15 Best One Day Trips from Bangalore

Embarking on a short day trip from Bangalore is invariably a much sought after option with most tourists. From natural rock formations to bewitching waterfalls, the places near and around Bangalore cater to satisfy every traveler, whether he is visiting alone or with family. Take a glimpse of the below-mentioned sites to make your day trip fulfilling.

One Day Trip from Bangalore

Mysore

Bangalore to Mysore One Day Trip

Lying within 100 to 150 km, Mysore is also called “The city of palaces” for housing magnificent architectures glorifying the Tipu Sultan era as well as the British Raj.


Getting Here:


Take a bus from the Kempegowda bus station in Majestic, or board any of the trains like Chamundi, Kaveri, or Mysore Express from Bangalore railway station. You may also drive the whole way by taking the Mysore Road (SH 17) via Kanakpura, Malavalli, and Bannur.

Once You Reach:


Start off with Mysore Palace, just 1 km from the main bus stand and thereafter, head to the other notable landmarks like the Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Jaganmohan Palace, and St. Philomena’s Church. Drive to the Chamundi Hills, about 13 km from Mysore, for a stunning view of the city.

Relevant Details:

Turn up for an awesome light and sound show, held every day from 7 pm to 7.45 pm at Mysore Palace. Food is not allowed both in the Mysore and Jaganmohan Palaces, however, at Brindavan Gardens, there are food counters and vendors. There are lots of restaurants in Mysore to have lunch at before resuming your journey. Toilet facilities are available at both the palaces.

Best time to visit:


Winter (October to end of February)


Shivanasamudra

One Day Trip near Bangalore Shivanasamudra

This small town, at a distance of 135 km from Bangalore, gains prominence on account of the two waterfalls, Barachukki, and Gaganachukki that originate from the river Kaveri.

Getting Here:

The first option is boarding a bus from KSRTC Satellite Bus Stand to Kollegala, and thereafter hiring an auto to get to the falls. The second one entails hopping into a cab from either Bangalore or Mysore, and it is better since the buses are often overcrowded. The 2 falls are 14 km apart and since no public transportation is available between them, you need to return to the main road so as to drive to Barachukki.

Once You Reach:


Feast your eyes on the falls from a distance and if you wish, take a dip in Barachukki (it is safer as the water levels are lower). A ride in a coracle boat would enable you to relish the lush greenery in the surrounding.If you can manage some time, consider visiting the Ranganatha Swamy temple in Madhyaranga, just 2.9 km from the town.

Relevant Details:

Though there are stairs leading to the base of the falls, you are not permitted to descend for strong currents. There is a small restaurant at Gaganachukki falls where you may finish lunch.  However, it’s best to carry your own food. Besides, the Bangalore Mysore highway features plenty of eateries, popular for serving traditional items from Karnataka.

Best time to visit:


Monsoon


Nandi Hills

Day Trips from Bangalore Nandi Hills

Deriving its name from the Hindu deity ‘Nandi’ this hill fortress is much favored for the breathtaking panoramic views. It is also known by the names, Nandi Betta, or Nandidurg.

Getting Here:

The prime way to get here is by a car, directly from Bangalore since it allows you to take in the delightful views while driving via NH 7.

Once You Reach:


Get here before sunrise to relish a stunning view from the hilltop and henceforth visit the local Yoganandeeshwara Temple to gaze at the magnificent statue of the deity, Nandi, stationed at the doorway. The famous Tipu’s Drop, a place from where guilty people were thrown down to wolves in ancient days is another place of interest.

Relevant Details:

Gear up for an early morning visit since the place gets crowded soon. There are 2 restaurants, a few coffee shops, and a snacks bar at the top of the hills.  In comparison to the others, the KSTDC restaurant is more hygienic.

