Nandi Hills is an hour and a half north of Bangalore, and if you leave before dawn you reach the top as the sun comes up over a sea of cloud. The 23 one-day trips here run from Bannerghatta National Park and Wonderla, an hour out, to Melukote and Talakadu on the Kaveri at 2h 40m. Most are granite hills and temples; the rest are the palace towns of the Mysore road, a few lakes and the waterfalls of the Kaveri.
Go to the hills and treks from October to February, Shivanasamudra after the monsoon, and Kokkare Bellur in winter for the nesting birds. With a night or two, the weekend getaways from Bangalore reach Coorg, Chikmagalur, Ooty, Wayanad and Hampi.
All costs are in Indian rupees for two people: fuel and tolls there and back, food, entry fees and local transport. No hotel. Drive times are one-way from central Bangalore in typical traffic, which can add an hour on a weekday.
The short list
| Destination | Round trip | Best for | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wonderla | ~1h32 km | ~2h | Family | ₹5,900–₹8,600 | March |
| Nelamangala | ~1h29 km | ~2h | Nature | ₹5,900–₹8,600 | December |
| Bannerghatta National Park | ~1h33 km | ~2h | Wildlife | ₹5,800–₹8,500 | October |
| Ramanagara | ~1h 5m51 km | ~2h 15m | Adventure | ₹6,200–₹9,000 | December |
| Hoskote | ~1h 15m30 km | ~2h 30m | Nature | ₹5,900–₹8,600 | September |
| Hesaraghatta Lake | ~1h 15m34 km | ~2h 30m | Nature | ₹5,800–₹8,600 | December |
| Hosur | ~1h 15m40 km | ~2h 30m | Culture | ₹6,100–₹8,800 | October |
| Kanakapura | ~1h 25m59 km | ~2h 55m | Nature | ₹6,400–₹9,100 | August |
| Shivagange | ~1h 30m51 km | ~3h | Spiritual | ₹6,300–₹9,000 | December |
| Nandi Hills | ~1h 35m60 km | ~3h 10m | Nature | ₹6,300–₹9,000 | October |
| Savandurga | ~1h 35m68 km | ~3h 15m | Adventure | ₹6,000–₹8,800 | December |
| Makalidurga | ~1h 35m60 km | ~3h 15m | Adventure | ₹6,300–₹9,100 | November |
| Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary | ~1h 40m91 km | ~3h 25m | Wildlife | ₹6,800–₹9,600 | January |
| Mandya | ~1h 45m102 km | ~3h 30m | Nature | ₹7,100–₹9,700 | October |
| Antara Gange | ~1h 50m69 km | ~3h 40m | Adventure | ₹6,500–₹9,300 | October |
| Srirangapatna | ~2h 5m130 km | ~4h 10m | History | ₹7,400–₹11,000 | September |
| Chunchi Falls | ~2h 5m88 km | ~4h 15m | Nature | ₹6,700–₹9,500 | August |
| Devarayanadurga | ~2h 15m81 km | ~4h 25m | Nature | ₹6,500–₹9,300 | January |
| Shivanasamudra | ~2h 15m101 km | ~4h 30m | Nature | ₹7,000–₹9,700 | July |
| Lepakshi | ~2h 25m124 km | ~4h 50m | Spiritual | ₹7,100–₹9,700 | February |
| Mysore | ~2h 25m146 km | ~4h 55m | History | ₹7,600–₹11,000 | September |
| Melukote | ~2h 40m139 km | ~5h 15m | Spiritual | ₹7,400–₹11,000 | January |
| Talakadu | ~2h 40m137 km | ~5h 20m | History | ₹7,300–₹11,000 | November |
Everything within about 90 minutes fits a half day. Past two hours the round trip runs four hours or more, so leave at dawn to get out of the city before the traffic builds.
Closest if you're short on time
Three day trips sit about an hour out: Bannerghatta National Park, Wonderla and Nelamangala. Ramanagara is 1h 5m down the Mysore road.
Best for granite hills and treks
Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills is the sunrise hill north of the city. Get to the top early for the view over the clouds, walk past Tipu Sultan's summer retreat, and stop at the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at the foot of the hill.
