Top 10 Best Weekend Treks Near Bangalore

Bangalore offers an array of options for weekend treks near the city. Its proximity to the hills and the Western Ghats offers adventure seekers a range of trekking options. Exploring the treks near Bangalore takes you to the popular trekking routes in Karnataka such as – Kumara Parvatha Peak, Brahmagiri, and Kudremukh, to name a few. From lush green grasslands to dreamy mountainscape, trekking near Bangalore satiate your yearning for a thrilling weekend escapade. 

Here is a list of the 10 best treks near Bangalore to explore in 2024 :

1. Kumara Parvatha Trek 
2. Brahmagiri Trek
3. Kodachadri Trek
4. Kote Betta Trek
5. Kopatty Hills Trek
6. Tadiandamol Trek
7. Ballalarayana Durga Trek 
8. Etina Bhujja Trek

1. Kumara Parvatha Trek 

A few hours away from bustling Bangalore city lies a dreamy mountainscape, Kumara Parvatha Trek. The trail is known for its lush green scenery and natural beauty. One of the most popular treks near Bangalore, Kumara Parvatha spans 25 km and can be completed in two days. Kumara Parvatha is the second-highest peak in Coorg and sixth in Karnataka. The trek offers two days of scenic trails and breathtaking landscapes. It is no less than a paradise for nature lovers. 

In a short span, the trek offers a rejuvenating escape. You witness the breathtaking western ghat, verdant grasslands, and trail dotted with gushing waterfalls.

 Kumara Parvatha trek is a paradise for people who admire the silence of the dense forestscape. Right from the beginning, you will walk under a canopy of towering trees in the company of chirping birds and rustling leaves. 

Bangalore to the base of Kumara Parvatha is approximately 220 km and takes around 6 to 7 hours. Board a bus that leaves at night to reach Kukke in the morning and begin your trek at the first light of dawn. 

2. Brahmagiri Trek 

Brahmagiri Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations located between Wayanad and Kannur districts in Kerala in the north and the East and Coorg in Karnataka in the south. The trek to Brahmagiri Peak is one of the picturesque trails, offering diverse experiences on the trail. 

A perfect weekend getaway for indulging in the tranquil bliss of nature, Brahmagiri is a paradise for adventure seekers. It is often compared to the Himalayan meadows due to the vast expanse of grassland the trek boasts of. 

The trek introduces you to the diverse landscapes of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated along the Kerala Border, the Brahmagiri trail traverses dense forest cover, verdant grasslands, and gushing river streams. Add the possibility of sighting herds of elephants on the trek. 

The starting point of the Brahmagiri trek is around 250 km from Bangalore. Trek begins from Iruppu temple and takes 6 hours of intense hike to reach the top. Brahmagiri Trek distance is roughly 8 km and sits at an altitude of 1608 mt. 

A beginner-friendly trek, Brahmagiri is one of the most loved treks near Bangalore. Plan this trek in post-monsoon months to soak in the lush greenery and dreamy landscapes. 

3. Kodachadri Trek

Kodachadri Trek, located in Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary offers a scenic walk along the lush green fields, dense misty forest, picturesque waterfalls and spellbinding summit views. Do this trek near Bangalore for sprawling grasslands, the thrill of Hidlumane waterfall, a rejuvenating experience of rural life and rich historical and mythological encounters. The trek offers a soothing walk on the vast sprawling grasslands in different shades of green. A walk inside mystic forests covered under a thick canopy and the thrill of experiencing the cascading water of Hidlumane waterfalls qualify Kodachadri as the perfect weekend getaway. 

Mookambika Temple on the trek, is revered by the locals and believed to be thousands of years old. The place also holds a mythological significance as Adi Shankara is believed to have spent precious years of his life meditating at the peak. 

Categorized as a moderate trek, the trek takes you to Kodachadri Peak, the tenth-highest peak in Karnataka. Your physical fitness will be put to the test as you navigate a moderately challenging trail of roughly 7 km.  An overnight journey on a bus or train from Bangalore takes you to the starting point of the trek. 

4. Kote Betta Trek

Kota Betta is one of the most loved treks in Coorg renowned for its majestic trail that traverses the diverse landscapes of the Western Ghats. A perfect weekend getaway, Kota Betta translates to a hill fort and offers a refreshing walk inside a dense tropical forest with mesmerising summit views, rolling grasslands dotted with vibrant wildflowers and cascading waterfalls on the trail. An adventurer in you will be delighted to witness such diverse sceneries just a few hours from Bangalore city. The scenic coffee plantations, aromatic spice states and quaint villages captivate you as you navigate the trail. 

Kotabetta Peak is nestled deep amidst the Kodagu district of Karnataka at an altitude of 5314ft. It is the third-highest peak in the state after Pushpagiri and Tadiyandamol. Located 18 km from Coorg, you can complete this trek in a day if you start early. Kota Betta trek distance is roughly 10 km and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours if you are physically fit. 

You can plan Kota Betta Trek over the weekend. This is one of the most picturesque treks near Bangalore. The starting point of the trek is roughly 267 km from Bangalore and takes 4 hrs to reach. 

5. Kopatty Hills Trek

Kopatty Hills trek, near Coorg, offers a picturesque trail, traversing verdant grasslands, cascading river streams and landscaped coffee plantations. A less explored trail in the Western Ghats, Kopatty is around 35 km from Madikeri. If you are visiting Coorg, the Kopatty trek has to feature on your bucket list. 

