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| Nandi Hills |
Because of its perfect location, planning a weekend quick road trip from Bengaluru is never difficult. From mind-boggling waterfalls to pristine hill stations and peaceful shores. The silicon valley of India has many options to gratify one’s recreational needs.
A road trip can be planned with your family, an electrifying adventure with your best friends, or a romantic escape with your better half through some eye-opening scenery.
Here's a list of road trip ideas from Bengaluru that you can take on the upcoming long weekend with your favourite two or four wheeler.
Bannerghatta national park
Distance from Bangalore: 23km
It is one of the top most wildlife parks in Bengaluru. Park is located in Anekal range with an altitude of 1356 – 1700m under Bengaluru forest division. This park is part of wildlife corridor for jumbos, i.e., elephants which connect sathyamangalam and Biligiriranga hills. It was founded in 1971 and declared as national park in the year 1974. The park consists of the main nature reserve, aquarium, children's park, zoo, snake park, butterfly park and a safari park.
Ramanagara
Distance from Bengaluru: 54.5km
Is known as silk town as it is famous for silk market. Ramanagara is encompassed by seven huge hills, and it’s an every rock climbers paradise. Remember Amitabh's super hit movie Sholay, Rama Nagara is hideout place for dacoit Gabbar Singh in the film. This made Rama Nagara one of the most popular trekking spots around Bengaluru.
Makalidurga
Distance from Bengaluru: 61km
Is a hill fort located near a village named Makali. Earlier it was used as a granary store by Palegar Makaliraya. Therefore it was named as Makalidurga. It is located at an elevation of 1400m above the sea level. At the foothill one can see Lord Krishna's temple, beautifully constructed.
Trekking on Makalidurga is somewhat challenging and is an excellent weekend destination for thrill seekers. One can find directions on the rock which helps to trekk hassle free. Best time for trekking is from mid of the August to March. The trekking trail of Makalidurga is not so well known as compared to Savanadurga, but the trekking experience is extraordinary.
Nandi Hills
Distance from Bangalore: 60km
Situated close to chikballapur and is well known as Nandidurg or Nandi Betta. With an elevation of 1500m, is the best place for Photography and trekking if you are a nature lover. Earlier it was a summer retreat for Tippu Sultan. Tippu’s drop is a place where Tippu used to throw his prisoners from a 600ft cliff. One can see Bhoga Nandishwara Temple at Foothill which hosts 1000-year-old Nandi sculpture.
Anthar Gange
Distance from Bangalore: 74km
Is known as inner springs and is the perfect destination for camping and night trekking. The place is famous for Anthar Gange Caves and Temple. Temple is encompassed by thick vegetation, and one can have a breathtaking view of the natural beauty of that area.
Chunchi Falls
Distance from Bangalore: 83km
Chunchi Falls is fed by Arkavati in Kanakapura, Karnataka. You have to do a bit of rock climbing or trekking to get to the falls, but when you get there, the view of water gushing down is guaranteed to leave you mesmerised.
Avalabetta Fort
Distance from Bangalore: 93km
Avalabetta Fort is located in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. Hill houses famous Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple where villagers offer first milk of the cows. For adventurers and explorers, Avalabetta Fort offers enough opportunities for bird watching and rock climbing.
Skandagiri/ Kalavaradurga
Distance from Bangalore: 61km
It is located close to Nandi hills and is a favourite place for bird watching, night camps and trekking. Trekking on skandagiri hills is somewhat difficult, and one can reach to skandagiri by two ways. One is from chikballapur second one is a detour from Nandi hills. The starting point for trekking is at Papagni temple. Trekking through dense bushes is highly enjoyable.
Avani
Distance from Bangalore: 99km
Avani is a small village located in Kolar district of Karnataka renowned for housing various ancient temples. According to myth, goddess Sita gave birth to twins Lava Kusha, and the great war between Lord Rama and his lad's Lava Kusha also happened in this village. Avani is a popular site for rock climbing for explorers and adventurers.
Bheemeshwari
Distance from Bangalore: 100km
It is located between makedatu and shivanasamudra falls on the banks of Cauvery and is a favourite weekend getaway trip from Bengaluru. It is a well-known place for trekking and adventurous activities like forest camps, kayaking, rope walking near Bengaluru. Surrounding dense forest host various wild life species like elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.
Kotilingeshwara
Distance from Bangalore: 100km
Temple is located in kammasandra village between bethamangala and bangarapet. This is one of the best pilgrimage sites near Bengaluru for a day trip. Temple hosts one crore Lingas and has a great religious significance. The temple is famous for giant 108 feet Shiva linga which is one of the largest shiva linga in the world and has a 35 feet tall Nandi in front of it.
