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Best Places to Visit Near Bangalore in Summer

Amongst the best places to visit in Karnataka, Nandi hills receive the most number of visitors throughout the year. Sitting at a height of 4,851 feet above sea level and located at a distance of about 60 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills offers the unmistakable scenic beauty away from the chaos of the city.

The ideal weekend getaway for youngsters is also culturally rich in history holding the reminiscent of Tipu Sultan’s reign. Along with the local tourists, people from all over the country visit this beautiful town to witness the pristine sunrise. 

Apart from stargazing and watching the first rays of sun spread its crimson color in the sky, there are tons of other activities to be done here like Paragliding, cycling, trekking, camping and more. As soon as you enter the foothills of Nandi hills, cold breeze and foggy views will take over the roads. The backdrop of lush green hills and hairpin bends will excite your adventurous soul.

 For cyclists and trekkers, the Nandi hills are haven filled with beautiful terrain and lofty altitude. The top viewpoint of the hills will welcome you with lots of monkeys, exotic birds, a variety of plants and more. Not only can you visit the hills, but with tons of resorts around, you can also spend a night amidst the natural escapades. With all the beautiful wonders of nature and breathtaking landscapes, this hill station is a perfect spot for a long due family outing, first date, weekend with friends or just a solo getaway to rejuvenate your soul.

Nestled in Karnataka, the city of Ramanagara is a popular hub of culture in the South. Home to rolling green hills, Ramanagara is surrounded by the peaks of Shiva Ramagiri, Somagiri, Krishnagiri, and Yeti Rajagiri, Revanna Siddeshwara, Sidilakallu, and Jala Siddeshwara. Mysore silk saris that are famous across the world for its superior texture and quality, are made from the silk harvested in these regions. Because of its rich silk harvest, Ramanagara is also known as the Silk City.

The most popular attraction in Ramanagara is the Janapada Loka, also known as the “Folk World”, which is a museum that exhibits exclusive village folk art and artifacts. The open-air museum also organizes several folk-based programs throughout the year and is a must-visit for tourists who desire to experience the culture of Karnataka first hand.

The city also has the country’s only vulture sanctuary, the Ramanagara Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary. The rocky area, peppered with outcrops, is a popular spot for bird watching and hiking. The sanctuary houses to different species of vultures like the long-billed vulture and the Egyptian vulture. Inside the sanctuary is also a temple dedicated to Lord Ram, with a unique idol of Rama sitting poised with Sita on his lap.

Mekedatu in Ramanagara, which is the blending spot of the two rivers Arkavathi and Kaveri, is a popular picnic area for those who want to enjoy the green opens with the sound of the roaring waters.

The city of Ramanagara rose into prominence after it was used as a setting in the Bollywood cult classic, Sholay. It is located approximately 50kms away from Bangalore and is connected to the metropolitan by buses that take around 90 minutes to travel between the two places. Ramanagara does not have airports or railway junctions of its own, and the nearest city that connects it to flight or rail services is Bangalore.

The Best time to visit this city would be in the winter months when the climate is not too hot to enjoy the outdoors.

Wake up to the smell of tranquilizing coffee, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this misty land of hills and streams. Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg lives up to its name with luring amalgamation of history, luxury, adventure, mouth-watering cuisine. Located along the western ghats, this famous coffee-producing hill station is well-known for its jaw-dropping ravishing scenery and opulence.

Not just the scintillating beauty, this misty landscape has a rich culture and a unique local clan - Kodavas specialised in martial arts, widely known for their hospitality. Ranging from admiring the beauty of this heavenly destination to a challenging trek or deep insight into the culture at the Madikeri Fort to the enthralling adventure at Abbey Falls or the spicy curries to the sweet heart-melting handmade truffles, Coorg will make you oscillate to the extremes in everything.

With so many activities in the house, this is indeed an ideal destination for everyone, whether you are a foodie, an explorer, an adventurer, or a tranquility seeker. Not to forget the popular festivals -  Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest).

