Bangalore, with its chaotic charm and tech-driven pulse, is secretly a launchpad for some of South India’s most thrilling treks. It’s surrounded by some of the best trekking places near Bangalore, forests, and peaks that call to adventurers, from first-timers to hardcore trekkers. The Western Ghats and nearby ranges offer trails that weave through misty landscapes, ancient ruins, and wild streams. Here’s a curated guide to the 10 best trekking places near Bangalore for 2025, packed with practical details to fuel your next outdoor escape.
Must-Hit Trekking Places near Bangalore
1. Nandi Hills
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Trek Elevation: 1,478 meters
Nandi Hills is the king of the best trekking places near Bangalore, hands down. It’s an hour’s drive from the city, perfect when you’re itching to ditch the chaos. The trail’s a cakewalk—stone steps wind through scrappy greenery to a summit that’s pure magic at sunrise. I dragged my sleepy gang here at 3:30 a.m. once, clutching a dented steel tumbler of filter coffee, and we watched the sky explode in pink and orange, mist curling below like a Bollywood dream sequence. You’ll pass Tipu Sultan’s old summer hangout and some ancient temples, giving it a history-lesson vibe. It’s great for families or anyone wanting a chill day out.
Why It’s My Jam: The sunrise is next-level, and you’ll see uncles doing yoga or kids chasing butterflies.
Tip: Beat the weekend crowds by getting there before dawn. Pack a shawl—it’s colder than you’d expect.
2. Savandurga Hill
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Trek Elevation: 1,226 meters
Savandurga is a beast among the best trekking places near Bangalore. This massive granite rock—one of Asia’s biggest monoliths—dares you to climb it. The trail’s a steep scramble that leaves your legs wobbly, but the view from the top—forests, the twisty Arkavathi River, and distant hills—is worth every curse word. I hiked it last December, sweating buckets, and swore I saw an eagle dive-bombing something below. Locals whisper about leopards in the woods, which adds a thrill. The nearby Manchanabele Dam is a chill spot to flop afterward.
Why It’s My Jam: Standing on that rock feels like you’ve conquered a giant. Hidden caves are a bonus for poking around.
Tip: Wear shoes with killer grip—the rock’s a slip-fest when wet. Pack two liters of water, no slacking.
3. Skandagiri (Kalavara Durga)
Distance from Bangalore: 70 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Trek Elevation: 1,450 meters
Skandagiri is a star, especially for night-trek junkies like me. The trail kicks off in Kalavara village, weaving through rocky paths to a hilltop fort drowned in clouds. I did the night trek with my college buddies, our torchlights bouncing as we tripped over roots, and the sunrise at the top was pure gold—mist below, sky blazing like a painting. The climb’s not brutal, but the uneven ground keeps you sharp. You’ll need forest department permission for night treks, so don’t mess that up.
Why It’s My Jam: Hiking under a starry sky feels like you’re in a secret club, and the fort ruins are creepy-cool.
Tip: Pack a headlamp and a warm jacket. Check permit rules before you head out.
4. Anthargange
Distance from Bangalore: 70 km
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: August to February
Trek Elevation: 1,226 meters
Anthargange, out in Kolar, is one of the best trekking places near Bangalore for folks who love a bit of chaos. It’s less about hardcore hiking and more about scrambling through volcanic caves and rocky hills. I felt like a kid playing Indiana Jones, squeezing through tight spots and climbing boulders. The trail’s mostly easy, but the caves need you to watch your step. My night trek here ended with us roasting corn over a campfire, laughing under a starry sky. There’s a temple nearby if you want a quiet moment.
Why It’s My Jam: The caves are a total adventure, and the hilltop views are just icing.
Tip: Bring a torch for cave shenanigans and mind the loose rocks.
5. Makalidurga
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Trek Elevation: 1,117 meters
Makalidurga is the quiet kid among the trekking places near Bangalore. The trail starts near a railway track, winding through fields to a hilltop fort with killer views of green plains. It’s an easy climb, perfect for newbies or anyone needing a break from Bangalore’s madness. I hiked it with my sister once, sharing a packet of parathas at the summit, feeling like we’d escaped to a simpler time. A small Shiva shrine adds a calm, almost sacred vibe.
Why It’s My Jam: The peace and wide-open views are like a reset button for your soul.
Tip: Go for sunset and pack a snack for a summit picnic.
6. Kudremukh
Distance from Bangalore: 330 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Trek Elevation: 1,894 meters
Kudremukh, deep in the Western Ghats, for those ready to earn their views. The 20 km round-trip trail cuts through shola forests, babbling streams, and grassy hills to a horse-shaped peak. I did it a while back, my calves cursing me, but spotting a deer darting through the trees was pure magic. You’ll need a forest department permit since it’s a national park, but the wild, untouched vibe—think endless green hills—is worth the hassle.
