Several popular beaches dot the coastline, including Murudeshwara, Gokarna, Malpe and Karwar. In addition, Karnataka is home to several places of religious importance. Several Hindu temples including the famous Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, the Marikamba Temple at Sirsi, the Kollur Mookambika Temple, the Sri Manjunatha Temple at Dharmasthala, Kukke Subramanya Temple, Janardhana and Mahakali Temple at Ambalpadi, Sharadamba Temple at Shringeri attract pilgrims from all over India. Most of the holy sites of Lingayatism, like Kudalasangama and Basavana Bagewadi, are found in northern parts of the state. Shravanabelagola, Mudabidri and Karkala are famous for Jain history and monuments. Jainism had a stronghold in Karnataka in the early medieval period with Shravanabelagola as its most important centre. The Shettihalli Rosary Church near Shettihalli, an example of French colonial Gothic architecture, is a rare example of a Christian ruin, is a popular tourist site.[197][198]
Karnataka has become a center of health care tourism and has the highest number of approved health systems and alternative therapies in India. Along with some ISO certified government-owned hospitals, private institutions which provide international-quality services, Hospitals in Karnataka treat around 8,000 health tourists every year.[199]
If your plan is to add adventure to the break, Makalidurga is counted among the top tourist attractions near Bangalore. It is a quiet village 59 km away from Bangalore with a hill known as Makalidurga Hill. The hill has a famous trekking trail, which attracts adventure junkies from all across the state to come and test their mettle.
Claiming an altitude of more than 4,400 feet, the hilltop offers breathtaking views of green landscape as far as your eyes can see with the silvery lake that spans around the hills. To make the affair all the more thrilling, you are recommended to indulge in Makalidurga trek at night.
Type of destination: Hilly
Distance: 65 km from Bangalore
Travel time: Approximately 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Places to visit in Makalidurga:
Ghati Subramanya Temple, Grover Zampa Vineyards, Chikka Madhure Shani Mahatma Temple, etc.
Things to do in Makalidurga:
Trekking, camping, Tour of vineyards, visit temples and peaks, Night trekking, etc.
Best time to visit Makalidurga: September to February
Ideal weekend duration: One day
Where to Stay: Green Valley resort, Aura foothills, Farmstead, etc.
Check Out: 21 Best Spa Resorts Around Bangalore
For any history or architecture buff, Mysore, the former capital of the Kingdom of Mysore, is one of the best tourist places near Bangalore. From Mysore Palace standing as a brilliant, opulent illustration of Indo-Saracenic architecture to Somanathapura Temple exhibiting the fineness of Hoysala architecture, the city is replete with marvels from the past to explore.
Besides, Mysore is also popular among shoppers as its traditional markets are known to sell a great variety of silk, sandalwood, and spices. So if you are interested to steep into the vivid cultural shades of the region, plan a trip to Mysore.
Type of destination: Historical
Distance: 144.5 km from Bangalore
Travel time: Approximately 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Places to Visit in Mysore:
Mysore Palace, Somanathapura Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, etc.
Things to do in Mysore:
Admire the Royalty at the Mysore Palace, Take a walk in the Brindavan Gardens, Visit the Mysore Zoo
Best Time: Between the months of July to February
Ideal Weekend Duration: 1 to 2 days
Where to Stay: Best Places to Stay in Mysore
How to reach:
By Air: Mysore Airport is well-connected to all the cities of the country.
By Road: There are luxury buses available for Mysore also one can always hire a cab or a self-driven taxi to reach the destination.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Mysore Railway Station(12 km away).
Popular Reads: 15 Best Places to visit near Mysore
Encompassing forested plains and hills teeming with a wide spectrum of animal and bird species, Nagarhole is a national park, and one of the best tourist places near Bangalore. The gushing river streams cutting across the verdant forests of the park add to its picturesqueness.