Stunning mountains, the cascade of falling waters, and eye-feasting view of the flora and fauna, this place is indeed a perfect holiday destination for people who need an escape from their monotonous 9-5 hectic life. Much-acclaimed to be the preferred destination for trekking sports and white water rafting, Coorg qualifies to be the perfect location for the thrill-seekers.

Quench your thirst for adventure as you drive along the misty roads in the winter afternoons around the hills. Though the tinge of excitement is unnerving enough to boost your enthusiasm, do take care of the safety measures while you enjoy your exhilarating journey to Coorg.

Make sure you do not miss out the mesmerising towns including Gonikoppal, Somwarpet, Kushalnagar, Pollibetta, and Virajpet to add rewarding experiences to your itinerary. 

Translated as the ‘Young Daughter’s Town’ as it was presented as dowry to the younger daughter of the Chief of Sakrepatna, Rukmangada, this serene city is also known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’ tranquilizing you from within with its aroma.

Lush green trees set against the backdrop of majestic Mullayangiri ranges, Chikmagalur is one of the most popular spots for trekkers, nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and explorers. The pious land is home to numerous temples including the Sharadamba Temple, Vidyashankara Temple, Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple, and Amruteshwar Temple adding grace to the grandeur of the vicinity bringing in devotees from far and close offering their prayers.

Chikmagalur stands at an elevation of 3,400 feet, covered with eye-catching tea and coffee plantations, making it a major commercial hub of the state, and also bringing in tourists from all over the world to entice the unique experience of walking through the plantations.

This entrancing hill station is not just about temples and sightseeing but also adventure activities that would savor your inner thrill enthusiast.  Do not miss out on the famous waterfalls, namely, Jhari Waterfalls, Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls, Shankar Falls, and Kadambi Falls as there are plenty of them that will surely leave you mesmerized by spellbinding scenic beauty. Cascade of water flowing over the rugged terrain, it is a view that you will remember all through your life.

If you wish to find an escape from the monotonous 9 to 5 life, this is just the right place for you to spend some time amidst the flora and fauna. Do not forget to carry your camera along to come back with pictures to flaunt on your social media. 

A hill station in the heights of Western Ghats of India, Sakleshpur is a small town located in the state of Karnataka. Famous for being surrounded by a surprising number of plantations of coffee, tea and spices, Sakleshpur’s economy thrives on these. Apart from that, with the recent development in the tourism happening around the town, places to visit in Sakleshpur have recently gathered a lot of fame for themselves because of their beauty and the kind of experiences that they harbour, both of which are unparalleled. 

Easily connected with Major cities like Bangalore and Mangalore, Sakleshpur has a bounty of beautiful places to see, both manmade and nature’s gifts. A prime example of that is the ages-old Manjarabad Fort constructed in the form of a star, which is also one of the prime tourist places in Sakleshpur. But that is not the only one, the list of names goes on and on as to where you should go to see Sakleshpur treating you with its best views of natural beauty, sometimes mingling with the manmade structures. 

The 600 year old Sakleshwara temple that sits on the river Hemavathi’s banks is a piece of fine craftsmanship in surroundings that are meant to take your breath away. And taking your breath away brings to mind the Bisle View Point, offering a panoramic view of the region and hills around, as well as the rainforests of the area. You can see as far away as the Pushpagiri, Dodda Betta and Kumara Parvatha Hills.

And no, the hill station is not just about the sights as there is a long list of things to do in Sakleshpur. The hill station knows how to live on the adventurous edge of life too. Sakleshpur is a heaven for trekking enthusiasts, and that is why this town has taken the definition of trekking to a whole new level by introducing something new like Railway Bridge Trekking. You can trek on the 52km long railway track (trek) between Sakleshpur and Kukke Subramanya road junction, which was closed down long ago. This unforgettable experience takes you through the scenes of at least 25 waterfalls.

