Besides the pleasant weather and the presence of a brewery on every street corner, a major perk of living in the Silicon Valley of India is its proximity to several stunning, vacation-worthy destinations. We’ve rounded up a list of a few must-visit spots within 200 kilometres of Bengaluru.
Although Bengaluru often has a host of live music events, poetry readings, and theatre performances, it also offers the city-weary a bevvy of destinations for the weekend. In fact, two-day getaways are a common local tradition, with many heading out of the city for a change of pace and scenery every other week. And, regardless of which highway you find yourself cruising on, the options are plenty. Offering everything from trekking spots to historical monuments, temples, waterfalls, and national parks, many stunning destinations are as little as 200 kilometres from Bengaluru.
10 road trips within 200 kilometres of Bengaluru
Mysore
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The cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore, is arguably the most popular getaway spot from Bengaluru. The city has cultural spots dating back to the thirteenth century and has a host of monuments and temples to visit. At the top of most itineraries is the Amba Vilas Palace or the Mysore Palace, which was built by the Wodeyar kings. It features stained-glass windows, carved wooden doors, and stunning historical artwork. Besides this, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Somnathpur temple are popular places to visit.
Don’t forget to shop for wooden toys along the way, with a stopover at Channapatna, sample Mysore Pak from one of the city’s many sweet shops, peruse the popular silk sarees on offer at stores, and grab a sandalwood souvenir before you head back.
Distance from Bengaluru: 150 kilometres
Yelagiri
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This underrated, picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu is underscored by rolling hills, charming lakes, and verdant gardens. A visit here includes trekking rocky terrain to get to Jalagamparai falls, going on walks by the Punganoor lake, and testing your mettle with ziplining and rock climbing. Also popular on the itinerary is the Vainu Bappu Observatory. Head to the Swamimalai hills, the highest point in the region, for breathtaking views. The cuisine here blends that of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, making pongal, dosa, paniyaram, and upma quite popular.
Distance from Bengaluru: 158 kilometres
Kabini
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If you’ve got an adventurous spirit, a visit to Kabini is bucket-list worthy. Home to the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, the spot has several wild elephants, black panthers, deer, leopards, and hundreds of species of birds to get acquainted with. Not to mention, the region is a part of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, which has one of the highest densities of tigers in all of India. A short vacation here involves wildlife safaris, nature walks, moonlit boat rides, and camping. If you’ve always wanted to go glamping, there are several luxurious options along the Kabini river for a staycation.
Distance from Bengaluru: 200 kilometres
Yercaud
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A quaint hill station in Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a popular weekend destination and is known as the Jewel of the South. Featured here is a pristine lake called the Yercaud lake, which is right in the centre of town and is surrounded by lush, verdant gardens. Boating and strolling by this lake comes highly recommended. The Anna Park houses a host of flora and organises an annual flower show during summers. For stunning views, head to the Lady’s Seat. There are also a host of fruit orchards and coffee and tea plantations to visit. Don’t forget to sample freshly-harvested avocados from any of the street-side food spots while here.
Distance from Bengaluru: 196 kilometres
Srirangapatna
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Surrounded by the Kaveri river and quite close to Mysore, Srirangapatna is a unique blend of charming natural landscapes and stunning historical monuments and temples. This spot’s most popular tourist spots include Tipu Sultan’s summer palace and Daria Daulat garden. Influences from the Vijayanagara empire are evident in the architectural styles of the monuments here, and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, dedicated to the deity Vishnu is a common pilgrimage destination.
The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, the largest in Karnataka, is also a must-visit. While here, many recommend grabbing a traditional Karnataka lunch at Thotada Mane. A visit to the Srirangapatna Ghat is also recommended.
Distance from Bengaluru: 127 kilometres
Hassan
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Reminiscent of the 12th century Hoysala architecture, the temples of Hassan have accorded the region the title of being the temple capital of the state. Common itinerary experiences include hosting a picnic by the Gorur dam, admiring the inscriptions along the walls of the Lakshmi Devi temple or Ishvara temple, strolling at the Maharaja park, and exploring the Bisle Ghat and Forest Reserve. The mysterious Shettihalli Church, the floating church that was built in the 1860s by the French is also a popular attraction, accessed by a coracle ride.
Distance from Bengaluru: 187 kilometres
Madhugiri
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A small town not too far from Bengaluru, Madhugiri is known for its eponymous fort, built by the Vijayanagara dynasty. Also popular is the Channarayana Durga, featuring temples and semi-ruined structures. Several caves are worth exploring in the region as well. The single hill here is believed to be one of the largest in Asia, and many treks up to the spot often. While here, don’t miss out on the Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, which has the elusive blackbuck and a host of reptiles, jungle cats, rabbits, wolves, and more.
Distance from Bengaluru: 100 kilometres
Kolar
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Known for historical temples and gold mines, a visit to this quaint city comes with the option to explore the popular Someshwar, Kolaramma, Kurudumale, and Kotilingeshwara temples. You could also trek through the caves of the Antara Gange, a mountain located in the Shathashrunga mountain range. The mangoes here are popular as well, so be sure to indulge in a few before you head back.
Distance from Bengaluru: 66 kilometres
Ramanagaram
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Popularly called the Silk Town, a visit to Ramanagara calls for making pit stops at clothing stores, particularly in the Silk Cocoon Market. One known as Closepet, the town is painted in hues of green and the rivers Cauvery, Arkavathi, and Kanva flow through it. If you love a bit of Bollywood trivia, look for the Sholay Shooting Hill Top, which witnessed a surge in popularity after Gabbar and his gang used the spot as their hideout in the classic movie. Night trekking, camping, rock climbing, biking, trekking, are highly recommended. As is a visit to the Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary.
Distance from Bengaluru: 50 kilometres.
Horsley Hills
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The Ooty of Hyderabad is a charming space with towering Banyan trees and fragrant eucalyptus trees. A leisurely weekend getaway is what the spot promises, offering activities like gazing at the town’s landscape from the viewpoint and strolling by the windy rock. Trekking, rock climbing, and shooting also come recommended. Besides this, take in the pleasant weather and grab a bit of local food before you head back.
Distance from Bengaluru: 150 kilometres.
Related: 10 Trips About 150 Kilometres From Delhi That You Must Take
Eshita Srinivas
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