8 Best Weekend Day Trips & Scenic Getaways Near Bangalore (Within 100 km)

Tired of weekend traffic along Outer Ring Road? One of Bangalore's best perks is its proximity to rocky hillocks, lush waterfalls, sunrise viewpoints, and serene lakes—all within a 2-hour drive from the city center.

Whether you're looking for an early morning motorcycle drive, a sunrise trek, or a relaxed lakeside picnic with friends, here are 8 top weekend day trips near Bangalore within 100 km.

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1. Nandi Hills (60 km from Bangalore)

Best For: Early morning drives, cycling trips, and breathtaking cloud-bed sunrises. Travel Time: ~1.5 hours via NH 44.

Nandi Hills is Bangalore's most famous weekend morning escape. Standing 1,478 meters above sea level, the hill fortress offers sweeping views of misty valleys and cloud cover. It's a favorite route for road cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts every Saturday and Sunday morning.

* Highlight: Sunrise from Tipu's Drop & fresh filter coffee at the summit. * Pro Tip: Gates open at 6:00 AM. Arrive by 5:15 AM to beat the weekend parking line.

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2. Skandagiri Night Trek (62 km from Bangalore)

Best For: Night trekking expeditions, stargazing, and morning ocean-of-clouds views. Difficulty: Moderate (8 km round trip).

Also known as Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri offers one of Karnataka's most magical night treks. Walking up rocky trails under moonlight leads you to ancient fort ruins above a blanket of dense morning clouds.

* Permit Required: Karnataka Eco-Tourism permit is mandatory (book online in advance).

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3. Savandurga Monolith Hike (50 km from Bangalore)

Best For: High-energy granite hill climbing, panoramic landscape photography. Difficulty: Challenging.

Standing as one of the largest single granite monoliths in Asia, Savandurga rises 1,226 meters above sea level. Surrounded by dense forests of the Magadi region, climbing the steep granite slope provides an exhilarating workout for weekend adventure seekers.

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4. Manchinbele Dam & Big Banyan Tree (40 km from Bangalore)

Best For: Scenic lake picnics, bird watching, and peaceful afternoon drives. Travel Time: ~1 hour via Mysore Road / Magadi Road.

Nestled against rocky hills and quiet backwaters, Manchinbele Dam is a peaceful reservoir surrounded by lush greenery. On the way, stop by Dodda Alada Mara (The Big Banyan Tree), a single 400-year-old banyan tree spanning over 3 acres!

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5. Makalidurga Trek & Railway Track Hike (60 km from Bangalore)

Best For: Railway trail photography, granite hill fortress exploration. Travel Time: ~1.5 hours via Yelahanka - Doddaballapur Road.

Makalidurga features a unique combination of a railway line winding around the base of a forested granite hill topped by an ancient fort. The hike offers panoramic views of the South Pennar River and surrounding lakes.

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6. Anthargange Caves & Night Trek (65 km from Bangalore)

Best For: Volcanic cave exploration, boulder hopping, and night hikes. Location: Kolar District.

Located in the Kolar mountains, Anthargange is famous for its intricate network of granite boulder caves formed by volcanic rocks. Navigating through narrow rock squeezes and dark caverns makes this a favorite adventure for group getaways.

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7. Shivanasamudra Waterfalls (130 km from Bangalore)

Best For: Scenic waterfall views, monsoon day trips, and lush greenery. Travel Time: ~2.5 hours via Kanakapura Road.

Where the Kaveri River branches into twin waterfalls—Gaganachukki and Bharachukki—Shivanasamudra presents a roaring cascade of water surrounded by thick forests. It is especially spectacular right after the monsoon season.

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8. Grover Zampa Vineyards (Nandi Valley - 45 km)

Best For: Wine tasting tours, gourmet vineyard lunches, and relaxed group outings. Vibe: Sophisticated, peaceful outdoor retreat.

Nestled at the foothills of Nandi Hills, Grover Zampa offers guided winery tours, barrel room visits, and wine tasting sessions paired with a relaxed buffet lunch overlooking grape arbors.

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1. Host a Ride Event: Post your departure point (e.g. Silk Board, Hebbal, or Indiranagar) and timing. 2. Share Fuel Expenses: Specify carpool seat availability and split fuel/toll expenses equally via UPI. 3. Verify Identity: Ensure squad members have verified Google profiles on ActiveWeekend for safe road trips.

Want to join a weekend trekking squad or carpool to Nandi Hills this Sunday? Find active trips on [ActiveWeekend](https://activeweekend.fun/) now!