Don't miss
- Nandidurg Fort
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
- Nandi Hills Sunrise Point
- Nandi Hills Trekking Trail
Nandi Hills
≈ INR 6,300–INR 9,000
1h 35m drive · Best in October
The ancient hilltop temple overlooks a vast cloud-filled valley at sunrise.
Top sights
Nandi Hills Karnataka
Makalidurga
Savandurga
Savandurga is a huge granite monolith west of the city. Climb the bare rock to the old fort walls at the top; start at dawn and wear shoes with grip.
Don't miss
- Savandurga Fort
Savandurga
≈ INR 6,000–INR 8,800
1h 35m drive · Best in December
This massive monolith offers a challenging hike with panoramic views from the summit.
Ramanagara
Ramanagara is a landscape of granite boulders an hour down the Mysore road, known for rock climbing and the Ramadevara Betta vulture sanctuary on the hill.
Don't miss
- Ramadevara Betta
- Sri Rama Temple
Ramanagara
≈ INR 6,200–INR 9,000
1h 5m drive · Best in December
Massive granite boulders provide a rugged backdrop for popular rock climbing routes.
Top sights
Janapada Loka
Makalidurga
Makalidurga is a granite hill near Doddaballapur. Trek up past the railway line to the fort walls, with Gundamagere Lake below.
Don't miss
- Makalidurga Fort Trek
- Makalidurga Fort
- Makalidurga Temple
- Makalidurga Lake
Makalidurga
≈ INR 6,300–INR 9,100
1h 35m drive · Best in November
Makalidurga is a granite hill near Doddaballapur where a morning trek ends at old fort walls above Gundamagere Lake and a railway line.
Shivagange
Shivagange is a steep rock hill near Dobbaspet with cave temples and carved steps to the top. It is a hard climb in places, so start early.
Don't miss
- Shivagange Hill
- Siddara Betta
- Namada Chilume
Shivagange
≈ INR 6,300–INR 9,000
1h 30m drive · Best in December
Shivagange is a steep rock hill near Dobbaspet with cave temples, carved steps and wide views over the plains for anyone who starts early.
Antara Gange
Antara Gange is a boulder hill near Kolar with a spring-fed temple and a scramble through rock caves above it. Go for the sunrise trek.
Don't miss
- Antara Gange Caves
- Someshwara Temple
- Anthargange Trek
- Kolar City Market
Antara Gange
≈ INR 6,500–INR 9,300
1h 50m drive · Best in October
Natural volcanic rock caves create a labyrinthine path through the hill slopes
Devarayanadurga
Devarayanadurga is a forested hill near Tumakuru with the Yoga Narasimha temple at the top. Namada Chilume's spring is on the way down.
Don't miss
- Yoga Narasimha Temple
Devarayanadurga
≈ INR 6,500–INR 9,300
2h 15m drive · Best in January
Ancient hilltop temples are surrounded by dense forests filled with wildlife.
Kanakapura
Kanakapura is the base for Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta and the road to Mekedatu, where the Kaveri squeezes through a rock gorge.
Don't miss
- Mekedatu
Iconic eats: Vada Sambhar, Udupi Oota
Kanakapura
≈ INR 6,400–INR 9,100
1h 25m drive · Best in August
A granite-and-forest country town south of the city, the base for Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta and the road to Mekedatu on the Kaveri.
Top sights
Chunchi Falls
Mekedatu
Best for the Mysore road and the Kaveri
Mysore
Mysore is the palace city. Tour Mysore Palace, which is lit up with thousands of bulbs on Sunday evenings, climb Chamundi Hill, and walk the Devaraja Market. Brindavan Gardens is a short drive north.
Don't miss
- Mysore Palace
- Chamundeshwari Temple
- Devaraja Market
- Brindavan Gardens
Iconic eats: Filter Coffee, Mysore Masala Dosa, Mysore Pak
Mysore
≈ INR 7,600–INR 11K
2h 25m drive · Best in September
Stained glass windows cast colorful patterns across the ornate hallways of the Amba Vilas Palace
Top sights
Chamundeshwari Temple
GRS Fantasy Park
Rail Museum
Karanji Lake Nature Park
Jaganmohan Palace
Srirangapatna
Srirangapatna is Tipu Sultan's island capital in the Kaveri. See the Ranganathaswamy temple and the Daria Daulat summer palace, and take a boat at Ranganathittu bird sanctuary nearby.
