If you are visiting or living in Bangalore you’re going to find that the city offers not just a haven where you can live and work hard at your chosen career. You can also enjoy the city’s extraordinary offerings, like the immense beauty of the rivers, the forests, the valleys and the mountains which surround Bangalore. Their beauty is further enhanced by the indigenous flora and fauna, and some migratory birds.
Take a look at these destinations within 300 kilometres of Bangalore, where bountiful nature provides a gorgeous ambience or heritage structures and powerful temples beckon visitors irresistibly.
Places to Visit Near Bangalore within 300 kms
1. Doddamakali
Not very far from Bangalore is Doddamakali, which is a serene camping site on the banks of the river Kaveri. You can visit here to enjoy the boating and the coracle rides.
You can also spend your time watching the beautiful and colourful Birds which abound here. You can also hope to watch the elephants, the leopards and the grizzled giant squirrels when you are here.
- Distance from Bangalore: 113 kilometres
- Activities: Coracle rides, Fishing, Birdwatching and Trekking
2. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Considered heaven by both the birds and the ornithologists, this bird sanctuary is spread across 67 square kilometres and offers a paradise for bird watchers. You get to see the wide variety of birds some of which are migratory, breeding at this bird sanctuary, which consists of six islets in the middle of the river Kaveri.
You could take a boat ride around these islets to watch the varied species of birds which crowd here.
- Distance from Bangalore: 130 kilometres
- Activities: Birdwatching and Trekking
3. Sivasamudram Waterfalls
This spectacular segmented waterfall, with several streams forming adjacent to each other, is very popular with tourists. The two main streams are named as Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. These falls look breathtaking, right after the monsoons and the deep gorge at Gaganachukki is definitely not safe for swimming. An amazing place near Bangalore within 300 kms in the monsoon.
Visit the hydroelectric power station, the first of its kind in Asia, built in 1905 at Dargah. At Bharachukki, a kilometre away, you could walk down the 200 steps to the pool or ride a coracle to the mouth of the waterfall and even bathe in a section of the fall considered safe.
- Distance from Bangalore: 135 kilometres
- Activities: Waterfalls, Hydel power, Scenic Beauty
4. Somnathpur
Visit here if you are interested in history and architecture. This place is nominated for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has the finest examples of breathtaking architecture from the Hoysala period in the form of temples, built on a raised star-shaped platform, to Lord Prasanna Chennakeshava.
- Distance from Bangalore: 137 kilometres
- Activities: Architecture and History, Sculpture, Jewellery of the Hoysala period
5. Shravanabelagola
One of the most popular Jain pilgrimage centres in South India Shravanabelagola is a very popular tourist destination for people of all religions and not necessarily Jainism alone. This historical and heritage site is famous for the statue of Bahubali which stands 58 feet tall and is carved out of a single granite stone.
You will also find a temple to Lord Gomateshwara, built at 3347 feet above sea level, atop the Vindhyagiri or Doddabetta hill.
- Distance from Bangalore: 140 kilometres
- Activities: Jain pilgrimage, Heritage site
6. Mysore
Originally the capital of Karnataka Mysore the second biggest city in the state. It is an extremely charming place, at an altitude of 763 metres, surrounded by hills. Called the city of palaces, Mysore is a city full of temples, tradition, museums, gardens and heritage buildings. Do visit the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill Temple, Mysore Zoo when you are in Mysore. Srirangapatna and Brindavan Gardens are the other, major attractions close to Mysore.
- Distance from Bangalore: 143 kilometres
- Activities: Palaces, Museums, Gardens, Heritage site
7. Horsley Hills
Visit this hill station favoured by the British during colonial rule, set at an altitude of 1265 mt., which is the summer residence of the Governor of Andhra Pradesh. The drive to the Hills is extremely scenic and passes through dense vegetation. Go zorbing, rappelling or trekking. Or, just spend your time enjoying the wonderful weather and breathtaking views.
- Distance from Bangalore: 166 kilometres
- Activities: Viewpoints, Forests, Scenery, Adventure sports
8. BR Hills, Chamarajnagar
BR Hills is actually Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, a wildlife corridor connecting the Eastern Ghats with the Western Ghats. This extremely popular tourist spot is within 300 kilometres of Bangalore and is declared a tiger reserve in 2010.
Enjoy watching elephants, sloth bears, bison, deer, porcupines and many other animals and a wide species of birds or visit the Dodda Sampige tribe which live within the lush green forests or plan to watch their fire dance on Maha Shivaratri day.
- Distance from Bangalore: 171 kilometres
- Activities: Nature, Flora and Fauna, Scenic Beauty, Water sports, Tribes
9. Hogenakkal
Referred to as the Niagaras of India, the Hogenakkal Falls in Tamil Nadu present a breathtaking view amidst a lofty landscape consisting of some of the oldest carbonatite rocks in the world. The falls have about 14 channels, with varying drop levels between 15 ft to 65 feet.
