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If you live in Bangalore or new to the city and often wonder how to spend your weekends, this post is for you. Do you love day trips?

I love the idea of day trips because they don’t need much planning, they are cost-effective and a nice break from the mundane life, given that you can’t plan weeklong trips more than few times a year.

Fortunately, Bangalore has an ample number of places around, which can be explored in a day. Be it nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, Seekers of ancient history and architecture, or for religious visits, there is something for everyone.

In this blog, I am sharing a list of 20 Day trips from Bangalore, a mix of ideas to interest all kinds of travelers. All these locations are within 200 km from Bangalore and can be easily accessed by road. So, get ready for a day road trip and explore these interesting destinations.

Day Trips from Bangalore

1. Nandi hills

Distance: 61 Kms

Suitable for: Long drives, picnics, hiking.

One of the most popular road trip destinations among Bangaloreans. Nandi hills offer a feel of hill station just a few steps away from the city. The winding road leads to the hilltop at 1478 m and provides a panoramic view of the valley. Watching Sunrise is a popular activity here. Apart from scenic vistas, the Nandi hill is of historic importance too. It was the summer capital of former Ruler Tipu Sultan. Hilltop is scattered with shrines, monuments, and temples. Some of the popular places to visit in Nandi hills are Tipu’s Drop (viewpoint), Tipu’s Summer residence, Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple, and Amrita Sarovar.

If you are not keen on exploring historical monuments, Opt for activities like trekking, paragliding, cycling or just walking around and exploring the hills.

Best time to Visit: The temperature here is pleasant all-round the year, the best time to visit is from September to March. Morning hours before the dawn are preferred timings as you can catch a glimpse of Sunrise.

 

2. Skandagiri Hills

Distance – 60 km

Suitable for: Trekking, Hiking, Camping

With the peak at an altitude of 1450 meters, Skandagiri overlooks Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli hills. Skandagiri trail is 8 km (round trip) with easy to medium difficulty level and takes around 5 hours to complete. From the peak, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

The best time to plan a trekking expedition in Skandagiri is during winter from October to February. This trail is popular for night trekking (although I am not sure if night trek is currently available or not) and sunrise viewpoint.

 

3. Savandurga hills

Distance: 60 km

Suitable for: Trekking, Hiking, Religious visit, and water sports

Considered to be the largest monolith hill in Asia, Savan Durga is situated 60 km away from Bangalore. With an altitude of 1226 m above the sea level, the hill is a part of Deccan Plateau.

Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy temple are situated at the foothill of Savandurga hill, which makes it popular among pilgrims.The Arkavathi river passes nearby through the Thippagondanahalli reservoir and on towards the Manchanabele dam making it an ideal place for water sports.Savandurga trek is 5-6 km and the trail is considered to be easy to moderate.

Savan Durga hill is very steep and there have been mishaps earlier. It is important to be cautious and carry essential gears like good hiking shoes, proper clothing, etc.

4. Antargange temple and trek

Distance: 69 km

Suitable for: Religious visits, Trekking, Cave exploration

A mountain situated in the Shathashrunga range, Antargange not only has religious importance, but it’s also one of the popular treks in Karnataka. Situated 2 km from Kolar District, Antargange means ‘’Ganges from deep’’ in Kannada, the name is derived from the continuous underground water flow into a pond in the premise of Sri Kashi Vishweshwara temple. Waterfalls into the pond through the mouth of stone carved Bull ( Nandi) and is believed to cleanse you from diseases. You need to climb a fleet of stairs to reach the temple.

A narrow trail behind the temple leads to the Durga hills, where Antargange caves are situated. Its 3-4 km treks through steep boulders and many villages. Trekking and cave explorations are popular activities here. Night trekking and camping are also done. The view from the summit at the Durga hills is captivating.

Tips:

1. The best time to visit Antargange is early morning, or towards the evening, as the boulders get heated during the afternoon.
2. Temple premises has a lot of monkeys, notorious to snatch the eatables, etc., be careful with your belongings.

