddaballapur-Makalidurga Hills
• Join Plan The Unplanned for Makalidurga Trek here.

Anthargange

Literally meaning “The Ganges from the deep” the Anthargange trek is unique for its natural volcanic rock formations. Located just 4 km from Kolar in the Shathashrunga range, one can explore the ancient caves here along with a rocky trail amidst thick vegetation leading up to the Anthargange peak. Known as the Kashi of the South is home to the Kashi Vishweshwara Temple and a perennial water pool considered sacred among devotees, the Anthargange trek makes for an interesting mix of pilgrimage and adventure for a one day trip from Bangalore.

• Anthargange Trek Distance: 5 km (to & fro)
• Anthargange Trek Duration: Total 3 hours 
• Bangalore to Anthargange Caves Distance: 70 km
• Anthargange Caves Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Anthargange Caves: October to March
• How to Reach Anthargange from Bangalore: Bangalore – Kolar – Anthargange
• Join Plan The Unplanned for Anthargange Trek here.

Skandagiri Hills

Also known as Kalavara Durga or Kalwarebetta, Skandagiri hills are located 3 km from Chikballapur overlooking Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli at a height of 1350 meters above sea level. The forest Department allows trekkers to start the Skandagiri trek as early as 4 AM from the base making it a great destination to catch the panoramic views and the breathtaking sunrise amidst an ocean of clouds. One can also spot the ruins of a fort believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan along with an abandoned Shiva temple at its peak. With rocky terrain, dense shrubs and steep ascends, the Skandagiri trek makes for a moderate to hard category day trek from Bangalore and requires hikers to be physically fit for the challenge.

• Skandagiri Trek Distance: 8 kms (to & fro)
• Skandagiri Trek Duration: 5-6 hours 
• Bangalore to Skandagiri Hills Distance: 60 kms
• Skandagiri Hills Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Skandagiri Hills: November to March
• How to Reach Skandagiri Hills from Bangalore: Bangalore – Chikballapur – Skandagiri Hills
• Join Plan The Unplanned for Skandagiri Night Trek here.

Madhugiri

Madhugiri Bettal forms the second largest monolith in Asia after Savandurga and offers an exhilarating trek up its rock dome.  A 17th-century fort constructed by Raja Hire Gowda that holds its grandeur even today flanks the hillock all the way from its base to the Madhugiri peak. The presence of the fort forms the highlight of the Madhugiri trek as one must make their way through its three narrow gateways that serve as prominent landmarks along the trail. 

With several false peaks along the trail, the Madhugiri trek is quite challenging as it involves steep climbs up almost vertical rock faces at few sections and is not for the faint-hearted. Once at the peak, the views of the Madhugiri town down below intertwined with the lush greenery of the Thimmalapura Forest and surrounding hillocks make for a spectacular view that makes the demanding climb worth the effort. 

• Madhugiri Trek Distance: 4 kms (to & fro)
• Madhugiri Trek Duration: Roughly 3 hours one way
• Bangalore to Madhugiri Fort Distance: 105
• Madhugiri Fort Travel time from Bangalore: 3 hours
• Best time to visit Madhugiri Fort: September to February
• How to Reach Madhugiri Fort from Bangalore: Bangalore – Nelamangala – Dabaspet junction – Koratagere – Madhugiri
• Join Plan The Unplanned for Madhugiri Fort Trek here.

Uttari Betta

Also known as Hutri Betta or Hutridurga, the Uttari Betta trek is one of the most popular one-day treks from Bangalore suitable for both novice and experienced hikers alike. Reaching the peak requires making your way through several gateways of an ancient fort as well as huge boulders creating an almost cave-like formation that adds to the thrill of the experience. One can also find a Shankeshwar temple located midway to the summit apart from stunning views all around. The Uttari Betta trek is most sought after for its magical sunrise and sunset views and makes for a perfect one day trip from Bangalore with your friends and family.

• Uttari Betta Trek Distance: 5 kms (to & fro)
• Uttari Betta Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Bangalore to Uttari Betta Distance: 80 kms
• Uttari Betta Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Uttari Betta: July to February
• How to Reach Uttari Betta from Bangalore: Bangalore – Nelamangala – Anchepalya – Uttari Betta
• Join Plan The Unplanned for Uttari Betta Trek here.

