Weekend getaways near Bengaluru

The hill gates are open daily to the public from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (the entry toll gate at the base of the ghat opens around 5:30 AM to allow sunrise visitors to ascend). Entry tickets cost approximately ₹20 per adult (children under 5 are free). Vehicle parking fees at the summit are typically ₹15 to ₹20 for two-wheelers, ₹50 to ₹100 for cars, and ₹150 for mini-buses. Ticketing can be completed at the counter or digitally via the Department of Horticulture's QR code. Traffic note: The district administration periodically enforces restrictions on two-wheelers during specific high-rush weekend mornings to curb reckless driving; visitors should verify current weekend advisories. Drones are prohibited without prior police clearance.

Located in Chikkaballapur district approximately 60 km north of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Nandi Hills is reached via the four-lane Bellary Road / Hyderabad Highway (NH 44). Drivers turn left off the highway past Devanahalli onto the state highway leading through Nandi village and up the well-engineered, 8-km winding mountain ghat road. The driving journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or taxi from central Bengaluru (and only 45 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport). Organized KSTDC tour buses and regional KSRTC buses operate from Majestic to the hill summit. A large, managed surface parking facility operates at the top of the hill.

The temple complex is open daily to visitors and devotees from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry is completely free for all Indian and international visitors. Footwear must be deposited at the shoe counter outside the main entrance gopuram for a nominal fee (₹5 to ₹10). Base parking fees are typically ₹10 for two-wheelers and ₹30 for passenger cars. Photography of the exterior architecture, courtyards, pillars, and the stepped tank using mobile phones and cameras is freely permitted; photography inside the active inner sanctums (Garbhagriha) is strictly prohibited. Details can change during solar or lunar eclipses.

Located in Nandi village at the base of Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur district, the temple is approximately 55 km north of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. The route follows the four-lane Bellary Road (NH 44) past Devanahalli, turning onto the state highway towards Nandi village. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1.5 hours by car or private taxi. Local buses run from Chikkaballapur bus stand to Nandi village. A dedicated parking lot managed by the village and temple authorities is situated just outside the main temple entrance gate.

Trekking is organized in strictly regulated daily batches managed by the Karnataka Eco Tourism Development Board (KEDB):

• Night Trek Slot: Reporting time at base camp between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM (trek departs by 4:00 AM to reach summit for sunrise).
• Day Trek Slot: Operating from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Entry is capped at approximately 150 to 200 permits per day to prevent environmental degradation. Permits cost approximately ₹250 to ₹350 per trekker, which includes the forest entry permit, eco-development cess, and the service of certified local community guides. Bookings must be made exclusively in advance online at myecotrip.com. Alcohol, smoking, loud music, campfires, and plastic littering are strictly prohibited; forest guards conduct baggage checks at the base checkpoint.

Located near Kalavara village in Chikkaballapur district, the trailhead at Papagni Mutt is approximately 62 km north of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. The driving route follows the four-lane Bellary Road (NH 44) to Chikkaballapur town, branching west onto a paved 6 km rural road towards Kalavara. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1.5 hours by car or private taxi. Most night trekkers depart Bengaluru around 1:00 AM to 1:30 AM to reach the base camp checkpoint by 3:00 AM. A designated forest department parking area for cars and motorcycles operates outside the Papagni Mutt base camp.

The trekking trail is open daily for registered day hikers from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (entry onto the trail is permitted until approximately 1:30 PM to ensure all hikers descend safely before dusk). Trekking permits must be booked online in advance via myecotrip.com, costing approximately ₹250 per trekker (which includes the forest department conservation fee and access to the trail). Forest guards at the Muthurayaswamy temple checkpost verify digital booking QR codes before granting entry. Confirm current camping permission, permitted overnight areas and accommodation booking requirements with the operator before making arrangements. Consumption of alcohol, smoking, and plastic littering are strictly penalized.