5. Bhimanakindi trek

Distance: 84 km

Suitable for: Trekking, Hiking & Camping

Looking for a peaceful getaway from crowded city life, head to Bheemankindi. Situated near Kanchana Halli in Halgur, Bheemankindi is an ideal trek for beginners. Even for families with young children. Trek stretches up to 6 km, with the medium difficulty level. The mountain top has a gigantic monolith natural arch formation along with a small temple. The legend goes that the Pandavas lived here and the arch was formed by hitting the rock from Bheema’s mace.

You can also enjoy the scenic view from the top of the mountain. Being an offbeat destination, Bhimankindi is not at all crowded. You can also plan for camping and stay at a camping site called camper’s creek during the night. Read more about this place by clicking this link.

Tips:

1. Carry sufficient water and eatables.
2. Carry your trekking gears. Wear shorts to avoid thorns from sticking to the clothes.
3. Early morning is the best time to trek. It takes around 3 hours to complete the trek.

6. Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar

Distance: 96 km

Suitable for: Religious visit, Day outing, Sightseeing

Kotilingeshwara is a popular temple situated in Kammasandra village, Kolar district. This place is not only of religious importance, but the installation of 10 million Shivalinga’s of all shapes and forms in temple premises also makes it a unique one. The name Kotilingeshwara is derived from there (Koti means 1 crore in Kannada). Temple also enshrines the world’s largest Shivalinga measuring 108 ft (33 m) and 35 ft (11m) tall Nandi idol, which is a visual treat. Read more about the temple here.

 

7. Avani temple & trek

Distance: 94 km

Suitable for: Sightseeing, Trekking & Religious visit

Yet another unexplored and offbeat gem located in a small village, 32 km from Kolar. It is believed that the author of Ramayana, Sage Valmiki was residing here during the period of Ramayana. According to the legends, Devi Sita lived in this Ashram during her exile. The temple still has a room where she gave birth to her children Luv & Kush. The war between Lord Ram and his son took place in this village.

Ramalingeshwara group of temples was built by the Nolamba dynasty in the 10th Century and renovated later by the Chola dynasty. The inscriptions also describe Avani as the Gaya of the South. The spacious and tranquil temple complex comprises of ancient temples of Ramalingeshwara, Lakshmaneshwara, Bharateshwara, and Shatrugneshwara.

At a little distance from the temple complex is the Avani Betta or Luv Kush Betta. On top of the hill is Devi Sita temple.The trek is relatively easy with steps carved out throughout the trail. You can observe the boulders of different shapes throughout the trail.

If you plan to trek, start early in the morning as the rocky mountain tends to get hot during the afternoon and it doesn’t have much shade. Read more about the temple here.

8. Mysore city

Distance: 145 km

Suitable for: Sightseeing, Family outing

Mysore is a city that needs no introduction. Popular on the world map for its opulent palace and larger than life Dussehra festival celebrations, Mysore attracts tourists from all over the world. The city was the capital of Mysore Kingdom, ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty. Situated on the foothill of Chamundi hills, this culturally rich city is popular for heritage structures along with other attractions like Chamundi temple, beautifully landscaped Vrindavan Garden, Mysore Zoo, etc.

Mysore dosa and Mysore Pak (sweet dish) are the popular delicacies of Mysore. The city also offers some traditional souvenirs like Mysore silk sarees, Sandalwood souvenirs, and Mysore Sandal soap.

9. Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi, Anantapur

Distance: 122 km

Suitable for: Religious visit, Family outing, Architecture, and History exploration

A place surrounded by mystery and legendary tales. If you are interested in exploring ancient architecture and stories behind them, then Lepakshi is a place you cannot miss. Not one or two but this 16th Century temple located in Anantpur district of Andhrapradesh state encompasses many interesting tales.  Some of the highlights are

1. Fresco paintings depicting stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. The colors of the paintings are intact here.
2. The hanging pillar, yes you read it right! One pillar in the temple is hanging from the ceiling and you can pass a sheet of paper/cloth through its base.
3. A huge boulder of granite stone carved into coiled multi-hooded serpent providing a cover over the Linga
4. Giant footprint inside the temple premise.
5. A large Nandi idol carved from a single stone situated 200 m away from the temple.

