15 Best Offbeat Places Near Bangalore To Visit This Year
The best places are never on the map, and this blog is the testimony to that! I have spent many years traveling and wandering around to different places. The only thing I love more than traveling is to inspire people around me to witness the beauty of nature. I have documented the 15 best offbeat places near Bangalore for you! Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
15 Best Offbeat Places Near Bangalore 2021
1. Skandagiri Trek – a perfect way to rediscover nature!
If you love trekking but just haven’t had the time or experience – you can add the Skandagiri trek as the #1 thing to do for your next weekend! All you’ll need is five hours and your comfortable shoes! This easy-level trek with rocky terrains and a muddy trail takes you to a breathtaking view. Walking amongst beautiful flora and fauna, you will feel reconnected with nature and fall in love with what it has to offer.
Skandigiri is the paradise of those who love history. The most prominent of the Panchgani Hills, its foothills house the Papagni Mutt – one of the oldest mutts of Karnataka! As you progress, you can also find the remains of Tipu Sultan’s conquered fort!
The top view of the four neighboring hills was my personal favorite – the picture-perfect sight is one that I behold to date!
Distance from Bangalore: less than 60km
When to visit? All-year (avoid during rains)
2. Kabini – home to one of the best wildlife sanctuaries.
If you love wildlife as much as I do, you will have the time of your life at Kabini! Kabini has variety of beautiful species from carnivores to mammals and birds. The beauty of this place will fill your heart with a sense of joy and enchantment.
Kabini is one of the most beautiful offbeat places near Bangalore. The biggest tourist attraction is the jungle safari that allows you to look at some of the different beautiful wildlife of the world. Here are a few more places you can visit in Kabini to feel closer to nature: Nagarhole National Park, Kabini river, Kabini Dam, Kabini Wildlife sanctuary, Kabini Backwater Viewpoint, and Rameshwara Temple.
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Distance from Bangalore: 162km
When to visit? Winter (October – February)
3. Nandi Hills – the best weekend getaway
Picture this: Waking up at 4AM, gathering your friends or family, driving on empty roads and making it just in time to a beautiful sunrise at Nandi Hills. Sounds beautiful, doesn’t it?
Nandi Hills is one of the best offbeat places near Bangalore for a weekend getaway with family or friends. Located 4,851 feet above sea level, this hidden paradise will give you a refreshing start to your weekend. Adventure enthusiasts can find fun things to do, like paragliding. The terrain is so beautiful you can even go biking or cycling to Nandi Hills.
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
When to visit? September – May
4. Baan Nimbus at Sakleshpur – a relaxed weekend with a view!
Now that work from home is the new normal, we’re all becoming huge fans of workstations. Working amidst the most beautiful views makes our job so much easier, doesn’t it?
Cast among the soft shadows of blooming frangipani, ferns, and bougainvilleas, Baan Nimbus is a homestay situated in Sakleshpur. The paradise-like aura of the stay will make you want to stay put in place for a little while longer. During your stay at Baan Nimbus, you can also visit the tourist attractions in Sakleshpur.
Straying around this beautiful town, you’ll find plantations of coffee, cardamom and pepper as magical surprises. The octagonal structure of Sakleshpur, Manjarabad Ford, and the floating church, Shettihalli Rosary Church, will take you back to your history lessons. The subtle warmth of the town will give you truckloads of stories to take back home.
Distance from Bangalore: 231 km
When to visit? October – March
5. Chunchi falls – An escape from your daily routine.
Accompanied by beautiful meadows on the way, the drive to Chunchi falls is as serene as the falls. After you reach the destination, you’ll have to trek to reach the beautiful falls. Trust me – you wouldn’t mind trekking for hours to spend some quality time sitting near the falls.
I have experienced the gracious Cauvery river letting herself down at Chunchi, which is a sight I will behold for a long time. But, unfortunately, the scenery is only tainted by silhouettes of fellow tourists. Still, you can find spots that are free of people and full of beauty.
Distance from Bangalore: 89.7 km
When to visit? October – February
6. Nrityagram – a paradise for dancers!
Are you fascinated by dance, especially classical dance? Well, guess what? There’s so much more to know about dance – and you can know it all at Nrityagram. Nrityagram is a dance village situated on the outskirts of Bangalore. Yes, you heard me right – a dance village!
You can take a casual tour of the village with a fee of INR 100/- in about 45 minutes. This would be a self-guided tour along with a brief orientation. You can also book a guided tour of Nrityagram by advanced booking and payment. In this tour, you can watch rehearsals or practices and prepare yourselves to be fascinated by their style.
What’s better than watching their rehearsals, you ask? Watching their private performance! You don’t want to miss the opportunity to ask them questions about their art, Odissi and take back with you some of the most beautiful experiences of your life.
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Distance from Bangalore: 33 km
When to visit? You can check their availability on their website: www.nrityagram.org
7. Savandurga – a trek full of surprises!
Here’s another one for you adventurous lot: The Savandurga trek. The Savandurga hill cluster comprises Karigudda (The black hill) and Biligudda (The white hill). The trek will throw challenges at you with its steep incline and dense structure. You’ll go from rocky terrains to muddy terrains and end up in a mesmerizing cave – the Savandurga trek is full of surprises!
What makes the difficult trek worth it is obviously, the breathtaking view (quite literally)! It is one of the best offbeat places near Bangalore.
