Popularly known as the “Silicon Valley of India”, Bangalore is the IT hub of our country. Not many know that this city is not just about IT parks, beautiful cafes, and vibrant nightlife; it is beyond that. While the city’s urban charm attracts many youths, the best side of Bangalore lies in its other world, featuring misty sunrise points, rolling hills, monolithic rocks, ancient forts, and green forests. And the best part is that these scenic escapes are located a short drive away from the main city, making them perfect for weekend getaways.
For most adventure seekers and photographers, trekking is a lifestyle. Every weekend, hundreds of college students and corporate professionals jet off to nearby hills to feel the thrill of chasing the sunrise, exploring caves, and enjoying night trekking. People residing in other cities can look out for hotels near Bangalore airport if they wish to explore the best trekking places in Bangalore. If you are a lover of the outdoors and nature, seeking treks near Bangalore as an activity and adventure, look no further.
Top trekking places near Bangalore
Bangalore is home to multiple treks suitable for different kinds of adventure seekers, depending on their proficiency. While the iconic Skandagiri trek takes you above the clouds, the Makalidurga hills have so much history to tell. Some treks have challenging and steep climbs, whereas others are an epitome of cultural heritage and offer panoramic valley views. Whether you’re a beginner or an adventure junkie looking for popular treks in Bangalore, we have curated a list of the top treks near Bangalore to guide you to your next scenic escape into nature.
1. Skandagiri Trek
- Location: Chikkaballapur, 70 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 1,450 meters (4,757 feet)
- Trek Duration: 4–5 hours (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Starting Point: Kalavara village near Papagni Mutt
- Trek Distance: Around 8 km (both ways)
- Ideal For: Night trekking, beginners with moderate fitness, and sunrise chasers
The famous night trekking trail, Skandagiri, is one of the most popular treks among beginners with moderate fitness. It is one of the night treks near Bangalore, which lets you hike under starlit skies. Witnessing sunrise above the clouds, doing starry photography, spotting Nandi Hills, and exploring the historic fort ruins add value to the trail. The surreal sights and panoramic views of the surrounding ranges give you a feeling of a true adventure close to Bangalore. Skandagiri is a complete package, including night trek, history, and a breathtaking sunrise, for people short on budget and time.
2. Nandi Hills Sunrise Trek
- Location: Chikkaballapur, 60 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 1,478 meters (4,849 feet)
- Trek Duration: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; best at sunrise
- Starting Point: Nandi Hill base parking area
- Trek Distance: Around 3 km (one way)
- Ideal For: Beginners, families, and sunrise lovers
Popular for its iconic sunrise views near Bangalore, the Nandi Hills Sunrise Trek is perfect for beginners. It boasts a historic cliff showcasing legends of Tipu Sultan, centuries-old Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and paragliding thrill for adventure seekers. If you are looking for a popular beginner-friendly trek near Bangalore, Nandi Hills is the go-to option. It makes for a perfect getaway and early morning trek, courtesy of its ease of accessibility, mist-covered valleys, and unbeatable sunrise views.
3. Savandurga Hill Trek
- Location: Magadi, 60 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 1,226 meters (4,022 feet)
- Trek Duration: 4–5 hours (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Starting Point: Savandurga base village near Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
- Trek Distance: Around 5 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers, rock climbers, and experienced beginners
Savandurga is one of the biggest monolithic rocks in Asia. With twin peaks, namely Karigudda (Black Hill) and Biligudda (White Hill), it offers unique trekking routes for professional climbers and rappelling enthusiasts. You also get to see the panoramic views of the Arkavathi River, rich wildlife, and lush greenery from the top. Moreover, the temple trails at the base attract both devotees and trekkers. Apart from being a challenge for experienced beginners, it is a rewarding experience for rock climbers.
4. Anthargange Trek
- Location: Kolar, 70 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 1,712 meters (5,617 feet)
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Starting Point: Anthargange Temple, Kolar
- Trek Distance: Around 6 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: Night trekkers, cave explorers, and beginners
For those seeking an adventurous mix of trekking and cave exploration, Anthargange should be your number one choice. With natural caves made of unique volcanic rock formations and popular spots for astrophotography, it makes for an unforgettable night trek near Bangalore. The Anthargange Temple and its mysterious spring flowing from rocks hold great significance among devotees. Not to mention the adventurous trail, scenic sunrise views, and panoramic landscapes at dawn make it a safe and fun group-friendly trek.
5. Makalidurga Hill Trek
- Location: Doddaballapur, 60 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 1,117 meters (3,665 feet)
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Starting Point: Makalidurga railway station
- Trek Distance: Around 8 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: History buffs and adventure lovers
For those who love history and nature, the Makalidurga Hill Trek features fort ruins at the peak. Right from its picturesque railway track base to the scenic views of the Gundamagere Lake shaped like South America, the trek offers the best panoramic scenery. You can also enjoy a thrilling climb with boulders and shrubs and get rewarded with stunning sunrise views if you start early. Moreover, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the top adds a spiritual touch.
6. Channagiri Betta Trek
- Location: Chikkaballapur, 65 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 1,354 meters (4,440 feet)
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Starting Point: Channagiri base village
- Trek Distance: Around 5 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: Families and casual trekkers
Channagiri Betta Trek offers a peaceful trail featuring scenic beauty and no strenuous climbing. Surrounded by dense vegetation and rich in local bird species, this trek is perfect for people who prefer to avoid crowds. While the starting point offers cultural insights, the trail provides different perspectives from nearby Nandi Hills. Apart from all this, the trek features many sunrise and sunset points ideal for photography.
7. Kunti Betta Trek
- Location: Pandavapura, Mandya, 125 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 950 meters (3,117 feet)
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Starting Point: Kunti Betta base near Thonnur Lake
- Trek Distance: Around 5 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: Beginners and night trekkers
Kunti Betta is an all-rounder trek near Bangalore. This trek holds mythological importance as it is believed to be linked to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Kunti Betta is one of the most unbeatable night trekking spots among trekking groups. From the top, one can see the Thonnur Lake sparkling beautifully, while breathtaking sunrises steal the show. The rocky pathways lead to a temple at the base, adding spiritual essence.
8. Bheemana Kindi Trek
- Location: Kanakapura, 70 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 1,100 meters (3,608 feet)
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Starting Point: Bheemana Kindi base village
- Trek Distance: Around 6 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: Adventure lovers and history buffs
Bheemana Kindi Trek is named after Bheema from the Mahabharata and is popular for its giant natural arch formation called “Bheemana Kindi”. When you walk through thick vegetation, you will witness the unique geology, which makes it a distinctive trek near Bangalore. Additionally, the seasonal and refreshing water streams and the beautiful outlook of hills and valleys are a treat to the eyes. Being quiet and less crowded, this trek is a hidden gem for peace seekers.
9. Ramanagara Trek
- Location: Ramanagara, 50 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 747 meters (2,450 feet)
- Trek Duration: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Starting Point: Ramanagara base
- Trek Distance: Around 4 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: Families and beginners
Ramanagara is an easily accessible trail perfect for movie buffs, bird lovers, and casual trekkers, thanks to its unique charm. This short and sweet trek is home to the Sholay Hills, which were the famous shooting spot for the Bollywood movie, Sholay. Perfect for quick getaways from Bangalore, this trek is a rock climbing hub, also known for the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary. The unique landscapes offered by granitic hills are the cherry on the cake.
10. Handi Gundi Betta
- Location: Ramanagara district, around 60 km from Bangalore
- Trek Height: Approximately 1,358 meters (4,455 feet)
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours (round trip)
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: November to February (cool and clear weather)
- Starting Point: Handi Gundi village near Ramadevarabetta base, Ramanagara
- Trek Distance: Around 5 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: Beginners, photographers, nature lovers, and weekend trekkers
Handi Gundi Betta is an offbeat trek, and you will be greeted with fewer crowds. The raw and untouched forest paths provide you with a fresh vibe and ignite your inner curiosity. The simple trail with rocky climbs is ideal for offbeat explorers who are seeking solitude and serenity. If you are somebody who enjoys offbeat experiences away from touristy crowds, wait no further. Another key feature is that this trek is great for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.
Final Words
Apart from IT geeks and corporate workers, Bangalore makes for a dream city for trekkers as well. One can find a perfect blend of monoliths, forts, forests, lakes, streams, caves, and hills within a radius of 50 to 150 km. You can also reach these trekking places easily if you are staying in any of the hotels near Bangalore airport. Whether it’s a thrilling opportunity of night treks like Skandagiri and Kabbaladurga or the offbeat beauty of Handi Gundi, the choices are endless, and each spot has its own charm. So the next time you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, grab your trekking shoes and backpack, and head out to explore these top treks near Bangalore. Have an adventurous and refreshing trekking experience!