And as far as the question of staying in Sakleshpur is concerned, nature stays in Sakleshpur are bound to take your breath away with their surroundings, features and comfort alongside the local hospitality that you will experience here. There is no one type in the places to stay in Sakleshpur and that is what makes it worth experiencing. So take your family, friends, or partner and come to Sakleshpur, and even if no one agrees, come solo. But do not think of missing out on so much fun.

Known for its soothing temperature all around the year, Wayanad is the ultimate destination to escape the scorching sun of North India. This place doesn’t only offer its cool temperature but along with that, it has untouched woods, misty mountains, and long spread plantations. Often called the spice garden of India, Wayanad is laid with many tourist places and vast orchards of various spices like cardamom, Black pepper, Star Anise, Fenugreek, Black cumin and more. These green orchards of distinct spices give this place a different fragrance which is further enriched with the aroma of coffee plantation, nutrition of organic fruits and vegetables and waving paddy fields.

Having said this much about the greenery in the city, it is understood that it will have numerous wildlife sanctuaries, reserves and national parks protecting the rural life of the forests. Adding to all the natural beauty you have India’s largest earth dam and Asia’s second-largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad. Having mighty mountains, dense woods, and gushing rivers, Wayanad is a hub for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, and many more adventurous activities.

You can trek to India’s largest Earth Dam, Banasura Dam or trek to witness the sun setting behind the mountains from Wayanad’s highest peak, Chembra Peak. The list doesn’t end here, you have the chance to explore potentially Neolithic age at Edakkal Caves. You will find some petroglyphs- prehistoric rock carvings used as a communication tool.

Moreover, you will find some amazing examples of ancient architecture and religious beliefs through the monuments like Thirunelli Temple, Karinthandan Temple, Ancient Jain Temple and much more. All these threads weave into an amazing tapestry that will glorify your photo album as well as the album of your life.

From nature walks in gardens that makes one wonder whether Paradise, as depicted in scriptures of various cultures, have actually been derived from such sensory experiences to relaxing over a cup of tea from the tea plantations dotting the hillside, only to realize most humbly of nature’s gifts as a bountiful provider, the tourist places in Ooty can be expected to resuscitate the soul, depleted of its spiritual reserves through the trials of everyday existence. 

Ooty, once the summer capital of Madras Presidency under the British, can be safely regarded as “India’s Switzerland”. John Sullivan, the then collector of Coimbatore had noted the same in his elaborate report on the region, way back in the 19th century. After independence, Ooty was developed into a major tourist destination and understandably so, given its qualification for the same, owing to nature’s abundant blessings in terms of climate, scenic splendour, local sights and sounds, its wealth of birds and beasts and of course its homegrown beverages of tea and coffee.

The majestic “Queen of the Hills” forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, reputed for its fragile and exquisite ecosystem. In the ecological parlance, it is best known as a “hotspot”, the label justifying the designation of the section of the Western Ghats as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ooty has been developed to offer a rare glimpse to tourists of the essence of the rest of the reserve, much of which are out of bounds as part of conservation efforts.

The wooded hills of the Western Ghats with its canopy of unkempt, untouched shola vegetation interspersed with maintained and cultivated tea gardens offer a rare view of the symbiotic existence of man and nature where one can see and learn what sustainable use of natural resources should ideally look like. The botanical garden and rose garden curate much of the bounty of nature at Ooty to mesmerizing effect. One has to see the tourist places in Ooty it to believe in the gifts of life, otherwise often conveniently overlooked.

One of the most picturesque destinations for mountain lovers, Kudremukh is located in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. It is a quaint hill station and a mining town which has enchanted the trekking aficionados from time to time. It is known for having the Kudremukh peak which is the second-highest peak after Mullayangiri in Karnataka. The town was historically famous as ‘Samseparvata’ as one way approaching it was through the Samse village. 