This beginner-friendly trail trek near Bangalore is one of the best ways to unwind and soak in nature’s energy. From a misty aura on the trail to rejuvenating surroundings, the trek is a paradise for adventure seekers. 

The trek is roughly 14 km long and takes 6 to hrs to explore the trail leisurely. If you are planning this trek from Bangalore, board an overnight bus or a train and arrive at the base in Kopatty Village.  Start your trek early in the morning and descend to the base by late afternoon. You can return the same night to Bangalore. 

6. Tadiandamol Trek 

Embark on a trek to the highest peak of Coorg and experience the unparalleled beauty of Tadiandamol Peak. One of the most popular treks in Coorg, the journey to Tadiandamol unravels the alluring beauty of the Western Ghats. A moderate trail traverses lush green forests, gushing river streams and verdant grasslands. As you continue your journey along the trail, a misty atmosphere greets you, giving you the impression of walking amidst the floating clouds

The trek is located at an altitude of 5,735 feet and offers stunning views from the summit. You witness lush green hills and valleys sprawling like a carpet. The trek is roughly 7 km long and requires 5 to 7 hrs to complete.

7. Ballalarayana Durga Trek

Ballalarayana Durga Trek leads to the ruins of the centuries-old fortress and Bandaje Arbi Falls, combining the two treks. A thrilling walk takes you through a dense forest cover, sprawling grasslands, lush green coffee plantations and the breathtaking view of the snout of Bandaje Falls gushing to the bottom. This causes your heart to flutter as you look down and see water gushing down over 1,000 feet to the ground. 

As you embark further on the trail, the thrill of a gushing waterfall excites you. The ultimate satisfaction is derived when you walk on rolling meadow-like grasslands. The breathtaking beauty of the lush green carpet of grasslands excites you to discover more.

Ballalrayana Durga is a treat for your eyes. It is also one of the rare treks in the Wester Ghats that you can do during monsoon. Nestled in the heart of Chikmagalur, the Ballalarayana trail unravels an abundance of breathtaking landscapes. 

The trek begins from the quaint village of Kalabhyraveshwara Temple and takes roughly 6 to 8 hours to cover the distance of 12 km. 

8. Etina Bhujja Trek 

Etina Bujja is a peak with a distinct structure and has earned its name from its resemblance to an ox’s shoulder. It is a part of the Charmandi range. The trek traverses diverse landscapes and leads you to an altitude of 4,265 ft. The structure of the peak resembles the hump or shoulder of an ox and appears merely a  few minutes onto the trail. 

A less explored trail in the Western Ghats, Etina Bhujja trek traverses a lush green forest trail, rolling grasslands and rich flora and fauna. Embark on this trek to encounter the splendid views of the Charmandi ranges and Sishila Valley. The trek is renowned for breathtaking summit views of the surrounding hills. 

The trek covers a total distance of 5 km and starts from Nanya Bhairaveshwara temple. Located in Mudigere range of the Chikmagalur district, Etina Bhujja is roughly 250 km from Bangalore. An offbeat trek near Bangalore, you can experience a thrilling journey to the peak over the weekend. 

9. Gangadikal Trek

Gangadikal trek in Kudremukh mountain leads you on an adventurous trail, offering the breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats. Embarking on this less explored trail introduces you to an enchanting forest walk, spectacular views of Kudremukh from the summit, a misty ambience and a thrilling experience of a lifetime. 

Apart from a thrilling trail, Gangadikal trek offers a panoramic view of Lakhya Dam’s backwaters, lush green valleys covered in evergreen forests, and scenic Kudremukh mountain ranges. If you are fortunate enough, you might also spot varied species of birds, deer and other wild animals on the trail. It is a delightful yet thrilling encounter for adventure seekers.

Embark on this scenic trail near Bangalore over the weekend and soak in the refreshing embrace of nature. The trek is roughly 8 km long and takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. You can board an overnight bus or train from Bangalore to reach the base early in the morning and start the trek. 

10. Kudremukh Trek 

Touted as the prettiest trek in Karnataka, Kudremukh trek is perched in the heart of the Western Ghats. Located inside Kudremukh National Park, the name literally translates to horse’s mouth. The peak resembles a horse’s face and has earned the name Kudremukh. 

Trekking to Kudremukh unravels the dreamy landscapes. A rolling grassland enwrapped in lush green shade embellished with a misty ambience. A perfect weekend getaway, Kudremukh offers an array of thrilling adventures. Home to diverse flora and fauna, the trek is a haven for nature admirers. The trail traverses dense shola forests with waterfalls sprouting along the trail, especially during monsoon season. 

The trek is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Embark on Kudremukh to witness the wonder of Western Ghat’s hidden treasure. The trek is perched at an altitude of 6207 feet and traverses a mystical forest, small river streams, rolling grasslands and a distinct structure of Kudremukh Peak. 

Kudremukh covers roughly 7 km and is located 330 km from Bangalore city. Plan this dreamy escape over the weekend with your friends and family to soak in the tranquil bliss of nature. 

These are a few of the best treks near Bangalore that can be explored over the weekend. Most of these treks traverse the Western Ghats and require a minimum of one night and two days to complete the trek. 

If you have already completed this trek and wish to share your experience or add more information for our readers, you can write to us at tamanna@gooutwithowls.com. 

If you have done other popular weekend treks near Bangalore or any other part of the country, you can write to us and help more adventure seekers to goout and explore the outdoors.