 

Channarayana Durga

A perfect weekend escapade for history buffs, the Channarayana Durga fort dates back to the 17th century and has laid witness to the rise and fall of several kingdoms and rulers over the centuries. A relatively lesser-known weekend destination from Bangalore, the Channarayana Durga trek is devoid of the usual weekend crowds and makes for a laid back hiking experience as you explore the fort ruins at your own pace. However, the trek itself is quite challenging as it involves manoeuvring over steep and slippery rock faces at few places and hence requires a decent level of stamina to complete the same.

• Channarayana Durga Trek Distance: 6 kms (to & fro)
• Channarayana Durga Trek Duration: Half a day
• Bangalore to Channarayana Durga Distance: 100 kms
• Channarayana Durga Travel time from Bangalore: 2-3 hours
• Best time to visit Channarayana Durga: September to December
• How to Reach Channarayana Durga from Bangalore: Bengaluru – Dobbaspet – Koratagere – Channarayana Durga
• Join Plan The Unplanned for Channarayana Durga Trek here.

 

Shivagange 

Named after its unique shape of that of a Shiva Linga along with a local spring flowing through the area called ‘Ganga’, the Shivagange Hills are a prominent Hindu pilgrimage centre located near Dobbaspet. With man-made steps carved into the rocks along with supporting rails at most of the tricky places, the Shivagange trek requires more stamina than skill. However, the monkey menace here is no laughing matter and it is advisable to avoid carrying eatables and instead opt for the numerous shops available along the trail for water and snacks. The Shivagange summit is marked by a narrow area housing a Nandi statue overlooking the panoramic views down below.

• Shivagange Trek Distance: 6 kms (to & fro)
• Shivagange Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
• Bangalore to Shivagange Hills Distance: 50 kms
• Shivagange Hills Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Shivagange Hills: October- March
• How to Reach Shivagange from Bangalore: Bengaluru – Nelamangala – Dobbaspet – Shivagange

 

Savandurga Hills

Famous for being the largest monolith hill in Asia, Savandurga offers a challenging climb along with stunning views of the surrounding Magadi forest and reservoir area including the Arkavathi river. Its steep inclines and fort structure also gives it the name of ‘Savinadurga’ or the ‘Fort of Death’. With most of the trail over boulders and rocky terrain, surprisingly one can also find it passing through forest cover and cave formations at certain parts offering much-needed shade and rest points.

• Savandurga Trek Distance: 6 kms (to & fro)
• Savandurga Trek Duration: 5 hours
• Bangalore to Savandurga Hills Distance: 50 kms
• Savandurga Hills Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Savandurga Hills: September to February
• How to Reach Savandurga Hills from Bangalore: Bangalore – Magadi Road – Savandurga Hills
• Join Plan The Unplanned for Savandurga Trek here.

 

Siddara Betta

A popular option for a one day trip from Bangalore located near Madhugiri, the Siddara Betta trek offers an adventurous climb along with a natural network of caves that can be explored separately. A Shiva temple located within these caves is also a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees. Navigating through the caves can however be more taxing than the actual trek itself owing to the narrow pathways and maneuvering required over huge boulders. The summit is a wide-open flat area where one can find the ruins of an ancient fort along with spectacular views of the surrounding region.

• Siddara Betta Trek Distance: 4 kms (to & fro)
• Siddara Betta Trek Duration: 5 hours
• Bangalore to Siddara Betta Distance: 100 kms
• Siddarabetta Travel time from Bangalore: 2.5 hours
• Best time to visit Siddarabetta: November to February
• How to Reach Siddara Betta from Bangalore: Bangalore – Tumkur – Siddara Betta

 

Devarayanadurga

With its natural rocky and hilly terrain, Devarayanadurga is a haven for trekkers and mountain climbers. Named after the Mysore ruler Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar who captured the fort in one of his victorious feats, Devarayanadurga hills are located 4,000 feet above sea level and make a perfect choice for a one day trip from Bangalore. The trek to the summit takes around 30 minutes and is a great option for novice trekkers looking to start off with an easy to moderate hike.

