Ever had one of those weeks when the feeling of your phone glued to your hand is permanent and the most stimulating view you have is the blinking cursor? Yeah, I have, too. And that’s when it strikes—the sudden, unavoidable need to just… go. To replace the soundtrack of traffic with peaceful mountains and swap fluorescent lights for the stars.
If you live in Bangalore, you are familiar with this feeling. You may be experiencing this restless energy that builds up until you absolutely have to get out of the clutches of the city. The good news is that you don’t need to go far—the city fades into hills packed with mist, trails older than you can fathom, and horizons that remind you how to breathe.
This is not just about trekking. This is about retrieving your weekend, your peace of mind and that sense of discovery and childhood amazement when you wander into something new. So grab your shoes, it is time to discuss trekking trails near Bangalore because there are adventures just beyond the city.
Why Go Trekking Near Bangalore? Your Quick Guide to Adventure
Every trek is unique, which is what makes it beautiful! If you are putting on trekking boots for the first time or if your passport has well-worn use, there is a trek calling your name. We broke down these spectacular trekking destinations near Bangalore for you based on what you are looking for! Think of this as your menu for adventure, and you just have to choose your flavour.
1. The Legend of Kudremukh
Let’s face it. Some places just sound like they belong in a fairytale and Kudremukh, literally translates to ‘Horse Face’, is certainly one of those places. This is not simply a trek, this is a trek into the stunning emerald heart of the Western Ghats! You are talking about a 22 km round trip and it truly feels like you are trekking through a living painting. You will quake under the sunlight as you navigate the sun-drenched forest trails and cross gushing streams where kids are having the time of their lives, and push through wild bamboo groves, (while wondering what secrets they are whispering to you). The best part of the trek is the summit, which seems to be in the habit of hiding in the clouds, while you convince yourself that you have a summit to summit… and when the fog clears, you get to gaze upon rolling green hills nearly as far as the eye can see.
Pro tip: that flask of coffee you brought? It will taste like the best coffee of your life up there. It’s a moderate challenge, but every single step is absolutely worth it.
Distance from Bangalore: 332 km
Trek Length: 9 km (one way)
Best Season: October to February
Difficulty: Medium
2. Kodachadri’s Mystical Peaks
Kodachadri is more than a mountain; it’s an experience and an emotion. The sublime and soul-stirring compound encounter of untouched natural beauty in wildlife and unmitigated, deeply felt energy of the spirit can primarily be attributed to the very popular Mookambika Temple at the base of the mountain.For avid explorers, the 14 km. trek is a wonderland. It leads through thick, lush rainforests that are densely populated with spectacular waterfalls like Hidlumane and Arasinagundi, both of which are perfect for a refreshing swim. The farther you climb, the air cools, and the views become more dramatic – there is nothing better than reaching the peak which we have covered and to be rewarded with an elusive peak that will literally leave you breathless! This trek is truly wonderful for a group or as a team, as it is the neatest culmination of peace, challenge, and pure amazement.
Distance from Bangalore: 278 km
Trek Length: 12 km
Best Season: November to February
Difficulty: Medium
3. Ramanagara
Short on time but craving adventure? Ramanagara is the answer. Renowned for being the famous setting for the iconic Sholay, the granite hills of Ramanagara practically seethe with old, classic Bollywood drama. It’s the quickest option you can find to quench your trekking thirst, so close to the city. The landscape is incredible with huge boulders and rocky slopes, so there is more to do than just a simple walk. The main trek is simple enough, with the adventure activities being where the real excitement lies in rappelling down steep walls, rock climbing and jumaring in a cliff side experience. It’s the best place you can have while feeling like an action hero for the day for even a brief moment in time.
Distance from Bangalore: 55 km
Trek Length: 6 km
Best Season: November to February
Difficulty: Easy
4. Kumara Parvatha
Attention to the adventurers out there! If you are really pushing your limits to a point to brag about it, Kumara Parvatha is where you need to go. This hike is probably the most difficult but rewarding trek near Bengaluru. This involves trekking at least for two days through the picturesque Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a 15 km hike with all the classic elements of an adventure, beginning from Kukke Subramanya and hiking through thick forests and jungle with around 15 km of trail. There is only a stop at Bhattaramane to either grab some food or sit under the stars on a mat. This certainly isn’t for the faint of heart! The satisfaction of reaching the top and seeing it all does not go away as soon as you hit home. While standing at the top of Kodachadri mountain, you will remember the feeling of success that comes in completing an experience that does not have a simple accomplishment.
