Bangalore is a vibrant city that is surrounded by some of the most magnificent places to explore. From majestic palaces and forts to natural rock formations and hills, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can also take in the beauty of lakes, waterfalls, and other amazing places of worship. Exploring these places is a great way to experience the culture and history of Bangalore. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, there are plenty of exciting places to explore around Bangalore. From the awe-inspiring architecture of the Mysore Palace to the serene beauty of Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking to relax and unwind, Bangalore is the perfect destination for you.
1. Chikballapura
A one day trip to this beautiful spot near Bangalore is definitely a must! Surrounded by five hills and known for its trekking and hiking trails, this spot is perfect for exploring the natural beauty of this place. Aside from its picturesque views, this spot is also known for its silk and incense industry, making it a great opportunity to check out some of the local shops and get some souvenirs. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even give rock climbing a try! Plus, there are also plenty of temples nearby to explore. All in all, it’s definitely one of the best places to visit near Bangalore for a day trip!
2. Shivagange
Shivagange is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore. It is situated near Bangalore and is famous as an adventure spot and pilgrimage center due to the presence of a Shiva temple and a spring named ‘Ganga’. Trekking enthusiasts can enjoy a 3km trek to the top of the hill and it is one of the best one day picnic spots near Bangalore. Shivagange is definitely a must-visit destination for those looking for a thrilling adventure experience and an opportunity to explore nature’s beauty.
3. Savanadurga
Savanadurga, located just 100 kilometres away from Bangalore, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It is the largest monolith hill in Asia, making it the perfect destination for a one day trip out of Bangalore. It is a great spot for adventure enthusiasts, as they can try their hand at rock climbing and trekking. There are also many temples located at the foothills of the hills, so visitors can take in some culture as well. On the top of the hills, visitors can witness the beauty of the Akravati River. All in all, Savanadurga is the perfect destination for a day trip from Bangalore.
4. Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurg, is an ancient hill fortress located near Bangalore and is a popular spot for one-day trips. It is renowned for its trekking trails, as well as the beautiful statue of Nandi (the bull) at the entrance of the Yoganandeeshwara Temple. Visitors to this stunning location can enjoy the majestic sunrise from the top of the hill, as well as explore Muddenahalli and Amrita sarovar. It is the perfect day trip for those looking for an adventure and breathtaking views.
5. Anthargange
Anthargange, located near Bangalore, is an unexplored hill range that is perfect for a one day trip. It is a paradise for thrill seekers as it offers various activities such as trekking, rock climbing and caving. The caves formed by the rocks are a treat to explore and the beauty of the place makes it a must-visit spot in Bangalore. It is a perfect place for those seeking adventure and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
6. Avani
Avani is a small village located in Kolar District of Karnataka, and it is known as a preferred destination for rock climbing. In addition to the exciting adventure activity, Avani is also famous for its hill temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Sita. The beautiful temple is built with Dravidian style of architecture, and it is part of the Ramalingeshwara Group of Temples. Despite being a small village, Avani has become one of the most alluring tourist places near Bangalore, and it is a must visit for any traveler.
7. Channapatna
If you’re looking for an exciting day out with the kids, then Channapatna should definitely be on your list of places to visit! Known as the Toy Land of Karnataka, this town is renowned for its colorful wooden toys. But it’s not just toys that make this place special – it is also home to the oldest temple of Varadaraja, a testament to the brilliance of the Vijayanagara empire. With its many monuments and fascinating history, Channapatna is sure to be an enjoyable and educational experience for you and your kids.
8. Chunchi
Chunchi Falls is the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape closer to nature. Located within 100 kms from Bangalore, this 100 feet waterfall with multiple tiers is a sight to behold. The swimming pool beneath the falls welcomes visitors to take a dip amidst the beautiful scenery and natural rock formations. There is also a deep gorge on the way to the falls that you can check out for a unique experience. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous outing, Chunchi Falls is the ideal place to unwind and connect with the beauty of nature.
9. Bannerghatta National
Bannerghatta National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Bangalore. It is a biological reserve, with a pet corner, zoo, butterfly enclosure, animal rescue center, safari park, and snake house. In addition to these attractions, Bannerghatta also offers ancient temples, making it a great destination for hiking and trekking. It is a must-visit for anyone looking for the best places to see near Bangalore.
10. Ramanagaram
Ramanagaram is one of the most ideal places to visit on a one day trip from Bangalore. Not only is this place famous for being the location where the movie, Sholay, was filmed, but it also offers many exciting adventure activities. This makes it the perfect destination for movie buffs and thrill seekers alike. From rock climbing to paragliding, there is something for everyone in Ramanagaram. So if you are looking for a fun and exciting one day trip from Bangalore, Ramanagaram is definitely worth a visit.
11. Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta
Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is a great place near Bangalore to visit if you enjoy nature and hiking. Located near the town of Kanakpura and at an elevation of 3780 ft, it is a hill with white granite rocks that gives it the name ‘white rocks’. On top of the hill is a temple dedicated to Swami Rangaswamy. It will take about 4-5 hours to go up and come down even if you walk at a leisurely pace. But the views from the top are splendid and it will be worth the effort.
12. Kotilingeshwara
Kotilingeshwara is an awe-inspiring temple near Bangalore. It holds lakhs of lingas, making it a unique and special temple. In addition, the temple is home to one of the largest Shiva Lingas in the world, standing at 108 feet tall. People often visit this temple to pay their respects and offerings to God. Located in the village of Kammasandra between Bangarapet and Bethamangala, Kotilingeshwara is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for places to explore near Bangalore.
13. Kolar
Kolar, a small town near Bangalore, has several tourist attractions apart from its famous gold mines. Although visitors are not allowed inside the gold mines, they can visit the magnificent Kolaramma and Someshwara Temples. Kolaramma Temple, which dates back to the 5th century, and the 12th century Someshwara Temple, are both architectural masterpieces. Both temples have intricate carvings, sculptures and artworks that make them worth visiting.
14. Makalidurga
Makalidurga is a captivating hill station located near Bangalore. It is known for its date plants, small boulders, and lemongrass. It is a great place for rock climbing and hiking, although the hike can be quite challenging. On the hilltop, there is a temple devoted to Shiva and Nandi. If you visit Makalidurga, it is highly recommended that you talk to locals and guides to learn more about its interesting history.
15. Skandagiri
Skandagiri Hills, located near Nandi Hills, is an ideal spot for a one day trip near Bangalore. Once you reach the top, you’ll be surrounded by puffy clouds and the view is simply breathtaking. The best part is that you can extend your trip to Nandi Hills if you haven’t been there before. It’s definitely worth the climb to the top, as the scenery is truly stunning.
16. Ranganathaswamy Temple
The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Magadi is a renowned pilgrimage site with a history that dates back to the 12th century. It is a Chola temple that is highly revered by locals and visitors alike. The temple is known for its unique 3-foot tall standing image of Narayana, as opposed to the usual resting position of the idol. The temple is also noted for its beautiful Dravidian architecture, which is best seen in the intricate pillars inside. For centuries, the temple has been a spiritual haven for the people of Magadi, and continues to draw in pilgrims from far and wide.
17. Nrityagram
Nrityagram, established in 1990 by classical dancer Nrityagram, is a must-see if you are a fan of classical Indian folk dance. Located on the outskirts of Bangalore, the village offers a unique experience and is best visited during the Vasantha Habba festival, which is held in spring. During this time, various dance forms are performed by local artists, giving visitors a chance to witness these traditional dances. The village is filled with beautiful gardens and unique architecture, making it an ideal spot to spend a day.
18. Ghati Subramanya Temple
The Ghati Subramanya Temple is a popular pilgrimage site visited by devotees from all over the country. This temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the Lord of Snakes and the son of Shiva and Parvati. What makes this temple unique is that the same idol features Lord Subramanya facing east, and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha facing west. Through a strategically placed mirror, devotees can witness the beautiful sight of Laxmi Subrahmanyan. This temple is a must-visit for all devotees of Lord Subramanya.
19. Kempegowda Fort
Kempegowda, also known as Magadi Fort, is a must-visit attraction near Bangalore. Though the large portion of the fort lies in ruins, the beautiful scenery still makes it a worthy visit. Originally built with mud, the fort was later converted into a stone fort by Haider Ali. Inside the fort, you will also find the temple of Rameshwara built in the Vijayanagara style of architecture. If you happen to be around Bangalore, make sure to visit Kempegowda for an unforgettable experience.
20. Innovative Film City
Bangalore offers an array of fun activities for everyone, especially for those looking for an exciting chillar party. One of the most popular spots for these activities is Innovative Film City, nestled in Bidadi on the Bangalore-Mysore highway. The activities offered here are many, such as net cricket, bull ride, go-karting, and boating. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy refreshing water pools with a variety of activities like the Dino Park, Haunted Mansion, and Fossil Museum. With so much to do, Innovative Film City is the perfect spot for a thrilling chillar party in Bangalore.