Top Treks Near Bengaluru for Weekend Getaways

While Bengaluru, India's IT capital, is infamously associated with concrete marvels and congested roads that's where South India's most picturesque and breathtaking treks are to be found. Surrounded by rolling hills, granite monoliths, heritage forts, and serene lakes, Bengaluru boasts easy access to a variety of trekking sites that promise a perfect short weekend escape. Whether you are a novice looking for a sunrise hike in a hurry or an experienced trekker looking for adrenaline-filled night treks, the destination has something for all.

1. Savandurga Hill Trek – A Monolithic Adventure Near Bengaluru

Savandurga Hill Trek is one of the finest and most sought-after treks near Bengaluru. Savandurga, some 60 km west of Bengaluru, is the biggest monolithic hill in Asia at approximately 1,226 meters (4,022 feet) above sea level. Two hills, Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill) constitute Savandurga. The trek will, in general, take you to Biligudda, the simpler of the two.

Attractions Nearby

• Manchanabele Dam – A beautiful reservoir ideal for kayaking and walking, about 10 km from Savandurga.

• Dodda Alada Mara (Big Banyan Tree) – A banyan tree that is 400 years old and spreads across 3 acres, just 20 km away from here.

• Magadi Town – A place known for its temples and rural landscape, ideal for an excursion for a dose of culture.

How to Get There

• By Road: Savandurga is easily accessible by Magadi Road. Drive or hire a cab from Bengaluru. Smooth road conditions ensure a comfortable ride.

• By Public Transport: Regular buses run from Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station) to Magadi. Auto-rickshaw or local transport from there will reach the foot of the hill.

• By Bike: One of the popular routes for bikers because of its scenic drive and weekend outing.

Best Time to Visit Savandurga Hill

• October to March: It is the best time for trekking, with favourable weather, clear skies, and low humidity, which makes the climb easy and comfortable.

• April to June: These are summer months; morning treks can be performed but avoid sun exposure during the day.

• July to September (Monsoon): Trekking can be risky because of slippery rocks and sudden rain showers, although the surroundings turn into lush green.

2. Skandagiri Sunrise Trek – Walking in the Clouds Near Bengaluru

The Skandagiri Sunrise Trek, more commonly referred to as Kalavara Durga, is among the most romantic treks around Bengaluru. Situated a mere 70 km from Bengaluru, the hill fort stands at a height of approximately 1,450 meters and offers the enchanting experience of a sunrise amidst the clouds hence its widespread sobriquet "Walk in the Clouds." The trek begins with a moderately steep path in rough terrain, patches of forest, and boulder fields. It's a 4–5 km climb that usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours. Trekkers usually start the trek between 2–3 AM so that they arrive at the summit at the time of sunrise. The trail gets broader into a cloud stretch, orange colour on the horizon, a moment of sheer bliss for all the trekkers.

Places to See Around

• Nandi Hills – Only 20 km away, another sunrise spot and great for a laid-back day trek.

• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple – Clean old temple near Nandi Hills.

• Chikkaballapur town – Nearby town with eateries and amenities, easily reachable by road from the trek starting point.

• Grover Zampa Vineyards – Along the way, great for a wine-tasting experience after trek.

How to Reach

• Road: It is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Bengaluru. Car or taxi. Route: Bengaluru → Hebbal → Devanahalli → Chikkaballapur → Kalavara village.

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

• Airport: The nearest airport, Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru), is about 30 km away from the base.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to March is ideal with pleasant weather and clear skies.

• Start the hike at 3:30–4:00 AM to reach the top during sunrise.

• Never do it between June to September when the paths are oily and the climate is misty.

3. Nandi Hills (Secret Trail) Trek – Secret Trails of a Hill Station Jewel

While Nandi Hills is a popular weekend retreat from Bengaluru, not many know about the Secret Trail Trek that passes through its off-the-beaten-path regions. Approximately 60 km from Bengaluru, Nandi Hills is a combination of history, nature, and off-the-beaten-path trekking adventure on these paths. Unlike the usual tourist trail, the Secret Trail will have you walking through tracts of dense forests, moss-encrusted stone steps, and ancient ruins that speak of Tipu Sultan's era. The hike tends to begin at the base at SultanPet, where one finds a path winding up the hill along a fairly unmapped route. It's a rougher and less frequented track than the tar road or tourist steps. Expect to find a mix of rough uneven steps, woodland trails, and occasionally openings presenting expansive vistas over the valley. It will take 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend to the top, where you will be greeted by the fabled sunrise point, refreshing breeze, Tipu's Drop, Amruth Sarovar, and the history of the hilltop fort.

