Places to Visit in India
The bustling city of Bangalore often serves as a base for tourists to visit places like Coorg, Mysore, and others. However, there are many more offbeat and gorgeous places near Bangalore that will show you the gift of nature and bless you with peace.
These offbeat destinations are perfect for half-day or full-day tours from Bangalore, and you can enjoy the wonders of nature. These places act as the perfect escape from the busy Bangalore life.
Here are some of the places you can visit on from Bangalore:
Hesaraghatta Lake- 32 km from Bangalore
If you are a water baby, and looking to let loose on you Bangalore tour, then visit the Hesaraghatta Lake. This gorgeous crystal clear lake is a paradise for peace seekers and nature lovers. The lake is also famous for its recreational and boating experiences, all of which will make you fall in love with this Bangalore half-day tour.
Hesaraghatta Lake is a man-made lake. It is also a great place for indulging in a picnic, as you watch the day go by. The air is so clean and fresh, that you would want to come back again and again.
Make sure to take the serene boat ride across the lake and feel the essence of nature at the Hesaraghatta Lake.
Manchinbele Dam- 36 km from Bangalore
The gorgeous Manchinbele Dam is quite a lovely, laid-back back serene wonder that you can witness on your Bangalore half-day day tour. The Dam is nestled in the foothills of large boulders, dense forests, and the flowing backwaters of the dam itself.
The dam is located at the Savandurga, which gives it a hill station like feel. You can feel the fresh air, the open spaces, the chirping of the bird and the splash of the water from the dam.
You can also go swimming in the backwaters, or trek on the rough hilly roads to feel that adrenaline rush. If you are feeling adventurous then you can also engage in some rock climbing here at Manchinbele Dam.
Muthyala Maduvu Waterfalls- 42 km
The charming Muthyala Maduvu Waterfalls is a definite visit from Bangalore. This cascading waterfall is located quite close to Bangalore, and you can just hire a cab.
Once you reach, you will be impressed and amazed by the beauty and freshness that this place radiates. The trickling waterfall, the thunderous sound, the slippery mountains- sparkling with the hit of sunlight, and the cold water drops hitting your face. Muthyala Maduvu Waterfalls is heaven on Earth and is a perfect escape from the hustle-bustle of Bangalore.
You can also dip your feet into the water and sit for as long as you want.
Skandagiri – 60 km
One of the best and still untouched destinations around Bangalore, Skandagiri will truly charm you. Located in the higher regions, reaching here is an adventure ride in itself.
Blessed with awe-inspiring views, and hiking trails that will make you fall in love with Karnataka, Skandagiri is the kind of vacation you have been waiting for.
Everything is quiet and silent here, you can even hear your breath. You will feel the peace seeping into your body and calm you from within. Do not miss the lush and sprawling vineyards.
You can also visit the Kalavara village, which is located neat Skandagiri.
Nandi Hills- 61 km
One of the best and most popular offbeat places near Bangalore is the mesmerising Nandi Hills. This gorgeous mountain range is filled with warmth, freshness and tranquillity.
It is dotted with little temples and viewpoints. The views points will show you the greenery of Karnataka and introduce you to the bounties of nature that Nandi Hill has to offer. Watch as the clouds float around, while the cold air hits your face and transfers you to another world.
The small shrines are also quite enchanting and peaceful. You should stay for the sunset, and watch the sky turn into a shade of gold and red all in the span of a few minutes, from one of the viewpoints.
The journey from Bangalore to Nandi Hill is also quite scenic and rejuvenating.
Doddamakali- 114 km
If you are a nature lover or just looking for a fresh break, then Doddamakali is the place for you. Flushed with charming landscapes, and blessed with eternally lush green meadows, this offbeat destination near Bangalore is truly a revelation.
Doddamakali is also a haven for bird watercress, as you will find so many exotic and rare birds flying around or perched upon trees.
You can indulge in all kinds of natural activities here- trekking, fishing, camping and even a coracle ride. Doddamakali is perfect for people looking for an experience in the great outdoors.
Karighatta- 125 km
On your half-day tours from Bangalore, you can visit the ancient hill of Karighatta, which I located near Srirangapatna. This old hill houses a Vishnu temple, which still has an aura about it.
Just climb the Karighatta and witness the little temple. You will feel radiating energy engulf you and fill you with love and warmth. The view is also quite beautiful and you can enjoy the soft sound of the Lokapavani river.
A riverbank is also a great place for a family picnic.
Kunti Betta- 130 km
If you love exploring, then the Kunti Betta is the perfect half-day tour from Bangalore for you. This little hillock is surreal for trekking and rock climbing and presents an impeccable view of the valley.
This is also one of the places in Karnataka where you can trek at night, under the starlit sky, where the moon is your guide. It is both eerie and beautiful at the same time.
You can also stay the night here, to experience both the night trekking and camping.
Bylakuppe- 214 km from Bangalore
One of the premier Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Bylakuppe is essentially a Tibetan Refugee resettlement, located in the district of Mysore. Bylakuppe is known for housing the stunning Golden Temple, which attracts hundreds of devotees and pilgrims from all over the world.
Just wander around the town and you will come across the wonderful Sera Je Monastery, Sakya Monastery and the Tashi Monastery. All of which are so stunning and peaceful.
You can also indulge in some much needed retail therapy, as Bylakuppe is brimming with Tibetan shops. Do not forget to enjoy a delicious plate of mom and thukpa.
To witness the beauty and culture of this town, you need to stay here for at least two days.
Gandikota- 280 km
The little town of Gandikota is located at the banks of Pennar and is a great day tour from Bangalore. It is an offbeat destination, brimming with forts, a deep gorge, the lush green meadows and the ethereal river.
The gorge resembles the Grand Canyon of the USA, and Gandikota is often referred to as the Indian Grand Canyon.
You can spend your time by exploring the majestic Gandikota Fort, take some mesmerising photos by the gorge. There are also two lovely temples: Ranganatha Swamy temple and Madhavaraya Temple, which is open to visitors.
To reach here, you can take the train, public bus or a private car from Bangalore.
There are many more places near Bangalore, however, these are some of the most beautiful and will make your Karnataka tour more alluring and memorable. All of these destinations are unique in their way and will take you on a journey. You will be transported to another world- a world blessed with nature and tranquillity.
