Are you feeling worn out from the daily hustle and bustle of city life? Living in a fast-paced city like Bangalore can be exhausting, with daily routines that leave little time for relaxation and rejuvenation. If you find yourself in need of a break from the monotony, consider exploring the beautiful hills that surround Bangalore. While the city may be known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling restaurants, there are many hidden gems just a short drive away that offer a peaceful escape from the chaos of everyday life. Take a day trip to one of the top 10 hills near Bangalore in Karnataka, and experience a world of fresh air, stunning scenery, and tranquillity.
Breathe in the fresh air, relax with friends and family, or find solace in quiet meditation. These scenic spots offer the perfect retreat for anyone in need of a break. Don’t let the stress of city life get you down. Explore the beauty of these hidden gems and discover the true serenity of Karnataka.
Top 10s Only brings you the carefully curated list of the Top 10 Hills Near Bangalore in Karnataka for a Day Trip, perfect for adventurous souls looking for a much-needed break!
List Of Top Ten Hills In Bangalore To Visit In A Day
When it comes to hills and scenic spots, there are plenty of choices available. Bangalore has a crowd that is not only young but also exploratory in nature, they prefer to leave behind the pubs and malls and go on long drives instead. If you are one of those looking for a place for your next getaway, listed below are the best hills near Bangalore for one day trip with family and friends.
1. Turahalli Hills (Karishma Hills) – Thurahalli, Bangalore (21 km from Bangalore)
turahalli hills (karishma hills)
Karishma Hills, or Turahalli Hills, is a small hilly area overlooking the NICE road off Kanakapura Road – making it one of the best options for a one-day trip from Bangalore to a scenic hill nearby. Just a short drive from the city centre and conveniently located off the NICE road underpass, this deciduous forest is filled with Eucalyptus trees, wild climbers and shrubs. Whether you’re planning a picnic or looking for a nearby getaway, this is the perfect destination. Birdwatchers will especially love this scenic spot, which is also known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. To reach this picturesque location, the best option is to drive your own car and then head out for a walk in the forest.
Sights To See In Turahalli Hills (Karishma Hills)
This scenic place has a great viewpoint, with a small temple near the rocks. It also offers a great view of the city. There are no other facilities that exist on the top.
Activities To Do In Turahalli Hills (Karishma Hills)
Turahalli forest has an undulated terrain where you can enjoy trekking, cycling or biking.
How To Reach Turahalli Hills (Karishma Hills)
It is about 20km from Kempegowda Bus Stand and about 13 km from the Banashankari area. You should reach Kanakapura road and take a turn at Vajarahalli road. Travel a few km, and you reach the forest area.
The Best Time To Visit Turahalli Hills (Karishma Hills)
Early morning or evening before sunset is the best time to visit this place. The best season is after the onset of monsoon as you can find a variety of birds and also the forest is green and lush during this time. The average time needed to visit this place is about 4 hours or longer if you like the quiet of the forest. But don’t forget to pack a snack and a drink as there are no shops around that sell them.
2. Savandurga Hill – Bangalore Rural District (53 km From Bangalore)
savandurga hill
Rising to an altitude of 1226 m above sea level, the Savandurga hill is a spectacular sight to behold and one of the largest monolith hills in Asia. If you’re in Karnataka, taking a one-day trip to a hill near Bangalore is a must, and this hilltop should definitely be on your list. It’s the perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore, offering stunning views and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Savandurga hill is made of two hills the Billigudda (the white hill) and the Karigudda (the black hill). There are two temples, Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy, that are situated at the hill base. The path to these temples is thrilling as it is uneven and requires a bit of skill and sure-footing to navigate. Thus it has become a staple in every rock climber’s wishlist.
Sights To See In Savandurga Hill
The monolithic rock is a sight to behold. Then when you trek through the hills, there are many reservoirs and forests, and you get a panoramic view of the amazing nature in this place.
Activities To Do In Savandurga Hill
For those who love to trek, the Karigudda trek can be quite satisfying. It is much more difficult to trail as it is less marked than the Billigudda. Apart from trekking, this place has many other activities to do, like zipline, rope climbing, and more.
How To Reach Savandurga Hill
Savandurga is located in Magadi. The journey to this hill is a scenic one as it is green countryside. Reaching this destination can be through two routes. One via Mysore road towards Dodda Aladamara Road. Then you have to reach Manchanbele Bridge and take a turn onto Savandurga-Manchanbele Road. The other route is through Nayandahalli and Magadi Main Road. Continue on this road for about 40 km and then turn onto Magadi-Ramanagara Road. After about 8 km, turn onto Savandurga Road. One can also reach this destination by Public Transport. Rake a bus from Majestic to Magadi. Then take a bus or a shared auto to Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple.