Located approximately 60 km north of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, the trailhead at the base of the hill is reached via Doddaballapura Road (SH 9) through Yelahanka and Doddaballapura town. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or private taxi. Alternatively, Makalidurga has direct rail connectivity: passenger trains running between KSR Bengaluru / Yesvantpur and Hindupur stop at Makalidurga Railway Station, from where the trekking checkpost at the Muthurayaswamy temple is an easy 1.5-km walk. A designated forest checkpost parking area accommodates cars and two-wheelers.

The Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary and hill temple are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (visitors are typically not permitted to start ascending after 4:00 PM). The Karnataka Forest Department collects a nominal conservation entry fee of approximately ₹25 to ₹30 per adult, with parking charges of ₹20 for two-wheelers and ₹50 for cars. Because the sanctuary protects critically endangered raptors, loud shouting, playing portable speakers, lighting campfires, and littering are strictly punishable offenses. Drones are prohibited throughout the sanctuary airspace.

Located approximately 48 to 50 km southwest of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Ramanagara Hills is accessed via the 10-lane Bengaluru - Mysuru Expressway (NH 275) or the parallel service road. Take the Ramanagara exit and navigate approximately 3 km northeast through town roads toward the forest checkpost at the base of Ramadevara Betta. Driving time from central Bengaluru is roughly 1 to 1.5 hours depending on city exit traffic. Frequent KSRTC express buses and MEMU commuter trains connect Bengaluru City (KSR) railway station directly to Ramanagara railway station, from which auto-rickshaws are readily available for the 4-km trip to the hill entrance. Managed parking for cars and two-wheelers is available at the hill base.

Entry to the hill trek is open daily from sunrise to sunset, generally between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM (trekkers are prohibited by local authorities and police from starting up after 2:00 PM). There is currently no formal entry ticket collected for day trekking, though visitors must adhere to Forest Department regulations. Confirm current camping permission, permitted overnight areas and accommodation booking requirements with the operator before making arrangements. Temple darshan hours at the base run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Located approximately 50 to 52 km west of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Savandurga is accessed via Magadi Main Road (SH 85) or through the Mysore Road exit via Tavarekere and Doddaballapur-Magadi connecting roads. From Magadi town, a rural road winds southeast for 12 km through scrub jungle directly to the base village of Savandurga. Driving time by private car or motorcycle is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from central Bengaluru. While direct public buses from Bengaluru are infrequent, regular KSRTC and BMTC buses run from Majestic and KR Market to Magadi, from which local buses and shared auto-rickshaws connect to Savandurga temple base. Free and managed parking areas are available around the foothill temple complex.

Access to the town and entry to commercial craft emporiums, cooperative societies, and the Channapatna Crafts Park is free. Retail shops and government emporiums generally operate daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Independent cottage workshops are typically active from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with Sunday being a partial holiday for some independent craftsmen. While watching artisans at work is welcomed, visitors should politely seek permission before photographing or recording video of craftsmen in their private home studios. Some private social enterprises and craft studios charge a nominal fee (₹150 to ₹300 per person) for structured 45-minute guided demonstrations or interactive wood-turning experiences.

Located approximately 60 to 62 km southwest of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Channapatna sits directly on the Bengaluru - Mysuru corridor in Ramanagara district. Traveling via the 10-lane Bengaluru - Mysuru Expressway (NH 275) or its parallel service road takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from Bengaluru. Travelers driving along the expressway should take the designated Channapatna exit onto the Old Mysore Road, where the primary cluster of artisan emporiums, state-run Cauvery Arts emporiums, and town workshops are concentrated. Frequent KSRTC buses from Satellite Bus Stand (Mysore Road) and express trains from KSR Bengaluru City railway station stop directly at Channapatna railway station, located less than 2 km from the main artisan streets. Ample surface parking is available at the large roadside showrooms and the Crafts Park.

