Best One Day Trips from Bangalore (Updated 2026) – Waterfalls, Hills & Hidden Gems

Last Updated on 29 April 2026 by Poorna & Brinda

Looking for the perfect one day trip from Bangalore? Whether you’re chasing a misty sunrise in the hills, a scenic highway drive, or a refreshing waterfall escape, there are plenty of incredible destinations within a few hours of the city.

Over the years, we’ve explored these routes countless times—early morning starts, roadside breakfasts, and spontaneous detours included. In this guide, we’ve put together 26 of the best one day trips from Bangalore, complete with distances, travel time, things to do and food stops—so you can plan your next getaway with zero guesswork.

Below is a curated list of 26 one-day trips from Bangalore. Each trip combines two nearby places — ideal for a full-day itinerary. You can also visit just one of them for a relaxed half-day experience. Click on them to get more details.

1 – Rocky splendour @ Savandurga and Tirumale temple 

Distance from Bangalore:
~60 km (one way)

What to See & Do:

• Trek Savandurga (one of Asia’s largest monolith hills)
• Visit Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at the base
• Explore Manchanabele Dam nearby
• Enjoy scenic views of rocky landscapes and forests
• Ideal for sunrise trek and photography

Best Time to Visit:

• October to February is best
• Early mornings recommended year-round
• Avoid peak summer afternoons

Places to Eat on the Way:

• Small local eateries near Magadi Road
• Limited options near the base
  👉 Carry water and light snacks

Travel Tips:

• Start early for trek (preferably before 7 AM)
• Wear proper trekking shoes
• Carry sufficient water
• Avoid trekking during rains (slippery rocks)
• No proper facilities at the top

👉 Read full detailed guide: Click this for the Detailed Itinerary

2 – Riverside picnic @ Mekedatu and beautiful Chunchi falls 

Distance from Bangalore:
~100–120 km (one way)

What to See & Do:

• Walk down to the dramatic Mekedatu gorge where the Cauvery narrows into a deep canyon
• Enjoy a peaceful riverside break at Sangama
• Visit Chunchi Falls, especially scenic during and after monsoons
• Short hikes and viewpoints around rocky terrain
• Ideal for a relaxed nature + light adventure day

Best Time to Visit:

• July to February is ideal
• Monsoon & post-monsoon for best water flow
• Avoid peak summer afternoons due to heat

Places to Eat on the Way:

• Small local eateries near Kanakapura
• Basic food stalls near Sangama (limited options)
  👉 Best to carry snacks / breakfast from Bangalore

Travel Tips:

• Start early to avoid crowd and heat
• Be cautious near water — strong currents at Mekedatu
• Wear good footwear for rocky terrain
• Limited mobile network in some stretches
• Parking + short walk required at Sangama

👉 Read full detailed guide: Click this for a detailed Itinerary

3 – Three fabulous hill fort temples – Devarayanadurga, Shivagange & Mandaragiri

Distance from Bangalore:
~70–100 km (one way)

What to See & Do:

• Visit Devarayanadurga hill temples and viewpoints
• Trek up Shivagange hill (spiritual + adventure combo)
• Explore Mandaragiri Jain hill and peacock feather structure
• Enjoy panoramic hill views and peaceful surroundings
• Ideal for temple visits + light trekking

Best Time to Visit:

• October to February is ideal
• Early mornings recommended
• Avoid peak summer afternoons

Places to Eat on the Way:

• Small local eateries on Tumkur Road
• Options near Tumkur town
  👉 Carry snacks for convenience

Travel Tips:

• Start early to cover all three spots comfortably
• Wear good footwear for treks
• Carry water (limited facilities on hills)
• Roads are good but plan route in advance

👉 Read full detailed guide: Click this for a detailed Itinerary 

4 – Magnificent Melkote and Thonnur Lake

Distance from Bangalore:
~130–150 km (one way)

What to See & Do:

• Visit Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple at Melkote
• Climb to Yoga Narasimha Temple for views
• Relax at scenic Thonnur Lake (ideal for photography)
• Explore temple architecture and heritage streets
• Enjoy a peaceful cultural + nature outing

Best Time to Visit:

• October to March is best
• Early mornings or evenings ideal
• Summers can be hot

Places to Eat on the Way:

• Kamat / Adyar Ananda Bhavan (Mysore Road)
• Small local eateries in Melkote
  👉 Limited options near Thonnur Lake

Travel Tips:

• Dress modestly for temple visits
• Carry water and snacks
• Roads are good via Mysore Highway
• Combine temple + lake for full experience

👉 Read full detailed guide:  https://traveltwosome.com/melkote-thonnur/

5 – Wander in Ramanagaram Sholay land

Distance from Bangalore:
~50–70 km (one way)

What to See & Do:

• Explore rocky hills where Sholay was filmed
• Visit Ramanagaram hills for trekking and views
• Stop at Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary
• Enjoy scenic drives and countryside landscapes
• Combine with nearby spots like Manchanabele Dam

