Bangalore is popularly known as the Garden City and the Silicon Valley of India. Life in these hi-tech cities like Bangalore is very busy. Following the daily routine may ask some pause to break the monotony to restore your body energy and to refresh your mind. However, Bangalore has several beautiful places to go but regular visiting to such a place might not satisfy your holiday cravings. It is good to work hard but also necessary to relax harder. The best part about this city is that it is surrounded by magnificent locations where you can enjoy your short escape away from the maddening crowds and chaos of the metros. Go through the list and select some of the best places to visit around Bangalore.
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Devanahalli Fort- An Architectural Beauty
Devanahalli Fort is one of the excellent examples of an architectural masterpiece and of historical significance. The fort remained the birthplace and residence of the famous warrior Tipu Sultan. The archaeological brilliance of the fort attracts a huge number of visitors every year. It is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 50 km. This 15th-century architectural wonder boasts about twelve semi-circular bastions, each with a gun-point view leading to a spacious battlement inside the walls. The entrances of the fort are adorned with cut- plasterwork. The central attraction is the chief’s residence of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan which is a six-foot-tall confined structure standing with the support of pillars. Also, adore the beauty of the garden inside the fort while visiting such places near Bangalore.
- Distance from Bangalore: 37 km
- Travel Time: 50 minutes (approx.).
- Places to Visit: Venugopalaswamy Temple, Khas Bagh (Garden).
- Things to Do: Explore the fort, photography.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June.
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Nandi Hills – A Peaceful Retreat
If you are looking for a peaceful escape then Nandi hills are one of the amazing places to visit near Bangalore within 100 km. Nandi Hills remained a favorite hill station and holiday escape for the British office before independence. Post-independence, it became part of the state of Karnataka. Now it is a part of the Chikkaballapur district also known as Nandidurg. The hills are surrounded by scenic beauty, natural charm, and a peaceful environment. Apart from that, it boasts several shrines and monuments carved with arches and majestic pillars with coated walls and ceilings. The hill is located at a height of 4851 feet above sea level. You can enjoy the stunning sunrise from the hilltop.
- Distance from Bangalore: 62 km
- Travel Time: 2 Hours (approx.).
- Places to Visit: Tipu’s Drop, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Tipu’s Summer Residence.
- Things to Do: Paragliding, trekking, cycling, photography, meditation.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
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Mysore – Cultural Capital of Karnataka
Mysore is called as the cultural capital of Karnataka and the City of Palaces. Mysore has a remarkable historical past. The city boasts about grand palaces, majestic temples, gardens, markets, and many more. It is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 150 km, a huge number of tourists visit every year to adore the beauty of this glorious city. Mysore also remained one of the three largest Princely States in the preceding British Empire of India. The vibrant culture and the lifestyle of the people add more charm to the city. Apart from the historical monuments and temples it also offers several scenic beauty with rich flora and fauna. Mysore is an ideal spot to enjoy a good time with your family.
- Distance from Bangalore: 143 km
- Travel Time: 45 hours (approx.)
- Places to Visit: Mysore Palace, Karanji Lake, Jagmohan Palace, Melody World Wax Museum, Lalitha Mahal, Chamundi Hills.
- Things to Do: sightseeing, photography, trekking, shopping at the local market, trying local cuisines.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
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BR Hills – A Heaven for Nature Lover
Billigiriranga Hills commonly called BR Hills. It is one of the most popular hill ranges that allow visitors to experience forest adventures and sports. BR hills work as a mediator for the Eastern and the Western Ghats and also home to Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple and BRT Wildlife sanctuary. The epitome of beauty is blessed with rich natural beauty and various species of flora and fauna. You will also find a thousand-year-old Champak tree. BR hills are one of the excellent places to visit near Bangalore within 200 km. People of Bangalore also enjoy the road trip to this amazing spot.
- Distance from Bangalore: 173 km
- Travel Time: 4 hours (approx.).
- Places to Visit: BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, Dodda Sampige Mara.
- Things to Do: fishing, river rafting, trekking, photography.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March.
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Chikmagalur – The Coffee Land
Chikmagalur is one of the most beautiful hill stations and best places located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Range in Karnataka. The epitome of beauty is surrounded by various picturesque spots. Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and one of the most excellent spots to enjoy a stunning view of the sun rising from behind the mountains. Chikmagalur is a hill station, an oasis of tranquility and a one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 250 km. Due to the immense production of coffee, this city is popularly known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka. Chikmagalur offers marvelous scenic views and is home to several wild animals. No surprise, the destination is pretty famous among adventurers and nature lovers.
Read Also: Best Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
- Distance from Bangalore: 243 km
- Travel Time: 25 hours (approx.).
