Adventure Sports In Bangalore To Indulge Yourself

Situated at a distance of 3 km from the Chikballapur village, at an altitude of 4430 ft, Skandagiri is one of the oldest hill fortresses. It is a famous destination for night trekking, bird watching and camping. The trekking route is well marked out and takes approximately 2 hours. Winter is regarded as the preferable period to trek to Skandagiri. Another way to reach Skandagiri is a detour from the road to Nandi Hills. Apart from the dilapidated fort, the scenic beauty of the lush green hill with the spectacular sunrise makes this trek worth it.

Best time to trek: October to January

Distance from Bangalore: 60 km

We all wish to fly out in the sky and glide gently like a bird, feeling the breeze that takes us wherever we want to go. Nandi hill happens to be one of the places in the state that can help you find a similar sublime experience, where one finds paragliding as a retreat. Paraglide over these hills and valleys, for some of the most memorable experiences here. Paragliding in Nandi Hills is one of the most liked adventure sports in Bangalore.

Distance from Bangalore: 34 km

This is a slightly tougher trek marked by steepness and dense forests. Camping here is not possible, so it is better to take permission in advance to camp at the forest department office or mandapa. Even the trek requires approval in advance from the forest department. But do not be discouraged since the trek offers unparalleled views and experiences like the waterfall, the Kukke Subramanya Temple, and the lights of the town of Somwarpet.

Best time to trek: October to February

Distance from Bangalore: 257 km

Known For : Cauvery Fishing Camp Doddamakali Nature Camp Boat Rides in Bheemeshwari

The nature lovers are going to love this place for its abundance of greenery which is also home to many wild animals like grizzled giant squirrel, jackals, wild pigs, elephants, leopards, and spotted deer. Located on the banks of River Cauvery, Bheemeshwari is a popular site for camping near Bangalore. Rafting is an excellent water sport here. The white river has an unpredictable swift to it which makes it even more stimulating to navigate your way in class 3 rapids. The river stretches for 8kms. Fishing is another activity enjoyed by many travellers.

Distance from Bangalore: 102 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

8 Bheemeshwari Attractions

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

Nandidurga or Nandi Betta is one of the most popular spots for trekking near Bangalore. With an altitude of about 1350 m, this ancient hill fortress offers a breath-taking view. Travellers have long been in awe of the beautiful mornings here. Summer season is the most recommended time to visit these hills. Not only for trekkers, but this place is also a favourite for cyclists and people who enjoy a little more adventure like paragliding. Other attractions in and around Nandi Hills include Tipu's Drop, Tipu Sultan's fort, Bhoga Nandeshwara Temple, The Yoga Nandeshwara, Amrit Sarovar, Gandhi House and Nehru Nilaya. There are around 1200 steps from the foot of the hill to the top. Self-camping at the peak is regarded as unsafe.

Distance from Bangalore: 57 km

Best Time: October to June

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

Located 35 kms away from the city of Bangalore and next to Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary is a 65-acre property called Camp GeeDee. There are a variety of activities ranging from mountain biking, rock climbing, bird spotting to trekking so one can never get bored over here. It is a great way to rejuvenate yourself from the hard-packed daily life and one of the most accessible sites for camping near Bangalore. 

Located close to the Tumkur district, Devarayanadurga, that is, the Fort of the God is a famous weekend getaway from Bangalore and pilgrimage spot. It is a reserved protective forest surrounded by numerous hills, making it a paradise for trekkers. Apart from being a popular destination to view the sunrise from, Devarayanadurga has other attractions like the spring at Namada Chilume, the Yoga Narasimha Temple and The Bhoga Narasimha Temple.

Best time to trek: October to May

Distance from Bangalore: 70 km

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

One can't forget to mention Dandeli when it comes to adventure sports. Not so near to Bangalore (only a 2.5km drive from Goa's Dabolim airport though) but the reason why this place has made it to the list is that it is said to be the best place in Karnataka to test your skills and up your rafting game. There are certain unexpected slopes and turns on the river bed which only indicates more kicks. The river is vast and stretches for almost 10 km. Make sure you do a rain check (in a literal manner) before planning a trip here because the waters depend a lot on rain.

Grade: Class 3 (moderate)

Operator: riversresortdandeli.com

Distance from Bangalore: 463 km

Best Time: October to May

25 Dandeli Attractions

Merely 60 kilometres away, on the west of Bangalore off the Ramanagaram - Magadi road is the picture like setting called Savandurga. It used to have historical importance during the Hoysala Empire and comprises of two hills - Bilidurga and Karidurga. It is also known for having the largest monolith hills in the world which makes it one of the most gorgeous sites for camping near Bangalore. Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy are two temples which are popular amongst rock-climbers, cave-explorers and adventurers. Trekking, rappelling, high rope traversing and kayaking are some activities to keep yourself busy. 

