Places to Visit Near Bangalore in Monsoon

Shivanasamundram, one of the best places to visit near Bangalore in monsoons is located on the banks of the river Cauveri, about 100kms from Bangalore. It is also known as Shimsa or Bluff. The mighty Cauveri River splits into two and plummets down 75 metres deep into the gorge. These two twin waterfalls, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki are one of the top 100 waterfalls in the world. During monsoon, the Cauveri River flows with spate and the waterfalls are at their best. Apart from this, you can also visit Raganatha Temple dedicated to Goddess Cauveri, build by the Hoysala ruler and the Hazrath Mardane Gaib dargah. It is also famous for its Hydro-Electric Power Project.

Distance from Bangalore: 125 km

Best Time: August to February

3 Shivanasamudra Attractions

Located 70km away from the city, Anthargange is a great place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons for trekking over the weekend. Anthargange is made up of volcanic rock formations filled with numerous caves and interjectional streams and springs. Anthargange literally means Inner Stream; it refers to the perpetual stream that flows from inside the rocks whose origin is still unknown. Besides, it's a haven for adventure sports; trekking, hiking, rappelling, cave explorations, rock climbing, high rope traversing are the popular sporting activities here. Apart from this, monsoons offer a respite from the city heat as mountain takes up a green cover and the caves become cooler. Sunset is the best time to be here as the view from the top is exhilarating.

Distance from Bangalore: 67 km

Best Time: October to March

2 Anthargange Attractions

Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Chikmagalur, located around 250 kms from Bangalore is nestled in the Bada Budan Hills. This quaint little place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons is full of valleys, hills, streams and rivers. With its rugged mountains and sloppy hills, it makes for a trekker's delight. It is also known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka with sprawling landscapes for coffee plantations. Mullayyanagiri range, Kemmmanagundi Hills, Muthodi National Park and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the attractions here.

Distance from Bangalore: 245 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

Savandurga formed by two hills - Karigudda and Biligudda. Biligudda is one of the highest monolithic hills in Asia. At 1,226mts tall, it is largely made up of granites and laterites and serves as the perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts in Bangalore. At the foothills, the Arkavathi River quietly flows and the Narsimhaswamy temple is another attraction here. Savandurga hills have many caves formed due to the rock formation which attracts people for Cave explorations, hiking and trekking. The hills are covered in lush greens making it a great place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons.

Distance from Bangalore: 48 km

Best Time: November to May

3 Savandurga Attractions

Just outside Bangalore, this little-known Dam situated close to a huge Banyan tree is an easily accessible scenic spot. The shallow lake makes for activities like rafting, swimming and fishing. You can also make your own make-shift raft here and test it out in the waters. Some hills situated nearby to serve as a good trekking and rappelling point close to Bangalore. During monsoons, the Machanabelle Dam overflows and it's quite a sight to behold.

Located about 100km from Bangalore, Kunti Betta is formed by two rocky hills overlooking the city of Padavpura. These hills were also called French Rocks by the British. The locals believe that this place is named after Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, as she grew fond of this place during their time in exile. The top of the hills offer a magnificent view of the city making it an especially great place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons. The place livens up with greens and bouts of colourful flowers, you can also see the gushing backwaters of Tonnur Kere, lakes and farms. Along the way up to the hills, you'll come across Kunti Kola, a deep rock depression and a large footprint like formation which the locals call Bheemana Pada. Overall a great trekking spot around Bangalore for the monsoon.

The Gorur Dam built on the river Hemavathi, is quite close to Bangalore and it's located about 189km from Bangalore. This is a gorgeous place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons but wait till it's raining full swing. The Hemavathi River flows ferociously while the Dam fills upto its brim and overflows. This is the time when the officials release the water from the Dam; it's a sight beyond words. The gusto with which the water flows from the Dam leaves anyone watching nearby drenched in cool sprinkles.

