The IT city, The Silicon Valley of India, The Air condition City (Not really these days) and the cosmopolitan city, City of Pubs, and the pride of Kannadigas – Bangalore is also a place covered all around by Hills..!!! Doesn’t make sense??? Have a look at list of trekking places in and around Bangalore for your weekend Trek Plan. All the places listed are at less than 100Kms distance from Bangalore.
The most famous hill Nandi hill is not listed here since people hardly trek to the hill since a decent road way is available. However, Nandi hills can definitely be one of the trekking destinations if you still love to! These hills may not challenge your calf muscles the way the Western Ghats do, but definitely provide you a relaxation if you love hiking and trekking.
SavanDurga Trek
We all may not be strong enough to climb the highest peak of the world. But, at least we can climb the largest Monolith of Asia (Source – Wiki ). Savandurga is believed to be the largest Monolith of Asia. Amongst the normal trekking places, Savandurga can be said as medium level trek and takes a little over half a day to be back to base. Advised not to trek during monsoon since rocks are slippery. Do not try new routes since there are incidents reported about need for rescue operations!!!
Distance From Bangalore – Around 50 Kms
Public Transport – Available (KSRTC and also Private Buses) but advised to take own vehicle.
Madhugiri Fort Trek
If you feel you need a practice before climbing largest monolith of Asia, then try the second largest Monolith of Asia – Madhugiri Fort. However, while considering difficulty level, Madhugiri Fort trek is equal or little tougher than Savandurga. Advised not to trek during monsoon since the hill is made up of single rock and will be slippery during monsoon. The fort built in the hill adds to the beauty of the place. There are steps carved in rock in many a places, railings are provided in some places for safe climbing.
Distance From Bangalore – Around 100 Kms
Public Transport – Available (KSRTC busses which go to Pavagada go via Madhugiri) but advised to take own vehicle.
Antharagange Caves and Trekking
Wish to go for simple trek and spend some time on hill top and also explore (not much to explore but just visit) a small cave? Then Antharagange can well be in your wish list. Visiting cave is possible only if some kids or villagers there help you. There is a small cave which does not take more than 15 mins to cover completely. A good early morning ride in the Bangalore Kolar Highway and then a small trek can make your day. The difficulty level of the trek can be considered as Low since half the distance has steps.
Distance From Bangalore – 65 Kms (Excellent road condition since its just 2Kms away from Kolar Bus stop and Bangalore – Kolar Highway is one of the best highways for a ride/drive)
Siddara Betta Trek
Holy place but does not look that holy due to the dirt and plastics thrown all around the hill. Yet, one of the most beautiful places near Bangalore. During weekends and special days, lot of piligrims visit due to spiritual importance of the place. But, if you wish to trek, this place provides a good option for that too. Steps available till hill top. Ask people to guide you through the cave which starts from the temple in hill top. It takes around half an hour to cover the cave and is a good experience. Do not miss to go to the plain rock available beside temple.
Distance From Bangalore – 100 Kms
Public transport – No direct Buses available but can reach via public transport too. But advised to take personal vehicle since you would end up waiting for auto or bus for most of the time.
Shivagange Trek
Famous for 2 reasons – It’s A suicide spot and also a Shrine. The place is (in)famous for the Shanthala Drop spot and famous for the Hill top Nandi and mysterious “Gange” where you get to touch water in a small well only if you are lucky..!!! Lots and lots of monkeys so if you are carrying any food items, take proper care. Do not panic if the monkeys attack, because at some places, if you jump or slip to escape, it could be fatal.
Distance From Bangalore – 55 Kms
Public Transport – Buses available till Dobbaspete and Service Autos available from there.
Raamanagara Trek
Who doesn’t remember Sholey – The Movie that was a trend setter during late 70s. And who doesn’t remember Gabbar’s roar standing on the rocks…!!! If you wish to visit the region where it was shot then it is Ramanagara. There are a lot of trekking spots and Ramadevara betta is one among them. Medium level difficulty and takes around 2 hours. Rocky mountain and hence avoid during monsoon.
Distance From Bangalore – 50 Kms
Public Transport – Plenty of buses available till Ramanagara and the hill is 3Kms away from Ramanagara Bus stop.
Raagalli Betta Trek
An elephant hub from the Bannerghatta range. Not sure about the safety in the region. Its better to take a villager as a guide if you are visiting the place. There are causalities reported due to elephant attack in the place. Sighting of animals like deer, bear, elephant can happen if lucky. Even if you do not see animals, you definitely feel their presence with the marks they leave. Unlike human beings, they only leave their foot steps or bio degradable marks!!! Medium level difficulty and takes over 3 hours to complete.
Distance from Bangalore – Around 35 Kms
Public transport – Available till Kanakapura road and hard to get any other till base. Preferable to take personal vehicle.
Kabbalidurga Trek
A shrine and lot of people climb the hill to pay visit to the Kabbalamma temple on hill top. But, can be considered as a trekking spot too. Lot of crowd sometimes spoils the atmosphere but the view from hill top is worth hiking. Places available on hill top to avoid the crowd and take some cold breeze.
Distance From Bangalore – Around 70 Kms
MakliDurga Trek
One of the most economic treks possible around Bangalore. It’s so pocket friendly that you can complete the entire trip in less than 50 Bucks!!! Take train from Yashwanthpur to Maklidurga, walk a couple of kilometers as a railway track trek and hike the mountain. Will be good to hike post monsoon with sun not so bright to burn your skin. The view from hill top is good. Take note of train timings to avoid missing the train. Even if you miss the train, plenty of busses are available to Bangalore.
Distance From Bangalore – 60 Kms
BiliKal Ranganathaswamy Betta
One of the best Rainy season or post rainy season trekking spot near Bangalore. Covered with forest all around, Bilikal Ranganathaswamy betta provides a good trekking experience. Takes around 4 hours to complete. However, the place will be very dry with not much greenery during summer. Hence, visit during monsoon or post monsoon.
Distance from Bangalore – 60 Kms
Skandagiri
After the photos of a few guys looking as if they stand above the cloud started flowing in in social media, the place has become a major night trek spot. The authorities have banned night trek in the place. However, the night trek still happens and during weekends a few hundred people trek here during night. The hill is beside Nandi hills and provides good trek experience. Chilled feel in the morning and the sunrise is worth waking and walking in the night.
Distance From Bangalore – Around 60 Kms
There are more hills like Kunti Betta, Devarayanadurga, Muthurayana Betta and others. However, the listed ones stand top in the list.
Comment section always welcomes readers to add the other available places.
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