Access to the hill and temple complex is free. Temple darshan timings at both Bhoga Narasimha and Yoga Narasimha temples are typically 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily, with continuous afternoon hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and major festival days. The hill ghat road is generally closed to traffic after sunset (around 7:00 PM) by the Karnataka Forest Department to prevent wildlife disturbances. Parking fees are nominal (₹20 for two-wheelers, ₹50 for cars). Confirm current camping permission, permitted overnight areas and accommodation booking requirements with the operator before making arrangements.

Located approximately 72 to 75 km northwest of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Devarayanadurga is reached via the four-lane National Highway 48 (Tumkur Road) up to Dobbspet. At the Dobbspet flyover, take the right exit under the highway and follow the scenic State Highway (SH 3) through Urdigere directly to the foot of Devarayanadurga. The drive takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from central Bengaluru. KSRTC buses operate regularly from Bengaluru's Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) to Tumakuru town (15 km away), where frequent local buses, passenger vans, and auto-rickshaws run to the base of the hill. Ample surface parking is available at both the lower foothill temple and the upper summit plateau.

Access to the hill and temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Confirm current camping permission, permitted overnight areas and accommodation booking requirements with the operator before making arrangements. Forest officials and local police maintain checkpoints to enforce daytime regulations. When exploring the upper caves, hiring an authorized local village youth or guide (typically charging ₹300 to ₹500 per small group) is strongly recommended for safety.

Located approximately 68 to 72 km east of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Anthargange is reached via the four-lane National Highway 75 (Old Madras Road) past Hoskote and the Kolar bypass. Turn right off the bypass into Kolar town and follow the signposted road westward for 4 km toward the foothill parking area. The drive takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by car or cab from central Bengaluru. KSRTC and private express buses run continuously from Majestic and KR Market to Kolar central bus station, from which local auto-rickshaws can be hired directly to the Anthargange base steps. A managed parking area for cars and two-wheelers is located at the foot of the hill staircase.

Access to Sangama and Mekedatu is permitted daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (the river crossing and shuttle buses to Mekedatu halt operations by 4:00 PM to ensure all visitors return across the river before dusk). Entry to the riverbank is free. Shuttle bus transport between the riverbank and the Mekedatu gorge costs approximately ₹60 to ₹80 per person for a round-trip ticket. Coracle or ferry crossings at Sangama (when water is too deep to wade) cost approximately ₹30 to ₹50 per passenger. Critical safety regulation: Swimming, diving, or stepping into the water at or near Mekedatu is strictly illegal and enforced by police guards. The gorge contains deceptively calm-looking surface water masking lethal subterranean whirlpools, undertows, and vertical suction crevices that have caused numerous drowning fatalities.

Located approximately 92 to 95 km south of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Sangama is reached via the four-lane National Highway 948 (Kanakapura Road) past Harohalli and Kanakapura town, followed by a scenic 28-km state highway winding through rural villages and scrub forests directly to the Sangama parking area. Driving time by private car or cab is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from central Bengaluru. KSRTC operates regular buses from Bengaluru (KR Market and Satellite Bus Stand) to Kanakapura, with connecting rural transport buses plying directly between Kanakapura and Sangama. At Sangama, a managed parking area for private vehicles is available on the riverbank. Private vehicles cannot cross the river to Mekedatu; visitors must use the authorized Forest Department shuttle buses on the opposite bank.

Access to the camp is regulated through structured packages managed by Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR). The property is open daily year-round. Day-visit packages typically cost approximately ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per adult (inclusive of entry, buffet lunch, coracle ride, zipline or high-rope activity, forest entry fees, and tea/coffee). Confirm current camping permission, permitted overnight areas and accommodation booking requirements with the operator before making arrangements. View the water from permitted areas. Water entry depends on local restrictions and conditions; this preview does not establish that swimming or wading is safe.