To soak up the essence of the wildlife and wilderness, stay at one of the jungle lodges located within the buffer zones. As you take a journey into the deeper parts of the forests, you may get lucky to spot Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. Furthermore, with 270 bird species calling Nagarhole their home, this place is one of the best places to see around Bangalore for animal lovers and a paradise for bird watching as well
Type of destination: Wildlife
Distance: 222 km from Bangalore
Travel time: Approximately 4 hours 50 minutes
Places to Visit in Nagarhole:
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park, Rameshwara Temple, etc.
Things to do in Nagarhole:
Have a Trekking experience at Nagarhole National Park, Visit the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time: Between the months of October to May
Ideal Weekend Duration: 1 to 2 days
Where to Stay: Places to Stay in Nagarhole
How to reach:
By Air: The two nearest airports to Nagarhole are Calicut Airport and Bangalore International Airport.
By Road: There are KSRTC Deluxe buses daily running from various cities to Nagarhole. Also, one can drive from Bangalore to Nagarhole as it takes about five hours to reach.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Nagarhole is Mysore and Mahe which are just a few hours away from the destination.
Best known for its canyons and gorges, which are often compared with the Grand Canyon of the USA, Gandikota is a village in Andhra Pradesh. Located at a distance of 282 km from Bangalore, it is one of the best tourist places near Bangalore if you want to spend your vacation exploring something different from the rest.
The village is located on the banks of the Penna River, creating a dramatic scenery any photographer would like to document through photographs. Apart from this, history buffs will also have a great time in Gandikota with sites such as Gandikota Fort and Raghunatha Swamy Temple.
Type of destination: Family
Distance: 282 km from Bangalore
Travel time: Approximately 6 Hours
Places to Visit in Gandikota:
Gandikota Fort Mosque, Gandikota Fort Entrance, Ranganatha Swamy Temple, etc
Things to do in Gandikota:
Cave exploration, Visit forts and mosque and temples, etc.
Best Time: September to February
Ideal Weekend Duration: 1 to 2 days
Where to Stay: Gandikota Haritha Hotel, Royal County Resorts, etc
How to reach:
By Air: Tirupati Airport at Renigunta and Bengaluru International Airport at Bangalore are the nearest airports to Gandikota. One can take a flight to either of them and cover the rest of the distance to Bangaluru Airport is 345 km (6 hours) from Gandikota while Tirupati Airport is 220 km (4.5 hours) away from the same.
By Road: Gandikota is well connected to major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Vizag through the NH 7.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gandikota are at Jammalamadugu (18 km away), Kadapa (77 km away), and Tirupati (219 km away).
Located in Karnataka, Shimoga District is known for it's natural beauty and the serene environment that is present there. It has a rich culture and very hospitable locals who greet the tourists with warm hearts.This small village is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway to escape the hustle bustle of the busy city life. One can visit the Jog Falls and enjoy the breathtaking scenery present here. There are some recreational camps present here as well where tourists can do adventurous activities in Shimoga.
Being surrounded by water bodies one can go river rafting or kayaking to feel more adventurous. One can go for sightseeing and explore the rich culture present here. One can also visit the sanctuaries present here to witness some very majestic and beautiful species of wildlife and connect with nature spiritually. One can even go trekking or night camping on the hills to enjoy panoramic views and feel rejuvenated.
Type of destination: Village
Distance: 302 km from Bangalore
Travel time: Approximately 5 hours 40 minutes
Places to Visit in Shimoga:
Dabbe Falls, Kodachadri, Jog Falls, etc.
Things to do in Shimoga:
Enjoy a day at the Jog Falls, Visit the Kodachadri
Best Time: Between the months of October to March
Ideal Weekend Duration: 1 to 2 days
Where to Stay: Best Homestays to Stay in Shimoga
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Shimoga is Mangalore Airport(195 km away).
By Road: There are private buses daily running from various cities to Shimoga. Also, one can drive from Bangalore to Shimoga as it takes about five hours to reach.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Shimoga is Bangalore which is just a few hours away from the destination.
Popular Reads: 12 Best Waterfalls in Shimoga for an amazing family picnic.
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