Interesting Facts About Savandurga Hill
The Savandurga trail is considered a challenging trek. Once you reach the top, you get to see some amazing views. It is called the Fort of Death for the structure and the steep incline. The Savandurga fort was the second capital of Magadi rulers like Kempegowda and was occupied by Mysore Dalvayi Devaraja. The two temples mentioned above were built by the Hoysalas and date back to 1340 AD.
Best Time To Visit Savandurga Hill
The best time to trek in Savandurga Hill is between February and September. It is best to avoid this place during summer as it is very hot. A visit during monsoons is dangerous as it is slippery and steep.
3. Shivaganga Hills – Bangalore Rural District (56 km From Bangalore)
shivaganga hills
A trip to Shivaganga is one of the best day trips near Bangalore to a hill nearby. It is the ultimate place for those looking for adventure as well as a religious outing. If you are looking for a short weekend trip then Shivaganga is one of the preferred places. The place has many temples and also beautiful hills that attract trekkers from various parts of Karnataka. The trek is ideal for beginners and the trail is well-marked with steps.
Sights To See In Shivaganga Hills
Climbing the Shivaganga hill is one of the activities which is fun as it is not a tough one. There is the Shantala Drop which is 500 m high and is a steep point from where you can get great views of the city. Then there is the Gavigangadhareshwara Temple that is inside the cave. Next are the Okalitheertha, Nandi Statue and the Patala Ganga.
Activities To Do In Shivaganga Hills
Trekking, visit to the temple and enjoy the snacks at the food stall along the way.
How To Reach Shivaganga Hills
The mountain peak is located near Dobbaspete which is located 19km from Tumkuru and 56 km from Bangalore. You can easily locate this place using google maps, and is on the NH4 towards Tumkur. Public transport is also convenient and plies to Dobbaspet. From there, you can take a shared auto.
Interesting Facts About Shivaganga Hills
Shivaganga Hill is at an altitude of 4599 feet and is a popular tourist place. The uniqueness of this hill is that from the West, it looks like Ganesha while simultaneously looking like a bull from the east side. From the south, it looks like a linga and a cobra from the north. The Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple is an ancient hill built by Hoysala in the 13th century. There is another tourist attraction called Pathala Ganga, which is a freshwater spring where the water is holy.
Best Time To Visit Shivaganga Hills
October to February, which is the winter season, is the best time to visit this place.
4. Nandi Hills – Chikkaballapur District (61 km From Bangalore)
nandi hills
Nandi Hills is arguably one of the popular destinations for the people of Bangalore and is among the top 10 best hills to see or visit near Bangalore, Karnataka. It is about 60km away from Bangalore and is known for its greenery and viewpoints. The Nandi hills are a paradise that should not be missed as it is a refreshing escape from the city hustle and is also a quick getaway. It is one of the places where you can visit at any time of the year, and it is just a few km away from Bangalore. Every view from this hill is worth many likes on Social media.
Sights To See In Nandi Hills
It is home to many shrines, monuments and temples. Tippu Sultan’s summer residence can be found in Nandi Hills. There are also many temples, like the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple which is an architectural wonder.
Activities To Do In Nandi Hills
Trekking trails, adventure sports like paragliding, camping, and cycling, and you can have a picnic as it is a place for a peaceful retreat with some best views.
How To Reach Nandi Hills
The best way to reach Nandi Hills is by car, as you can reach it easily. To reach this place, head out to Chikaballapur, which is 10 km away from Nandi Hills. Alternatively, you can choose KSRTC buses from the bus stand and reach the destination in about 2 to 3 hours.
Interesting Facts About Nandi Hills
Tippu’s Summer residence, which is a two-story building, can be found on the hilltop. There is also a garden and a pool nearby. It is also said that the walls of this fort were built by Chikkaballapura Palegars, and later Tipu Sultan strengthened it. Tipu Drop, which is a precipice on the South-West of Nandi Hills, is said to be the place where prisoners who got the death penalty were pushed down.
Best Time To Visit Nandi Hills
It can be visited every day of the year. But if you want ideal weather, then October to May is the ideal time. In the remaining months, it receives rainfall and may not be as enjoyable. Irrespective of the day you choose, make it a point to go during the early morning or to catch the sunset in the evenings.
5. Skandagiri Hills – Chikkaballapur District (62 km From Bangalore)
skandagiri hills
Kalavara Durga is known as Skandagiri and is a mountain fortress located 3km from Chikballapur near Bangalore. It is one of the best one-day trips near Bangalore to a hill nearby and is preferred by both nature lovers and adventure seekers. The historic fort of Skandagiri is one of the destinations for trekkers and those who are looking for a break from a stressful life. The trek is easy and ideal for enthusiasts who are starting out.