- Places to Visit: Kudremukh National Park, Mullayanagiri, Baba Budan Range, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Hebbe Waterfalls, Coffee Museum.
- Things to Do: Trekking, sightseeing, exploring the coffee plantations, camping.
- Best Time to Visit: September to May.
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Ooty – Queen of Hills
Ooty is one of the best places to have a good time with your family members. Ooty is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, which is about 2,240 m above sea level. It is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 300 km. Nestled on Nilgiris mountain range, plains covered with thick tea gardens, rolling hills, eucalyptus trees, and plateaus. The climate of Ooty is pleasant throughout the year and will put you in your best mood to explore this beautiful hill station and the remarkable time. Ooty is a peaceful city known as the Queen of the Hills and Udagamandalam. You will find a tea museum where you can know about the origin of various kinds of tea leaves that are utilized across different countries along, you will also get to know about the history of tea in India and its development in the Nilgiris.
- Distance from Bangalore: 265 km
- Travel Time: 25 hours (approx.).
- Places to Visit: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Emerald Lake, Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Dolphin’s Nose.
- Things to Do: trekking, cycling, sightseeing, boating, photography.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.
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Coimbatore – Manchester of South India
Coimbatore is a wonderful city and popularly known as the ‘Manchester of South India’ because of the large number of cotton textile mills. Coimbatore has many things in its box that attracts many travels around the world. It is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 350 km. The majestic mountains, beautiful waterfall, ancient temple, and sky kissing buildings, lively local markets make Coimbatore a great place to enjoy a short escape. The major attraction of the city is a stunning 112 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva also known as the Adiyogi Shiva Statue. The statue is also dotted in the Guinness book of world records. The wonderful city will surely rejuvenate your soul and calm your senses.
- Distance from Bangalore: 345 km
- Travel Time: 6 hours (approx.).
- Places to Visit: Adiyogi Shiva Statue, Vydehi waterfalls, Kovai Kondattam, Marudhamalai hill temple.
- Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Shopping, Textile Museum Tour, Wildlife Safari, photography.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March.
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Mangalore – Great Family Retreat
Mangalore is also called as Mangaluru the city is placed between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. It is an Arabian seaport and a major commercial center in the Indian state of Karnataka. Mangalore is one of the cleanest cities in India and the best places to visit near Bangalore within 400 km. Mangalore is an ideal spot to enjoy a perfect holiday with family or friends. Its palm-lined beautiful beaches, temples, churches, mosques, and architectural buildings add more charm to the city. The beauty of a set up comprising the port and the sea is the highlight of this region, whereas the serenity is the further advantage of visiting this amazing coastal city.
- Distance from Bangalore: 352 km
- Travel Time: 30 hours (approx.).
- Places to Visit: Panambur beach, Kudroli Temple, St Aloysius Chapel, New Mangalore Port, Kadri Park.
- Things to Do: unwind at the beaches, sightseeing, shopping, trying local cuisines, photography.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
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Madurai – An Ancient city
If you are looking for a religious place to enjoy your holiday then Madurai is one of the excellent places to go. Madurai is located on the banks of the River Vaigai and home to several famous Hindu temples. Almost every temple here is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. It is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 450 km. According to Indian history, Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India and was ruled by Pandya kings. The beautiful construction of the temples and the stunning Aura attract a huge number of pilgrims all over the world. Madurai is renowned for its Chithirai Festival which takes place during the mid of April to May, during the festival millions of visitors visit here to be a part of the festival.
- Distance from Bangalore: 436 km
- Travel Time: 20 hours (approx.).
- Places to Visit: Meenakshi Temple, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Puthu Mandapam, Jain Caves, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum.
- Things to Do: Explore the famous temples, shopping, hiking, photography.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
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Dandeli – Perfect Spot for Adventure Lover
Dandeli is a town located in the western Indian state of Karnataka. It attracts many adventure enthusiasts to experience various thrilling activities. It is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 500 km. This town is a flawless blend of thrilling water sports, rich flora and fauna, dynamic traditions, and peaceful nature walks. However, the town is a major hub for river rafting at the Kali River. The town also has several ancient temples, waterfalls, a national park, and a Disney park, which makes this place an ideal choice for the family to enjoy a memorable vacation. Dandeli has several things to experience for every age group.
- Distance from Bangalore: 472 km
- Travel Time: 9 hours (approx.).
- Places to Visit: River Kali, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandelappa Temple, Disney Park, Sykes Point, Kavala Caves, Jenukallu Gudda Sunset Point.
- Things to Do: Camping, trekking, river rafting, shopping, trying local cuisines, photography, sightseeing.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.