Distance from Bangalore: 49.7 km
When to visit? September – February
8. Rasta Cafe – for the love of night drives!
I love long drives. Most people I know love long drives. If you’re among them, you can hop into your bike or car and head to Rasta Cafe. The cafe is open till 5 AM in the morning, so you can drive on the quiet roads at night to have a bite, get a hookah and hang out with your friends.
Their beautiful ambience, outdoor and indoor setting and finger-licking good food will give you the best Rastafarian experience! Rasta Cafe is the most visited offbeat place near Bangalore.
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Distance from Bangalore: 60.3 km
When to visit? Any time of the year
9. Pyramid valley – to rediscover yourself!
Every once in a while, I feel like turning off all my electronics, vanishing away from work and going on a retreat to discover myself. If you relate with me, I have good news for you! The pyramid valley is just the place that you’re looking for.
It is surrounded by lush green plants and trees, leaving you with fresh air and a beautiful view. Additionally, they conduct workshops and training to assist you in meditating and allow you to discover your mind, body and soul.
It’s the best spot if you want to take a break from your daily hustle and spend some time alongside solitude and silence.
Distance from Bangalore: 43.7 km
When to visit? You can check their availability on their website: https://www.pyramidvalley.org/
10. Chota Ladakh – a breakfast getaway!
First things first – no, it is nothing like Ladakh. But if you’re looking to shut off from the world and drive away your worries, hop on your bike and enter Chota Ladakh on your maps.
Who doesn’t love a picnic? Pack some snacks, get your ukulele or guitar (if you have one), charge your camera and have the best time of your life! For the time you sit next to this abandoned quarry, you can wave goodbye to the busy city and take a fresh breath of air. You can also set up your own camp and bonfire and get lost looking at the stars.
Distance from Bangalore: 57.5 km
When to visit? Early morning/late evening
11. Bheemeshwari – an adventure-filled weekend!
The Bheemeshwari nature camp sings the glory of the Cauvery river. Located just close enough to reach soon and far enough to switch off from the world, it is one of the best offbeat places near Bangalore.
You can try zip-lining, rope walking, and kayaking out of many other things at the nature and adventure camp. You can either choose to stay for two days and one night (in a cottage, a log hut or a tented cottage) or visit during the day and be a part of all their fun activities.
Distance from Bangalore: 105 km
When to visit? August – February
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12. Devanahalli fort – Ancient architecture at its best!
Built in the 16th century, the Devanahalli fort has witnessed the atrocities of battles. Its walls speak the stories of the ones that didn’t survive, the ones that make us weep for history. Nevertheless, it is a culturally and historically important fort and one that will leave you in awe. You can also find remains of houses and temples within the fort.
Distance from Bangalore: 37 km
When to visit? 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on any day
13. Jakkur – Witness Bangalore from above!
Everything looks better in an aerial view, doesn’t it? The only thing better than looking at an aerial picture is experiencing the view first-hand! And you can do that in Jakkur. The Microlight Flying ride at Jakkur takes you 40,000 feet above sea level, where you can see the changing ways of Bengaluru city while the fresh air hits you on the face.
Distance from Bangalore: 14.6 km
When to visit? Sundays (8 PM – 12 PM)
14. Avalabetta – a rock you’ll love!
Another hidden gem for those who love trekking – Avalabetta hills. Avalabetta is filled with beautiful picturesque spots and absolutely free of huge crowds. Not many people know about this offbeat place near Bangalore, and now you do – so you know exactly where to head for your next holiday!
The most exciting part about the hill is its protruding rock. When in Avalabetta, you can also look out for beautiful hills, valleys and lakes!
Distance from Bangalore: 100 km
When to visit? 6:30 – 7:30 AM (weekdays)
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16. Wonderla – did you just say fun?
There’s nothing better than a day at an amusement park – feeling the adrenaline rush, letting yourself free for a while and having a gala with your friends and family! Having the best collection of safe and exciting rides – both land and water, Wonderla is a perfect option for you. When at Wonderla, do not miss the Recoil, Insanity, Twisters and Korneto!
Distance from Bangalore: 32.3 km
When to visit? 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Escaping every once in a while keeps your heart pumped and refills your energy. Let me know which of these places you enjoyed visiting the most! You can also follow my Instagram account @gulshanbafna or website www.gulshanbafna.com to get more information while planning your next holiday! Happy traveling!
FAQs – Best Offbeat Places Near Bangalore 2021
1. What are offbeat destinations?
Offbeat destinations include places that are not usually flooded by tourists and are unexplored. Some offbeat place to visit in Bangalore include Kabini, Nrityagram and the Pyramid valley.
2. What are the most unexplored spots around Bangalore?
The best offbeat place to visit in Bangalore that is unexplored is the Skandigiri trek. In addition to this, Kabini and Nrityagram are other unexplored spots.
3. Which is the most famous offbeat place to visit in Bangalore?
The famous offbeat place to visit in Bangalore is the Rasta Cafe. It is 60.3 kms away from Bangalore city.
4. What are the best offbeat places to visit in Bangalore within 100 km?
The best offbeat places to visit in Bangalore within 100 km are: Rasta Cafe (60.3 kms), Skandagiri (60 kms) and Nrityagram (33 kms).
5. Which is the most unique place to visit in Bangalore?
Nrityagram is the most unique offbeat place to visit in Bangalore for a long and relaxing weekend filled with fun.
6. What are the offbeat places to visit in Bangalore within 50 kms?
Some of the offbeat places to visit in Bangalore within 50 kms are Nrityagram, the Pyramid Valley and Savandurga.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.