Nature heals your mind, body, and soul, and city dwellers swear by this as they consistently look forward to reclining themselves through adventurous treks in Mother Nature’s lap. There are plenty of trekking places near Bangalore to plan a memorable outing with your family and friends. Centrally situated amidst the green and lush landscapes of Karnataka, Bangalore is a giant city and a gateway to a host of trekking destinations. There are those soothing yet quiet places, away from all the noise of the city, where you can feel nature taking you in its arms, without any single distraction—whether it be a hill of historical significance, or a rough terrain with ancient caves and cascading waterfalls. These trekking spots give trek lovers a chance to explore, discover, and at the same time stay in touch with nature.
As the hikers trail into the labyrinth of paths and rocky roads, they find peace within the simplicity of nature and the beat of their breath. Trekking places near Bangalore are away from the hustle and bustle of city life; adventure seekers will get to solely relish the tranquility of nature, explore the unknown places, and see the amazing views around, and into the domain of the new, the unknown, and the enchanting.
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7 Best Trekking Places Near Bangalore
We have curated a list of the best and the nearest trekking places near Bangalore to take your adventures amidst nature’s splendor. Avid trekkers are beckoned at the very beck and call of dense forests, meandering trails, and panoramic views from the historic Nandi Hills with its lofty forts to the rough terrains of Skandagiri. Anthargange and Makalidurga treks promise experiences in volcanic stone mazes and serenity. Ranganathaswamy Betta Night Trek promises a mystical journey under the starry night, while Savandurga lures it with age-old monoliths and picture-perfect sights. Or perhaps one could go trekking to Ramanagara, the historical place made immortal by cinema, or even to Kunti Betta and Madhugiri to take up challenging yet rewarding expeditions. Each trekking place near Bangalore calls out for the adventure enthusiast to explore unexplored, come close to nature, and make cherishing memories amidst the mesmerizing landscapes of Karnataka.
1. Nandi Hills Trek
Nandi Hills, which is famous for its historical importance and picturesque beauty, is a great destination for trekkers who do not want to travel too far from Bangalore. If you’re planning for a one day trip from Bangalore then trekking at Nandi Hills is the best option. Start your trekking through dense forests and winding trails that will eventually lead you to the top of the mountain. The feeling of cool mountain breeze, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside act as a retreat from the noise and rush of urban life. It is the prime attraction and is one of the best places for trekking near Bangalore. Youngsters, adventurers, and nature lovers flock to this spot to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and the clouds hovering over the hills surrounding the area.
Location: 61 km from Bangalore
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Book Now: Nandi Hills Day Trip from Bangalore
2. Skandagiri Trek
Trekking on the quiet outskirts of the city is one of the most popular places for trekking in Bangalore. Skandagiri is one of the most beautiful hills near Bangalore. Gear up for a tough trek to Skandagiri, which is about 62 km from Bangalore city and is located at an altitude of 1450 meters. Trekking through the tough terrains of Skandagiri is worth it as you get a chance to view the amazing panoramas from the mountain peak for the sunrise/sunset. The trek over the night covers a distance of 8 km of scenic stretches where you can get a view of things like the peaks of the Western Ghats, rivers, valleys, and so on.
Location: 70 km from Bangalore city, and 3 km from Chikballapur
Timings: 6.30 AM to 1.30 PM & 3.30 PM to 8 PM
Entry Fee: Weekdays – INR 250, Weekends – INR 500
3. Savandurga Trek
Get set to trek the thrilling Savandurga, one of the largest monolith hills in Asia. This is one of the best trekking places near Bengaluru. Test your mettle against the rocky terrains and dense forests as you trudge up the peak. Reach the top to marvel at some stunning views and enjoy the beauty. You can also get a picturesque view of the Arkavathi River, Thippagondanahalli reservoirs, and Manchanabele. Also, this is a great place for bird watching and relaxing in the lap of nature. Also, it’s better to take precautions and follow the safer route for trekking as the hills at Savandurga are steep.
Location: Savandurga Hill, 60 km from Bengaluru
Timings: 11:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. (on the next day)
Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult
Price: INR 1,170 per adult
Also Read: Brilliant trekking hacks for your next trek
4. Ramanagara Trek
Have a great trek near Bangalore by visiting Ramanagara, a spot in the heart of Karnataka known for its rocky terrain, famously showcased in the beloved film “Sholay”. Ramanagara is roughly 50 kilometers from Bangalore. The fusion of rocky formations and lush nature paints the perfect picture for hikers. A trek at this place offers an opportunity to encounter historic temples, mysterious caves, and stunning views. It’s an idyllic weekend getaway for those enamored by nature.
Location: 50 km from Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore road
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM only
Trek Length: 5km
Difficulty level: Easy
5. Anthargange Trek
Antargange offers a novel trekking experience due largely to its volcanic stone maze and exploration of caverns. Anthargange is one of the best places to plan for a one-day trip from Bangalore. Accessible by car this place provides narrow winding paths and boulder trails, leading adventurers through the rugged wilds. The best part of the trek is when you come across ancient caves and see light filter through crevices in a way that never ceases to amaze you. October through February are the months with low rainfall and moderate temperatures and are the best time for trekking in Antargange. The monsoon season brings slippery trails and dangers like landslides, so it should be avoided.
