7 Amazing Day Trips From Bangalore You Can't Miss

Day Trips From Bangalore

The vibrant city of Bangalore (aka Bengaluru) is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. The city life revolves around the center of India’s high-tech industry, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India.” You can spend the day at Zion Hills Golf County or go a few miles from Bangalore for cave exploration, a trek through dense forests, or river rafting.

From picturesque waterfalls to ancient temples and picturesque vineyards, Bangalore is the perfect vacation “home base” to launch some fantastic one-day adventures on your next Indian holiday.

One of the best ways to plan amazing one-day trips from Bangalore is to book a tour with us at Hidden Gems Tours. Our goal is to provide immersive and authentic experiences that will help you experience the magic of the Bangalore region.

Where should you go on your day trips from Bangalore? Here are some amazing options:

1) Go For A Scenic Tour In Nandi Hills

This popular tourist attraction makes for the perfect day trip from Bangalore. It is only 90 minutes away and has the ideal blend of natural beauty and historical significance to captivate you.

Go for the Heritage Tour of Lepakshi and Nandi Hills if you are a history buff. You’ll learn how silk is created, pass through the 9th-century Hindu temple, and explore the 800-year-old Tamarind trees grove.

To make the most of the Nandi Hills day trip, go for thrilling tours organized by Hidden Gem Tours. 

Nandi Hills | Picture by traveltriangle.com

2) Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit With Skandagiri Trek

The distance from Bangalore to the enchanting Skandagiri Peak is just 37 miles. Skandagiri Peak, also known as Kalavara Durga, is a must-visit day trip destination for trekking enthusiasts.

As you approach the pinnacle of this steep hill, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking lush greenery that surrounds it. Many trekkers embark on their ascent early in the morning to witness the spectacular sunrise from the peak.

To make the most of your day trip to Skandagiri Peak, it is advisable to plan your visit between November and March, as this period offers the best weather conditions.

Apart from trekking, there are various other activities, such as camping, birdwatching, and rock climbing, all in serene natural surroundings.

Skandagiri hilltop | Picture by karnataka.com

3) Discover The Majestic Beauty Of Shivanasamudra Falls

Shivanasamudra is a charming town nestled on the banks of the Kaveri River that would be a spectacular day trip from Bangalore. This idyllic destination is renowned for the majestic Shivanasamudra Falls, which the Kaveri River creates as it meanders through the rugged terrain of the Deccan Plateau.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a coracle ride at the base of the magnificent falls. This exhilarating experience lets you get close to the cascading water and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

The Shivanasamudra Falls flow perennially and can be visited throughout the year. However, to witness the falls at their best, planning your visit between July and October is recommended, which coincides with the monsoon season when the flow is most impressive.

A day trip to Shivanasamudra Falls is a great option for your southern India vacation and the distance from Bangalore is just 84 miles.

Shivanasamudra Falls

4) Discover Bheemeshwari Adventure And Nature Camp

If you want to take a break from the busy city life, a trip to Karnataka’s Mandya district and the Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp should be on your day trip list.

Bheemeshwari captivates nature lovers with its stunning flora, picturesque landscapes, and a wide variety of wildlife.

Visitors on day trips can engage in activities like trekking, boat rides, and exploring scenic surroundings. The distance from Bangalore is just 66 miles. A fast trip!

Bheemeshwari Adventure And Nature Camp

5) Experience The Wonders Of Wildlife At Bannerghatta National Park

The distance from Bangalore to Bannerghatta National Park is just 13 miles. This is a delightful escape for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Covering an expansive area of approximately 40 square miles, this national park was established in 1971 and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Visitors can explore various attractions within the park, including the country’s first butterfly park. It is an amazing showcase of these mesmerizing and delicate creatures.

One of the highlights of visiting this southern India gem is the thrilling jungle safari, allowing visitors to venture into the heart of the park and observe the magnificent wildlife up close. These safaris are conducted in caged vehicles such as buses, ensuring a safe and immersive experience.

Bannerghatta National Park | Picture by vajiramias.com

6) Hogenakkal Waterfalls – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

For those who find solace in the embrace of nature, Hogenakkal is a destination that truly rejuvenates the soul. Located in Dharmapuri district, Hogenakkal Waterfall offers a refreshing and enchanting day trip from Bangalore.

The waterfall is formed as the mighty Kaveri River cascades into multiple streams, creating a breathtaking sight. Hogenakkal is known not only for its mesmerizing waterfall but also for its therapeutic medicinal baths.

The presence of carbonite rocks, serene coracle (basket boat) rides, abundant freshwater fish, and local oil massages further enhance the charm of this destination. The distance from Bangalore is just 112 miles.

Hogenakkal falls

7) Discover The Finest Vineyards Around Bangalore

You might be pleasantly surprised to discover the robust vineyards on the outskirts of Bangalore. This is where you can immerse yourself in the art of wine-making. During your visit, spend the day observing and learning about the intricate wine-making process.