Sights To See In Skandagiri Hills
Skandagiri is famous for its night trek. It begins after it is dark and goes on until the first light. One of the views is amazing is the sun rising from the clouds in the morning. Then there is a Kukke Sunramanya Temple which is a famous Hindu temple.
Activities To Do In Skandagiri Hills
The main activity is hiking to Skandagiri from Papagni Temple.
How To Reach Skandagiri Hills
It is 3kms from Chikaballapur and is off the NH 7 Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway. It overlooks Muddenahalli and overlooks Nandi Hills. You can also take a local bus from the KSRTC bus stand and reach Nandi Hills and then hire a shared auto rickshaw.
Interesting Facts About Skandagiri Hills
It offers a very unique experience as it is a nighttime trek which is one of a kind.
Best Time To Visit Skandagiri Hills
The Skandagiri Hills are open all around the year. However, the best time to visit is between November to January in the winter months. The dawn and the greenery make the hills picturesque. It can also be visited during summer for trekking.
6. Antara Gange Hills – Kolar District (68 km From Bangalore)
antara gange hills
If you are looking for one-day tours to hills in Bangalore within 100 km, then don’t miss the Antara Gange Hills. It is a beautiful hill range that is about 1226 m high and is one of the most popular trekking spots. The hill is encompassed by boulders, and if you are lucky enough, you can get a glimpse of some wild animals.
Sights To See In Antara Gange Hills
The sunrise trip to Antara Gange is a memorable experience. The trek is of moderate difficulty and you should walk through boulders and broken rocks. The other places to visit are Antharagange Temple, Shri Kashi Vishweshwara Temple and the Anthara Gange caves.
Activities To Do In Antara Gange Hills
Enjoy rock climbing and trekking in this location, explore the caves, and pay your respects at the temples.
How To Reach Antara Gange Hills
The hill is located about 4 km from Kolar. You can drive to this place or hail a cab. Local transport is also available from the KSRTC bus stand in Bangalore, and take a bus to Kolar. From that town, you can take an auto or reach by foot.
Interesting Facts About Antara Gange Hills
Apart from the trek, which is popular, one of the interesting facts is that the water that is falling from Lord Shiva’s head is believed to have the capacity to cleanse from diseases. It is also called the Dakshin Kashi, and the mountain has many naturally carved caves and different-sized volcanic rocks.
Best Time To Visit Antara Gange Hills
September to November is the best time to visit Antara Gange Hills.
7. Tobo Hill Top – Bangalore District (27 km From Bangalore)
Tobo Hill Top is a hidden getaway that overlooks the Bannerghatta national park and Ragihalli forest. It is one of the best places to get an amazing view of the sunset and is not usually featured in the list of ten best hills to visit near Bangalore in Karnataka. It is not a very crowded place as it is still relatively unknown. A breathtaking viewpoint with 360-degree visibility awaits you when you climb over a small rock. This vantage point offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding scenery, providing an unforgettable experience for anyone willing to make the climb.
Sights To See In Tobo Hill Top
Sunset is best viewed from this hilltop.
Activities To Do In Tobo Hill Top
Walk or cycle to this spot
How To Reach Tobo Hill Top
Located near Banngerghatta National park. The road to this hilltop is not accessible by car and you will have to park your vehicle on the road and trek to the destination. However, it can be accessed via bicycle or bike.
Best Time To Visit Tobo Hill Top
Early mornings and evenings are the best time to visit this hilltop.
8. Kaiwara Betta – Kaiwara Village, Chikballapura (65 Kms From Bangalore)
kaiwara betta
Kaiwara is a small village that is located a few km from Chikballaput town and 65 km from Bangalore. The rocky hills, the temples and the stunning views are the gifts of nature to this place and thus is featured in the list of top hill stations near Bangalore for weekend one-day tours. The Kairwara Betta (Hills) is a treat to adventurists as the trek to this is enthralling and offers some beautiful views.
Sights To See In Kaiwara Betta
Visit the Zoo at Shamarahosapete. After a few kilometres, there is the Kailasha Girir which has the famous cave temple of Ambaji Durga, Chennakesava and Ananta Padmanabha. At the end is the Mylapurabetta viewpoint.
Activities To Do In Kaiwara Betta
Trekking and paying respect to the deities are the typical activities that travellers to Kaiwara Betta indulge in.
How To Reach Kaiwara Betta
To get to this place, you can take the Bangalore, Hoskete and Kaiwara route. The other route is the Bangalore, Vijayapura and Kaiwara route.
