Getaways Around Bengaluru

Brindavan, Whitefield (18 km): Brindavan, located near Whitefield, was the summer ashram of late Sri Satya Sai Baba. Situated nearby are Sri Sathya Sai Vriddhashram, Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital and the Super Specialty Hospital.
Nrityagram Dance Village (30km): If you are a dance lover or a dance connoisseur, this is where you have to be. Established by the late Odissi dancer, Protima Gauri, the dance village at Hessarghatta imparts learning on classical dance and allied subjects such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, choreography, philosophy, music, mythology and painting. Guided tours, dance demonstrations, and short lectures are organized for tourists.
Sri Siddalingeswara Yoga Vana Hills (30km): Sri Siddalingeswara Yoga Vana Hills, an hour’s drive from Bengaluru, is a registered charitable society. Here, you will find nature at her splendid best. The institution provides an array of facilities including “Vanamoolika Vydya” (treatment using jungle herbs), Meditation, Pranayama, Massages, Yoga, etc.
Wonderla (30 km): Wonder La is one of India’s largest amusement and water theme parks. Spread across 82 acres, Wonderla Bengaluru has over 60 thrill packed rides offering entertainment and fun for all age groups. It also has a resort inside the amusement park – making it the first amusement park in India to have a resort built right inside it.
Innovative Film City (35 km): This entertainment zone contains a global film production centre, museums, India’s first comprehensive film school, an amphitheater with a capacity of 15,000, a 100,000 sq ft food court. It is located at the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway.
Pearl Valley (38km): Located in a deep valley amidst beautiful hills, this remarkable picnic spot is known for its waterfall, formed by thin jets of water which meet at the bottom to resemble a pond of pearls, hence the name Pearl Valley (also called Muthyalamaduvu). Overlooking these mesmerizing falls is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, which lends a spiritual ambience to the place. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (KSTDC) runs the Hotel Mayura Nisarga Pearl Valley here
Magadi (40km): The historic town of Magadi is located 40 km away from the city. It was once the capital established by Kempegowda who founded Bengaluru in 16th century. In 1638, Kempe Gowda was forced to leave Bengaluru and make Magadi his headquarters. He built a fort and the Rameshwara Temple. The Someshwara Temple was built in 1712 and has Kempegowda’s hazara near it.
Manchanabele Dam (45km): Situated around 45km from Bengaluru,the Manchanabele Dam is a small water dam built across the river Arkavati. The dam is one of the best spots for bird watching. Ghati Subramanya (45km) Ghati Subramanya is the starting point of the awesome night treks to the Nandi Hills. Watch the glittering lights, as you trek through these hills. The temple of Lord Subramanya, one of the ancient pilgrim centres in Karnataka, is located here. Do carry a powerful torch, water, and other essentials. Thick cotton clothing is an absolute must for trekkers.
Ramnagara (50km) The wilderness surrounding Ramnagara, 50km from Bengaluru on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway, is a delight for rock climbers. Known as the Mecca of Rock Climbers, this splendid place offers plenty of scope for budding as well as professional rock climbers. Do visit the temples at the top of these hillocks. The classic Hindi movie, Sholay, was shot on these beautiful rocks.
Janapada Loka (50km): A popular folk museum, Janapada Loka contains a spectacular collection of 5000 artefacts that represents the essence of Karnataka’s folk culture. Spanning over 15 acres, the complex houses museums, an open-air theatre, a studio and other structures.
Shivaganga (60km): The Shivaganga Hill towers over a small hamlet near Dobbespet. Climb the cone-shaped granite outcrop, take in the picturesque views and visit the Shiva temples atop the hill. Interestingly, the four-faced hill resembles Nandi from the east, Ganesha from the west, a linga from the south and a cobra from the north.
Nandi Hills (60km): The Nandi Hills was once the idyllic summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and the British, perched at a height of 1,445 m above sea level. It makes an ideal weekend getaway. Take a stroll through the tree-covered hills to Amrita Sarovar, the major source of water supply to the hill resort. For a splendid panoramic view, trudge to Tipu’s Drop, the 600m high cliff, from where convicts were once pushed to death. Nandi Hills shot into prominence during the visits of Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960s, and the leaders of the SAARC countries in the 1980s. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (KSTDC) runs the Hotel Mayura Pine Top Nandi Hills here
Savanadurga (60km): Savandurga lures you with its gigantic hills, lush vegetation and spectacular landscapes. There is a temple located at the foothill and a pond nearby. Go trekking, camping, rock climbing or on a biking-hiking trail and indulge your adventurous spirit! Here’s a word of caution: Since the region is covered by thick vegetation, and inhabited by bears and leopards, ensure not to stay at the top after dark. Do carry essentials like water, food, a first aid kit and a survival kit in your backpack. Be careful while ascending or descending, and always move in groups.
Kolar (70km): Explore Kolar, the erstwhile capital of the Ganga kingdom. Here you have numerous places to visit – the Kolaramma Temple, built by the Gangas and later renovated by the Cholas, Someshwara Temple built by the Cholas and expanded during the Vijayanagara period, the Koti Lingeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which has a staggering collection of over 60 lakh Shiva Lingas and the Makbara with the graves of Haider Ali’s relatives. Apart from the temples, the beautiful hillocks overlooking the town of Kolar provide ideal trekking tracks for adventure enthusiasts. Don’t miss the chance to grab Kolar’s reputed country blanket (Kambli) along the way.
Devarayanadurga (80km): Here’s something for the adventurer in you! Explore Devarayanadurga, and get your adrenaline pumping! Perched at a height of 1188m, amidst hills and lush forests, Devarayanadurga is an ideal spot for trekking. The major attraction of the place are the hilltop temples, the Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha, the Mahalakshmi Temple at Goravanahalli and Namada Chilume, a holy natural spring, the source of the River Jayamangali. Get a stunning panoramic view of Tumkur from atop the Devarayanadurga hill.
Sangama & Mekedatu (100km) : Located in Kanakapura Taluk, it is an ideal spot for one-day outings. Sangama is a meeting point of three rivers. From here, trek 5 km to Mekedatu, amidst dense green forest and majestic hills, while you listen to the thunderous roar of the Cauvery River, as well as the sweet chirping of birds. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (KSTDC) runs the Hotel Mayura Sangama Mekedatu here.
Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp (100Km): A property of Jungle Lodges & Resorts, the Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp is a treat for adventure enthusiasts. Indulge in a range of adventurous activities such as zip line, rope walking, kayaking, and get up-close with wildlife including elephants, deer, crocodiles, turtles, snakes and about two hundred species of birds. For more information, please visit www.junglelodges.com
Galibore Nature Camp (100Km) : Take a break from the chaos of city life, unwind, and rest in the lap of nature. A property of Jungle Lodges & Resorts, the Galibore Nature Camp offers a fascinating wildlife experience. Get cozy with spotted deers, grizzled giant squirrel, marsh crocodiles, turtles and snakes, etc and get acquainted with over 230 species of birds. For more information, visit www.junglelodges.com
Shivanasamudra Falls (120km): The Shivanasamudra Falls is a truly remarkable sight. As the waters of the mighty Cauvery River plunge 75m into a gorge at Shivanasamudra, it forms the Shivanasamudra Falls. The river further divides into two cascades, known as Barachukki and Gaganachukki. Shivanasamudra is home to India’s first hydroelectric plant established in 1902. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (KSTDC) runs the Hotel Mayura Bharachukki Shivanasamudra here.