Best Time to Visit:

• October to February is best
• Early mornings are ideal for trekking
• Avoid peak summer heat

Places to Eat on the Way:

• Kamat Lokaruchi / Janapada Loka area
• Highway restaurants on Mysore Road
  👉 Plenty of good options en route

Travel Tips:

• Start early to avoid heat
• Wear trekking shoes
• Carry water
• Can be combined with nearby attractions

👉 Read full detailed guide: Click this for a detailed itinerary 

6 – Lovely Lepakshi and Vidurashwatha

Distance from Bangalore:
~120–130 km (one way)

What to See & Do:

• Explore Lepakshi temple and its hanging pillar
• See the famous monolithic Nandi statue
• Admire Vijayanagara-style architecture and carvings
• Visit Vidurashwatha (historic and spiritual site)
• Ideal for history + temple exploration

Best Time to Visit:

• October to February is ideal
• Can be visited year-round
• Avoid peak afternoon heat

Places to Eat on the Way:

• Nandi Upachar / highway eateries
• Basic food options near Lepakshi
  👉 Carry snacks if needed

Travel Tips:

• Start early for a relaxed trip
• Carry water (limited facilities)
• Combine both spots for full day usage
• Good roads throughout

👉 Read full detailed guide: Click this for a detailed itinerary 

7 – Nandi hills and beyond……

Distance from Bangalore:
~60–80 km (one way)

What to See & Do:

• Catch sunrise at Nandi Hills
• Visit Tipu’s Drop and viewpoints
• Explore Devanahalli Fort (Tipu Sultan’s birthplace)
• Visit Muddenahalli (Sir M. Visvesvaraya memorial)
• Scenic drive with multiple short stops

Best Time to Visit:

• October to February is ideal
• Sunrise visits highly recommended
• Weekdays less crowded

Places to Eat on the Way:

• Indian Paratha Company
• Nandi Upachar
• Highway cafés near airport road

Travel Tips:

• Start very early (before 6 AM for sunrise)
• Expect crowd on weekends
• Entry restrictions

👉 Read full detailed guide: Click this for a detailed itinerary

8 – Revana Siddeshwara Betta (SRS Hills), Aprameya Temple and a Surprise!

Climb to the hilltop temple with panoramic views, explore the unique idol of Aprameya, and enjoy a surprise spot on the way!

Click this for a detailed itinerary

9 – Two dams and a Trident Hill of Shoolagiri!

Two serene dams and a climb to the sacred trident-shaped hill of Shoolagiri make for a scenic and offbeat day.

Click this for a detailed itinerary

10 – Shivanasamudra Falls & Sandy Beach @ Talakadu!

Witness the twin waterfalls of Shivanasamudra in full flow, then relax on the sandy riverside at mystical Talakadu.

Click this for a detailed itinerary

🎒 Travel Essentials for One-Day Trips from Bangalore

• Most of these trips involve long drives, walking, and outdoor exploration. These essentials will make your trip comfortable:
• Comfortable walking shoes – essential for uneven terrain (link)
• Lightweight backpack – carry water, snacks, and essentials
• Power bank – useful for navigation and photos (link)
• Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated
• Car phone mount – helpful for navigation (link)

11 – Marvellous Madhugiri and surprise in Seebi!

Explore the majestic Madhugiri fort — the second largest monolith in Asia — and the well-known Seebi Narasimha temple which has beautiful wall murals from the 15th century.

Click this for a detailed itinerary 

12 – Stunning Shravanabelagola & Markonahalli Dam!

Visit the world-famous monolithic statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola and unwind by the quiet waters of Markonahalli Dam.

Click this for a detailed itinerary

13 – Awesome Antaragange & Kotilingeshwara temple

Trek through rocky caves at Antaragange, then visit the iconic Kotilingeshwara temple with thousands of Shiva lingas.

Click this for a detailed itinerary

14 – Lovely Hike in Haddinakallu & Beautiful Basaralu

A refreshing hike up Haddinakallu Betta offers magnificent views, while Basaralu surprises you with exquisite Hoysala temple architecture.

Click this for a detailed itinerary

15 – Riverside picnic at  Muthathi/Bheemeshwari and Achalu Betta

Picnic by the Cauvery at Muthathi or Bheemeshwari, followed by a short hike to Achalu Betta for lovely views and village charm.

Click this for a detailed itinerary

16 – Karighatta Hill & Mahadevpura

A short climb to Karighatta Hill with a famous temple for Lord Venkatesha rewards you with panoramic views, while Mahadevpura offers serene riverside landscapes and birdwatching.

Click this for a detailed itinerary

17 – Exploring Channapatna Toy-land and a lovely hill!

Explore Channapatna’s colourful toy-making heritage, then visit a peaceful nearby hill for a mix of art, culture, and nature.

