Confided inside the house and working on the laptops for longer hours with no scheduled time for meals. This is how work from home looks like for most of us. Tea breaks that would help us unwind the workload are no longer in existence. We believe all of us are craving to channel some fresh air into our lungs and cut loose from the ongoing chaos. Now with Unlock 4.0 taking place across the country, we have the privilege of moving around without much hustle. So, we have selected some popular and off-beat treks near Bangalore ( mostly within the state of Karnataka) where you can take your self-drive car to enjoy trekking and camping during weekends. Outdoor activities in the laps of nature like trekking and hiking are the safest things to do.
Please note that we are neither promoting travelling nor providing a guarantee for safety. If you wish to travel, make sure that you follow protocols set by the government and maintain social distancing. Most of the below-mentioned treks near Bangalore require only 2 days for a round trip.
Table of Contents
1. Kodachadri Trek
One of the popular treks near Bangalore is Kodachadri Trek. It is fondly known as Jasmine of hills in South India. Standing tall at the height of 1343 meters, Kodachadri is Karnataka’s 10th highest peak. It is one of the very few treks in India that boast of views of mountains as well as a sea from the top. Arabian sea is visible from the top of the peak.
Distance from Bangalore
Kollur is the nearest town from Kodachadri peak. It is 438 KM away from Bangalore, approximately 9 hours drive. The base of Kodachadri trek is Nagodi and Nittur village, both of them are approx. 409 KM from Bangalore.
Best Time to Visit Kodachadri Peak
Months between September to February.
Accommodation near Kodachadri Peak
Camping in Kodachadri is prohibited hence homestays are the best option. There are plenty of Homestays in Kollur, Nagodi as well as Nittur.
- Silver Hill Farm, Nittur
- Simha Farms, Madodi
- Alakananda Home Stay, Madodi
- Antarvanam Homestay and Farms Resort, Kollur
How Difficult is Kodachadri Trek?
Kodachadri trek is moderately difficult.
How Long is Kodachadri Trek?
Kodachadri Trek is 14 KM long, including to & fro distance.
Days Required for Kodachadri Trek
Two days and one night are enough for a round trip from Bangalore.
2. Kudremukh Trek
Kudremukh peak is every trekker’s dream come true. It is Karnataka’s third-highest peak. The trek to Kudremukh is famous for its vast meadows, crystal clear water streams and the magical views from the top. This beautiful trek takes you to the height of 1892 meters. The literal meaning of Kudremukh is Horse’s face, and this name is because of the unique shape of the peak.
Distance from Bangalore
The nearest town to Kudremukh base camp, Mulloadi, is Kalasa. It is 310 KM away from Bangalore, approximately 6 hours drive. Kudremukh is one of the easily accessible treks near Bangalore.
Best Time to Visit Kudremukh Peak
Months between September and February.
Accommodation near Kudremukh Peak
Camping in Kudremukh National Park is not allowed. But several homestays offer camping facilities near the entrance point.
- Bella Homestay, near Kudremukh Forest checkpoint
- Raaje Gowda’s homestay, Mullodi
- Sathis Mullodi house, Mullodi
- Uttunga Homestay, Mudiegere
How Difficult is Kudremukh Trek?
Moderately difficult.
How Long is Kudremukh Trek?
Kodachadri Trek is 18 KM long, including to & fro distance.
Days Required for Kudremukh Trek
Two days and one night are enough for a round trip from Bangalore.
3. Tadiandamol Trek
Tadiandamol Trek is another most talked-about trek near Bangalore. It is the fourth-highest peak in Karnataka. Being close to Bangalore, Tadiandamol trek receives a lot of attention from the trekkers. The trails offer the experience of walking amidst the purely surreal clouds. The height of the peak is 1780 meters.
Distance from Bangalore
Tadiandamol trek starts either from Kakkabe or Nalkanad palace. Kakkabe village is 260 KM away from Bangalore, approximately 6 hours drive.
Best Time to Visit Tadiandamol Peak
Months between October and February.
Accommodation near Tadiandamol Peak
Like most of the other treks near Bangalore, Tadiandamol also does not have camping facilities. Several homestays are available on the trail between Kakkabe village and Nalknad palace.
- Bhramagiri Homestay, Kakkabe
- Soupernika Homestay, Yevakapadi
How Difficult is Tadiandamol Trek?
