“Life is better in Hiking Shoes.”

Looking forward to ditching the traffic and getting into the wilderness for a thrilling experience? Bengaluru is a hiker’s and a trekker's heaven, with incredible landscapes, diversity and scenic lakes. This city has incredible options to spoil you for goodness and only goodness. Hiking in Bengaluru is an emotion and can be pursued over a range of moderate to strenuous trails.


With pleasant weather all year round, Bengaluru is just perfect to wake up, pack up and hit the road and then the trails.  If you are all set to get your dose of adventure and thrill, I have listed the best hiking places near Bengaluru which are not only easily accessible but also will easily make you feel oneness with the natural beauty outside of the hush-push of the city. 



  1. MAKALIDURGA

Makalidurga is a Hillfort that rewards you with a beautiful view of the railway line and two scenic lakes during hiking and the Makalidurga Fort rests at the peak of the hill.

60 km from Bangalore and 15kms from Doddaballapur, this trail is a moderate one with rocky terrain, wild shrubs, and dense vegetation, all of which makes it one of the best hikes for outdoor enthusiasts. If you have a half a day to spare and fit enough to keep it fast, this trek is doable.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March
  • Duration: One day
  • Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
  • Highlights: Fort ruins, view of lakes, Lord Krishna temple
  • Elevation: 4430 feet

 

This trail has plenty of clearings. One can pick a spot anywhere here and fixate their eyes into the scenic beauty.


  1. SKANDAGIRI

Disclaimer : Skandagiri is classified as an Eco trail by the Karnataka government so you need to take permission and go on the trip with a guide preferably. 

Skandagiri is one of the highly appreciated trails by hikers and trekkers. For its technicality of trail and awe-inspiring views. Also known as “Kalavara Durga” it attracts many visitors just for bird watching and camping. More popular for night trekking, Skandagiri trek starts from the Papagni Temple and has two routes to reach the base of the hill from the top. This ancient mountain once had Tipu Sultan's fort that lies in ruins at present.

Tip : A guide is always better for Eco-trails as you learn the importance of routes, place as well as environment. If you are going on your own, start early and get there to be at the peak to catch the sunrise. 

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Distance : 6km (total)
  • Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year (except monsoons)
  • Duration: Full day
  • Distance from Bangalore: 70 km
  • Highlights: Tipu Sultan Fort, Grover Zampa Vineyards
  • Elevation: 4750 feet

3. SAVANADURGA 

Photo by Arif Khan on Unsplash.com

Savandurga (or Rock of death) has the ideal testing traveling trails that one needs to vanquish the mountains. Tallied among the enormous stone monument slopes in Asia, Savandurga pulls in adventurers across India, particularly promptly toward the beginning of the day. 

Savandurga includes two slopes known as the Billigudda and the Karigudda that draw in countless pioneers every year. Billigudda implies white slope in Kannada while Karigudda implies dark slope. Named by Kempe Gowda, these slopes were viewed as unconquerable until the British did. The mantapa of the Nandi at the top denotes the finish of the trip.

  • Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Trail Distance: 6km (to & fro)
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March
  • Duration: Half day
  • Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
  • Highlights:  Highest Monolithic Hill, KempeGowda Fort
  • Elevation: 4022 feet


4. HUTRIDURGA

One of Karnataka's most noteworthy day hike, the Uttari Betta is a 5 kms journey through a fantastic rich green scene which offers a very one of a kind grand perspective like western ghats. The trip begins from a little town, entering the post divider and goes through seven entryways of stone to arrive at the midpoint of the climb which has a temple of Sankareswar at the top. The view from the temple top is delightful enough to hold onto your soul for a second. When we cross the temple,  the trail extends ahead into an intersection with a little wilderness cavern, encountering an entirely different startling world and closures at the field which is then encircled by tremendous rocks. 

 

  • Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Trail Distance: 6km (to & fro)
  • Best Time to Visit: September  to March
  • Duration: Half day
  • Distance from Bangalore: 70 km
  • Highlights:  Lord Shiva temple, Scenary
  • Elevation: 3708 feet

 

5. RAMDEVARABETTA  

 

Recollect the rough dim landscape in Sholay? That is Ramanagara! Ramadevara Betta Hill in Ramanagara is a lovely stretch of short trails. The Pattabhi Rama sanctuary lays on the pinnacle of the slope and is a force promoter for travelers following a day loaded with  fun and strolling. 

 

Only 55 kilometers from the core of the city, Ramanagara rewards globe-trotters with one-day trips and activities like  bird watching and picnics. You will likewise observe giant rocky boulders and spires all around Ramanagara that are top choices for rock climbers in Bangalore.

 

  • Difficulty: Intermediate 
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March (Pleasant temperature and lush vegetation)
  • Duration: One day
  • Distance from Bangalore: 55 km
  • Highlights: Ramadevara Temple, Janapada Loka, Ramdevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary
  • Elevation: 3000 feet

 

6. KUNTI BETTA

Kunti Betta includes two rough slopes situated in Pandavapura, Mandya. It is believed that Kunti, the mother of five Pandavas, remained at this slope during their outcast. You will observe sugarcanes, coconut trees, and paddy landscapes on your way to the highest point.

 

Tenderfoots and novices discover Kunti Betta a boon for hiking because of simple, rough path. The Kunti Temple is located at the foothills where the trek enthusiasts offer their prayers and start off the hike.

 

Tips : Carry your best camera to click pictures at the beginning of the encompassing woods, paddy fields, and the breathtaking Thonnur Lake. 

 

  • Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
  • Trail distance : 3.5km (to & fro)
  • Best Time to Visit: September to April
  • Duration: 1-2 days
  • Distance from Bangalore: 122 km
  • Highlights: Kunti Kund, Kunti Temple, Night trekking
  • Elevation: 2880 feet
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