23 Unmissable Backpacking Trips from Bangalore: Nature, Adventure & Budget Travel

Bangalore, India's bustling tech hub, is also the perfect launchpad for some of the most thrilling backpacking adventures in South India. Whether you're a trekking enthusiast, a nature lover, or a history buff, the regions surrounding the city offer breathtaking landscapes—lush forests, misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches—all within reach for budget travelers.

From quick weekend getaways to extended expeditions, here's a curated list of 23 unforgettable backpacking trips from Bangalore, categorized for easy planning.

Weekend Backpacking Trips (1–2 Nights)

1. Nandi Hills

Distance: 60 km

Best For: Sunrise views, cycling, photography

Highlights:

• Tipu's Drop - A cliff face with panoramic views
• Ancient Nandi Temple at the summit
• Paragliding opportunities (seasonal)
• Trip Details:
• Ideal for a quick escape from city chaos
• Best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds
• Multiple trekking trails of varying difficulty
• Famous for its ethereal morning mist

2. Skandagiri

Distance: 70 km

Best For: Night treks, adventure seekers

Highlights:

• Midnight hike to witness spectacular sunrise
• "Cloud beds" phenomenon where clouds float below the peak
• Ruins of an old fort at the summit
• Trip Details:
• Requires forest department permission for night treks
• Moderately challenging 8km round-trip trek
• Carry torches, water and energy snacks
• Best visited November to February

3. Chikmagalur

Distance: 250 km

Best For: Coffee lovers, trekking, serene landscapes

Highlights:

• Mullayanagiri Peak (highest in Karnataka)
• Coffee estate tours and tastings
• Hebbe Falls in Kemmangundi
• Trip Details:
• Multiple trekking options from easy to difficult
• Homestays offer authentic coffee plantation experience
• Pleasant climate year-round
• Combine with visits to nearby waterfalls

4. Coorg (Madikeri)

Distance: 270 km

Best For: Nature walks, waterfalls, cultural immersion

Highlights:

• Abbey Falls' thunderous cascade
• Raja's Seat sunset viewpoint
• Dubare Elephant Camp
• Trip Details:
• Numerous homestays in coffee estates
• Ideal for relaxed exploration over 2-3 days
• Local Kodava cuisine is a must-try
• Best season: September to March

5. Savandurga

Distance: 60 km

Best For: Rock climbing, day hikes

Highlights:

• Asia's largest monolith
• Panoramic views of Arkavathi River
• Two climbing routes: Karigudda and Billigudda
• Trip Details:
• Challenging but rewarding 2-3 hour ascent
• Popular among rock climbing enthusiasts
• Best visited early morning to avoid heat
• Carry at least 2 liters of water

6. Hampi

Distance: 340 km

Best For: History, bouldering, hippie vibes

Highlights:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site ruins
• Virupaksha Temple's living history
• Tungabhadra River coracle rides
• Trip Details:
• Stay in Virupapur Gadde (Hippie Island)
• Rent bicycles to explore vast ruins
• Bouldering opportunities everywhere
• Best season: October to February

7. Bheemeshwari

Distance: 100 km

Best For: Wildlife, river adventures

Highlights:

• Cauvery fishing camp
• Jungle safaris in surrounding forests
• Zip-lining and river rafting
• Trip Details:
• Part of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• Excellent birdwatching opportunities
• Adventure activities need advance booking
• Ideal for wildlife photography

8. Ramanagara

Distance: 50 km

Best For: Rock climbing, movie buffs

Highlights:

• Sholay film shooting locations
• Professional rappelling facilities
• Spectacular sunset views
• Trip Details:
• Several established climbing routes
• Basic training available for beginners
• Carry plenty of water and sunscreen
• Can be combined with Savandurga visit

9. Kabini

Distance: 220 km

Best For: Wildlife safaris, river cruises

Highlights:

• Nagarhole National Park access
• Elephant sightings almost guaranteed
• River safari for birdwatching
• Trip Details:
• Multiple accommodation options from budget to luxury
• Early morning safaris most rewarding
• Best season: October to May
• Night safaris available

10. Shivanasamudra

Distance: 135 km

Best For: Waterfall chasers

Highlights:

• Twin waterfalls: Gaganachukki & Bharachukki
• Barachukki viewpoint
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary nearby
• Trip Details:
• Monsoon (July-October) best for full flow
• Can be combined with Talakadu temple visit
• Several viewpoints for photography
• Limited accommodation options

11. Mysore

Distance: 150 km

Best For: Culture, heritage, yoga

Highlights:

• Majestic Mysore Palace
• Chamundi Hill climb (1000 steps)
• Devaraja Market's vibrant colors
• Trip Details:
• Ideal for slow cultural exploration
• Yoga centers offer short courses
• Excellent street food scene
• Illuminated palace at night is magical

12. Sakleshpur

Distance: 220 km

Best For: Railway treks, misty landscapes

Highlights:

• Green Route trek along abandoned tracks
• Bisle Viewpoint's panoramic vista
• Manjarabad Fort's star-shaped structure
• Trip Details:
• Trekking through 58 tunnels is unique experience
• Homestays offer authentic local cuisine
• Best season: September to February
• Carry rain gear regardless of season

13. Lepakshi