Best time to visit:

Summer (March to May)



Hogenakkal

Places Near Bangalore for One Day Trip Hgenakkal

This small village, about 180 km away in Tamil Nadu, marks the place where the Kaveri river splits into a number of streams, thereby giving rise to a waterfall.  The name is derived from two Kannada words, “Hoge” meaning smoke, and “Kal” meaning rocks” thereby suggesting “smoky rocks”. Also called as “Niagra of the East” the place has been the site of many famous movies like Roja’ and ‘Raavan’.


Getting Here:

If you go by car, there are a number of routes with the shortest being via NH 7. Since there are no direct trains from Bangalore, you need to take the Ernakulam Express to Dharmapuri and thereafter hire a taxi.

Once You Reach:

 Board a local boat or ‘teppa’ to enjoy the scenery, or refresh yourself in the medicinal water of the cascade. There is a small iron bridge from where you would get a fantastic view. If time permits, visit the nearby Melagiri hills (48.5 km).

Relevant Details:

It’s advisable to carry a bottle of water, and some packaged food, since most of the food counters serving non-vegetarian items and are not very hygienic. For light snacks, you may try fried fishes sold in plenty by vendors. Avoid going during the monsoon for the river gets turbulent and coracle boat riding is not allowed by the government.

Best time to visit:

Winter to summer (October to March)

Bheemeshwari

Bangalore One Day Trip Bheemeshwari

Located in a jungle, Bheemeshwari presents ample opportunities for outdoor activities like camping, and boating.

Getting Here:

Since Bheemeshwari doesn’t have a rail station, and the nearest railhead, Bangalore is at a distance of 81km, most prefer going by cabs. There are 2 routes available: one is via Kanakapura road and the other via Mysore road.

Once You Reach:

Feast your eyes on the variety of birds such as cuckoo, green-billed malkoha, white-browed bulbul, and the pygmy woodpecker. Novice anglers may try ‘catch and release’ fishing to see the largest recorded tropical game fish “Mahseer”. For seeing crocodiles, you need to avail a coracle ride in the backwaters.

Relevant Details:


Accommodation facilities in tents and cottages are available in the nature camps but they need to be reserved beforehand. Regarding food, you may check some of the local shops, or carry your own.

Best time to visit:

December to March


BR or Biligiriranga Hills

Bangalore One Day Trip BR Hills

Lying on the northernmost tip of the Nilgiris, this hill range is covered with lush forests, featuring a wide range of flora and fauna. It derives its name from the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple, stationed close by. The area, also called BRT Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of a unique ecosystem and is a protected reserve of nearly 26 mammal species including the Asian tiger, elephant, gaur, sambhar, chital, barking deer, the rare four-horned antelope, and the stealthy leopards.

Getting Here:

BR Hills lies within 200 km from Bangalore and can be reached via train, bus or cab. Since the nearest railhead, Mysore is at a distance of 64 km, most consider going either by bus or car. You need to board a bus from Chamrajnagar KSRTC Bus Stop or a cab to take the Chamarajnagar route to enjoy the scenic views.

Once You Reach:

Turn up at the spiritual site, Dodda Sampide Mara, meaning big Champak tree, then take a round of the temple of Lord Rangaswamy, located close by. Thereafter, you may entertain yourself by seeing the unique handicrafts of the Soliga tribe that calls the place their home. Opt for a jungle safari in the BR Tiger Sanctuary, about 20 km from Lord Rangaswamy temple.

Relevant Details:

The timings of the jungle safari is at 8 am and again at 3 pm. Buy tickets as soon as you reach to avoid a long queue. For South Indian meals, breeze into the Mayura Prakriti restaurant run by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC). A restroom and public toilet are present near the temple but they do not remain open all day.

Best time to visit:

Summer (April to June)


Horsley Hills

One Day Trip Near Bangalore BR Hills

One of the most endearing factors of this hill station atop 4,100 ft is its relaxing climate – it ranges between 20°C and 32°C even in summer. Named after W.D. Horsley, the authority of Cuddapah region, it is filled with hill slopes rich with trees like Gulmohar, Allamanda, Reeta, Amla, Beedi leaves, Blue Gum, Eucalyptus, and Sandalwood.

