Bangalore as a city has a plethora of experiences to explore. When it comes to taking time off work and exploring, there’s so much you can do! Moreover, you can take the best weekend treks in and around Bangalore and explore the mountains of Karnataka over a weekend!
From taking some time off for yourself or indulging in a fun & unforgettable experience with friends, trekking is amongst the best things to do in Bangalore.
This blog explores the best weekend treks near Bangalore that you can take to redefine your weekend fun-time! These locations are near Bangalore, and you can easily plan a one-day trek within 100 km from Bangalore or choose to head to the Western Ghats for a two-day trek.
9 Best Weekend Treks to explore near Bangalore:
One-day treks near Bangalore:
Skandagiri Trek:
The misty mountains of Skandagiri is a beautiful sight to behold. At an altitude of 1,450 m above sea level, this trek will be a memory you will always cherish. Witness the breathtaking scenic beauty of sunrise above the clouds and a total 8 km trek that will bring you closer to nature. On your way, you will see the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s fort and start your journey from the Papagni Temple at the foothills of Kalwara village. The trek is considered medium level in difficulty and is perfect as an early morning trek! The dilapidated ruins of the fortress of Tipu Sultan are a sight to behold.
- Distance from Bangalore: 62 km
- Total trek distance: 4 km
- Time taken to complete the trek: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Is this trek family friendly: Yes
Makalidurga Trek:
The Makalidurga hill has an undisputed beauty that will make your jaws drop! And the railway lines running across the landscape give it an adventurous feel like none! The trekking hill has amazing connectivity to reach. With a fort at the top, the hill is located at an altitude of 1350 m (4429ft) above sea level. The hill is surrounded by a lovely lake that is said to be shaped almost like the South American continent. The trek will be from lush greens. It is considered an easy level trek. Unlike other treks near Bangalore, Makalidurga is popular for having a railway station close to its base (around 2 km away).
- Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
- Total trek distance: 7-8 km
- Time taken to complete the trek: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Is this trek family friendly: Yes
Karadi Kallu Betta trek & day outing:
Karadi Kallu Betta is one of the least explored hills in Ramanagara. It has 3-4 caves at the top and also a beautiful lake. Kayaking, Zipline, rappelling, rain dance, archery, mud-volleyball, cave exploration, and other adventure activities at the resort are the highlights of this trek. But that’s not all! You can also consider visiting SRS Betta, a famous temple popular for its stair hike. SRS Betta is located at a distance of 15 km from Karadi Kallu Betta.
- Distance from Bangalore: 70 km
- Total trek distance: 4-5 km
- Time taken to complete the trek: 2-4 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Is this trek family friendly: Yes
Uttari Betta Day Trek: The hills that are blessed with nature’s marvels, the Uttari Betta trek is amongst the best treks for people in Bangalore! The hill is also known as Hutridurga and is located in the southeast of Kunigal taluk. The sights you will witness here are breathtakingly beautiful and the trek is a joyful one since the trail is covered with lush green forests. The top is adorned by the Shankeshwar temple. The trek is about 5 to 8 km and is considered easy for first-timers.
- Distance from Bangalore: 90 km
- Total trek distance: 5 km
- Time taken to complete the trek: 2
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Is this trek family friendly: Yes
Two-day treks near Bangalore:
Tadiandamol Trek, Coorg:
Coorg has a fanbase of its own for the scenic beauty experience it offers to trek enthusiasts. The trek is located at an altitude of 1748 m (5734 ft) and offers an exhilarating trekking experience. It is the highest trekking peak in the south-eastern part of Coorg. The trek is considered easy, and the total trek distance is 14 km. Your trek will start from the forest checkpoint. After 2-3 km, you will come across the popular ‘Big Rock’. Big boulders is a popular resting place where most trekkers stop to relax and enjoy the views. The entry to the forest requires a ticket purchase for the trek. Be prepared to come across various coffee and pepper plantations during the trek.