Distance from Bangalore: 220 km
Trek Length: 15 km
Best Season: October to February
Difficulty: Challenging
5. Madhugiri
Ready to join me on the shoulder of a giant? Madhugiri is home to the 2nd largest monolith in Asia – a single giant rock that steals the skyline. This trek won’t take you far, instead, you’ll be going up a steep intimidating climb. The climb is steep, and the winds are strong, but boy, is it a payoff once you reach the top. Once at the top, you’ll witness nothing short of an epic view. You will even see some ruins of a fort built by Hyder Ali once upon a time, and there is a very, very ancient Gopalakrishna Temple! It is nurturing to witness the power of nature right there at the front door of Bangalore.
Distance from Bangalore: 104 km
Trek Length: 3 km (straight up!)
Best Season: November to February
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
6. Mullayanagiri
Have you ever wanted to literally stand on the highest point of a state? Mullayanagiri offers you that bragging right! As the highest peak in Karnataka, this trek is not a grueling marathon, but a glorious rewarding climb. The trail is short, or shorter than you would think, but the views of the surrounding Baba Budangiri hills are jaw dropping two minutes in. Climbing up, the land unfolds like a green carpet, absorbing every drop of rain to create waterfalls and jungles.The summit is the ultimate reward – a breathtaking 360-degree view that will make you feel as if you are truly at the top of the world. This is the ideal combination of accessibility and awe. You feel like a real explorer without having to be an expert.
Distance from Bangalore: 263 km
Trek Length: 3-4 km
Best Season: November to February
Difficulty: Easy
7. Kabbaladurga
Why should the sun have all the fun? Kabbaladurga serves up an exciting spin on the classic trek: an exhilarating nighttime trek! The whole character of the place changes as the day wanes. The massive boulders create deeper shadows and the nocturnal plant and animal life emerges under the moonlight. The experience of tracking its rugged terrain under the brightness of the stars is a level of exhilaration seldom experienced elsewhere! The trek is normally combined with camping which creates an experience that is a perfect package of stories around a bonfire and back and forth gazing at stars while enjoying a sunrise that feels like an incredible reward for the nighttime adventure. This will certainly be a memorable experience of the hills.
Distance from Bangalore: 82 km
Best Season: July to September
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
8. Makalidurga
Do you seek a digital detox without taking a full week off from work? Makalidurga is your ideal retreat! Just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape, this hillock is quiet and placid, adorned with rocky outcrops and patches of green. The actual hike is a nice, even ascent, that culminates in a peak where the surrounding area, as well as the river, can be viewed from a moderately high altitude. Photographers flock here as well for the picturesque landscapes it presents, especially at golden hour when the sun begins to set. It is the perfect place to relax and recharge, with relatively no time or cost investment.
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Trek Length: 7 km
Best Season: November to February
Difficulty: Easy
9. Nishani Motte
If you’re someone who loves the road less traveled – Nishani Motte is your hidden gem. Located in the Western Ghats in Coorg, the stunning range is very much off the beaten path. The trek through the mountains takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes Coorg has to offer, including misty mountains, green-thicket forests, and hiking trails that will be a challenge that is moderate yet captivating. The peak is also a natural border between Karnataka and Kerala, with views from the summit that are almost magical, particularly during the monsoons when the clouds hide and reveal only when they choose at lake and valley level. It’s euphoria for the soul
Distance from Bangalore: 250 km (approx.)
Trek Length: 15 km (approx.)
Best Season: Monsoons (for the brave!)
Difficulty: Moderate
10. Netravati Peak
To be frank, some trips are for the seeking. Netravati Trek is one of them. Located in the heart of Chikmagalur, this will take you to a place for the brave. The adventure consists of heavily wooded, unexplored shola forests, running next to streams that “whisper”, and climbing steep hills. However, the effort is greatly rewarded. The feeling of solitude and absolute, unblemished beauty at the top is extraordinary. This is not a trip; it is a meditation. You are there with your thoughts, the wind and the sense of accomplishment. This trip is for the purist.
Distance from Bangalore: ~ 285 km
Trek Length: ~ 18 km (round trip)
Best Season: Post-Monsoon (Oct-Feb)
Difficulty: Challenging
Wrapping Up
So there you go, a world of absolutely amazing trekking near Bangalore is waiting for you, each trail with its own personality, and promise. Consider the hike, also the stories you’ll bring back; the misty morning, the laughter shared amongst friends climbing a challenging trail, the extreme silence at the summit, and the absolute peace of being lost in nature.
The next amazing story is there, waiting for you to write it there, you only need to complete the first step. Put your shoes on, and get out there, and find your mountain.
Happy Trekking, fellow adventurers!