Getting Here:

It is ideal to reach by a car from Bangalore, as the view all along is fantastic.

Once You Reach:

Its varied viewpoints present amazing sights and there’s also a huge banyan tree, commanding an area of 8 acres. For those interested in history, take a drive down to the foothills to visit the city, Madanapalle, where Rabindranath Tagore translated our National Anthem into English. There’s also a small zoo and park nearby for kids.

Relevant Details:

You may have your meal at the only hotel nearby, run by the Andhra Pradesh state government tourism development.

Best time to visit:

Winter (January to March)

Halebid

Places to Visit Near Bangalore One Day Trip Halebid

Halebid or Halebidu, in Karnataka’s Hassan District, is noteworthy for the delicately patterned temples of Hoysaleswara, Shantaleshwara. and Kedareswara of the Hoysala period.

Getting Here:

A bus journey takes nearly 7 hours, so its best to go via cab from Bangalore, though it also takes about 5 hours.

Once You Reach:

Marvel at the architecture of the twin temples, chiefly, their star-shaped platform. Inside the complex, there is a museum containing a massive collection of items found in the surrounding area. A drive to Belur, only 30 km away, would enable you to see the Chennakeshava Temple, the Kappe Chennigarya, with its 6.5ft tall statue of Chennakeshava.

Relevant Details:

Guides are available only for large groups. Have lunch at any of the restaurants there, and quench your thirst with the tender coconut or cane juice offered by numerous stalls in the vicinity.

Best time to visit:

October to February



Sakleshpur

Falls Near Bangalore for One Day Trip Sakleshpur

Nestled in the Western Ghats, this picturesque hill station abounds in coffee and cardamom plantations along with waterfalls and ancient forts.

Getting Here:


Either take a cab or board a train from Bangalore railway station.

Once You Reach:

There are different trekking options such as those to the Murkannu Gudda and Hadlu Waterfalls (about 8km trek), or to Ombattu Gudda (24km) and Bisle Ghat. But before proceeding, attend a briefing session organized by experts. A picturesque man-made lake enroute would allow you to take a dip if you wish.  For a less active outing, you may leisurely ramble the premises of Pandavar Gudda or Manjarabad Fort.

Relevant Details:


There are copious restaurants in the vicinity but it’s better to carry light snacks, as seeing all the places may demand more time.

Best time to visit:

November to April


Kolar

Day Trip Near Bangalore Kolar

Called the “Golden City of India” for its many goldfields, Kolar is also notable for some eminent historical temples and caves.

Getting Here:

Get to Kolar by either availing a cab or bus from Bangalore.

Once You Reach:


Start off with the prominent temples of Someshwara, located near the Fort area and Kolaramma, at a distance of 100 m from Someshwara. Follow it up by exploring the Antharagange caves, (4 km from Kolar).

Relevant Details:

The timing of Someshwara temple is from 7 am to 11 am in the morning and that of Kolaramma temple is from 5.30 am to 1.30 pm and again from 5 pm to 8 pm. Before commencing your trip to the Antharagange caves, buy some dry snacks as there are no stalls present, but guard them properly or they may be snatched away by monkeys.

Best time to visit:


November to February


Mekedatu

Bangalore Day Trips Mekedatu

This well-known picnic spot, about 90 km from Bangalore takes its name from a narrow gorge that can be crossed even by a goat; the word ‘meke’ meaning goat/sheep and the word ‘datu’ meaning cross. Hence, it is also called Goat’s Leap.

Getting Here:

Reach the nearest town, Kanakapura via bus from Bangalore and thereafter take another bus to get down at Sangama, the closest bus stand. The adventurous souls may gear up for an exciting bike journey all the way from Bangalore.