Visitors are not only lured to Antargange by its geological wonders but also by the feeling of discovery and adventure that accompanies a trek over the boulder-strewn ground, its rocky and untrodden terrain making it a thrill for off-the-beaten-path travelers.
Location: 70 km from Bangalore, Kolar district, Karnataka
Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Length : 3 km
Timings: 8 AM to 5.30 PM only
6. Makalidurga Trek
Makalidurga Trek provides an exciting experience among the rugged terrains and tranquil surroundings. Being accessible by road, Makalidurga offers a moderate trekking experience, with green vegetation and views from the summit. The best time to visit Makalidurga is during the winter season, between October and February when the weather is favorable for hiking. While the monsoon season should be avoided because of the slippery paths, the trekkers are attracted to Makalidurga for its beautiful nature, historical importance, and the sense of accomplishment they get after crossing its heights.
Location: 60 km from Bangalore, Doddaballapur Taluk, Melinajuganahalli, Karnataka
Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Length: 3.8 km
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5.30 PM only
7. Ranganathaswamy Betta Night Trek
The Ranganathaswamy Betta Night Trek is unique and one of the must-visit treks near Bangalore in the Ramnagar district. This place allows visitors to spend the night in the company of rocky terrains and ancient ruins under the night sky. The hill is accessible by road and is unique in its night trekking where the trekkers climb in complete darkness to see the beauty of sunrise from the highest point. The best time to trek here is during the colder months from November to March while monsoons and hot summers are unsuitable. Trekkers fall in love with the serene beauty of the place, the starry sky, and the old-world appeal of Ranganathaswamy Betta, which makes it one of the best trekking places near Bangalore for night trekkers and celestial photography geeks.
Location: 70 km from Bangalore, Ramanagar district, Karnataka
Difficulty: Moderately difficult
Trek Length: 5 km
Timings: Open only on Saturdays & Sundays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Suggested Reads: How to pack light for a trek and not miss the essentials
Concluding Thoughts
The trekking places near Bangalore give the long-awaited break from metropolitan chaos and call to the wayfarers to explore and discover their trail in the laps of beautiful bounties of nature. Scaling the historical hills, trekking rugged terrains, or exploring an ancient cave – each offers unforgettable moments with breathtaking views, combined with tranquil retreats. These trekking escapades near Bangalore have been nothing but reminders of what all lay right outside the city’s busy streets, inviting trekkers to come and lay a further connection with themselves and the world.
The treks near Bangalore have a lot to offer, right from the iconic Nandi Hills to the Ranganathaswamy Betta Night Trek. No matter whether it is the adventure that one is hankering for or the tranquility that one is looking to attain or just a serene moment amid the arms of nature, the trekking places near Bangalore cater to all. So all you Bangaloreans, it’s time to pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and trail across the extraordinary landscapes Karnataka has to offer. Let the trails show you new escapades, findings, and experiences that will make you go WOW!
FAQs
The best means to reach Skandagiri Hills from Bangalore is by road. The distance by road will be 70 kilometers from Bangalore to Chikballapur, and you can take your car or hire a taxi to get there. In continuation of the Bangalore-Hyderabad Highway (NH 44), the route leads to Chikballapur, where one heads towards Kalavara village, the gateway to Skandagiri Hills. For those dependent on public transportation, buses are plying from Bangalore to Chikballapur and from there by local taxis or auto-rickshaws to the base of Skandagiri Hills.
On the other hand, tourists can find organized tours through travel agencies that would make traveling much easier. For people traveling in their vehicles, parking facilities are available at the base. The travel is advised to start early in the morning to be able to watch the enthralling sunrise from the peak and to look at the weather conditions for a favorable experience.
It is around 60 kilometers in a car or taxi from Bangalore to reach Makalidurga. From Bangalore, follow the road through Doddaballapur and further in the direction of Gauribidanur. This is near a place called Doddaballapur Taluk, in Melinajuganahalli village. Some buses run from Bangalore to Doddaballapur or Gauribidanur, from where one can hire local taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach Makalidurga. Organized trips from Bangalore to Makalidurga are also available for those who have trouble finding public transport. People coming in vehicles have parking facilities as soon as they reach there. It is advisable to plan the trip taking into consideration weather conditions and also remember to travel early in the morning to enjoy the mesmerizing view of Makalidurga.
The Kodachadri Trek is an easy to moderate-grade activity depending on parameters such as weather, an individual’s fitness level, and experience in trekking. The trek spans a distance of around 10 kilometers, taking trekkers through thick forests, on rough terrains, and steep climbs, and takes about 6-8 hours to complete. The first stage would have a fairly moderate experience of trekking, and the last phase up to the summit would turn into an arduous climb. The trek gets tough, especially in the monsoons with slushy paths and unpredictable rainfall.
The Kodachadri Trek is challenging but it extends an experience to the adventure lovers through the heart of the pure Western Ghats and the green carpet spreading down below. A trek to Kodachadri is suitable for trekkers of a moderate to advanced level of fitness, with some experience in trekking, ensuring fulfillment and remembrance in a grand journey amidst the grandeur of nature.