- Distance from Bangalore: 12 km
- Total trek distance: 14 km
- Time taken to complete the trek: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Is this trek family friendly: Yes
Recommended Reading: Photoblog of a weekend trek to Tadiandamol
Kudremukh Trek, Chikmagalur:
Chikmagalur is blessed with natural beauty that you will never get enough of. During the trek, you will be walking through mesmerizing grasslands, small streams, and forest cover. The trail is rugged, and it is recommended to wear shoes that offer great gripping. Somvati Falls is a must-visit, and you can soak up some natural freshness in this freshwater stream. It is the third highest peak in Karnataka and is at an altitude of 1894 m (6213 ft). Aside from that, the trek takes place at the heart of the Western Ghats. The place is known for its flora and fauna, and can be experi throughout the trek distance of 21-22 km. It is considered one of the most popular treks in South India.
- Distance from Bangalore: 332 km
- Total trek distance: 21-22 km
- Time taken to complete the trek: 8-9 hours
- Difficulty level: Difficult
- Is this trek family friendly: No
Recommended Reading: A virtual journey to Karnataka’s third highest peak – Kudremukha
Kurinjal Peak Trek:
The Kurinjal Peak is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats. With a trail that propagates through the Kudremukh National Park, expect lush landscapes full of greenery and small streams. This is an experience that would literally take you to a different world altogether. The frequent steep parts along the trail make it a fun and exhilarating experience that you won’t forget. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then look no further than Kurinjal Peak!
- Distance from Bangalore: 300 km
- Total trek distance: 10-12 km
- Time taken to complete the trek: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty level: moderate
- Is this trek family friendly: No
Kodachadri Trek, Shimoga:
The tenth highest peak in Karnataka, the Kodachadri Trek is a way to explore the depths of the Western ghats. The trail has a lush green forest cover, waterfalls, and mesmerizing landscapes. The trek lets you catch a shy glimpse of the sunset while looking at the Arabian sea (on a clear day). The trek is about 14 km, and the peak is at an altitude of 1343 m (4406.168 ft). The trail is located in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek is easy and ideal for first-time trekkers. There is one really interesting aspect about this trek! Most of the stones you find in your trek have magnetic properties. Just how amazing is that?!
- Distance from Bangalore: 415 km
- Total trek distance: 14 km
- Time taken to complete the trek: 9-11 hours
- Difficulty level: Difficult
- Is this trek family friendly: No
Kumara Parvatha Trek, Coorg:
If you are on the lookout for a trekking experience that challenges your mind and body, your search ends here. The Kumara Parvatha Trek in Coorg is a refreshing experience as you get to see the sunset from the clouds. The trek is a challenging one so if you have been looking for an adventure, then this is the best weekend trek to explore!
- Distance from Bangalore: 350 km
- Total trek distance: 28 km (14 + 14 Kukke to Kukke and 7+14 Somwarpet to Kukke)
- Time taken to complete the trek: 8-10 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
- Is this trek family friendly: No
4 Things to Know Before Your First Trek!
Avoid trekking alone: Trekking is always fun with people. By being in a group of trekking enthusiasts, you are not only ensuring your safety but also have someone to guide you through the adventures.
Buy useful trekking gears: A good hiking stick can help you trek comfortably. In particular, it can help you in descending with ease and avoiding knee injuries. In addition, a water flask and a durable bag will go a long way in ensuring you are able to carry your belongings without hurting your back!
Invest in high-quality trekking shoes: The right pair of trekking shoes will ensure you do not hurt your feet while also offering ankle grip and support. Consider buying shoes with a Vibram sole.
Trek with TrekNomads: Figuring out who to start your trekking journey with can be a hassle. Choose the wrong group, and you’ll be left with a bad experience and some bad memories.
This is where TrekNomads comes into the picture.
TrekNomads helps adventure enthusiasts find opportunities that are curated, keeping their safety and health in mind. We organize the best weekend treks in Bangalore, and if you are looking forward to doing something more than just lazing around, join us on our next trek!
Please check out our departures here!
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