Once You Reach:

The notable sightseeing places include the Chunchi Falls (17.7km), and the Sangam of the rivers Arkhavathy and Kavery (3 km), with the temple of Sangameshwara close by.

Relevant Details:

It’s prudent to carry food, for only some snacks and cold drinks may be available at a few shops near the area.

Best time to visit:

September to December

Melukote

Day Trip Near Bangalore Melukote

A pilgrim center, Melukote is also referred to by various names from mythology such as Thirunarayanapura, Vedadri, Yathishaila, Narayanadri, and Yadavadri. It is distinguished for featuring some of the oldest rock formations of earth, “Yadavgiri”, as well as a cluster of temples.

Getting Here:

You may take either a bus or cab from Bangalore to come here.

Once You Reach:

Begin by taking a round of the fsmous temples like Cheluvanarayana Swamy (dedicated to Lord Vishu) and Yoganarasimha Swamy (presided over by Lord Yoga Narasimha). Next, hit the Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary nearby to spot a variety of animals such as langur, leopard, pangolin, bonnet macaque and jungle cat. Lastly, wind up touring the Thonnur Lake.

Relevant Details:

The darshan timings of  Yoganarasimha Swamy temple are from 11 am to 1 pm, and again from 5.30 pm to 8 pm, Cheluvanarayana Swamy remains open from 7.30 am to 1 pm, and from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Best time to visit:

February to December


Shravanabelagola

One Day Trip near Bangalore Shivanasamudra

Located in Hassan District, this historic town is a Jain pilgrim center, often visited by travelers on their way to Mysore. It gains recognition for containing the tallest monolithic sculpture in the world of that of Lord Bahubali. Housed in the Shravanabelagola Temple, it is carved from a single granite block and commands a height of 58 feet.

Getting Here:

Take either a bus or a cab from Bangalore to get here.

Once You Reach:

Include in your itinerary short sojourns to the Kalyani pool, the Gomateswara temple, as well as the Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri hills.

Best time to visit:


 To reach the temple, you need to climb 620 steps. There is no fixed time for visiting the temple. However, to watch an amazing sunrise, its advisable to check in at 6 am.

Timing:

October to March


Srirangapatna

Bangalore One Day Trip Srirangapatna

The island fortress of Srirangapatna comprises the final resting grounds of 2 of India’s great rulers, Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. With lush greenery and well laid out spots, it constitutes an ideal romantic gateway from Bangalore.

Getting Here:


Board a train from Mysore railway station to Srirangapatna. Another way is by taking a KSRTC bus from Mysore.

Once You Reach:

After frequenting the numerous landmarks like Tipu’s Death Place, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and the Lal Mahal Place, you may consider taking a dip in the refreshing water of the Bathing Ghats. Call it a day by touring the Gumbaz and Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, Dariya Daulat Bagh.

Relevant Details:

Cameras and footwear are not allowed inside Tipu’s Death Place. There is a pay toilet but it’s not too clean.The timings of Sri Ranganathaswamy temple are from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm and again from 4 pm to 8 pm. For quick snacks, head to the numerous stalls in the market street near the temple.

Best time to visit:

October to March


Chitradurga Fort

Bangalore Day Trips Chitradurga

Placed 200 km north of Bangalore, Chitradurga is a 17th-century fort that covers an area of 1500 acres.

Getting Here:

Hire a taxi from Bangalore to get here within 2 hours.

Once You Reach:

Have sufficient time in hand to go through its 7 concentric fortification walls, 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, 35 secret pathways, 4 invisible passages, 2000 watch towers, and water tanks.

Relevant Details:

The fort allows food inside and toilets are also present. However, apart from a few shops of biscuits and cold drinks, there are no restaurants. So, take your lunch along. Also, put on comfortable shoes since there are a lot of steps.

Apart from these, Coorg (Madikeri), Mangalore, Ooty, Vellore, and Tirupati are the other interesting places outside Bangalore, but you need to have a 2 or 3 days trip for these are more than 200 km away.

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