Best Places for Trekking in Bangalore To Work Up A Sweat!

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 and Sunday morning drives here from the city makes Nandi Hills one of the best destinations for trekking in Bangalore. 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: 60 km
Best time to trek: March to May

The most massive monolith of Asia, Savandurga comprises the twin peaks of Karigudda (The Black Hill) and Billigudda (The White Hill) and is one of the most beloved places for trekking in Bangalore. 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 to Trek: October to February

Famous for the shooting of Sholay, Ramanagara is also popular for its silk along with its trekking spots. The seven hills that surround this famous place for trekking in Bangalore 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 to do here. Other famous attractions here are the Kanva Reservoir, the Mekedaatu nd the Janapada Loka. It is a relatively easier trek near Bangalore.

Distance from Bangalore: 55 km
Best time to trek: September to January

Tourists flock to this hill fort near the village of Makali to see the ruins of the Makalidurga Fort and the splendid view of the lake. The fort has a temple of Shiva and Nandi where, as the legend says, Rishi Markandeya performed penance. Boulders marked with directions guide you on this trek. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the train that goes through the hill at the bottom. It is also a very popular destination for night trekking in Bangalore, which takes approximately 2 hours.  

Distance from Bangalore: 61 km
Best time to trek: September to February

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. This temple is located in the midst of heavy vegetation with a spring nearby which originated in the hill with water flowing through at bull statue at the 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. 

Distance from Bangalore: 80 km
Best time to trek: August to February

Located close to the Tumkur district, Devarayanadurga is a famous weekend getaway and an ideal place for trekking in Bangalore. It is a forest reserve 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. 

Distance from Bangalore: 72 km
Best time to trek: October to May

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.

Distance from Bangalore: 61 km
Best time to trek: October to January

This is a slightly tougher trek marked by steepness and dense forests. Camping here is not prohibited, so it is better to take permission in advance to camp at the forest department office or Mantapa. 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.

Distance from Bangalore: 280 km
Best time to trek: October to February

This hillock comprises of a temple hosted beneath a massive granite rock, which translates to the name of Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta. Situated close to Kanakapura, a town in Karnataka, this place adjoins a forest as well, providing as a resting place for many neighbouring wild animals. The peak is reachable through drive or trek; however, both get tedious as the path narrows and is comparatively advisable to trek. An approximate 3 and a half hour upward and a two-hour downward trek, the Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta also facilitates night trekking and rappelling.

Distance from Bangalore: 70 km south
Best time to trek: September to January

Another trekker magnet, and the highest peak of Kodagu district and the third highest in Karnataka, Tadiandamol is housed within the “Scotland of India”; Coorg. This peak offers its visitors one of the most breathtaking views overlooking the landscapes and sceneries of the Western Ghats. Although open for trekking and occasionally closed due to natural calamities, the peak does not allow camping.

Distance from Bangalore: Approx 270 km
Best time to trek: October to February

Located in Chikkamagaluru, Mullayanagiri is the tallest and most prominent peak of Karnataka and the fourth in the country. A hillock this massive surely does provide the trekker with a brilliant view over the town of Chikkamagaluru. A trek of about 350 steps, the road up the hill is quite well maintained and conducive for the perfect hike. Mullayanagiri also houses two temples at the top adorning some of the ancient Kannada temple architecture.

Distance from Bangalore: 265 km
Best time to trek: June to August and October to January

Asia's second-largest monolith, situated in the town of Tumkur, Madhugiri derives its name from the honey bee colonies near the fort of Madhugiri which is located on the slope of the hills. The fort has three gateways, Antaralada Bagilu, Diddibagilu, and Mysore Gate. The ruins of the Gopalkrishna temple lie at the top of the fort. Other tourist attractions at this popular place for trekking near Bangalore include the Malleswara and Venkataramana temples famous for their Dravidian style architecture and towers, the Jain temple within the fort, Channarayana Durga fort, Siddara Betta, Timmalapura Forests and Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve. 

Distance from Bangalore: 106 km
Best time to trek: October to March

A complete adventure package, Bheemeshwari facilitates an array of activities such as fishing, nature camps, jungle camps, and trekking. Kayaking, zip-line adventure, jumaring, high-rope crossing and coracle ride are some of the activities at Bheemeshwari the nature camp. Bracketed by three waterfalls and surrounded by lavish greenery, landscapes and picturesque views, this trekking zone is the perfect nature-getaway.

Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 105 km
Best time to trek: November to February

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. 

Distance from Bangalore: 125 km
Best time to trek: October to May

Sandwiched between the Kodagu district of Karntaka and the Wayanad district of Kerala, Brahmagiri is a mesmerising blend of the culture and scenery of the two states. Flourishing in natural elements, Brahmagiri is one of the tallest peaks of Coorg; Kodagu. Beginning at Tirunelli from the Kerala side and Irupu falls from the Karnataka side, the trek would meet the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and thick forestry at the peak.

Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 252 km
Best time to trek: November to June

A former summer vacation hub of the ancient Kannada king, Krishnaraja Wodeyar VI, the Kemmangundi Hill station is yet another exquisite trekking hub of Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. Some of the other appeals at and around this hill station are the Z-point, Baba Budangiri, Mullayanagiri, Hebbe falls and Honnamma Falls. The Rose Garden at the peak of Kemmangundi is a significant attraction.

Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 275 km
Best time to trek: September to May

A former kingdom and an unfamiliar site for trekking in Bangalore, in the Tumkur district, Channarayana Durga offers yet another adventurous experience for all trekkers. The mystery and excitement along with this trek increase as there are no sign-boards directing tourists and trekkers. The journey of this trek would begin at village bracketing the foothills.

Distance from Bangalore: 100 km
Best time to trek: September to December

One of the best places for night trekking in Bangalore, Kabbaladurga is situated in Kanakapura city of Ramanagar district, Karnataka. Approximately a three-hour trek upwards, bonfires and camps are set up to celebrate the finish before leaving for the land. The hill is known not only for its scenic beauty and magnificent view but mainly for its safety and conducive nature during night treks.

Distance from Bangalore: 50 km
Best time to trek: March to June

Pushpagiri, also known as Kumara Parvatha, is located to the north of Kodagu district; Somwarpet in Karnataka. It is the fourth tallest hillock in state and the second-highest in Kodagu. Along with fascinating flora and fauna, the hillock also overlooks the Western Ghats and the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, evoking some of the most scenic memories and experiences.

Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 250 km
Best time to trek: October to January