Bangalore for the Adventurous: A Guide to Exciting Activities

Occupying a pride of place in the entertainment travel Maven's map of an adventurous journey, Bengaluru does not only offer tech parks and traffic; the city is one among numerous places in search of seasonal thrills and adventure lovers. Blessed with pleasant weather, varying terrains, and proximity to the Western Ghats and scenic countryside, Bangalore celebrates a medley of adventure sports that go hand in hand with the changing seasons, rendering it a delight for adventure seekers all year round.

1. Adventure Activities in Ramanagara

• Rock Climbing: Known as the 'Sholay Hills', Ramanagara opens up crushing granite walls, with 8 well-known sites where both novices and veterans can hone their skills in rock climbing.

• Trekking: The walks through the stunning trails consisting of boulders and scrub forests will reward the trekkers with a panoramic view from the hilltop.

• Ziplining: The adventure camps in Ramanagara include facilities for ziplining that give you the rush of coaster-like valleys and forests from above.

• Proximity to Bangalore: This wonderful place is just 50km away, which is just right for a day trip or weekend fun.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March so the weather is pleasant and the conditions safe.

Attractions Nearby

• Manchanabele Dam –A scenic reservoir perfect for kayaking and walking, some 10 km from Savandurga.

• Dodda Alada Mara (Big Banyan Tree) – A 400-year-old banyan tree covering 3 acres of land, which is only 20 km from here.

• Kanva Reservoir – A peaceful lake perfect for bird-watching and picnics.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Ramanagara is 1.5 hours from Bengaluru on the Mysore Road (NH275). Extremely well connected by vehicle or motorcycle.

• By Train: Train services regularly connect Bengaluru with Ramanagara Railway Station.

• By Airport: The closest Kempegowda International Airport is approximately 75 km from there.

2. Adventure Activities in Kanakapura

• Kayaking: The serene waters of Hosadoddi Lake, soft kayak paddlers amidst the gentle embrace of the Bananthimari forests.

• Camping: The delightful camping locations near the lake offer pleasant star-lit skies, campfire facilities, and the soothing sounds of nature.

• Ziplining: The organized fun of ziplining at adventure camps in Kanakapura will surely be great fun, with splashes being witnessed on the lake.

• Location Proximity: Situated at around 60 km from the city makes Kanakapura a convenient retreat for day-outing or weekend adventure.

• Best Time to Visit: The post-monsoon months provide colourful landscapes and pleasant weather in favour of almost every form of outdoor activity.

Places to Visit Around Here

• Mekedatu & Sangama – A bit farther, perfect for a day-long nature excursion.

• Chunchi Falls – A beautiful waterfall some 25 km from here, ideal for an after-trek day outing.

• Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta – Another hill trek near Kanakapura.

How to Reach

•  By Buses: KSRTC and private buses operate daily from Majestic Bus Station, Bangalore. This seems to be the most affordable and very well-connected way.

• By Rail: There is no railway station at Kanakapura. Bangalore City Junction (SBC) is the nearest significant railway terminal. One must take a roadway for further travel.

• By Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), 90 kilometres from the city, is the closest air transport facility to Kanakapura.

3. SKandagiri Sunrise Trek-Important Things

• Trek Distance and Duration: The walking distance would be about 8 km round trip, generally taking anything from 4 - 5 hours walk up, and back down.

• Starting Point: The walk starts not far from the Papagni Mutt in Kalavara village.

• Trail Characteristics: Through dense forests, rocky patchwork, and remnants of an old fort, there exists a moderate challenge that is good for novice and expert trekkers alike.

• Sunrise Scene: Trekkers usually start at night to reach the hilltop before dawn and behold the magnificent sunrise over the clouds.

• Best Time to Visit: Open all year round, though the post-monsoon months are flush with green and generally have clear skies, enhancing the beauty of sunrise avidly.

Nearby Places

• Nandi Hills: Nandi Hills is a very popular hill station close to Bangalore and is only 15 km from Skandagiri. Tipu Sultan's summer palace, an old hill fort, offers sunrise views, pleasant weather, and vast greenery.

• Avalabetta: For the individual seeking a different trekking adventure, Avalabetta is an offbeat hill station 30 km from Skandagiri.

• devanahalli Fort: Located about 40 km from Skandagiri, Devanahalli Fort is an ancient structure that is renowned as the birthplace of Tipu Sultan.

• Lepakshi: Closer still, about 60 km from Skandagiri, is Andhra Pradesh village Lepakshi, famous for the Veerabhadra Temple.