After the enlightening tour, treat your taste buds to a remarkable experience by sampling the exquisite wines produced on-site. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or enjoy the occasional glass, this indulgence will surely delight all in a fantastic day trip.

Visit the following vineyards for the best experience:

  • Rico Wine Park & Vineyards

  • Grover Zampa Vineyards

  • Big Banyan Vineyard

  • Silicon Valley Grape Winery

Nandi Hills wine tour

Discover Mysore, Nandi Hills, And Lepakshi With Us!

Mysore, formerly known as Mysuru, is one of the famous places that are among the must-visit tourist destinations in South India. The city’s allure lies in its captivating blend of stunning architecture, extravagant monuments, and a rich imperial heritage. Mysore Palace, a World Heritage-listed site, is the prime attraction that entices many visitors.

In addition to the one-day trips mentioned, you can also look into a visit to the Nandi Hills. Just 38 miles from Bangalore, the Nandi Hills offer a great opportunity to surround yourself with scenic beauty. Along with a Nandi Hills trip, you can arrange a trip to Lepakshi to explore the cultural, historical, and natural wonders of South India.

The best approach to lock down a day trip adventure is to book a tour with us at Hidden Gems Tours. We can point you in the right direction and arrange your day trip from Bangalore or a quick weekend getaway.

Fantastic memories are waiting to be made. Book our day trips and make memories that last a lifetime! 

Lepakshi

 

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

DISCOVER BANGALORE THROUGH THE AGES TOUR

Bangalore gives you the impression of a modern new city, yet if you scratch the surface, you will uncover a storied past dating back over 1000 years.

In this tightly paced tour, we will visit interesting sites of different eras – Historical Temples, Palaces, Heritage Buildings, Markets, Statues, a Fort, a Museum, a lush Park, and more and learn about their significance and contribution to the making of Bangalore.

It’s a tour of the story of Bangalore – from its modest origin in pre-medieval times; to the era when it was just another place compared to its more illustrious peers, now long faded into oblivion, to the fascinating times when the city was traded, and gifted like a commodity; then fought over and retained like a shining possession; right down to the times when it reached an inflexion point and came into its own as a modern mega city.

This is by no means an ordinary sightseeing trip, but a true journey of exploration with engaging commentary sprinkled with interesting facts and anecdotes. A tour sure to stimulate your mind and invigorate your senses.

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₹10,000
Duration
12 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

THE BEST OF MYSORE/MYSURU, SOMNATHPUR & SRIRANGAPATNA IN A DAY

An action-packed day tour where the journey is as exciting as the destinations.

Typical itinerary:

Stop At: Ramanagara

We believe food is an integral part of an Indian cultural experience; hence we start our tour early and detour from the highway to visit a traditional eatery serving authentic local breakfast. Here our accompanying guide will take you through a sumptuous culinary experience.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Silk Cocoon Market

We visit India's largest silk cocoon market - a sight to behold. From our accompanying expert guide, learn the history of the famed Mysore silk and the complex stages of creating a silk garment from scratch.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Keshava Temple, Somnathpur

We get off the highway for an extended detour through lush countryside to reach this stunning Hindu temple( a ruin) from 1268 AD. It is nominated as a UNESCO heritage site and awaiting accreditation. Some of humankind's most exquisite stone carvings and sculptures are here. Our accompanying expert guide will introduce its history, Hinduism, its pantheon of gods, and the context of each beautiful carving.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mysuru/Mysore Palace

We explore this bejeweled palace, among the most visited sites in India and the home of one of the wealthiest individuals in the world in its heyday – the Maharaja of Mysore. From our accompanying expert guide, learn about the Wodeyar rulers and their incredible contributions to putting this region on the global map as we leisurely survey and explore the interiors & exteriors of this dazzling palace.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Devaraja Market, Mysore

Our accompanying expert guide will take you through a stroll inside an 1880s market stuck in a time warp. As you take a walk back in time, marvel at the sights, smells and sounds of the shops & people in the bazaar selling the choicest fruits, flowers, vegetables, bangles and local produce such as Jaggery, Attar, Masalas etc.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Srirangapatna

From Mysore, we drive to the historic river island of Srirangapatna. Here we break for a relaxed and sumptuous lunch at a picturesque setting by the gurgling waters of the River Cauvery.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dariya Daulat Palace - Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Srirangapatna

Our final stop is the exquisite 1780s wooden palace of Tipu Sultan, where every inch of its interiors has delicate frescoes and murals of evocative battle scenes, floral and geometric patterns and portraits. Our accompanying expert guide will provide context to each hand painted artwork and regale you with stories of the valiant efforts of this ruler, the Tiger of Mysore, against the colonial powers of the time.

Duration: 45 minutes

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₹15,500
Duration
14 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

Bangalore Day Trip: 57ft Stone Giant & UNESCO Hoysala Temples

Some days you come home with photos. This one you come home changed.

Most visitors to Karnataka never make it beyond Bangalore's city limits. That's their loss — and quietly, your gain. Because an hour or two from the city, an entirely different world is waiting. One that has been waiting, in fact, for over two thousand years.