• Devarayanadurga Trek Distance: 2 km (to & fro)
• Devarayanadurga Trek Duration: 30 minutes one way
• Bangalore to Devarayanadurga Distance: 70 km
• Devarayanadurga Hills Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Devarayanadurga Hills: October to February
• How to Reach Devarayanadurga from Bangalore: Bangalore – Dobbaspet – Devarayanadurga Hills

 

Bidarakatte

A lesser-known weekend trekking destination from Bangalore, the Bidarakatte trek is perfect for beginning your journey into the world of trekking. And for seasoned trekkers, the relaxed hike offers the perfect weekend escapade from the city. With the Savnadurga hills in the backdrop, the Bidarakatte trek starts from the Kempegowda tree park following a gradual ascent offering lush green vistas during the monsoons. A water pond situated here also makes for a great point of attraction for the weary trekker.

• Bidarakatte Trek Distance: 5 kms (to & fro)
• Bidarakatte Trek Duration:  2 hours one way
• Bangalore to Bidarakatte Distance: 60 kms
• Bidarakatte Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Bidarakatte: All year round/Monsoons
• How to Reach Bidarakatte from Bangalore: Bangalore – Ramanagara – Bidarakatte (Not to be confused with Bidarakatte off Tumkur)

 

Kaiwara Betta

With several tales from the Mahabharata and Ramayana woven around this quaint village of Kaiwara located near Chikballapur, Kaiwara Betta is a prominent weekend trekking destination for adventure seekers and pilgrims alike. The Kaiwara Betta trek starting from Kaiwara Tapovan and ending at the Mylapurabetta viewpoint is however quite rough and cumbersome owing to its steep terrain but the view from the top makes the arduous climb worth the efforts.

• Kaiwara Betta Trek Distance: 3 km (to & fro)
• Kaiwara Betta Trek Duration:  3 hours one way
• Bangalore to Kaiwara Betta Distance: 70 km
• Kaiwara Betta Travel time from Bangalore: 2-3 hours
• Best time to visit Kaiwara Betta: October- March
• How to Reach Kaiwara Betta from Bangalore: Bangalore – Bangalore-Hoskote-Kaiwara or Bangalore – Devanahalli – Vijayapura – Kaiwara Betta

 

Avalabetta

An offbeat weekend destination perfect for a one day trip from Bangalore, Avalabetta offers a much-needed respite from the city life and unlike most other places, it is devoid of the usual tourist crowds. Apart from a temple, ruins of an ancient fort and a serene pond, the most exciting feature of the Avalabetta peak is a protruding plank of rock that makes for some thrilling photo ops. 

• Avalabetta Trek Distance: 4 kms (to & fro)
• Avalabetta Trek Duration:  2 hours one way
• Bangalore to Avalabetta Distance: 92 kms
• Avalabetta Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Avalabetta: October to February
• How to Reach Avalabetta from Bangalore: Bangalore – Chikkaballapur – Avalabetta

 

Bheema Bakasura Betta

Believed to have been the place where Bheema slew Bakasura, Bheema Bakasura Betta along with the surrounding village of Kaiwara holds huge significance as per Hindu mythology. Bheema Bakasura Betta trek starts off with a series of steps leading up to a temple with a perineal Lakshmana Theertha Pond almost midway along the trek followed by an adventurous hike across huge boulders and rocks to reach the summit. 

• Bheema Bakasura Betta Trek Distance: 5 km (to & fro)
• Bheema Bakasura Betta Trek Duration: 2 hours one way
• Bangalore to Bheema Bakasura Betta Distance: 70 km
• Bheema Bakasura Betta Travel time from Bangalore: 2 hours
• Best time to visit Bheema Bakasura Betta: August – April
• How to Reach Bheema Bakasura Betta from Bangalore: Bangalore – Hoskote – Bheema Bakasura Betta

Make the best of your upcoming weekends exploring these ancient hills and experiencing the rich history and culture they carry along with them all while being surrounded by breathtaking views, fresh air and lush greenery. For a memorable and care-free hiking experience, choose from Plan The Unplanned’s several one-day itineraries for places o visit near Bangalore.