Known for its religious tourist attractions, waterfalls and for being a trekker’s delight and a bird watcher’s paradise, Kudremukh is a beautiful destination to be explored if you crave for adventure and thrill in your life. Showcasing a carpet of pristine natural beauty, Kudremukh is one of the most brilliant getaways for a memorable escapade with your loved ones. 

Literally meaning horse face in Kannada, Kudremukh is a fascinating mountain peak resembling a horse face from one side. It has a height of 1,894 metres and is one of the most alluring places for mountain lovers in South India. It is a wonderful respite where you can enjoy a plethora of scenic vistas and marvel at the natural beauty. It is blessed with a landscape that comprises eye-catching mountain peaks and verdant valleys. 

The tourists here are in for a treat as they can witness the beautiful flora and fauna along the popular trekking routes through the Western Ghats. It is located in the protected area of Kudremukh National Park which makes it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Kudremukh is known to be a habitat for a number of endangered and endemic species where you can see tigers, leopards and wild dogs in the landscape. It is blessed with distinct flora and fauna that comprises tropical wet evergreen forests. 

Mentioned as the adventure capital of South India, Dandeli is synonymous to peace and adventure. Located in the rocky trails of the Western Ghats, Dandeli is a splendid city of Karnataka. This place is situated at an altitude of 1551 ft above sea-level. 

Dandeli is made up of trails and green environment. The beauty of this place resides significantly in the adventurous hikes and beauty of Western Ghats. The untouched green landscapes house a staggering range of flora and fauna. Apart from the adventurous activities, there are several historical places including Ulavi temple, ancient caves of Kavla, and much more.

An integral part of the Western Ghats, Dandeli is home to colossal mountains, nature reserves, and fascinating wildlife. This place is an incredible destination for every kind of travellers. You can head on to the Kali river for a range of watersports, then, stop by Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, or hike on to the Syntheri rocks and engulf the maddening peace and beauty of the Western Ghats; Dandeli is a complete package of fun, peace, and adventures. 

There are plenty of activities to do in Dandeli. If your interests are inclined towards adventurous hiking trips, then you should explore the Syntheri Rocks in the city. Or, feel the adrenaline rush at Kali River while participating in Whitewater rafting, Boat rides, and Kayaking. End your day by relishing the therapeutic Natural Jacuzzi and soaking in nature’s beauty while staying in tents. Moreover, you can also embark on a wildlife safari to spot exotic wildlife at Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Dandeli’s climate is subtropical, with a major influence of the Western Ghats on it. Temperatures can stay between 20 and 42 degrees Celsius. The closeness to the Arabian Sea affects the weather of this place. The post-monsoon season, October to January is the best time to travel to Dandeli. Temperature from September to November is also pleasant as it starts to cool down.

Coonoor is a municipality and a Taluk located in the Nilgiris district, on the western edge of the state, Tamil Nadu, India. As far as size is concerned, Coonoor, after Ooty, comes second in largeness in all of the beautiful hills of the Nilgiris, providing people with a lot of ground to tour. For more than one trekking expeditions, Coonoor is an ideal base and leads right into the Nilgiri Hills. The tourist places in Coonoor are breath-takingly beautiful.

For a Hill station, Coonoor is very accessible, with the nearest airport being only at a distance of 79 km from the town of Coonoor. The population being so less, it offers a peaceful and relaxing environment which other hill stations don’t. The station features a subtropical highland climate which basically means cool summers and cool but not cold winter.Among the tourist places in Coonoor comes Sim’s Park, with a collective display exceeding one thousand types of species of plants.

The botany based garden is developed partly in Japanese style. The main attractions of this park are the fruits and vegetables shows held annually, in May. Another important place to visit lies about 10 km away from Coonoor, considered a part of Coonoor, which is the Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, which is famous for the magnificent view of the beautiful Hills of Nilgiri and the beautiful Falls called Catherine. Catherine Falls is another important tourist attraction Coonoor.