Situated about 180km from the city, Hogenakkal is another important waterfall situated close to Bangalore originating from the Cauveri River. Hogenakkal is derived from two Kannada words together meaning 'Smoking Rocks' because of the smoke like mists that fills the air when the water plummets down on the rocks in the gorge. Monsoons make the river flow with much force making the water fall in a much force. People believe these falls have healing properties. This place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons is also famous for its massages given by the masseurs on flat rocks near the falls. A bath in the waterfalls after a massage is believed to be therapeutic. There are boats as well that takes you up close to the waterfalls.

Distance from Bangalore: 123 km

Known For : Tipu's Drop Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Tipu's Summer Residence

Located in Chikbalapur Taluka, about 60km from Bangalore on Bellary Road, Nandi Hills was considered to be a summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and the Britishers. This place to visit near Bangalore for monsoons is famous for its sunset and sunrise points and also for the various Shiva Temples located nearby. The Nandi Hills is favoured during monsoons for trekking and paragliding as well as for visiting the holy Amruth Sarovar which comes to its brim in the monsoons. The hills display a spectacular beauty and cool climate makes for an escape from the City. There are some famous historic sites to visit here such as the Tipu's Summer Palace, Gavi Veerbhadra Temple, Tippu Drop and Horse way which is a stone doorway at the northeastern side.

Distance from Bangalore: 57 km

Best Time: October to June

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

The pride of Karnataka and the most popular place to visit near Bangalore for monsoons, Jog Falls is the second-highest waterfall in India and formerly known as Joger Gersoppa Falls. The Sharavathi River is in magnificent during monsoons as it cascades down the hill into four falls - Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. Also during this time, the dams of the rivers close by are let open on weekends causing a lot of water to gush through the falls. The Falls are located in Shimoga which is quite near to Bangalore; it is also the 7th deepest waterfall in the world. Apart from this the town of Shimoga also has a lot of other attractions on offer for a traveller like Mandagadde and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, a couple of dams, Tiger and Lion Safari and much more.

Distance from Bangalore: 402 km

Best Time: July to December

9 Jog Falls Attractions

Known For : River Rafting in Dandeli Kali Tiger Reserve Magod Falls

A six and half hour long drive from Bangalore, Dandeli is a nature love's paradise. It is blessed with Dandeli wildlife sanctuary, Kavala caves, Kulgi nature camp, Shiroli peak and river rafting. One can take a jeep safari and explore the wildlife or go trekking in the region as well. However, the white water rafting on the Dandeli river takes the cake. Especially beautiful during the rains and within reach from Bangalore, this makes for an amazing getaway in the monsoons.

Distance from Bangalore: 464 km

Best Time: October to May

25 Dandeli Attractions

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

With the advent of the monsoons, Ooty puts on it's most beautiful display. With lush green valleys, lakes and hills, this places transforms into a visual treat and the perfect monsoon getaway near Bangalore. Ooty lake is L-shaped and a great picnic spot dotted with boat-houses. On can take horse rides to this place and watch the boat races or do boating. There is also a children's park nearby with a toy train which makes it suitable to go with your little ones. Ooty has Kamraj Sagar, Bellikal and Emerald Lake as well. The Ketti valley is a serene and peaceful place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons especially for treks. Extending between the plains of Coimbatore to plateaus of Mysore, this valley also includes the picturesque region of Conoor and the Dodabetta peak.

Distance from Bangalore: 272 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty Attractions

Known For : St. Mary's Island Malpe Beach Krishna Temple

Hebri, at a distance of around 40kms from Udupi, is one of the hidden gems that come alive in the monsoons. Blessed with rich vegetation, waterfalls, undulating hills and verdant beauty, this place is a trekker's paradise. Hebri lies in the foothills of the Western Ghats and has the picturesque Kundlu Teertha Falls (also known as Sita Falls) located deep within the jungles. A treat for nature lovers, this place could be visited on a rainy weekend from Bangalore.

