11 Popular Trekking Places To Visit Near Bangalore

Trekking has become the top weekend activity for Bangaloreans, and fortunately, there are numerous nearby destinations for trekking enthusiasts. With a significant young population from the tech industry, Bangalore’s trekking spots are often bustling with adventure seekers eager to catch a sunrise, especially on weekends. Although longer, overnight treks in Karnataka, such as Kumara Parvatha, Kudremukh, and Brahmagiri Peak, are a bit farther away, Trawell.in highlights the best trekking locations within 120 km of Bangalore that are perfect for a day trip from the city.

# Savandurga Hill

Savandurga Hill is one of Asia's largest monolith hills and a popular trekking destination near Bangalore. It features two peaks: Billigudda and Karigudda. Both hills serve as starting points for pilgrims visiting the Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy temples located at their bases.

Savandurga offers two main trekking trails: Karigudda and Billigudda. The Billigudda trail passes through the ruins of a fort built by Kempe Gowda and presents a challenging ascent. For a satisfying trek, Karigudda is ideal. Night treks to watch the sunrise are particularly popular here.

# Ramanagara

Ramanagara, a town in Karnataka known for its silk industry, offers several short trekking trails. Surrounded by seven prominent hills—Shivaramagiri, Yatirajagiri, Somagiri, Krishnagiri, Revana Siddeshwara, Jala Siddeshwara, and Sidilakallu—Ramanagara is a favored trekking spot near Bangalore. Ramagiri Hill, a renowned shooting location for the film "Sholay," is just 4 km away and features the ancient Pattabhi Rama temple.

Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy rock climbing in Ramanagara, with options for Pitch Climbing and Bouldering. Nearby attractions include Janapada Loka and Kanva Reservoir. The area is excellent for camping, fishing, and bird watching.

# Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurga, is a popular destination for trekking and hiking, standing at an altitude of about 1,478 meters. It is named after Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. The hill was a summer retreat for Tipu Sultan. A trek of about 1,200 steps leads to the summit. The Bhoga Nandishwara Temple at the base and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, along with Tipu’s Drop—a 600-ft cliff—are notable attractions. The peak also features temples dedicated to Sri Ugra Narasimha, Sri Yoga Narasimha, and Sri Bhoga Narasimha. While early morning treks are ideal, there are limited accommodation options at the peak.

# Skandagiri

Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga, is an ancient mountain fortress situated at around 1,350 meters. This destination is ideal for night treks, camping, and bird watching. The fortress, which dates back to local kings and later used by Tipu Sultan, is now in ruins. The trek starts from Papagni Temple at the hill's base. Known for its night trekking, Skandagiri offers stunning sunrise views and features two caves along the route. The best time to visit is from May to December.

# Makalidurga

Makalidurga, a hill fort near the village of Makali, was once a granary for the palegar Makaliraya in the late 1800s. A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna sits at the foothill. The trek to the top, with views of surrounding lakes, curvy roads, and railway tracks, is moderately challenging. The fort, originally constructed in the 17th century and later expanded by Hyder Ali, includes a Shiva temple and is steeped in historical significance. Night trekking is a rewarding experience, and the best months to visit are September to February.

# Devarayanadurga

Devarayanadurga, a rocky hill at an altitude of 3,940 feet, features temples dedicated to Yoga Narasimha and Bhoga Narasimha. The Bhoga Narasimha temple is at the foothills, while Yoga Narasimha is at the summit. The hill is also home to natural springs like Namada Chilume, Ramatirtha, and Dhanushtirtha, with a large cave nearby depicting figures of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. The car festival of Sri Bhoga Narasimha Swamy and the annual Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi celebration are notable events. Devarayanadurga is a great spot for a three-day tour from Bangalore.

# Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta

Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, located near Kanakapura town, is one of the highest hills in the region and a top spot for short trekking near Bangalore. The peak is home to a temple dedicated to Lord Rangaswamy. Pilgrims visit this site for its annual festival. The hill, part of the Eastern Ghats, offers picturesque views of surrounding hillocks. The trek starts from Konala Doddi, about 6 km away, and also has a jeep track. The best time to visit is from August to January.

# Anthargange

Anthargange, known for its caves and temple, is a significant pilgrimage and trekking site. The name "Anthargange" means Inner Spring, referring to a spring that flows through a bull statue at the temple. The ancient temple, surrounded by dense vegetation, is accessed by a short walk from the parking area. The trek to the caves on the hilltop takes about an hour, and the area is ideal for night treks and camping. The caves are large and suitable for exploration.

# Channarayana Durga

Channarayana Durga, a hilltop fort near Madhugiri, is a historical site with temples and old structures. Built by Channapa Gouda in the 17th century, it changed hands several times before being abandoned by the British. The moderate trek to the fort offers a unique adventure, especially during the monsoon when the rocks can be slippery. The trek takes about half a day, and the best time to visit is from September to December.

# Madhugiri

Madhugiri, a town in Tumkur district, features the second largest monolithic rock hill in Asia. The hill, standing at 3,930 feet, is named after the honey bee colonies that were once abundant. The fort on the hill, originally constructed in the 17th century and fortified by Hyder Ali, includes three gateways and a Gopalakrishna temple at the summit. The trek, starting from the base of the fort, is moderately difficult and takes about 1.5 hours one way. The best time to visit is from October to March, with plenty of water and snacks recommended.

# Kunti Betta

Kunti Betta, located in Pandavapura Taluk, Mandya district, features two rocky hills at an altitude of 2,880 feet. The area, named after the Pandavas, is surrounded by sugarcane and paddy fields. A temple with a pond at the base is a popular spot for pilgrims. The trek from the pond takes about 2 hours to reach the summit. Kunti Betta is also known for its night treks and rock climbing opportunities. Nearby Thonnur Lake, 4 km away, is a source of water for local villages and can be visited along with Kunti Betta. The best time to visit is from October to May.

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