Tourists normally go trekking from Lady Canning’s seat to Dolphin’s nose. Five and a half km away from Coonoor, also considered a part of Coonoor, lies Lamb’s Rock, which is another point of vantage. The Fort of Droog is a well-known attraction. People commuting to Mettupalayam, witness Law’s Falls about five km away from Coonoor.

Kabini is an exquisite, enthralling location in Karnataka which you ought to visit at least once in your lifetime, whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a love of fauna, or simply someone who loves to travel for leisure. The perfect weather, a host of activities, camping options and more is what makes Kabini a tourist favourite. Summers are great for wildlife visits here while monsoons are the ideal time to feast your eyes upon the sanctuary's abundant greenery, making Kabini an all-year round getaway.

Being centrally located, Kabini is also well connected to major cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Coimbatore. If you’re travelling by air you can alight at Bangalore or Coimbatore and continue your journey to Kabini. Coimbatore is 127 kilometres while Bangalore is 200 kilometres from your destination. You can also choose to fly to Mysore’s domestic airport and travel by road for around 1.5 hours to reach Kabini.

Whilst here, make sure you visit the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary. Ironically, once a hunting  area for the British, the sanctuary has a plethora of flora, exotic fauna, and waterfalls that cascade dramatically. Explore the forests as you head out on a jungle safari, choose to ride on elephant back and feed the royal, friendly animals, thanking them for the enjoyable elephant safari.

Follow it up with a visit to Kabini Dam and a boat ride on the sparkling Kabini River, a tributary of the Kaveri, against a scenic backdrop. Return to your resort to simply sit by the campfire and reminisce about your adventures through the day. If you have some more time to spare, go on a nature expedition early next morning and don't forget to stop by small shops for local handicrafts that you can bring back for your loved ones.

Eat like the locals, as you indulge in Southern Specials like Bisi Bele Bhaat, Vada Sambar, Akki Roti and more. Stay at luxurious properties like Red Earth, The Serai, and Evolve Back, among others. Although within a higher price range, the resorts offer top notch hospitality and amenities, coupled with unique wildlife experiences.

Kabini sees tourists from all across the globe who visit the city for its serenity, beauty, and exotic stays. Be one of them and reside in the lap of luxury!

Nestled along the untamed river Cauvery, Bheemeshwari is a petite town situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Located around a distance of 103 kilometers from Bangalore, Bheemeshwari is called an angler’s paradise for the kind of angling and fishing experience it offers.  Tucked away somewhere off the Kanakapura-Kollegal Highway, Bheemeshwari is a five-kilometer short drive away from Muthathi. The famous getaway near Bangalore is frequented by the city dwellers for adventure activities involving pulsating sports like rafting, kayaking, trekking, camping, angling, wildlife safaris etc. The activities are mostly conducted around the confluence of river Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers. 

It is one of the most visited weekend getaways from Bangalore where the river is a natural habitat for Mahseer which draws the fishing enthusiasts to the many fishing camps in Bheemeshwari as it is believed to be best game fish. The tropical fishes are allowed to be taken out of the water in your fishing game but you can not take them home, this is done to secure these species from getting extinct and to save the wildlife. Besides fishing, the ecological hotspot also offers water sports like rafting, kayaking, coracle ride which is a traditional local oval boat knitted of the split willow branches. Not only birds and fishes but you will also get glimpses of crocodiles, leopards, wild boars, and deer etc in Bheemeshwari forests sanctuary. 

