Make every weekend count when it comes to your travel goals. We’re recommending short road trips from Bangalore, which means you can have a mini vacation and head back to the city within a day! Time constraints are throwing a spanner in your travel plans? Think again! If you’re in Bangalore, rent a car and head to Bandipur National Park, Shivanasamudra waterfall, go rock climbing in Ramanagara, or visit the temple in Lepakshi. Here are some of the best short road trips from Bangalore:
1. Bandipur National Park
Bandipur plays host to over 30 tigers, 3,000 Asian elephants and has an area of over 874 square kilometres. Having cities like Bangalore (215km), Ooty (70km) and Mysore (80km) in its proximity, Bandipur National Park is one of the most well preserved and efficiently run natural reserves in the country. Situated between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, this reserve is separated by Nagarhole national park near the Kabini Reservoir. The most picturesque way to travel to this region and this world-famous national park is by hiring cabs from Bangalore to Bandipur that allow for a more leisurely journey. The best time to visit the park is around the months of November to February, this ensures the monsoons have passed and the weather clears up during the winter months, which allow for a better opportunity to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.
2. Shivanasamudra
A scenic region located slightly off the Mysore Highway, Shivanasamudra is teeming with trekking trails and waterfalls. The main attraction here is the Shivanasamudra Falls, which is said to have a detoxing effect not only on your body, but also on your soul. The waterfalls have been included among the 100 best waterfalls in the world, and are surrounded by the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Water cascades from a height of around 200 feet onto the islands of Shivanasamudra. It is around 130km from the city, but the easy availability of cabs from Bangalore to Shivanasamudra has made things very convenient.
[Also read: Things to Do in Bangalore – A Complete Travel Guide]
3. Ramanagara
If you’re looking for short road trips from Bangalore with a bit of relaxation, adventure and sport, head to Ramanagara near Bangalore for a quick weekend getaway. If you’re looking for a longer visit, the town has some nice resorts you can stay at too!
With adventure sport like rock climbing, rappelling and chimney climbing. If you’re looking for a quiet time in the outdoors, there are a number of places you can go to camp overnight, kayak and trek in the wilderness. And since Ramanagara is a short distance from Bangalore, you can easily make it a pit stop before heading off to Mysore, Coorg and other destinations on the route.
If you’re planning on staying in Ramanagara for the night, you could book a room at Shilhaandara Resort. If you’re looking for a quick visit or organised group activities, you can book an activity with Adventure Nest and Skydream Adventure Services.
4. Lepakshi
Situated about 120 kilometres from Bangalore, Lepakshi is home to a temple built between the 12th and 15th century. The temple is known for its hanging pillar, gorgeous murals on the ceiling and intricate carvings on its walls and pillars. The nearby monolithic Nandi is considered the biggest Nandi carved from a single stone in India. Though the temple is not a live one anymore, it continues to draw crowds of tourists and history buffs alike.
5. Melukote
Melukote, also known as Thirunarayanapuram, is only three hours away from Bengaluru. Numerous features make this location, perched on a rocky hill, ideal for a weekend escape. Try the traditional dish made by cooking tamarind and rice with some local spices while you’re here. Bollywood movie buffs will adore this location because it is where the iconic film “Bhool Bhulaiya,” starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, was shot.
6. Dodda Ayur, Chota Ladakh
This quarry, located 60 kilometres from Bangalore, bears an uncanny similarity to Ladakh. Dodda Ayur, which is cut off from the rest of the world, is well-known for its serenity and tranquillity. The existence of a body of water in the centre surrounded by mountains only adds to Chota Ladakh’s allure and beauty. It is recommended that you go only in the morning or late evening because the intense sun becomes intolerable throughout the day with no nooks to hide in. It is ideal for trekkers, early risers, trekkers, and fitness fanatics.
7. Savandurga
The majestic Savandurga, located 46 kilometres from Bangalore, is an awe-inspiring rock edifice that climbs high into the sky, affording amazing panoramic views of the harsh countryside covered with lush greenery. The scenic path to Savandurga offers everything from charming villages to flowing waterfalls, stunning temples, and an exhilarating climb to the summit of the hill. Camping at Savandurga allows you to sleep at the foot of this one-of-a-kind hill while viewing the starry night sky, which is devoid of light pollution. If you want to start the year off well, the Manchanebele dam is not to be missed, as it offers a wide range of water and adventure sports activities.
8. Hogenakkal Falls
Hogenakkal Falls, located 125 kilometres from Bangalore, is a breathtaking waterfall on the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri district. Because of the peculiar rock structure that surrounds it, the location receives its name from Hogenakkal, which means “burning rocks.” This cascade’s pouring magnificence is one of a kind, and it is sometimes referred to as “India’s Niagara Falls.” Tourists can also take a coracle boat trip from one end of the river to the other, or they can simply choose a nice location to perch on and marvel at the mesmerising beauty of Hogenakkal Falls.
For more road trip suggestions from Bangalore, you can check our curated list for all types of getaways like romantic, relaxing, and adventurous.
Last Updated on October 11, 2022 by Shabari Shankar