This is a day of three extraordinary stops, each remarkable in its own right, each made richer by the company of an expert native guide who knows these places not just as monuments, but as living chapters of a civilisation that never stopped breathing.

Shravanabelagola — The 57ft Stone Giant

Nothing quite prepares you for Gomateshwara. Rising 57 feet from a granite hilltop, carved from a single rock over a thousand years ago, this is one of the most extraordinary things you will ever stand before. Getting there means climbing 700 ancient steps — barefoot, as tradition demands. Your guide walks every step with you, sharing the story of the Jain prince who renounced his kingdom, stood motionless in meditation, and became a god in stone.

By the time you reach the summit, the statue doesn't just impress — it moves you.

Belur & Halebidu — Where Stone Becomes Poetry

The Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu are UNESCO-nominated for good reason. Every inch of their exterior is carved — gods, goddesses, celestial dancers, elephants, lions, lotus flowers, and scenes from ancient epics — all executed with a precision that modern tools would struggle to match. Scholars call it the finest temple architecture in India. Standing before it with your guide, who decodes the stories panel by panel, you'll understand why.

These aren't ruins. They are conversations across a thousand years, waiting for someone to listen.

The Journey Between

A day like this deserves to be fed well. Traditional breakfast and lunch are included — filter coffee, dosas, and the honest, flavourful cooking of Karnataka. The drives between sites become part of the experience too, with your guide offering context, stories, and the kind of unhurried conversation that only a small group makes possible.

With no more than 8 travellers, this is never a tour. It's an expedition — intimate, immersive, and impossible to forget.

This is Karnataka at its most ancient and most magnificent. Come and witness it.

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₹18,000
Duration
12 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

THE BEST OF LEPAKSHI & NANDI HILLS IN A DAY

A Fascinating Day Trip Exploring India’s Cultural, Historical, and Natural Wonders

Embark on a captivating journey to discover some of India’s most remarkable treasures.

We begin early in the morning, traveling to a charming medieval town to explore a stunning Vijayanagara-era temple. This site is home to several of India’s largest monolithic artifacts, including the biggest Nandi bull, a magnificent snake sculpture, and the largest hand-painted fresco. The temple also features the intriguing "hanging pillar," a true architectural marvel. If you’re short on time and unable to visit Hampi, this monument, located just a few hours from Bangalore, offers a glimpse of its grandeur. En route, we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast.

Next, we visit a remarkable 9th-century Hindu temple, the oldest in the Bangalore region. Frozen in time, it stands as a testament to the legendary South Indian empires that shaped its history.

Our journey continues with a hands-on pottery workshop, where you can try crafting your own clay pot or urn—a fun and creative experience.

Afterward, we head to the ancient Nandi Hills, estimated to be 3.5 billion years old. At the summit, the crisp air and lush greenery provide a refreshing contrast to the day’s earlier sites. Enjoy a delightful lunch here, accompanied by breathtaking views of the countryside.

The final stop of the day is India’s first biodiversity heritage site: an extraordinary grove of 800-year-old tamarind trees. The gnarled trunks and unique root structures of these ancient trees are a true botanical wonder.

We return to Bangalore by approximately 6 PM, leaving you with cherished memories of an unforgettable day.

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₹13,000
Duration
4 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 8

BANGALORE THROUGH THE AGES – HALF DAY TOUR

Bangalore gives you the impression of a modern new city, yet if you scratch the surface, you will uncover a storied past dating back over 1000 years.

In this tightly paced tour, we will visit interesting sites of different eras – A lush park, A historic temple, the oldest Market of the city, and the centre of state government to learn about their significance and contribution to the making of Bangalore.

It’s a tour of the story of Bangalore – from its modest origin in pre-medieval times; to the era when it was just another place compared to its more illustrious peers, now long faded into oblivion, to the fascinating times when the city was traded, and gifted like a commodity; then fought over and retained like a shining possession; right down to the times when it reached an inflexion point and came into its own as a modern mega city.

This is by no means an ordinary sightseeing trip, but a true journey of exploration with engaging commentary sprinkled with interesting facts and anecdotes. A tour is sure to stimulate your mind and invigorate your senses.

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₹7,500
Duration
5 hours
Group Size
2 to 8

BRITISH HERITAGE TOUR

The legacy of over 150 years of British presence in Bangalore is hard to miss if you are in the city. For example, The broad roads laid out over 200 years ago for horse carriages, bullock carts, and horsemen do a fine job of carrying the chaotic traffic of this day.

The British brought to Bangalore promenades, parks, churches, schools, hospitals, pubs, clubs, shopping centers, dance halls, race courses, golf ranges, cricket, etc where there was none before.

In this specially curated tour, we will explore in detail many of the fascinating landmarks of that era as well as sneak a peek at a few more that have left an indelible mark on the cityscape of Bangalore

You will also learn how events of that era have shaped a modest town to become one of the largest cities in India in a few generations; how the capital of an unknown state has become the outsourcing capital of the world.

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₹7,000