Don't miss
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Iconic eats: Idli
Srirangapatna
≈ INR 7,400–INR 11K
2h 5m drive · Best in September
Tipu Sultan's island capital in the Kaveri, with the Ranganathaswamy temple, his Daria Daulat summer palace and the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary nearby.
Top sights
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Daria Daulat Bagh
Srirangapatna Fort
Shivanasamudra
Shivanasamudra is where the Kaveri splits into the Gaganachukki and Bharachukki falls. Go between July and September, when the river is high.
Don't miss
- Gagana Chukki Falls
- Ranganathaswamy Temple
- Cauvery River Bank
Shivanasamudra
≈ INR 7,000–INR 9,700
2h 15m drive · Best in July
The Kaveri River splits to form the twin Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls.
Talakadu
Talakadu is a temple town half-buried in sand on a bend of the Kaveri. Walk among the dunes to the Vaidyanatheswara temple.
Don't miss
- Vaidyanatheswara Temple
- Gunjanarasimhaswamy Temple
- Badanaguppe Temple
Iconic eats: Vada Sambhar, Udupi Meals
Talakadu
≈ INR 7,300–INR 11K
2h 40m drive · Best in November
Sand dunes cover ancient temples near the wide, sweeping curves of the Kaveri river.
Melukote
Melukote is a hill temple town with the Cheluvanarayana temple, the Yoga Narasimha temple on the hill and the big Kalyani tank. Eat the local puliyogare.
Don't miss
- Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple
- Kalyani Pushkarani
- Melukote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary
- Academy of Sanskrit Research
Iconic eats: Puliyogare
Melukote
≈ INR 7,400–INR 11K
2h 40m drive · Best in January
Hilltop temples look out over a peaceful valley dotted with stepwells.
Top sights
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple
Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary
Kokkare Bellur is a village where painted storks and spot-billed pelicans nest in the trees above the houses from December to March. Watch quietly from the lanes.
Don't miss
- Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary
Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary
≈ INR 6,800–INR 9,600
1h 40m drive · Best in January
Kokkare Bellur is a village where painted storks and spot-billed pelicans nest in the trees right above the houses through the winter breeding season.
Chunchi Falls
Chunchi Falls drops through a rocky gorge on the Arkavathi near the Mekedatu road, a short walk down from the parking area. It runs best after the rains.
Don't miss
- Chunchi Falls
- Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Chunchi Falls
≈ INR 6,700–INR 9,500
2h 5m drive · Best in August
Chunchi Falls drops through a rocky gorge on the Arkavathi River near the road to Mekedatu, a short scramble down from the parking area.
Mandya
Mandya is sugarcane country on the Mysore road, with Kaveri ghats and stalls selling fresh jaggery.
Don't miss
- Cauvery River Ghats
Iconic eats: Uddina Vada
Mandya
≈ INR 7,100–INR 9,700
1h 45m drive · Best in October
Sugarcane country on the Mysore road, with Kaveri river ghats and roadside stalls selling fresh jaggery.
Best for temples and town edges
Lepakshi
Lepakshi is in Andhra Pradesh, two and a half hours north. See the Veerabhadra temple and its hanging pillar, and the huge stone Nandi bull down the road.
Don't miss
- Veerabhadra Temple
Iconic eats: Punugulu, Pesarattu Upma
Lepakshi
≈ INR 7,100–INR 9,700
2h 25m drive · Best in February
A massive monolithic bull carved from stone guards the ancient temple entrance.
Top sights
Nandi Statue
Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta is on the city's southern edge. Take the bus safari past lions, tigers and bears, and walk through the butterfly park.
Don't miss
- Bannerghatta Grand Safari
- Champakadhama Temple
Iconic eats: Idli, Vada Sambar
Bannerghatta National Park
≈ INR 5,800–INR 8,500
1h drive · Best in October
Bannerghatta National Park on the southern edge of the city runs bus safaris past lions, tigers and bears, with a butterfly park beside the gate.