Read more about this temple and the beliefs here

10. Shivanasamudra falls, Mandya

Distance: 132 km

Suitable for: Adventure outing and Hiking

Another favorite weekend outing amongst Bangaloreans, Shivanasamudra falls are the perennial waterfalls on the river Kaveri. The river branches out here to create twin waterfalls with an average width of 305 meters and a height of 98 meters. Walk down a steep hill is required to reach the waterfalls.

Although the best time to visit the waterfall is during the monsoon from June to September. But if you want to go till the bottom and enjoy the traditional coracle ride taking you right at the base of the waterfall, then visit during winter.

Wear light clothes and open footwear while visiting the falls. Also, carry an extra set of clothing along with you.

11. Hogenakkal waterfalls

Distance: 126 km

Suitable for: Adventure activities, Family outing

Located on the border between the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu and Chamrajnagar district of Karnataka, Hogenakkal is yet another spectacular waterfall on the Kaveri River. Also called the Niagara of South India, Hogenakkal waterfalls are the perfect destination for family outing or weekend picnic. The traditional coracle rides are also available here if you wish to experience some adventure.

The best time to visit Hogenakkal falls is during winter from October to February when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy a warm sunny day.

12. Yelagiri Hills

Distance: 159 km

Suitable for: Long drive, Family outing/ picnic

Looking for a getaway from busy city life, head to Yelagiri. A small hill station in Tamilnadu just a 3-hour drive from Bangalore. Its proximity to Bangalore also makes it a perfect day trip option. Apart from a scenic drive, other attractions at Yelagiri include a colorful hilltop temple overlooking the valley, Jalagamparai waterfalls, Punganur lake, and a nature park.

Yelagiri has a moderate climate throughout the day, yet the best time to visit this quint hill station is during winters from November to February.

13. Sangam & Mekedatu

Distance: 100 km

Suitable for: Adventure outing, Natural beauty, picnic

Situated very close to each other, Sangam and Mekedatu are two scenic weekend      Getaways. The Arakavathi river merges with River Kaveri at Sangam. Kaveri River is more than 150 meters wide at the confluence. Coracle ride here is a delightful experience.

Mekedatu is situated about 3.5 km downstream from Sangam where the river Kaveri flows through deep and narrow gorges. While flowing ferociously through these narrow gorges the river carves unique shapes on the rock. You can reach Mekedatu by crossing the river by boat and then take public transport. I remember during our visit, we had to sit in a rickety bus with wooden frames, reminding us of Malgudi days.

The best time to visit Sangam and Mekedatu is during winter from September to December. The river at Sangam is very deep. At Mekedatu, rocks are slippery and the gorges are deep. So be cautious especially if you are visiting the place during monsoon season.

14. BR hills

Distance: 171 km

Suitable for: trekking, hiking, exploring nature

Also known as the Billigiriranga Hills, the mountain range is situated in south-eastern Karnataka at its border with Tamilnadu. BR Hills is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife explorers. Situated close to both eastern and western Ghats, BR hills are home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Some of the major attractions are

1. BRT Wildlife sanctuary: home to rich biodiversity spread over an area of 540 sq.km, Wildlife sanctuary is the main attraction in BR Hills.
2. Sri Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple: Situated at the highest peak, the temple is devoted to Lord Ranganatha.
3. Dodda Sampige Mara: Believed to be more than 2000 years old, The Big Champak Tree, is 34 ft tall and 20 ft wide and is a sight to behold. The tree blooms during the spring season.
4. Other activities that tourists can indulge in are fishing, river rafting, trekking, etc.

15. Shri Someshwara temple, Kolar

Distance: 69 km

Suitable for: Religious visit, Architecture and history enthusiasts, Sightseeing

The 14th-century ornate temple was built by Cholas and subsequently expanded by the Vijayanagar empire. The presiding deity at the temple is Lord Shiva. He is worshipped by the name of Lord Someshwara at this temple.

The intrinsically carved pillars and symmetrical architecture are awe-inspiring and are an example of fine craftsmanship. The main attraction at the temple is a beautifully carved mandapa made of granite. Visiting this temple is a delightful and enriching experience even if you are an atheist. There are many other historical sites in and around Kolar, which can be visited during the day trip. Read more about the temple here.