Tadiandamol trek is easy, but a few steep inclinations require a lot of endurance to climb.
How Long is Tadiandamol Trek?
Tadiandamol Trek is 12 KM long, including to & fro distance.
Days Required for Tadiandamol Trek
Two days and one night are enough for a round trip from Bangalore.
4. Kumara Parvatha Trek
Kumara Parvatha Trek is the most challenging trek near Bangalore. The entire trail to reach the peak is covered over two days. This trek would put your endurance to test, but the views are worth the pain. Standing tall at 1700 meter of height, Kumara Parvatha opens up the doorway to a heavenly panorama.
Distance from Bangalore
The base point of Kumara Parvatha trek is Kukke Subramanya temple in Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is 281 KM away from Bangalore, approximately 6 hours drive.
Best Time to Visit Kumara Parvatha Peak
Months between September and March.
Accommodation near Kumara Parvatha Peak
There is only one homestay, Bhatta’s House, that is available midway to the peak. All the trekkers halt here for food and overnight shelter after finishing the first leg of the trek. There are plenty of homestays available at the base point as well.
How Difficult is Kumara Parvatha Trek?
Difficult.
How Long is Kumara Parvatha Trek?
Kumara Parvatha Trek is 22 KM long, including to & fro distance.
Days Required for Kumara Parvatha Trek
Three days and two nights for a round trip from Bangalore.
5. Mullayangiri Trek
Next on the list is Mullayangiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, standing 1925 meters tall. Located in Chikmagalur district of the state, Mullayangiri is famous for super windy weather and steep climbing that initiates adrenaline rush. The views are absolutely breathtaking from the hill cliff at the top as well as throughout the trek.
Distance from Bangalore
The base of Mullayangiri trek is Sarpadhari. It is 258 KM away from Bangalore, approximately 5 hours drive.
Best Time to Visit Mullayanagiri Peak
Months between September and February.
Accommodation near Mullayanagiri Peak
Camping is allowed near Mullayanagiri hills, but there is no water source nearby. Several homestays are also available on the trail between Kakkabe village and Nalknad palace.
- Thotadhahalli Homestay, Kaimara
How Difficult is Mullayanagiri Trek?
Moderately Difficult.
How Long is Mullayanagiri Trek?
Tadiandamol Trek is 8 KM long, including to & fro distance.
Days Required for Mullayanagiri Trek
Two days and one night are enough for a round trip from Bangalore.
6. Skandgiri Trek
Skandgiri is a one day trek near Bangalore that offers a surreal sunrise view from the summit at 1450 meters. Once you reach the top, you would find yourself walking amid the cotton balls of clouds. Skandgiri is a fortress hill, and it is believed that Tipu Sultan conquered the fort to fight against the British. However, the fort was later demolished by the British. One would see the ruins of the fort throughout the trail. We advise starting the trek before the dawn to witness the beauty of the night sky as well as the rising sun.
Distance from Bangalore
The base point of Skandgiri is Papagni Math. It is 62 Km away from Bangalore, a drive of just one hour and a half hours.
Best Time to Visit Skandgiri Peak
All-year-round.
How Difficult is Skandgiri Trek?
Easy.
How Long is Skandgiri Trek?
The total stretch of Skandgiri Trek is 5 KM, it includes to & fro distance.
Days Required for Skandgiri Trek
Only one day for a round trip from Bangalore.
7. Kumta Beach Trek
Many of us have already heard or finished Gokarna Beach Trek. But there is a trek that connects two towns, Kumta and Gokarna, and takes you through innumerable beaches. The long stretch of Kumta Beach Trek with a beautiful amalgamation of hillocks and coastlines is every photographer’s dream come true. It takes you through isolated beaches that are not accessible by roads that means no tourists at all and guarantees ultimate Nirvana. We advise covering the trek over two days.
Distance from Bangalore
The starting point for the trek is Kumta/Vanalli beach viewpoint. Vanalli beach is 465 KM away from Bangalore, almost 10 hours of drive. One can start the trek from Gokarna as well.
Best Time to Visit Kumta Beach Trek
Months between October and February.
Accommodation near Kumta Beach Trek
Take an overnight halt at Belekan beach after finishing the first leg of the trek. You can pitch your tents here or head to guest houses near the beach. We recommend Shanti Paradise guest house. Once you reach Gokarna there are plenty of options for accommodation.
How Difficult is Kumta Beach Trek?
Difficult.
How Long is Kumta Beach Trek?
The total stretch of Kumta Beach Trek is 20 KM on one side.
Days Required for Kumta Beach Trek
Three days and two nights for a round trip from Bangalore.
8. Nishani Motte Trek
Nishani Motte Trek is one of another great weekend treks near Bangalore. The entire trail goes from inside of Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to hundreds of wildlife and plant species. The trekking trail is not well marked, so, we advise going along with a guide or understand the directions well before commencing the trek. At Nishani motte peak that lies at 1270 meters, one would witness the beautiful layers of Brahmagiri range.
Distance from Bangalore
The base point of Nishani Motte trek is Bhagamandala. It is 303 Km away from Bangalore, a drive of six and a half hours.
Best Time to Visit Nishani Motte Peak
October to February.
Accommodation near Nishani Motte Peak
You can enjoy camping in the Nishani Motte Forest APC Camp. Do not forget to inquire the forest department for the same.
How Difficult is Nishani Motte Trek?
Easy.
How Long is Nishani Motte Trek?
The total stretch of Nishani Motte Trek is 16 KM, it includes to & fro distance.
Days Required for Nishani Motte Trek
Two days and one night for a round trip from Bangalore.
9. Kurinjal Trek
Kurinjal Peak is one of the thirteen hiking trails on the fringes of Kudremukh National Park. We highly recommend Kurinjal Peak as it is one of the best beginner-friendly treks near Bangalore. The stretch till the peak is equally exhilarating as other treks but is less challenging. You will pass through many small streams of water, lush green meadows, and muddy pathways that finally lead to the majestic peak of Kurinjal at an altitude of 1159 meters.
Distance from Bangalore
Mullodi village is the base point for Kurinjal Peak. It is 324 KM away from Bangalore, a drive of 7 hours.
Best Time to Visit Kurinjal Peak
September to April.
Accommodation near Kurinjal Peak
As for most of the treks near Bangalore, trekking is not permitted here as well. There are plenty of homestays in close proximity with the trek start point.
- Balgal Homestay, Balgal
- Bhagavathi Nature Camp, Kudremukh National Park
How Difficult is Kurinjal Trek?
Easy.
How Long is Kurinjal Trek?
The total stretch of Kurinjal Trek is 14 KM, it includes to & fro distance.
Days Required for Kurinjal Trek
Two days and one night for a round trip from Bangalore.
10. Narasimha Parvatha Trek or Agumbe Trek
Agumbe is known as Cherrapunji of South India as it receives the highest rainfall in the country after Mawsynram and Cherrapunji. The high precipitation results in an unparalleled scenic charm in Agumbe. The rainforest in Agumbe is home to hundreds of species that are exclusively found here only. So, when you go for Agumbe trek, make sure that you a catch glimpse of blue-eyed bush frog and Draco (the Western Ghats flying lizard). Agumbe peak has an altitude of 1150 meters.
Distance from Bangalore
Agumbe trek has two trails, one starting from Kigga village and other from Malandur. The later has difficult terrain and can take up to nine hours to finish whereas the former is relatively easier and take up to six hours.
Kigga is 331 KM away from Bangalore whereas Malandur is 264 KM away.
Best Time to Visit Agumbe Trek
October to June.
Accommodation near Agumbe Trek
Though camping is not permitted inside the Agumbe rainforest there are plenty of homestays in close proximity with the forest.
- Sringeri Homestay, Belandur
- Nisarga Homestay, Agumbe
- Male Mane Farmstay, Agumbe
How Difficult is Agumbe Trek?
Moderately Difficult.
How Long is Agumbe Trek?
The total stretch of Nishani Motte Trek is 8 KM, it includes to & fro distance.
Days Required for Agumbe Trek
Two days and one night for a round trip from Bangalore.
Summing Up
There are many other treks near Bangalore that are equally exciting and exquisite. We have mentioned treks that are within the state of Karnataka so as to avoid the formalities at the state borders due to the pandemic. You can also go for Brahamagiri Trek, Kalchukki Trek
Baamikonda Trek and Kottebeta Trek.
We highly recommend to use self-drive cars and avoid public transport for travelling to the base of the treks. Also, please do not break the protocols set in place by the government in the light of COVID-19. Rest, we assume that everyone is already maintaining social distancing. Be a Responsible Traveller.
Feature Image Credits- Unsplash