Wonderla
Wonderla is an amusement and water park near Bidadi, with wave pools and roller coasters for a full family day.
Don't miss
- Wonderla Amusement Park Bangalore
Wonderla
≈ INR 5,900–INR 8,600
1h drive · Best in March
Wonderla is a large amusement and water park off the Mysore road, with wave pools, roller coasters and water slides that fill a whole family day.
Hesaraghatta Lake
Hesaraghatta Lake and its grasslands on the northern edge of the city draw birders at dawn.
Don't miss
- Hesaraghatta Lake
Hesaraghatta Lake
≈ INR 5,800–INR 8,600
1h 15m drive · Best in December
Hesaraghatta Lake and its open grasslands on the northern fringe of the city draw birders at dawn looking for harriers, larks and the odd fox.
Nelamangala
Nelamangala is a small town on the Tumakuru road with the Ugra Narasimha temple, and the turn for Shivagange.
Don't miss
- Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple
Nelamangala
≈ INR 5,900–INR 8,600
1h drive · Best in December
A small town on the Tumakuru road with the Ugra Narasimha temple and quiet farmland around it, on the way to Shivagange.
Hoskote
Hoskote is a market town east of the city known for its biryani, with a big lake that draws birds in the cool months.
Iconic eats: Hoskote Biryani
Hoskote
≈ INR 5,900–INR 8,600
1h 15m drive · Best in September
A market town east of the city known for its biryani, with a large lake where birds gather in the cooler months.
Hosur
Hosur is over the Tamil Nadu border, with the hilltop Chandira Choodeswarar temple and the Rayakottai fort to the south.
Don't miss
- Chandira Choodeswarar Temple
- Royakotta Fort
- Hosur Old Town Market
Iconic eats: Sambar, Vada
Hosur
≈ INR 6,100–INR 8,800
1h 15m drive · Best in October
An industrial town over the Tamil Nadu border, with the hilltop Chandira Choodeswarar temple and the old Rayakottai fort a short drive south.
Which to skip, and when
Skip the granite treks in April and May, when the rock is too hot by mid-morning. Skip Shivanasamudra from January to May, when the falls are low. Skip Nandi Hills on a weekend morning without an early start; the road backs up.
Common questions
What's the closest one-day trip from Bangalore?
Bannerghatta National Park, Wonderla and Nelamangala, all about an hour away, are the closest of the 23 day trips on this page. Ramanagara's granite hills are next at about 1h 5m.
What's the best one-day trip from Bangalore?
Mysore, about 2h 25m southwest, is the strongest day trip from Bangalore: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill and the Devaraja Market, with Srirangapatna on the way. Nandi Hills, at about 1h 35m, is the pick for a sunrise.
How much does a one-day trip from Bangalore cost for two?
A day trip from Bangalore costs about ₹5,800 to ₹11,000 for two people on this page, covering fuel and tolls, food, entry fees and local transport, with no hotel. Mysore, Srirangapatna, Melukote and Talakadu sit at the top.
Where can you go trekking on a day trip from Bangalore?
Savandurga, Makalidurga, Shivagange and the Ramanagara hills are the granite treks on this page, all within about 1h 5m to 1h 35m. Start at dawn; the rock gets hot by late morning.
When is the best time for Shivanasamudra falls?
July to September, after the monsoon fills the Kaveri. Shivanasamudra is about 2h 15m from Bangalore, and the Gaganachukki and Bharachukki falls are a thin trickle by late summer.
Where can you see birds on a day trip from Bangalore?
Kokkare Bellur, about 1h 30m away, is a village where painted storks and pelicans nest in the trees above the houses from December to March. Ranganathittu near Srirangapatna and Hesaraghatta Lake are the other two bird spots on this page.
The bottom line
Start with Nandi Hills at sunrise, Mysore and Srirangapatna for history, and one of the granite treks on a cool morning. Plan your day trip free and the planner ranks these for your date and group.
Browse more day trips by city, or stay out a night with the weekend getaways from Bangalore.
Drive times are routed by road from central Bangalore in October 2026. Costs come from the same pricing the planner uses. Check opening times and weather before you go.
Written by Namrata · Editor
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