Located approximately 100 to 105 km south of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Bheemeshwari is reached via the four-lane National Highway 948 (Kanakapura Road) past Harohalli, Kanakapura, and Sathnur to Halagur. At Halagur, turn left onto the scenic 20-km forest road that leads down the valley directly to the riverbank camp. Driving time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from central Bengaluru. KSRTC buses run regularly from Bengaluru to Kanakapura and Malavalli; however, due to the remote forest location, hiring a private taxi or driving a personal vehicle is strongly recommended. Managed private parking is provided inside the secure Jungle Lodges campus.

The Veerabhadra Temple complex is open daily to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is free (protected as a National Monument of Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India). The Monolithic Nandi park is open daily during the same daylight hours with free entry. Nominal parking fees of ₹20 for two-wheelers and ₹50 for cars are collected at designated parking lots. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is mandatory inside the religious sanctum. Commercial filming and professional tripod/drone usage require prior written permission from the ASI Amaravati Circle.

Located approximately 123 to 128 km north of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Lepakshi is reached via the seamless, four-lane National Highway 44 (Bengaluru - Hyderabad Highway) past Devanahalli, Chikkaballapur, and Bagepalli. Just past the Karnataka - Andhra Pradesh border at Kodikonda Checkpost, turn left onto State Highway 36 for a well-paved 14-km drive through rural farmlands directly to Lepakshi village. Driving time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from central Bengaluru. KSRTC and APSRTC buses ply NH 44 to Hindupur and Kodikonda, from which frequent local buses, passenger autos, and shared jeeps connect to Lepakshi. Managed surface parking is available near both the main temple entrance and the Nandi park.

Access to the viewing decks at both Gaganachukki and Bharachukki is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (the entry gates are closed by district authorities around sunset for visitor safety). Entry to the viewing platforms is free. Nominal vehicle parking fees are collected at both sites (approximately ₹20 to ₹30 for two-wheelers, ₹50 to ₹70 for cars). Coracle rides at Bharachukki, when permitted during safe water levels, cost approximately ₹150 to ₹250 per passenger for a 15-minute spin with lifejackets. Drone operation is strictly prohibited around the waterfalls and adjacent power installations without defense and state home department permissions.

Located approximately 130 to 135 km south of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Shivanasamudra is easily accessed via two main road routes: either via National Highway 948 (Kanakapura Road) through Kanakapura and Malavalli, or via the 10-lane Bengaluru - Mysuru Expressway (NH 275) to Maddur, turning south onto the state highway through Malavalli. The drive takes roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours from central Bengaluru. Regular KSRTC buses operate from Bengaluru (Satellite Bus Stand) and Mysuru to Malavalli and Kollegal, from which local buses, passenger vans, and auto-rickshaws connect directly to the falls. Ample organized surface parking is available at both the Gaganachukki and Bharachukki tourist complexes.

The excavated temple complex and riverfront are open daily to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry to the archaeological sites and temples is free. Nominal vehicle parking charges are collected at the main gate (approximately ₹20 for two-wheelers, ₹50 for cars). Coracle rides on the Kaveri River are operated by licensed local boatmen and cost approximately ₹150 to ₹250 per passenger for a 15-minute ride with lifejackets. Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is expected within temple sanctums; footwear must be deposited at designated stands outside each temple pit.

Located approximately 135 to 140 km southwest of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Talakadu is reached via the 10-lane Bengaluru - Mysuru Expressway (NH 275) to Maddur, continuing south through Malavalli and Belakavadi to T. Narasipura taluk. Alternatively, travelers can drive via National Highway 948 (Kanakapura - Malavalli road). Driving time is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours from central Bengaluru (and only 45 km / 1 hour from Mysuru city). Frequent KSRTC buses run from Bengaluru and Mysuru to Malavalli and T. Narasipura, from which local buses and passenger auto-rickshaws connect directly to Talakadu. A large, designated surface parking area is located adjacent to the Sri Vaidyanatheshwara Temple entrance.