Interesting Facts About Kaiwara Betta
If you are a fan of mythology, then this is a place you should head to. It is said that Bhima killed Bakasura, a demon, in this place when the Pandavas were exiled. Located in the taluk of Chintamani, there are many plots around Ramayana and Mahabharatha and is a treat for believers.
Best Time To Visit Kaiwara Betta
The trek to Kaiwara Betta is a difficult one, and it receives heavy rain. So the best time to visit this place is between June and September and in the months of December to March.
9. Kabbaladurga Hill – Ramanagara District (82 km From Bangalore)
kabbaladurga hills
Kabbaladurga Hill is located about 20 Km from Kanakapura and is one of the top 10 hills near Bangalore for a one-day trip. It is a hill that is in the shape of a pyramid and offers tourists spectacular views. The hilltop has ruins of an old fort and there are patches of greenery. The hilltops offer great views of the hill clusters and valleys.
Sights To See In Kabbaladurga Hill
The famous Kabbalamma Temple is on the hilltop, and the ruins of the Kabbalamma fort are some of the main attractions of Kabbaladurga Hill.
Activities To Do In Kabbaladurga Hill
Popular activities at this scenic hill near Bengaluru included hiking and a visit to the Kabbalamma Temple.
How To Reach Kabbaladurga Hill
It is about 20 km from Kanakpura and can reach by NICE road.
Best Time To Visit Kabbaladurga Hill
October to January are the best months to visit this hill. Avoid monsoons, as the trail is slippery.
10. Makali Durga Betta – Bangalore Rural District (57 km from Bangalore)
makali durga betta
Makali Durga is one of the best hill spots to visit for a one-day trip near Bangalore by car and subsequently embark on an adventurous trek. Apart from being an ideal location for adventurists, it is a place that is a field with spirituality and heritage. There is also a lake snuggled in the hills, and is the perfect location to explore.
Sights To See In Makali Durga Betta
Makali Durga fort and Shiva with Nandi temple.
Activities To Do In Makali Durga Betta
Hiking and visit to the temple.
How To Reach Makali Durga Betta
It is about 15 km from Doddaballapur town and 60 km from the KSRTC bus stand. Take the NH 44 and go towards Bangalore International Airport and follow the milestones. There are many buses that start from Bangalore to Makalidurga. You can then take an auto to reach your destination.
Interesting Facts About Makali Durga Betta
It is one of the rare one-day trips to Bangalore’s nearby places, like hills, where you start beside a railway track to reach the base. The hill has lemon grass and date plants, which you can enjoy. You can see lakes on both sides as well as curvy roads. If you are lucky, you can watch a train from the hilltop.
Best Time To Visit Makali Durga Betta
It is one of the treks that can be done all 365 days a year. However, avoid trekking during heavy rain as it can be slippery.
When work overshadows personal life, it is time to take a rejuvenating and peaceful break. That gives you a better approach and a new perspective towards life. So do not miss the chance to check out the above list of hills near Bangalore, Karnataka, best for one-day trips or excursions to enjoy a refreshing day out.
Have more than a day on hand? Then, check out the awesome places listed in our Top 10 Best Hill Stations In Karnataka article!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Hills Near Bangalore in Karnataka for A Day Trip
1. Which are the best hills in Bangalore to visit for day trips?
Nandi Hills is one of the best places to visit for one-day trips. It offers activities to the entire family and hence a great weekend getaway.
2. Which are the beautiful places near Bangalore for a one-day trip?
If you are looking for a one-day trip then the riverside places of Mekedatu or Bheemeshwari are ideal. The other places you can visit are Somnathpura, Shivanasamudra and Talakadu.
3. How do I plan a one-day tour of the hills near Bangalore?
To plan a one-day tour of the hills near Bangalore, first, choose a hill station based on your interests and proximity. Then, plan your itinerary accordingly, keeping in mind travel time, sightseeing spots, and activities. Pack light, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and carry essentials such as sunscreen and water. Finally, book transportation in advance, and enjoy your scenic day trip.
4. Which is the hidden paradise near Bangalore?
Nandi hills are one of the hidden paradises near Bangalore. Nestled in the midst of lush greenery and serene landscapes, Nandi Hills is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or a hike. Don’t forget to catch the sunrise and sunset for an unforgettable experience.
5. What is the best place to visit in Bengaluru for a one-day trip?
One of the best advantages that Bengaluru dwellers have is the city’s proximity to several scenic destinations, and some of these can be visited and enjoyed within a day! The popular places that most people in Bengaluru love to visit for one-day trips include scenic hills like Skandagiri, Antara Gange, Kabbaladurga Hills, Nandi Hills, etc.