The COVID-19 pandemic has crapped this year, hasn’t it?! Most of us have been sitting at home, glued to our TV, phone or computer. But, thankfully, the lockdown is slowly being lifted, and we can breathe a sigh of relief, albeit a small one. If you are in Bangalore and looking to go on a holiday anytime soon, we suggest you stay away from trains, flights, and even buses; instead, plan a private road trip in your own car or bike. This blog will tell you about the best offbeat places near Bangalore, which not a lot of people know about, so are quite calm. Here you go:
Lesser-Known Places near Bangalore within 100 Km
1. Hesaraghatta Lake
Hesaraghatta Lake
A fine spot for a day trip near Bangalore, Hesaraghatta Lake is a manmade lake created in the 19th century. Now, this and the area around attract a large number of birds, which you can capture in your lenses. Pack a basket filled with delicious stuff, and come to Hesaraghatta Lake for a short, sweet getaway from the city life.
- Distance from Bangalore: 30 km
- Driving Time: 55 minutes
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, camping, picnic, parasailing, cycling, boating
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
2. Thattekere Lake
Thattekere Lake
Thattekere Lake is a good place to visit near Bangalore for couples, friends and families alike. In fact, it is called ‘hidden lake’, reflecting that only a handful of people know about it. Follow Bannerghatta Main Road till Koppa Gate bus stop, and then turn right, to arrive at this isolated lake amidst green hills. Upon reaching, park your wheels on the main road, and head out to the lake on foot.
- Distance from Bangalore: 40 km
- Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, camping, trekking
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
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3. Manchanabele Dam
Manchanabele Dam
Manchanabele Dam is perfect for a one-day trip from Bangalore, as it is just outside the city. The hills all around offer an opportunity to trek, while the reservoir itself is an oasis of tranquillity. Sit on the shores and enjoy a fun picnic, or head up to one of the observation towers for a panoramic view.
- Distance from Bangalore: 55 km
- Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Things to Do: Picnic, hiking, boating, nature walks, rock climbing, kayaking
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
4. Kanakapura
Kanakapura
Those looking for picnic spots near Bangalore can head to Kanakapura, a small town on the banks of the Arkavathi River. The river banks, surrounded by greenery, are an ideal place to relax. You could set up a camp in the wilderness, spend a night under the starry sky and wake up to the chirping of birds. Keep your camera on, as you might catch a sight of spotted deer (chital) and wild boars.
- Distance from Bangalore: 65 km
- Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Things to Do: Camping, nature walks, wildlife spotting
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
5. Avala Betta
Avala betta
Avala Betta, a small mountain range in the middle of farmlands, is a great place near Bangalore for hiking enthusiasts. Its highlight is the ‘hanging cliff’, which is essentially a part of the cliff which projects outwards, like a platform. Looking down from there, with the perpetual risk of falling into oblivion, will definitely give you the thrill you have been looking for.
- Distance from Bangalore: 90 km
- Driving Time: 2 hours
- Things to Do: Hiking, camping, photography
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
6. Gudibanda
Gudibanda
One of the closest trekking places near Bangalore, Gudibanda is ideal for a one-day trip. The highlight of this fairly easy trek is the eponymous fort, which dates from the 17th century. This multilevel fort apparently has 19 rock-cut ponds, which were created to store water. Apart from the hike, you can plan a visit to the villages of Bramharahalli, Nicchanabandahalli and Chinna Halli, as well as the large lake which lies at the foot of the hill.
- Distance from Bangalore: 90 km
- Driving Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Things to Do: Trekking, village tour, lake visit, photography
- Best Time to Go: October to March
Lesser-Known Places near Bangalore beyond 100 Km
7. Doddamakali
Doddamakali
Another among the numerous lesser-known places near Bangalore, Doddamakali is a paradise for nature lovers. Set amidst lush hills on the banks of the Kaveri River, it is a great place to pitch up a tent and relax in absolute serenity, with the silence broken only by the sounds of the flowing river and the calls of the regional wildlife. The highlight of this place is definitely the sights of over 100 species of birds.
- Distance from Bangalore: 110 km
- Driving Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Things to Do: Camping, nature walks, birdwatching, fishing, trip to Barachukki and Ganalu waterfalls
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
8. Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve
Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve
For a memorable family trip from Bangalore, head to Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve, which, as the name suggests, primarily protects the blackbuck. Apart from these iconic species of antelope, the protected territory is also home to Indian wolves, jungle cats, hares, grey mongooses and civets.
- Distance from Bangalore: 115 km
- Driving Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹100
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
9. Karighatta
Karighatta
Located atop a hill on the banks of the Kaveri River, Karighatta is home to a solitary temple. Being a less-crowded place near Bangalore, it allows you to seek blessings and enjoy yourself amidst nature. The hill gives panoramic views of the town of Srirangapatna, and on a clear day, you might be able to see the city of Mysore as well.
- Distance from Bangalore: 125 km
- Driving Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Things to Do: Temple visit, hiking, nature walks
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
10. Bylakuppe
Bylakuppe
If going on the Bangalore to Coorg road trip, make sure to halt in the small hamlet of Bylakuppe. Else, you can plan a trip just to this place, for an insight into the Buddhist culture. The place is home to monasteries of numerous Buddhist sects that feature colourful wall paintings, thangkas, stupas, musical instruments and a vast collection of religious texts.
- Distance from Bangalore: 215 km
- Driving Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Things to Do: Monastery visit, tasting Tibetan cuisine
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
11. Kopatti
Kopatti
Almost everyone knows about Coorg, but that is a district. How many of you know about the individual spots within it? One such place in Coorg, which has remained untouched by the tourist crowd, is Kopatti. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kopatti is an amazing trekking destination, owing to the variety of terrain and scenes you will encounter on the way.
- Distance from Bangalore: 270 km
- Driving Time: 6 hours
- Things to Do: Trekking, wildlife spotting, camping
- Best Time to Visit: July to March
12. Gandikota
No need to go all the way to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, when you can witness a similar spectacle in India! The small hamlet of Gandikota, where the Penna River flows through a deep gorge lined by cliffs, offers a similar experience, and that too, within budget. You could just sit on the cliff for hours, taking in a 360-degree view of nothing but hills and farmlands.
- Distance from Bangalore: 280 km
- Driving Distance: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Things to Do: Admiring India’s Grand Canyon, visit to Gandikota Fort, swimming, coracle rides, kayaking, birdwatching, camping, rock climbing
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Book Hotels: Budget Hotels in Bangalore
13. Kyatanamakki
Kyatanamakki
Kyatanamakki is your perfect weekend destination near Bangalore, if you like off-roading. Make sure that your car or bike is in the best shape, because the path to Kyatanamakki is a proper dirt track. Apart from the thrill of riding on a bumpy, curving and sandy road, the drive will offer you magnificent views that the Western Ghats are known for.
- Distance from Bangalore: 325 km
- Driving Time: 7 hours
- Highlights: Off-roading, scenic views, cool weather, hiking opportunities
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Now you know of all the wonderful, but lesser-known destinations near Bangalore, which are perfect for a trip without the crowd and chaos. Happy tripping, and, most importantly, stay safe!