Places to Visit Around:

• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple – A serene ancient temple at the foot of the hill.

• Grover Zampa Vineyards – Ideal for wine tasting and a relaxed afternoon.

• Muddenahalli – The birthplace of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, whose memory lives on in a museum.

• Skandagiri Hills – Conveniently just next door, ideal if you want to make a long trekking weekend out of it.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Nandi Hills is 1.5 hours from Bengaluru. The journey is via Hebbal → Devanahalli → Nandi Cross → Sultanpet.

• By Train: The nearest rail station is Chikkaballapur, 10 km away from the base.

• By Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, 40 km and well accessible.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to February is the optimum time with misty mornings and pleasant weather.

• Early morning, preferably at 5:00 AM, to witness sunrise and not face the crowd.

• Monsoon season must be avoided with greasy trails and leeches on forest tracks.

4. Ramanagara Trek (Sholay Hills) – Feel the Action in Gabbar's Hills

Famous as the site of the iconic Bollywood movie Sholay, Ramanagara or the Sholay Hills is a trekker's paradise 50 km from Bengaluru. With huge granite rocks, dry deciduous forests, and stunning views, this region is a trekker's, rock climber's, and movie buff's paradise. The trek is a combination of adventure and nostalgia, where you get to trek on the same rugged landscapes where the tracts of Gabbar Singh would be filmed. The hike starts from the bottom along Ramanagara town and takes you through a combination of rock paths and thorny paths. The hike is of easy to moderate grade, typically a 1.5 to 2-hour trek to the summit. The summit offers good visibility of the valley and hills around. The gigantic boulders here are not only cinematographic but also perfect for the adventure sports activities of rock climbing, especially for bouldering and rappelling events. The reason why this trek stands apart is that it has its original landscape and has not been over-commercialized. And, for all those who are Sholay lovers, it's a dream to be standing at a place where legendary dialogues and chase scenes were shot!

Places to Visit Around Here:

• Janapada Loka – Folk art museum just a few kilometres from here.

• Kanva Reservoir – A serene lake ideal for bird-watching and picnics.

• Mekedatu & Sangama – A little more away, ideal for a full-day nature outing.

• Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary – One of the last remaining natural Indian vulture habitats left.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Ramanagara is 1.5 hours from Bengaluru on the Mysore Road (NH275). Very well connected by car or bike.

• By Train: Trains frequently run between Bengaluru and Ramanagara Railway Station.

• By Airport: Kempegowda International Airport is nearest at around 75 km from there.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to February would be ideal with nice weather to trek and others.

• Trek early in the morning, preferably at 6:00 AM, to experience sunrise and escape the sun.

• Not advisable during summer months and monsoons when rocks will be slippery.

5. Anthargange Cave Exploration Trek – Adventure Under the Rocks

Beneath the Shatha Shrunga hill chain about Kolar, only 70 km from Bengaluru, lies Anthargange, perhaps the most exciting and unconventional trekking destination in Karnataka. Where the trek stands out is not merely the rock-laden landscape but the network of volcanic caves buried in the granite boulders. Also known as the "Kashi of the South" because of the ancient Anthargange Temple and spring, the destination is a blend of spiritual glory and adrenaline-filled adventure. The hike starts at the Anthargange temple on the base of the hill. The first part is a relatively flat, moderately sloping piece of stone steps and a natural trail. But when you're inside the twisting volcanic rock passages, things get interesting. Brace yourself for narrow passages, vertical crawls, and even a couple of places where you'll have to squeeze or climb by hands and legs. It's perfect for adventure lovers, especially those who want to do something more than just normal hill trekking. The whole trek and visit to the cave can be completed in 3 to 4 hours, so it is a perfect half-day outing. Night trekking is also highly sought after here with an experience of fantasy-like starry nights, bonfires, and torch-lit cave trails.

Places to Visit Around:

• Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) – Explore the old town known for its ancient gold mines.