Distance from Bangalore: 408 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

31 Udupi Attractions

Mandalpatti is a hilltop which is part of the Pushpagiri forest reserve in Coorg and is located at a height of 4050 feet. It is a perfect place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons and is just 283 kilometres from the city. You can hop in your car and have a short road trip to this beautiful hilltop. While here, you can indulge in bird watching and gaze at the Pushpagiri mountain range from the Mandalpatti View Point. You can trek up to the hilltop or simply take a jeep and enjoy the natural beauty of Mandalpatti. The mist covered hilltop and the unexploited surrounding are truly worthwhile experience.

Distance from Bangalore: 286 km

Known For : Kudremukh Trek Kudremukh National Park Hanuman Gundi Falls

Situated in Chikkamagaluru district, Kudremukh is a hill station which is located at a distance of 331 kilometres from Bangalore. It is home to the Kudremukh peak situated at an altitude of 1894 metres to which you can trek through the varied landscape of forests and shrubs. Kudremukh translates to 'horse face' and has been named so as the peak resembles the face of a horse from one side. It is part of the Kudremukh National Park and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. This hill station is a great place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons. It is ideal for family and friends to indulge in trekking, go on nature walks, visit the Hanuman Gundi falls, pay a visit to the famous Kalaseshwara Temple and bask in the lush green landscape of Kudremukh.

Best Time: October to May

10 Kudremukh Attractions

Chembra peak is located at a distance of 308 kilometres from the city and is an ideal place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons for a road trip. The peak is the highest one in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 2,100 metres above sea level and it a popular tourist destination. The peak is also a popular trekking destination under the jurisdiction of the South Wayanad forest division. You can drive to the foothills and this drive through the tea gardens is enthralling. The trek up to the Chembra peak is 3 km long and en route you will also come across a lake which is known as ?hridhayathadakam?. Due to ecological concerns, one can only trek up to the lake but even this is filled with wonderful views, a waterfall and lush green surroundings. You indulge in this trek with a group of friends or family, taking a break from the Bangalore monsoons.

Distance from Bangalore: 292 km

Located at a distance of mere 62 kilometres from the city of Bangalore, Skandagiri is a perfect place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons. It is a hilltop at an altitude of 1459 metres and you can reach the foothills of the peak by going through the village of Kalavara. In recent times, Skandagiri has become popular among the tourists and the people from the nearby cities. You can hike up to the peak, following the marked trails and enjoy the spectacular view from the top. The hills also house ruins of forts which can be traced back to the 18th century. At Skandagiri, people also indulge in night treks which is a completely different experience.

Known For : Echo Point, Munnar Atukkad Waterfalls Munnar Tea Plantations

Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Kerala which is located at a distance of 475 kilometres from Bangalore city. The town is surrounded by picturesque beauty and is home to tea plantations which add to its allure. It is situated at a height of 1,600 metres and the temperature here does not rise above 30 degree Celsius. The town is located at the meeting point of three rivers, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala rivers. You can easily access this town by road and have an amazing road trip. While here, you can also visit the Eravikulam National Park and trek up to the peak of Anamudi. A trip to Munnar is incomplete without shopping for some local aromatic tea, spices and homemade chocolates.

Distance from Bangalore: 467 km

Best Time: September to May

51 Munnar Attractions

Located in Tamil Nadu, Ketti is a small town which is nestled in a valley. It is at a distance of 281 kilometres from Bangalore and can be easily reached by the road. It is a serene and quaint place which is inhabited by mostly the Badagas. It is a vast valley in the Nilgiri district and is a perfect place to relax and unwind, take long walks soaking in the beauty of the valley and interact with the friendly locals.