They have no land access and will need to be reached either by boat or a coracle ride, which is not attempted during the peak monsoons. Trekking in the surrounding skills is a favoured option with many but accommodation will have to found at Dharmapuri.
- Distance from Bangalore: 179 kilometres
- Activities: Viewpoints, Forests, Scenery, Adventure sports
10. Sakleshpur
Acclaimed among some of the most diverse spots in the world for its exquisite flora and fauna, Sakleshpur is a wonderful destination for nature lovers within 300 kilometres of Bangalore. This is a great place for camping amidst the luxuriant green spaces of the Western Ghats. Enjoy the wonderful views, tinkling waterfalls and homestays on the riverside or the many camps which
- Distance from Bangalore: 221 kilometres
- Activities: Biking, Horse riding, Walks and Jeep Safari
11. Bandipur
This national park beckons all nature and animal lovers by adding a hint of adventure to the offerings. We can enjoy the true wilderness of this location, without giving up any of the creature comforts which we are all used to because there are many places offering good hospitality for visitors.
Get to meet the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat, along with many other plants, animals and birds of every hue.
- Distance from Bangalore: 225 kilometres
- Activities: Birdwatching, Photographs, Scenic views and Walks
12. Gonikoppal
Go off exploring caves or set off for walking, trekking or stream walking and spend your nights gazing at the stars or the brightness of a campfire. There are activities galore for you at this beautiful location, hidden among the Brahmagiri hill ranges. Gonikoppal offers you dense jungles and an opportunity for birdwatching and photography. You will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views here.
- Distance from Bangalore: 225 kilometres
- Activities: Trekking, Walking, Campfires and Scenic views.
13. Mullayanagiri Trek, Chikilometresagalur
This is one of the many scenic spots which nestle among the mighty Western Ghats at Chikilometresagalur, which attracts tourists looking for such captivating locations. Set at an elevation of 1925 metres, the Mullayanagiri peak offers panoramic views and an opportunity to touch the billowing clouds. You could attempt the challenge of the steep and nearly vertical Sarpadhari trek to the top of the peak to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding greenery and the glorious views from the top, and the gorgeous sunset.
- Distance from Bangalore: 244 kilometres
- Activities: Trekking, scenic views
14. Chikilometresagalur
You could also camp at Chikilometresagalur, which is located deep in the Western Ghats. This location is bound to make you appreciate and admire the amazing abundance of nature, and the bio-diversity of this location, with its teeming fish, animal and bird life.
Enjoy your time here, admire the Baba Budan Giri ranges and breath in the fresh air and indulge in coracle rides on the Bhadra river and undertake trekking trips amongst nature’s bounty. You will never forget the experience.
- Distance from Bangalore: 245 kilometres
- Activities: Trekking, Coracle rides, Sunsets and Panoramic Views, Ranganatha Swamy Temple
15. Kemmanagundi
Located once again in the Chikilometresagalur district, the Kemmanagundi area is 1434 meters above sea level. Its beauty made it worthy of being chosen for the summer retreat of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, which resulted in its second name as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station.
The lush greenery, ornamental gardens and mountain streams and cascades, and the views of the Baba Budan Giri range are all utterly enchanting to visitors here, who leave most unwillingly when their trip comes to an end.
- Distance from Bangalore: 256 kilometres
- Activities: Trekking, Hiking, Visiting the Rose and Rock Gardens. Waterfalls, Shanti and Hebbe.
16. Nagarhole National Park
Located between Mysore and Coorg, this National Park is home to a lot of majestic animals, a variety of birds as well as reptiles and is one of the most highly visited in the State. Visit here to see animals like the Tiger, Leopard, Asian Elephant, Indian Bison, Sloth Bear and even Marsh Crocodile.
The resorts here help wildlife enthusiasts to use the observation decks in the jungle to watch these animals in their natural habitat or at the watering hole.
- Distance from Bangalore: 258 kilometres
- Activities: Trekking, Scenic views, Safari and Observation decks
17. Madikeri
Coorg is justly famed for the green beauty of its valleys and the completely stunning views of the wooded slopes of the Western Ghats. These offer scenic vantage points which defy description along with the best locally grown coffee.
At Madikeri, prepare to enjoy the additional offerings of adventure sports like zip lining and rappelling, or choose to relax and unwind around a campfire, with congenial companions. Trek to the Tadiandamol peak or go river rafting.
- Distance from Bangalore: 265 kilometres
- Activities: Campfires, Panoramic views, Coffee and Adventure Sports, Trekking, Rafting
Other places near Bangalore within 300 kms include Kanchipuram, Ooty, Tirupati and Coonoor. Try not to spend your next weekend cooped up between four walls or mindlessly roaming the air-conditioned malls, when the sublime beauty of Mother Nature is beckoning you. If you have anything to add on these 17 places around Bangalore within 300 kms, do let us know in the comments.
Stay at one of the hotels in Bangalore for a great trip to Bangalore