• Someshwara Temple, Kolar – Beautiful example of Dravidian architecture.

• Kotilingeshwara Temple – Renowned for having over 90 lakh Shiva lingas.

• Avani betta – Known colloquially as the "Gaya of the South," with Ramayana-era connections and ancient temples.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Anthargange is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Bengaluru. Route: Bengaluru → KR Puram → Hoskote → Kolar → Anthargange.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Kolar, about 3 km from the base.

• By Road: Kempegowda International Airport, about 85 km.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to March is the best time, with a cooler climate and dry trails.

• Set off early (or late evening for sunset hikes) to watch sunrise/sunset views and visit caves.

• Refrain during the monsoons (June through September) when rocks will be slippery and caves will get waterlogged.

6. Makalidurga Night Trek – A Hill Fort Beneath the Starlit Sky

Packed nearly 80 km away from Bengaluru, somewhere remote, lies the Makalidurga Night Trek which gives a spectacular night trek experience to one of the lesser-so-noted yet extraordinarily handsome hill forts of Karnataka. It's an experience that provides the thrill of night trekking combined with the adventure of climbing steep paths to deserted ancient temples and fortress ruins on a hilltop. Rising high at around 3,000 feet above sea level, Kabbaladurga is perfect for someone who wishes to escape the city and dive into nature like never before! The ascent is done late in the night, generally from the village of Kabbalu, near Kanakapura. The trek is about 4 to 5 km, one way, and will take 2 to 3 hours to climb, depending on group speed. The trail consists of granite slab-like boulders, rocky slopes, and areas where one has to tread very carefully, particularly in the evenings. Headlamps and torchlight light the path as trekkers tread and take in the invigorating chill of the evening wind and, occasionally, catch moonlit scenery. There is a temple and a fort at the summit and the best early morning scenery.

Places near Visit

• Chunchi Falls – A lovely waterfall about 25 km from here, perfect for an after-trek day excursion.

• Mekedatu & Sangama – A nature spot where the Arkavathi and Kaveri rivers meet, perfect for a weekend trip.

• Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta – Another hill trek around Kanakapura.

• Kanakapura – Small town with neighbouring forest resorts and eco-resorts for those who wish to extend the trip.

How to Reach

• By Road: Kabbaladurga is around 2 to 2.5 hours from Bengaluru, most easily approached via Kanakapura Road. Route: Bengaluru → Kanakapura → Kabbalu.

• By Bus: KSRTC buses up to Kanakapura and local transport can be arranged there.

• By Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, around 110 km, is the nearest airport.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to February is the best time for night treks with good weather and clear skies.

• Start at 10:30 PM to climb in time for sunrise.

• Skip June-September when the trail is slippery and conditions are bad with low visibility.

7. Devarayanadurga Trek – A Divine Escape into Nature and History

Situated roughly 70 km from Bengaluru, Devarayanadurga Trek is the perfect blend of nature, religion, and adventure. Situated in the district of Tumkur, Devarayanadurga, or "God's Fort," is a temple town and hill station at an altitude of roughly 1,200 meters (3,940 feet). The trek is surrounded by dense forests, rock mountains, and ancient temples and is best suited for people who wish to unwind in a city break without needing to venture too far away. The hike begins near the Bhoga Narasimha Temple at the base of the hill. It's well-marked and consists of a series of stone steps and winding paths in between boulder fields. The 2 km ascent will take around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. Trekkers are rewarded along the way with stunning views of forest lands, cool breezes, and a peaceful ambience. Hidden at the top is the Yoga Narasimha Temple, improbably placed on the front face of the cliff, with a sweeping all-around view of the surrounding valleys and hills.

It is just as popular a trekking spot as a pilgrim centre and is a favourite among adventure tourists as well as pilgrims. The pleasant weather, scenery, and spiritual ambience make the trek perfect for families, first-timers, and photographers.

Places to See Around

• Namada Chilume – Mythologically significant natural spring.

• Siddara Betta – Another trekking and meditating spot with caves and sacred places.

• Tumkur City – Car ride of fifteen minutes, street food stalls and shops.

• Shivaganga Hill – Difficult trek around with religious significance.

How to Get There:

• By Road: Devarayanadurga is 1.5 to 2 hours away from Bengaluru and on Tumkur Road (NH 48) very easily accessible.

