The city life can be tedious and hectic for many people with the never-ending video call meetings, spending 50 hours a week before the computer screen, being stuck in the traffic jam for hours. The same old pubs and restaurants are just not enough anymore.
You’d want to just drop everything you are doing and go to a place where you can forget all about those deadlines, projects and find solace for a day. Studies have shown that spending time in nature just looking at scenes of nature can reduce anxiety, stress, and you’d start feeling better immediately.
Various places around Bangalore make for a nice weekend getaway.
Below is the list of some of the places you can visit near Bangalore this weekend.
1. Nandi Hills
If you are someone who loves a long drive or a ride, then Nandi Hills is a perfect place for it. Nandi Hills is located in Chikkaballapura, Karnataka, which is only 60 kilometres away from Bangalore. One of the main activities you don’t want to miss out on is watching Sunrise here. Other activities you can do are cycling to the top of the hill and trekking in the grassland. Nandi Hills got its name from the statue of the Lord Nandi in the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple.
Distance: 62 kilometers from Bangalore.
Travel Time: 2 hours.
Activities: Watching sunrise, trekking, cycling, paragliding
2. Skandagiri
Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga, is another well-known hill station among Bangaloreans which is located in Chikkaballapura, Karnataka. One of the major attractions of Skandagiri is its sunrise point, where you can get a picture-perfect view of sunrise from the peak. If you wish to experience the best of Skandagiri, it is recommended to do the night trek (permission of the forest department required) where you can sleep under the stars once you reach the top while you wait for the sun to rise.
The total distance of the trek is around 9 kilometers and with a difficulty level of easy.
Distance: 70 kilometers from Bangalore.
Travel Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Activities: Sunrise, trekking
3. Savandurga Hills
Savandurga hill, located in Savandurga state forest, is 60 kilometers away from Bangalore. It is believed to be one of the largest monolith hills in Asia.
If you are someone who loves adventure, then this is the place for you. Savandurga is famous among rock climbers and trekkers for the vertical climb challenge it offers.
There are two trails to reach the peak here: Karigudda (Black hill) and Biligudda (white hill). Karigudda trail is tough and less explored and it is not permitted by the forest department to trek through this trail as it is very steep and dangerous. Biligudda is an easier climb and is accessible to the general public. You get to experience the beautiful sight of Arkavathi river and Manchanabele Dam once you reach the top of the hill.
Another popular activity that you can do here is birdwatching.
Distance: 70 kilometers from Bangalore.
Travel Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Activities: Sunrise, trekking, rock climbing, birdwatching
4. Shivanasamudra Waterfall
Shivanasamudra falls is in Chamarajanagara district in Karnataka. The falls are situated on the banks of the Cauvery river. Asia’s first hydro-electric power station was set up here in the year 1902. It’s an amazing place which is around 120 kilometres away from Bangalore. Here several parallel streams plunge into the river, pounding the rocks, creating a roaring sound and cloudy, frothy pool at the bottom and a cool atmosphere all around.
Surrounded by lush green views near the banks of the river Cauvery you can find the 300 feet twin falls, Gaganachukki and Barachukki which are one kilometre away from each other. Visit this place with your family and friends and make it an unforgettable weekend.
Distance: 120 kilometres from Bangalore.
Travel Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Activities: Fishing, shopping at the local market, enjoy the day at the Barachukki and Gaganachukki falls.
5. Makalidurga
Makalidurga hill is around 65 kilometers away from Bangalore. If you are looking for a fun, adventurous weekend, I highly recommend this place. It is famous for its trekking trail that attracts thousands of adventure lovers from all across Karnataka. Makalidurga is also known for its wonderful night trek experience. Once you reach the top of this 4,400 feet hill, you get to witness the astonishing, lush green terrain and also the calm lake which reflects the sky that extends across the hill. You can also visit Ghati Subramanya temple, Chikka Madhure Shani Mahatma Temple and Grover Zampa vineyards in Makalidurga.
Distance: 65 kilometers from Bangalore.
Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes approximately
Activities: Trekking, night trekking, camping, visit Ghati Subramanya temple, Chikka Madhure Shani Mahatma temples, visit Grover Zampa vineyards.
6. Antara Gange
Antara Gange when translated to English means the Ganges from deep.
Antara Gange is a mountain in the Shathashrunga mountain range in Kolar which is about 67 kilometers from Bangalore. Antara Gange is known for its natural caves that are formed from volcanic rocks. If you love exploring caves and trekking this is the perfect place for a great weekend getaway. The main attraction of this place is the Kashi Vishweshwara temple, Antara Gange is also known as Dakshina Kashi or Kashi of the south. You can see the whole town of Kolar from the top of Antara Gange hill.
PS: Beware of the wild monkeys that steal food from people visiting the hill.
Distance: 67 kilometers from Bangalore.
Travel Time: 2 hours approximately
Activities: Explore Antara Gange caves, Antara Gange sunrise trek, visit Kashi Vishweshwara temple, trekking in the mountains of Antara Gange.
7. Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta national park is one of the most famous and frequently visited places in Bangalore. It is located on the outskirts of Bangalore, just 19.3 kilometres away from the heart of Bangalore. It’s the perfect place if you are a nature and wildlife enthusiast.
The national park is one of the few places in the world where people can witness wilderness so close to the city. Bannerghatta national park has a zoo, butterfly park and also jungle safari where you can catch a sight of many animals including tigers, monkeys, bears and elephants in the wild. The total distance of the safari is 16 kilometres and you can do it in a jeep, an AC or non-AC bus.
It’s a great place for photography where you get an opportunity to capture amazing sights in your camera. There are many other places you can visit near the park. Some of them are – Uddi Gebande, Tottikallu falls, Chudahalli reservoir, Bytrayana doddi lake, Savandurga and Ramanagara.
Since the place is not very far from the city, you visit the place not only on weekends but on a weekday when you feel like just getting away from the busy city life and just relax and reboot your mind amid nature.
The timing of the national park is from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bannerghatta national park is open on all days of the week except Tuesdays.
Entry fees for the park is 80 INR for adults and 40 INR for children.
Distance: 19.3 kilometres from Bangalore.
Travel Time: 49 minutes approximately
Activities: Photography, safari, visiting the zoo, visiting butterfly park, elephant sanctuary.
8. Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills is around 157 kilometers from Bangalore and is one of the prettiest places to visit on a weekend getaway. Horsley Hills is situated at an altitude of 4,100 feet above sea level and has a gorgeous view all around waiting for you at the top of the hill.
If you are someone who enjoys nature and appreciates its beauty, this is the place for you. Trekking is one of the main activities you can do here and the best part of it is the view at the top where you can witness the panoramic view of the rich green surrounding, beautiful Hills and the river flowing in between those Hills. Other activities include visiting Horsley Hills zoo and the Whisper Wind Viewpoint.
Other places you can visit here are Horsley Hills zoo, Kaigal falls and Chennakeshava temple. The best time to visit Horsley Hills is between the months of December and March.
Distance: 157 kilometers from Bangalore.
Travel Time: 4 hours approximately
Activities: Trekking, visiting Horsley Hills zoo and the Whisper Wind Viewpoint, visiting Kaigal falls and Chennakeshava temple.
Now that you know the places around Bangalore for a perfect weekend getaway, you can just drop everything and visit one of these places with your friends and families or even do a solo trip for some quiet, alone time instead of standing in the queue of the same old restaurants and cinema halls. Go plan a trip now and visit some of the above places this weekend.
1 Comment
Loved the information. I am going to check them all out. Thank you for this piece of blog. Inspires me to travel more.
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