Why It’s My Jam: It’s like hiking through a Nat Geo special, raw and alive.
Tip: Book permits early and maybe get a local guide for the forest bits.
7. Tadiandamol
Distance from Bangalore: 270 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Trek Elevation: 1,748 meters
Tadiandamol, Coorg’s highest peak, is a gem among the best trekking places near Bangalore. The trail starts in coffee plantations, the smell of roasted beans hitting you like a warm hug, then climbs through misty forests to a summit with epic Western Ghats views. I camped there once, waking to a sunrise that felt like it was just for me, clouds parting like a movie scene. The steeper bits near the top are a grind, but most fit folks can handle it. A Coorg homestay afterward is pure heaven.
Why It’s My Jam: The coffee-scented trails and misty peaks are like a love letter to nature.
Tip: Pack rain gear—Coorg’s weather is a drama queen. Start early for clear views.
8. Kumara Parvatha
Distance from Bangalore: 260 km
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Trek Elevation: 1,712 meters
Kumara Parvatha, or Pushpagiri, is a monster among the best trekking places near Bangalore. This 22 km round-trip trek in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a steep slog through thick forests and grassy slopes. I hit the summit once, drenched in sweat but grinning like a fool, with Western Ghats views stretching forever. You might spot rare plants or critters, but you’ll need a permit. Camping under the stars here is a memory I’ll carry forever.
Why It’s My Jam: The raw beauty and sense of “I did it” are unmatched.
Tip: Start at first light with enough food and water for the long haul.
9. Mullayanagiri
Distance from Bangalore: 265 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Trek Elevation: 1,930 meters
Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s tallest peak, is a must-hit among the best trekking places near Bangalore. Starting from Sarpadhari in Chikmagalur, the trail winds through lush forests to a summit topped by a tiny temple. Some bits are steep, but the 360-degree views of hills and coffee estates are pure gold. I sat there once, sipping coffee from a thermos, feeling like I’d climbed to the edge of the world. Chikmagalur’s cozy vibe is a great post-trek treat.
Why It’s My Jam: Standing on Karnataka’s highest point feels epic, and the temple adds a soulful touch.
Tip: Skip monsoons—wet trails are a nightmare. Bring a camera for the views.
10. Kodachadri
Distance from Bangalore: 400 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Trek Elevation: 1,343 meters
Kodachadri, in Shimoga, rounds out the best trekking places near Bangalore with its mix of forests, waterfalls, and meadows. The trail climbs to a peak with Western Ghats views—and sometimes the Arabian Sea if the skies are clear. Splashing in Hidlumane Falls was my highlight, though the steep bits had me cursing under my breath. A guide helps with the forest sections, and homestays nearby make it cozy.
Why It’s My Jam: The waterfalls and sunset vistas are like a scene from a dream.
Tip: Pack bug spray and start early to catch the falls when they’re sparkling.
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7 FAQs
- When’s the best time to hit the best trekking places near Bangalore?
September to March is your golden window—cool, dry, and perfect for killer views. Monsoons (June to August) turn trails into a muddy mess, so avoid them. - Are these treks good for newbies?
Totally—Nandi Hills, Makalidurga, and Anthargange are beginner-friendly. Kumara Parvatha and Kudremukh are for folks with some trekking cred. - Do any of these treks need permits?
Kudremukh and Kumara Parvatha need forest department permits since they’re in protected areas. Sort it out well ahead. - What should I pack for a trek?
Sturdy shoes, a water bottle, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a torch for night treks. Rain gear and bug spray are your friends. - Are night treks safe?
Night treks like Skandagiri are fine with a group and guide. Tell someone your plans, stick to the path, and pack proper gear. - Can I camp at these spots?
Yep, Tadiandamol and Kodachadri allow camping with permission. Bring your own tent or check out homestays nearby. - How do I get to the best trekking places near Bangalore?
Most are reachable by car or bus. Nandi Hills and Savandurga are a quick 1-2 hour drive; Kudremukh and Kodachadri need a longer road trip or overnight bus.
Conclusion
The best trekking places near Bangalore are my escape from the city’s madness. From Nandi Hills’ sunrise glow to Kodachadri’s wild waterfalls, these trails are where I’ve found peace, adventure, and stories to tell. Whether you’re climbing Karnataka’s highest peak or poking around Anthargange’s caves, 2025 is your year to get out there. Pack smart, grab permits where needed, and let these treks remind you how good it feels to have dirt under your nails, wind in your face, and a view that makes your heart skip.