Distance from Bangalore: 48 km

Best Time: November to May

3 Savandurga Attractions

The most massive monolith of Asia, Savandurga comprises the twin peaks of Karigudda (The Black Hill) and Billigudda (The White Hill). Surrounded by the forests of Magadi, Savandurga offers a panoramic view of the city of Bangalore. This is a slightly challenging trek and requires prior permission from the authorities. There are two trekking trails to Savanadurga, the Karigudda trail and the Billigudda trail. Given the steepness of the trek, trekking without proper gears is not recommended. People often come here for night trekking to watch the sunrise.

Distance from Bangalore: 48 km

Best Time: November to May

3 Savandurga Attractions

Go-karting is the most breathtaking activities available at many places in Bangalore, which can be enjoyed with family and friends. The go-kart comes in various sizes with an option of motorless mode as well. Most of the places offering the go-karting facility also offer other recreational activities such as bowling or paintball. Some of the go-karting places in Bangalore include Grips Go Karting and Bowling, Race-Race Gokarting, E-Zone Club, Patel Karting and other. What's more, you can challenge your friends and family to a friendly battle and establish your driving dominance over them all!

Distance from Bangalore: 18 km

Famous for the shooting of Sholay, Ramanagara is also popular for its silk along with its trekking spots. The seven hills that surround this district are Shivaramagiri, Yatirajagiri, Somagiri, Krishnagiri, Revana Siddeshwara hill, Jala Siddeshwara hill and Sidilakallu hill. Day treks, camping, rock climbing and bird watching are some of the most popular activities among the tourists here. Other famous attractions here are the Kanva Reservoir, the Mekedaatu nd the Janapada Loka. It is a relatively easier trek near Bangalore.

Best time to trek: September to January

Distance from Bangalore: 48 km

Part of the Shathashrunga mountain range, Anthargange is called the Kashi of the South and is not only a tourist hotspot but also has religious significance. Trekkers flock here to see the caves and the ancient Kashi Vishwanatha temple. There are two routes to the temple, one being the 500+ broken steps and the other being the 7 km through thick undergrowth and volcanic rocks. Anthargange is also an ideal place for night camping near Bangalore. There are numerous caves, and after exploring them, one can enjoy a relaxed bonfire with a starry night sky to keep company and welcome the sunrise rising over the horizon.

Distance from Bangalore: 67 km

Best Time: October to March

2 Anthargange Attractions

Kayaks are not very easy to drive especially for a fresher. It requires concentration, understanding the technique, learning the necessary skill and deploying it successfully. Kayaks are fast and offer a thrilling experience to those who like to indulge in these amazing water sports. The best place to try your hand at kayaking in the backwaters of Honnemaradu, which are known for the same.

Distance from Bangalore: 398 km

Known For : Jungle Safari, Kabini Boating in Kabini

Kabini is known for its wildlife. A herd of elephants is a common sight so keep your cameras on for that perfect Instagram picture. A pristine tributary of the Cauvery River, rafting in Kabini gives you the experience of enthralling rafting with a view of the exotic wildlife. Whether you are an amateur, semi-pro or professional, Kabini is a place for everyone.

Grade: Class 2-3 (easy-moderate)

Operator: theblueyonder.com

Distance from Bangalore: 164 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Kabini Attractions

Bored of being stuck in the traffic every day? Hop on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and let it roar your way off the normal roads and bring the wild rider out. You have plenty of options in Bangalore to get the experience of these monster bikes. Such rides can be experienced either near Kanakpura Road or near Nandi Hills with the help of a company Dirt Mania. These Quad Bike Rides can cost somewhere from INR 500 to 5000 depending upon the Track, Trail and the length. Night Trails require a pre-booking. Quad Biking in Bangalore is one of the most desried Adventure Sports in Bangalore by the youngsters.

Distance from Bangalore: 55 km

Chikmagalur is a cosy hill station just a 4-hour drive away from Bangalore. The aroma of coffee plantations here enters your head and lingers. The undulating water at Chikmagalur makes up an ideal white water rafting location. River Bhadra gushes rapidly. The sound calls out to the rafters. Rafting here is not crafty and yet exhilarating.

Grade: Class 3 (moderate)
Best Season: June to October
Operator: chikmagalurtourism.net

Surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees and consisting of two rocky hills, Kunti Betta located in the Pandavapura Taluk of Mandya district is the best place for trekkers who seek some more adventure. You can go for night trekking here, however, beginners might require anchored ropes. Rappelling, rock climbing, camping, swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing are some of the adventurous activities that you can enjoy here.

Best time to trek: October to May

Distance from Bangalore: 122 km

Microlight flying is an aero sport which has gained popularity in recent times. The sport has been revolutionary in the sense that it has given everyone an opportunity to experience the exhilaration of soaring in the sky, miles above the ground, without the high expenses of the usual flying options available. Here, we explore the whats and hows of this adventure sport and the details of microlight flying in India.

Bangalore which is known as the Garden City. The activity of microlight flying in Bangalore always takes place close to Yelahanka at Jakkur Aerodrome. Lakes and tourists surround the flight path can see the two main ones are Yelahanka Lake and Puttenhalli Lake. Puttenhalli Lake is also a bird sanctuary. The setting for the flight will be Jakkur Airfield as that is the only dedicated general aviation field located in the city. It covers over 214 acres.