16. Shravanbelagola

Distance: 145 km

Suitable for: Religious visit, Hiking, Sightseeing

Sharavanbelagola is a town located near Channarayapatna of Hassan district. Known to be one of the important tirthas in Jainism, the main attraction here is the 10th-century Gommateshwara Bahubali idol on top of Vindhyagiri mountain.

The 17 meter high, Gommateshwara statue is the tallest monolith statue in the world, carved out of a single block of granite. The statue can be seen from distance as far as 30 km.

Visiting the temple requires a climb of 438 ft (700 steps) to reach the summit. The Mountain top offers a spectacular view of the town. It takes around 30 to 45 mins to climb Vindyagiri and 15 mins to return.

It is also believed that Chandragupta Maurya died here in 298 BCE after he became a Jain monk.Situated right opposite to Vindyagiri is the Chandragiri, which is a smaller hill. One can hike both the hills on the same day.

It’s advisable to visit Shravanbelagola early in the morning because you need to climb the mountain bare feet which can be uncomfortable in the afternoon.

Tip: Do carry an extra pair of socks to climb the mountain along with water and hat.

For more details about Shravanbelagola, click here 

17. Horsley Hills

Distance:143 km

Suitable for: Long drive, Nature exploration

A series of picturesque hills situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. With an elevation of 1265 m, Horsley hills got its name from W.D. Horsley, a British collector, who built his home here in 1870. With pleasant temperature round the year, Horsley hill offers a relaxing escape from the busy city life. The drive to this destination is a scenic one with the road lined by tall trees and surrounded by greenery all around.

Major attractions for the tourist here are Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Environment park, Mallama temple, whisper wind viewpoint, Kaigal falls and Gali Bandalu

Though the temperature remains more or less the same around the year, its best to visit Horsley hills during the winter from December to February.

18. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

Distance: 218 km

Suitable for: Religious visit, Long drive, Panoramic view

Situated in the north part of Bandipur National Park, Himavad Gopalaswamy is a mid-sized hill, covered with mist for the most of the year. Hilltop has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna (Gopalaswamy). At an altitude of 4770 feet from Sea level, Himavad Gopalaswamy temple was built in the 14th Century during the Hoysala era.

Apart from religious importance, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is also the highest peak in Bandipur National park and offers an immense scenic beauty. The area is surrounded by lush green vegetation and is frequented by grazing elephants. Hills are also home to wildlife and many species of Birds.

Being here is like walking on the clouds. The trees covered with moss and many local species of orchids. Along with a delightful experience, Hills also provides a breath-taking view of Sunset and Sunrise.

19. Srirangapatna

Distance: 126.7 km

Suitable for: Sight-seeing, Art & history exploration, Family outing

Situated in Mandya district, Srirangapatna is a town of religious, cultural, and historical importance. Known as the historical capital of King Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, monuments of the town have been nominated as UNESCO World Heritage.

Srirangapatna is an island is enclosed by the river Kaveri from all sides. It is popular amongst tourists for its magnificent temples and monumental forts.

Some of the major attractions in Srirangapatna are Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, Nimishamba temple, Daria Dowlat, the summer palace built by Tipu Sultan, Tipu’s museum which preserves his belongings including his clothes, sword, etc. Gumbaz the house where his parents lived and Jamia Masjid.

20. Chitradurga fort

Distance: 201 km

Suitable for: Architecture and History exploration

One of the popular tourist destinations in Karnataka, Chitradurga fort which means “picturesque fort” was built in phases from 11th to 18th Century. The fort is spread across many hills covering an area of 1500 acres and overlooks a flat valley. It lies beside the river Vedavati.

The fort has 18 temples in its upper part and one large temple in the lower part. Amongst these temples, the Hidimbeshwara temple is the oldest one. Apart from temples, the fort also has a pond, Mosque, Citadel, and Storages for oil, grain, and water in its premises.

The best time to visit Chitradurga Fort is from October to February. It’s best to visit the fort early in the morning or late afternoon. Do carry sufficient water, umbrella, and hat to protect yourself from the Sun and heat.

These were just 20 of many day trip destinations around Bangalore. I hope you found some new ideas and destinations to keep yourself busy for several weekends.

Which is your favorite day trip destination? Do share in the comments.

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