Brindavan Gardens is a beautiful garden spread across an area of 60 acres and is perfect for a day outing. It is situated at a distance of 145 kilometres from Bangalore and is easy to spot lying next to the Krishnarajasagara dam. This is a wonderful place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons for nature enthusiasts as there are various species of flora and also a terrace garden, the brainchild of the Diwan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail in 1930s. The architecture of the gardens resembles the Mughal style and the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, which was also the inspiration behind this. The garden is truly a sight to sore eyes. The beautiful flowers, shrubs trimmed in the shape of animals, ornamental trees and the illuminated fountains during the evening, make this garden worthy of a visit.

Distance from Bangalore: 142 km

Located at a distance of 268 kilometres from Bangalore, Abbey Falls is a majestic waterfall in Coorg which is part of the river Kaveri. It is surrounded by greenery and coffee and spice plantations. While standing on the hanging bridge next to the waterfall, you can smell the aromatic coffee and spices. You easily access this waterfall by road and walk the remaining distance to the waterfall on foot. To see the pristine water drop from a height of 70 feet amidst the green surroundings is a sight worth seeing. It is advisable to not take a dip in the waterfall as this could be dangerous.

Distance from Bangalore: 274 km

Located at a distance of 157 kilometres from the city of Bangalore, Horsley Hills is a hill resort in the Chittoor district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The hills have a legend behind it according to which it was home to an old saint woman who was fed by elephants but historically, the hills have been named after a British official W.D. Horsley who lived there in 1870. The lush green Horsley Hills is the perfect place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons to see around 133 species of birds and exotic trees. Situated at a height of 1,265 metres, this hill station is visited by tourists as it is quite cooler as compared to the surrounding areas and offers an amazing view of the entire valley. While here, you can also pay a visit to the nearby Gurramkonda fort and the Wind Rock slope.

Distance from Bangalore: 144 km

At a distance of 263 kilometres from the city of Bangalore, Mullayanagiri is a wonderful trek to partake in. Mullayanagiri lies at an altitude of 1,930 metres, named after the Saint Mulappa Swamy whose tomb is situated on top of the peak. This is the highest peak in the state of Karnataka. The view from the top of the peak of the entire Western Ghats are enthralling and make the climb worth the trouble. It is a moderate level and a short, 2-day trek and can be completed over the weekend. The trek starts from Sarpandari and takes you through green forest trails, waterfalls and offers great picturesque views on the way.

Distance from Bangalore: 266 km

Situated at a distance of approximately 250 kilometres from Bangalore, Masinagudi is part of the Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a tiger reserve which houses a variety of fauna which includes the Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, striped hyena, golden jackal, Indian elephants, and a wide variety of flora. This is a wonderful place to visit near Bangalore in monsoons for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. You can indulge in safaris or bird watching and hope to catch a glimpse of the wildlife of the reserve.

Distance from Bangalore: 349 km

Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Agumbe is a village which is known for its picturesque green landscape. It is situated at a distance of 348 kilometres from Bangalore and is also known as the 'Cherrapunji of the South'. The village is surrounded by various waterfalls, streams, rainforests and a variety of medicinal plants. While here, you can take part in hikes and treks through the quaint and serene village to witness the beauty of Agumbe. You can climb up to the sunset point which offers a magnificent view of the sun setting over the Arabian Sea. You can easily drive up to this place near Bangalore in monsoons and then go on foot to witness the green surroundings and make the most of your trip.

Distance from Bangalore: 349 km

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Yercaud is a hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu, located at a distance of 215 kilometres from Bangalore. The hill station is part of the Eastern Ghats and is famous for the green landscape and the Yercaud lake situated in the midst it. It is located at a height of 1,515 metres and absolutely picturesque, being home to a multitude of coffee plantations and fruit orchards. Yercaud has been nicknamed the 'Jewel of the South' and is visited by a number of tourists. This is a great place to unwind and take a break from the humid monsoon days of Bangalore. While in this town, you can partake in treks to explore the flora and fauna of this town, indulge in boating or take a ride through the beautiful stretch of roads of this town.

Distance from Bangalore: 228 km

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions