Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation – which we all have – in a similar mode of experience – you are looking for a break from the weekend hustle of the city, but have no time for a vacation? Well you are in luck! Bangalore is located perfectly in the midst of some incredible one day trip destinations and whether you crave beautiful scenery, adventure, or food, there is a one day trip getaway near Bangalore with your name on it.
From the hilltops wreathed in mist and morning sun, to the sound of distant waterfalls crashing upon the rocks, these places to visit near Bangalore for a one day trip are a guaranteed spark of rejuvenation to your daily routine. Ditch the weekend grind and enjoy this ultimate list of the best one day tours from Bangalore. You are going to want to get that day bag, assemble your friends, and hit the road!
13 Best One-Day Trips from Bangalore
This is your guide to a perfect getaway! Each one of these destinations is unique, and guarantees that you will create a new experience and new memories long after you park your car and return to the lights of the city.
1. Nandi Hills
Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 60 km
Get out of bed before the sun, my friend, because there is nothing like this sunrise, and every minute you sleep is a valid reason not to rise another day. Nandi Hills is the ultimate Bangalore day trip, and for good reason. As you climb to the summit, the world before you unfolds like a magic rug below you and a layer of mist. It’s truly magic. And if you care for a history tour, you can see Nandi Fort nearby, established in the mid-1700s. If you’re an adventurous spirit you can go paragliding. The fresh winds, and the full view could do wonders for an exhausted city person. Once you reach the top, you MUST get a steaming cup of chai from one of the shops, it tastes like victory
2. Skandagiri
Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 60 km
Nandi Hills is the famous sibling, and Skandagiri is the new cousin that is just fun to be around. Here is one for the people that actually want to “work” for their view. A night trek that begins under a busy sky, but still gets you to the top in time to be wowed by the sunrise. Breath-taking.m You will even hike through the remains of the Papagni Matt fort, mysterious really. Be certain to wear good shoes, and board, this is a moderate level trek, don’t let that flash you off. This is not simply a tour, this is an experience!
3. Savandurga Hills
Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 50 km
Did you know that the vineyards of the Nandi Valley are called the “Napa of India”? A wine tour is one of the most sophisticated and relaxing one day tours from Bangalore that you can choose. It is perfect for a laid-back afternoon where you learn about the wine-making process, stroll around endless green vines, and of course enjoy a wine tasting session. This tour engages all your senses and provides an excellent diversion from the overcrowded hill stations and parks.
4. Wonderla Amusement Park
Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 35 km
Sometimes, the best way to unwind and forget your worries is to scream your lungs out on a rollercoaster! Wonderla is the best one day tour from Bangalore for families, groups of friends, and basically anyone that’s young at heart. With rides, waterslides, and wave pools galore it is a day of unrestricted, unothered fun and laughter. It’s a world away from the daily mundane where your biggest decision is whether you want to ride the rollercoaster again or treat yourself to an ice cream. A fun, unpretentious day of pure joy is guaranteed.
5. Bannerghatta National Park
Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 22 km
If you are looking for a totally wild day out, then make tracks for Bannerghatta. This is no ordinary park. No, this is a national park with a zoo, a butterfly park and a safari – yes, a safari, where you can view tigers, lions, bears, and various other wild animals from the safety of a bus. It is a great day trip from Bangalore for kids and wildlife enthusiasts and a sobering reminder of how magnificent the wild world is just beyond our concrete jungle.
6. VV Puram Food Street
Distance from Bangalore: Right in the heart of the city!
Who says you have to drive miles for a getaway. Sometimes the best getaway is culinary based. Sometimes affectionately referred to as “Food Street,” this could be heaven for your taste buds. As the evening lights dim and go on, the street is alive with all the smells from countless specialities. From crisp masala dosas, insatiable sweets, and those fiery hours of fiery pani puri, its an introduction to iconic culinary delicacies from all around India. Arrive hungry and depart happy. If you are a foodie, this is an important one day itinerary from Bangalore.
7. Guhantara Cave Resort
Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 35 km
How about a day of unique luxury without traveling far? Guhantara, India’s first underground cave resort, is the answer. This is more a fabricated experience than a natural one, and it is worth a visit for a special occasion just to relish the pampered feeling. You can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, have a traditional Kerala massage, and enjoy a delicious lunch. This cave accommodation feels so unique in its cool, earthy ambiance you will escape the chaos of the city. A great option for a romantical one day trip from Bangalore or a fun family day out.
8. Wine Tour at Grover Zampa or Sula Vineyards
Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 45 km (Grover Zampa, Nandi Hills)
Did you know that the Nandi Valley is referred to as the “Napa of India” because of the vineyards it houses? A wine tour is one of the most upscale and relaxing one day tours out of Bangalore. The wine tour is perfect for a relaxing afternoon of learning about the process of wine making, wandering among endless green vines, and yes, obviously wine tasting. Not only does the tour utilize all of your senses and help you to forget about the crowded hill stations and parks of Bangalore for a day, but it does not require you to do the difficult and sometimes uncertain work of travel.
9. Makalidurga
Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 60 km
For the adventurer who also has an appreciation for history, Makalidurga is a great find. A moderate trek to the top brings adventurers to the remains of a hilltop fortress and a small temple, hollered out by 360 degree views of the adjoining countryside and a nearby lake. In terms of style, unlike Nandi and Skandagiri, it is significantly less popular, so there is a better chance for no-hassle trekking! The train ride leg to the base village is also a beautiful scenic excursion. If you want a quick getaway experience from Bangalore, where you feel like you got something and had a decent adventure, this is it!
10. Yelagiri Hills
Distance from Bangalore: About 160 km (Best if you leave early in the morning and return late afternoon)
If you want a great all-around hill station getaway and you don’t mind driving a little farther, Yelagiri is the place to go. It’s a charming cluster of hills with a refreshing climate and a lovely old-world character. Paddle row boats at the picturesque Punganur Lake, take in the view from Telescope Point, or get lost surrounding yourself in orchid gardens. The driving experience is fun from the 14 hairpin bends upward! Overall, the hills provide nature and tranquillity make it a top-tier one day trip destination.
11. Hogenakkal Waterfalls
Distance from Bangalore: About 180 km (Long but worthwhile day trip)
Get ready for a sensory explosion! Hogenakkal is where the rushing Cauvery is crashing over dramatic rocks to make a stunning waterfall! The experience is unique: you will take a famous coracle (round boat) right up to the base of the falls and get splashed from the mighty spray of the river! Hogenakkal is also renowned for its fresh fish fry that is cooked right on the riverbanks. It is a long drive but the energy from the falls makes it one of the more memorable places to visit from Bangalore for a one day trip.
12. Ulsoor Lake
Distance from Bangalore: Right in the city!
Don’t have the time for a drive? Your escape is right in the city, Ulsoor Lake is an oasis of calm. You can spend a peaceful morning or evening either boating on the calm waters of the lake, walking along the well kept pathways, or find a quiet bench in a shaded spot to read a book. It soothes the should that you can just sit on a bench and not have to drive any further to find a moment of peace and quiet. It is the perfect reset button in a busy week.
13. Street Shopping at Commercial Street
Distance from Bangalore: City Centre
For some, retail therapy is the best therapy! Commercial Street’s vibrant lanes always bring a shopper’s paradise. Whether you are looking for fashionable clothes, eccentric accessories, traditional handicrafts, or footwear, you’ll find it all down Commercial Street. The key is to relish the chaos, brush up on your bargaining skills and indulge in the energizing atmosphere. An occasional snack from a street vendor will cap off your urban adventure!
Wrapping Up Your Bangalore Getaway Plans
And that’s it…a mix of the conventional and the unusual, all a few hours’ drive from Bangalore. The greatest aspect of Bangalore’s location is the varied menu of getaways near Bangalore that are available depending on your mood.
The difficult part is not finding somewhere to go. The hardest part is working out where to go first! Stop dreaming about it, and start planning it! Create a list from this list of places, call your friends, and go have your micro-adventure. The road is calling and trust me, it is a call to answer.
What is the first day trip you will tick off your list? Let me know in the comments below! Happy