Click this for a detailed Itinerary

18 – Gudibande Fort and Jakkalamadugu dam

Climb the lesser-known Gudibande Fort with stunning views and an ancient Shiva temple, and cool off by the calm waters of Jakkalamadugu Dam.

Click this for a detailed itinerary

19 – Awesome Avalabetta & Dandiganahalli Dam

Avalabetta offers a scenic cliffside viewpoint and hilltop shrine, paired perfectly with a peaceful visit to Dandiganahalli Dam.

Click this for a detailed Itinerary

20 – Beautiful Bettamugilalam & Panchapalli Dam

Drive through forest roads to reach Bettamugilalam, a quiet hill retreat, and unwind beside the waters of Panchapalli Dam.

Click this for a detailed Itinerary

21 – Spiritual Kaiwara and Captivating Kailasagiri hill

Blend mythology and scenery with a visit to spiritual Kaiwara and the hilltop retreat of Kailasagiri — ideal for a peaceful escape.

Click this for a detailed itinerary 

22 – Turuvekere Hoysala Temples & Lakes 

Turuvekere is a small town near Bangalore. Turuvekere Hoysala Temples are small and beautiful. Not only the town has two lovely temples but also has a magnificent temple at Thandaga which is nearby.

In addition, you will also get an opportunity to see the large Mallaghatta Lake and Nonavinakere Lake (One of the largest lakes in Karnataka).

For a detailed  itinerary of this lovely trip from Bangalore – http://traveltwosome.com/turuvekere-hoysala-one-day-trip-guide/

23 – Srirangapatna plus Ranganathittu & Kokrebellur Bird Sanctuaries 

Srirangapatna is famous for Tipu Sultan and the temple of Sri Ranganathaswamy. This day trip from Bangalore helps you to explore the glorious heritage of Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna Fort and Srirangapatna Temple of Sri Ranganathaswamy.

You will also get a chance to visit two lovely bird sanctuaries – Ranganathittu & Kokkarebellur

For a detailed  itinerary of this trip from Bangalore – http://traveltwosome.com/srirangapatna-one-day-trip-guide/

24 – Ramadevara Betta & Kanva Dam

Ramadevara Betta and Kanva Reservoir make a nice combination for an easy day trip from Bangalore.

This is an interesting one-day trip. It will bring back nostalgic memories of the Bollywood classic “Sholay” to you. The film was shot around Ramadevara Betta. It is a lovely day trip of adventure – A trek up a small hill with fantastic 360-degree views of the Rocky landscape and visiting a lovely lake made by the backwaters of Kanva reservoir!

Please check out the detailed one day trip guide from Bangalore here – http://traveltwosome.com/ramadevara-betta-kanva-reservoir-one-day-trip-guide/

25 – Vishwaroopa Vijaya Vittala Temple & Mahimapura Hill

This is another easy one in the list of one day trips from Bangalore. An iteresting one. Vishwaroopa Vijaya Vittala temple complex is known for the wonderful temple dedicated to Bhagavad Gita.

The massive temple has all verses of the Bhagavad-Gita inscribed on stone inside the temple. Mahimapura which is close by is a small hill with the lovely temple of Lord Ranganatha.

Please click on this link for a complete one day trip guide from Bangalore – http://traveltwosome.com/vishwaroopa-vijaya-vittala-temple/

26 – Isha Foundation Chikkaballapur & Nandi Hills 

Isha Yoga Centre Bangalore near Chikkaballapur is now open to the public. Though it is still under construction, you can visit the place and see the exquisite Adi Yogi statue, Yogishwara Linga and Naga mantapa. You can combine this with perennial favourite Nandi Hills for a lovely one-day trip.

Check out the detailed itinerary here – http://traveltwosome.com/isha-yoga-centre-bangalore-one-day-trip-guide/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How to plan a one-day trip in Bangalore? – The one day trip in Bangalore can be easily planned by travelling in your own vehicle or hiring a taxi. Pick up any of the itineraries given above and plan your next one day trip in Bangalore. If you are using public transport, you will be able to cover only one place.
2. What are the small places to visit near Bangalore? – There are many small places to visit near Bangalore as you can see in the list of 52 places given in the itineraries above.
3. Where can i see the itinerary for one day trip from Bangalore within 100 KMs? – All the places given above are suitable for one day trip from Bangalore within 100 KMs. Follow the detailed itinerary and have a nice trip.
4. How can I plan a half day trip from Bangalore? – You can easily plan a half day trip from Bangalore with the itineraries given above. Plan to visit one place at a time.
5. How to plan a one day outing in Bangalore for family? – You can easily plan a one day outing in Bangalore for your family by just following the detailed itineraries given above!

Aren’t you excited now to go on any of these one day trips from Bangalore? Please share your experiences and any updates with us which will help us to update these posts. We will continue to add more to this list.

Conclusion

Bangalore is surrounded by many beautiful places which one can explore as a one day trip. This list of one day trips from Bangalore covering 52 places should inspire you to plan your next trip. We will continue to add more to the list and keep updating it.

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