As you enter the forest area, you will be checked well before letting you in, especially for alcohol and hunting gears. Bheemeshwari is cherished as a great weekend destination from Bangalore as it offers in abundance,  Traversing across the river water in a rustic coracle is one of the other factors which acts as a magnet to hundreds and thousands of city dwellers to make a halt at Bheemeshwari. An action-packed weekend in Bheemeshwari starts with tents on the bank of river Cauvery for camping, bonfire at night and glorious sunrises on your morning jog or walk. Trek in the nearby forest stretches and walk uphill to the peaks, embark on a heart-throbbing rafting expedition, eat locally made food, mostly basic yet tasty meals in your camps. These camps provide mosquito nets, cots, food, and bathing facilities in their packages. Sleep at night under the open sky, amid the cocoon-quiet jungle with the gushing sound of the river. You can either leave the next day for your busy city life or can stay back and add more adventure to your Bheemeshwari diary. The solo or two-seater kayaks can be more than just exciting, dodging the boulders and surviving the rapids is not a piece of cake but with little training, you can ace this. There are nearby destinations like Kokrebellur Pelicanry, pristine waterfalls like Mekedatu, Gaganachukki and Barachukki etc which also piques the interest of the travelers.

The ample options of fishing and nature camps in the valley are found scattered along the river bank or deep into the woods. These nature camps are your ultimate stopover after the electrifying rafting excursion or the tiring trekking expedition. Rejuvenate amid nature and devour on some freshly cooked local food while listening to the wild river Cauvery gurgles in its full swell. The open-air dining room in these camps let you dine under the clear sky, sometimes dimly starlit and sometimes ghostly-moonlit. On your drive to Bheemeshwari, you will steer on some hairpin bends which enable breathtaking views of the valley. 

The nearby attractions such as Doddamakali and Galibore are also famous camping location near Bheemeshwari. Situated at a distance of around 7 kilometers from Bheemeshwari, Doddamakali is an isolated stretch of forest whereas Galibore is also a natural habitat for fish which is located 16 kilometers away from Bheemeshwari. Mekedatu is another off-the-beaten destination near Bheemeshwari which has many untrodden jungle trails and waterfalls. Sangam is a mesmerizing confluence point of river Cauvery and river Arkavathi where people often flock for picnicking. Kokrebellur Pelicanry is one of Asia’s largest habitat for migratory birds home to pelicans and painted storks. 

The best time to visit Bheemeshwari is between September to February for experiencing a pleasant weather and the rivers come alive after the monsoon months. Flocks of fishing eagles, kingfishers and many other exotic bird species make it a paradise for birdwatchers. Beware of the Monkeys whom you will find all over the region. It is an ideal place to go and enjoy with friends, family, spouse or office colleagues for a fun-filled weekend. Do carry your camera for capturing wild glimpses as you will encounter a lot more than you expect in Bheemeshwari.

The beautiful hill station of Yelagiri is situated in the Vellore district of the Tamil Nadu state, off the Vaniyambadi Tirupattur road. The Yelagiri village, also sometimes spelled as the Elagiri Village, is located at an altitude of 1,110.6 meters above the sea level. It is surrounded by eye catching orchards, rose gardens, and a lush green valley, thereby comprising the most amazing Yelagiri Tour Packages.

The hill station of Yelagiri is mainly a cluster of fourteen hamlets, with Athanavur as its main and capital town. Yelagiri is among the most famous places in India that is known for many trekking, climbing and other adventure activities as it has some beautiful hills and mountains to climb on. The highest point in the village of Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill which is 4,388 ft in height blessed with some mesmerizing views and places that will make your trek a memorable one.

There is no doubt that a traveller or an adventurer will find plenty of places and sites to explore as the beautiful hills and valleys of the district allows you to give a treat to your eyes with its exotic locales. One of the most amazing and mind boggling place is the man made Punganur Lake in the region which attracts many tourists and visitors every year. It is also one of the many places to visit in Yelagiri while you stay.

Every year during the months of summer, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department celebrates the Summer Festival in the Yelagiri district which showcases different cultural heritage and arts from across the country, which are considered to be the best in Yelagiri Tour. They organize several kinds of cultural programs like the flower show, the dog show, and much more. All of this festivity is conducted every year in which people from different parts of the state and country come down to take a part and is a perfect opportunity to know more about the people and past of Yelagiri.