• By Train: The nearest train station is Tumkur, 17 km from the base.

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, 75 km away from here.

Best Time to Trek:

• The best time to trek is October to March when the weather is nice and the surroundings are lush green.

• Early morning is the best time to trek to watch the sunrise and experience the cold climate.

• You can skip the monsoon and summer seasons while planning to travel to the destination because the rocks would be heated up or slippery.

8. Uttari Betta Trek - A Peaceful Hilltop Paradise through Rock Arches and Pastures

The Uttari Betta Trek or the Hutridurga Trek is a virgin paradise located about 75 km away from Bangalore in Kunigal taluk of Tumkur district. This moderately easy trek is perfect for nature lovers and beginners who want to spend a weekend getaway from the city. The trek is about 5 kilometres long (round trip) and would normally take 2–3 hours, depending on the speed of your trek. The trek goes through green rice fields, thick cover, and an ancient stone fort wall. A series of seven defence gates culminates in the historical importance of the trail, right up to the top where there is a small Shankar Eshwara Temple in honour of Lord Shiva. At the top, the trekkers are rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding hill and farm landscape, a sun-rise enthusiast's and photographer's heaven.

Things to See around

• Shivagange Hills – Locally sacred hill and moderately challenging trek.

• Devarayanadurga – Ancient temples and hill station with natural springs, a car ride of just an hour.

• Magadi – Village town famous for ancient temples and peaceful beauty.

• Manchanabele Dam – A good place for a picnic of an hour or water games, about 30 km from here.

How to Reach Uttari Betta

• Car/Bike: You may also drive down to Uttari Betta via road, which is approximately 75 km from Bangalore. You can do the journey in approximately 2 hours via the Bangalore–Kunigal Road (NH75).

• By Bus: There are plenty of KSRTC buses from Kunigal to Bangalore. Autos or local vehicles can go up to the trekking spot at Hutridurga village from there.

• By Train: The nearest station is at Kunigal or Tumkur but reachable by road for trekking

Best Time to Visit:

• October to March is the ideal time for a visit with a nice climate and greens.

• Good for sunrise view and nice weather morning or evening treks.

• Avoid rainy months as the trail is slippery and there is fog along the way.

9. Kunti Betta Trek - A Hilltop Paradise through Rock Arches

Nested amidst picturesque Pandavapura, just 125 kilometres from Bengaluru, the Karnataka capital, the Kunti Betta Trek is just the right blend of adventure, mythology, and landscape. Twin Hill formation is tall at a height of about 950 meters (3,117 ft), which has mythological implications popular legend goes that the Pandavas' mother, Kunti, lived in the location when her sons were abroad in exile and thus the name. One of the most thrilling and scenic Karnataka hikes, it is also quite in demand for night hikes and sunrises viewed. The trek is around 2 km in one direction and around 1.5 to 2 hours to trek along. The trek is moderately demanding in character, with steep rocky faces, very tiny gorges, and enormous boulders requiring very minimal climbing experience. Imaginations of the green paddy fields, the serene water of Thonnur Lake, and the landscape on the way also exist. The highlight of trekking is the enormous footprint-like impression at the top of one of the boulders, complementing the mystic ambience. The view at the summit is breathtaking, particularly at dawn when golden rays trickle across the horizon. Nightwalkers have a heavenly experience at night with gentle campfire nights and peaceful mornings occasionally.

Places to Visit Nearby:

• Thonnur Lake – Quiet place ideal for kayaking, swimming, or just relaxing.

• Melukote – An old town scattered with ancient temples and natural beauty.

• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – Nature lover's paradise in the surroundings of Srirangapatna.

• Srirangapatna – Heritage, summer palace and Tipu Sultan's fort.

How to Reach:

• By Road: 3 hours from Bengaluru through Mysore Road and Mandya.

• By Train: The nearest railway station, Pandavapura, is approximately 8 km from the base.

• By Airport: The nearest airport, Mysore Airport (35 km), Kempegowda International Airport is about 160 km from here.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March is ideal with a dry and cold climate, and also good sightseeing.

• Night hikes are strongly suggested during this period for a sunrise experience like no other.

• Monsoons (June to September) must be avoided because rocks become slippery.