The Best Hiking Trails Around Bangalore

Bangalore is a vibrant city known for its pleasant climate, nature, and hiking trails. The IT city, which is bustling with work energy every day, also provides some of the best calm you can find in nature as you go hiking. The city has a beautiful landscape, and come weekends, most people love to head to trek to stunning hills like Nandi Hills, Savandurga, and more. If you are looking to head for a weekend of fun or even a one-day trek in Bangalore, this article has the perfect list for you.
 

Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is a known destination that people love to trek to for the beautiful views and the sunrise. The trek is pretty easy, with a trail that is extremely stunning, letting you enjoy panoramic views from the top of the hills. Night trekking to Nandi Hills exposes you to mesmerizing views of a sunrise. At the summit, there is also an ancient Nandi temple.

Near the trail, there is also the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace, a must-visit for anyone who loves history. If you are into the best views of the horrifying past, do visit Tipu’s Drop. The sight is impressive, and it used to be the location from which Tipu Sultan pushed his prisoners to death.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning

Distance from Bangalore: 60 km

Difficulty level: easy to moderate

Kunti Betta Trek

If you are an experienced trekker, this is one of the best hiking trails for you to try near Bangalore. Here, you can explore the slopes, rocks, and luscious green views. This makes the trail quite inviting for all. If you trek here, you also get to explore the Kunti Betta caves where Kunti took shelter. Lastly, the views from the summit are beautiful, offering views of the hills and fields. Did you know Kunti Betta has twin peaks so you can explore two distinctive trails.

Skandagiri

Another beautiful sunrise trek is Skandagiri, or Kalavara Durga. It is known for being a great trekking destination due to its views of the sunrise. The trail is challenging, for sure, but the view from the summit of the ruin of the fort is impressive. From Skandgiri, you can enjoy the view of the four giris, which is beautiful. 

Best Time to Visit: Morning to afternoon

Distance from Bangalore: 70 km 

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard

Hampi

Hampi is a beautiful hike, but it is a bit far from Bangalore. This is a mix of unique hiking opportunities and historical ruins. The trails in Hampi are beautiful landscapes with boulders, scenic views, and ancient temples. As you reach the top, you will come across Vijayanagara Empire ruins like monuments and temples. The trail to Hampi also lets you immerse yourself in the culture and history.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Distance from Bangalore: 340 km 

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Savandurga

Do you want to trek to the largest monolithic hills in Asia? Then, Savandurga should be on your list. It is a challenging climb, for sure, and the trail has boulder fields, rocky paths, and steep ascents. As you reach the summit, you enjoy the beautiful 360-degree view of the nearby landscape. The top of the hill shows views of Magadi Town, the Arkavathi River, and more. Unless you have a good level of fitness, you should not go on this trek. The trail is also known for its rich biodiversity, which is especially ideal for birdwatchers. 

Best Time to Visit: Morning to afternoon (before 12 p.m.)

Distance from Bangalore: 50 km

Difficulty level: moderate to hard

Ramanagara

Another beautiful hiking trail around Bangalore is Ramanagara. If you want to head to a nearby place for a day hike, this is the best one. It is also known as the shooting spot for the classic Bollywood movie ‘Sholay.’ It is one of the best places for rock climbing and hiking. The scenic views, along with the variety of species of birds, are what make this trail one of the best. 

Best Time to Visit: Before sunrise to mid-afternoon

Distance from Bangalore: 50 km 

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Anthargange

Anthargange, one of the best trails near Bangalore, is popular for its rocky terrain and exploring the cave. The trail for Anthargange is unique, with a blend of boulders and trekking on plain routes. But the best part of the hike is the exploration of crevices and caves. The summit from the place is also beautiful, as you can witness parts of Karnataka and Kolar districts from here. 

Best Time to Visit: Before sunrise

Distance from Bangalore: 70 km 

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Kabbaladurga

Another nighttime trekking option near Bangalore is Kabbaladurga. It is a breath-taking venture to a monolith hillock. This adventure takes you to the abode of Goddess Kabbalamma, a ruined fort with spectacular views of the surroundings. The trek distance is 8 km, with rough pathways to give you the support you need to reach the trail. The view from the top is impressive, with stars glittering and people enjoying a bonfire under the cool night. 

Best Time to Visit: Morning to Late-Afternoon

Distance from Bangalore: 80 km 

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Conclusion

Bangalore has one of the best landscapes, offering diverse hiking trails. Each of these trails has distinctive challenges and features. It does not matter whether you want to head out for a leisurely walk to Nandi Hills or go trekking a challenging route; you can do it all near Bangalore. If you are into trekking, Bangalore is perfect for you. However, do ensure you carry the best gear and equipment while staying hydrated. It is always better to respect the people and the culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day hikes from Bangalore?

• Channarayana Durga Trek
• Halu Chilume Ganga Trek
• Minchukallu Betta Trek
• Makalidurga
• Bananthimari Betta 

What is the best time for hiking? 

The best time for hiking is from early morning to mid-afternoon, i.e., from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Or you can go in the evening. During this time, the weather is pleasant, so hiking becomes easier.

What are some of the best scenic treks near Bangalore? 

The most scenic treks near Bangalore include: 

• Nandi Hills
• Skandagiri
• Kunti Betta
• Anthargange trek.