• Bangalore's Wine Tours: For a simple but diverse experience, there are escorted wine tours and tastings by some vineyards in and around Bangalore.

How to Reach

• Road: It is between 1.5 to 2 hours from Bengaluru. Taxi or car. Route: Bengaluru → Hebbal → Devanahalli → Chikkaballapur → Kalavara village.

• Rail: The nearest railway station, Chikkaballapur is approximately 5 km from the base.

• Airport: The closest airport, Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru), is located approximately 30 km from the base.

4. Manchanabele Adventure Activities-Important Points

• Rappelling: The rocky terrains around the Manchanabele Dam provide excellent conditions for rappelling, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to descend natural rock formations under expert guidance.

• Kayaking: The placid waters of Manchanabele Reservoir are fit for some kayaking, allowing participants a chance to paddle amidst calm natural settings.

• Proximity to Bangalore: At roughly 40 km from Bangalore, Manchanabele is a perfect retreat for day trips and adventure activities.

• Best Time to Visit: The post-monsoon season, especially from October to February, makes the scenery lush and is ideal for adventure activities.

Nearby Places of Interest makes

• Savandurga Hill: The most sought-after trekking spot near Manchanabele Dam is Savandurga Hill. This hill is broad and huge, and the location has a good view of the landscape around, with panoramic views for panoramic shots.

• Big Banyan Tree: Big Banyan Tree lies about 20 kilometres from Manchanabele. It is a very old, huge tree that occupies a vast area.

• Bheemeshwari: Bheemeshwari is roughly 45 km from Manchanabele, which is a nice place to go with buddies for fishing, adventure sports, and nature trails.

• Nandi Hills: Nandi Hills is situated around 45 kilometres from Manchanabele and is a highly sought-after hill station famous for its stunning views of the sunrise and interesting history.

How to Reach

• Bus: One can travel by bus from Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) in Bangalore to Magadi Town. Thereafter, one will have to take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to the dam since public transport to the dam is scarce.

• Train: The closest rail station is Magadi Railway Station, approximately 15 km away from the dam. You can take a cab or auto-rickshaw here to go up to the dam.

• By Taxi/Cab: Taxis or ride-sharing, such as Ola or Uber, are offered from Bangalore to Manchanabele Dam. This is an easy option if you're commuting in a group.

5. Anthargange Night Trek and Cave Exploration

• Location: Anthropogenic Kalyan is situated about 65 km from Bangalore in Kolar district, Karnataka.

• Trek Distance and Time: The approximately 3-km trek takes most of an average person about 4 hours, excluding the time for rest.

• Night Trekking: Starting around midnight under a starry sky and the most memorable view of the sunrise from the top.

• Caving: The site has excellent volcanic rocks and the longest cave systems; really an adventure for those interested in this activity.

• Difficulty Level: Moderately difficult and requires a bare minimum for fitness.

• Best Time: It can be visited throughout the year, but post-monsoon months are considered the best, as everything is green, and clear skies for better viewing.

• Others: Many trek packages also have bonfire nights in the middle of the trek, bringing out a lot of rich fun and a great opportunity to socialize.

Nearby Places

• Kolar: Kolar is a district headquarters as well as an ancient town with religious and cultural significance. It is renowned for its gold mining and ancient monuments.

• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple: It is an ancient temple situated at the foot of the Nandi Hills and dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Nandi Hills: Nandi Hills is a favourite tourist spot in Bangalore is famous for its spectacular morning views, pleasant climate, and peaceful environment.

• Skandagiri (Kalavara Durga): Skandagiri is a well-liked trek spot close to Anthargange. The hill has a tough trek. offers the most beautiful landscapes of the nearby region and dawn.

How to Get to Anthargange

• Bus Services: There are various KSRTC buses from Bangalore to Kolar. Catch a bus from the Kempegowda Bus Station in Bangalore to visit Kolar. (Majestic) Once in Kolar, take a taxi or drive to Anthargange.

• By Train: Anthargange's closest railway station is Kolar Railway Station, which is about 7 kilometres away. Regular trains operate from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) to Kolar. The walk would take approximately 1.2-2 hours. After arriving in Kolar, get a taxi or auto rickshaw to Anthargange.

• By Airport: The closest international airport to Anthargange is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore (BLR), which is approximately 70 kilometres away. Travel to Anthargange using a taxi or private vehicle from the airport. The journey normally takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic