Karnataka is one of the best trekking places in southern India and makes for a perfect weekend getaway for people living in Bangalore and the neighbouring cities. These trekking places in Karnataka give you the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning landscape of Karnataka. Here, you can either go trekking in the magnificent mountains of the Western Ghats, or in the lush shola forests and scented meadows of Coorg.
With the many trekking places in Karnataka, you can explore the natural splendour of ancient temples, historic forts, towering mountains along with thrilling trails and breathtaking views. There are many treks in Karnataka, some perfect for beginners and some for the more experienced trekkers. Here are some of the top treks near Bangalore in Karnataka:
Kunti Betta trek
This moderately challenging trek to Kunti Betta is great for a day trip or a night trek. The rocky structure of the hill offers some tricky stretches where you will have to clamber over boulders. All along the trek to Kunti Betta, you’ll get scenic views of the landscape around, as well as of Thonnur Lake below.
Kudremukh trek
The trek to Kudremukh takes you to the second-highest peak in Karnataka. The unique peak is shaped like a horse’s face and is located inside the Kudremukh National Park. The trek route winds through gorgeous greenery, with waterfalls, farms, and pretty forests all around. The Kudremukh trek is usually done over 2 or 3 days.
Kumara Parvatha
This is a popular location for trekking in Karnataka and lies about 250 km from Bangalore. It is ideal for a two or three-day getaway, as you can do one day of climbing, and spend the rest of your time in the forest reserve that Kumara Parvatha lies in. This is one of the toughest locations for trekking in Karnataka, so make sure you’re well prepared.
Kodachadri trek
The Kodachadri trek itinerary includes a visit to Hidlumane waterfall and sometimes a stop at Nagara Fort too. The trek route goes through a dense forest, with some steep sections. In the monsoon, you’ll have streams running by underfoot, while in winters, the misty views from the top are absolutely spectacular. The Kodachadri trek usually takes place over 2 or 3 days.
Anthargange trek
The Anthargange trek has plenty of fascinating things to explore. It is a field of rocks, where boulders are stacked on top of each other to form cave-like structures. It is also home to an ancient temple with a mysterious Nandi statue that has a stream flowing from its mouth. Nobody has been able to trace the origin of this stream, and the temple is a popular pilgrimage spot even today. The Anthargange trek is usually done overnight, to allow you to camp at the top and watch the sunrise.
Narayanagiri trek
The Narayanagiri mountain is a 3800 feet climb, with natural caves and a thick forest to explore. You’ll also see the Laxmi Narayan temple and the remains of the fort around you as you climb. The trek is close to Manchanabele, where the backwaters offer some fun kayaking and swimming opportunities. The Narayanagiri trek is usually done overnight, with a campfire and sleeping bags under the stars.
Makalidurga trek
The Makalidurga trek is about 2 hours from Bangalore and is a popular trek for those looking for a quick escape from the city. It’s not too hard either, and beginners often start here. From the top of Makalidurga, you can see the Gundamagere Lake, explore a temple built for Lord Shiva, and walk along the remnants of the fort.
Ramanagara trek
Ramanagara is about an hour’s drive from Bangalore and is a popular spot for rock-climbers and rappelling trips. The craggy, rocky landscape makes it perfect for photography, adventure, camping, and lots more. Some itineraries for the Ramanagara trek include a short trek and rappelling too. If you’re staying out for the night, you’ll enjoy a campfire and sleep in sleeping bags under the stars.
Bilikal Betta trek
Bilikal Betta is a hill in the middle of a nature sanctuary, about 70 km outside Bangalore. The trek starts off in open grounds and climbs through thick forests until you reach the summit. There is a temple at the top, with beautiful views in all directions. This trek is often done overnight, to give you a chance to catch a gorgeous sunset and sunrise.
Tadiandamol trek
This large mountain trek is one of the lesser-known treks around Bangalore. You’ll trek through forests, passing streams and waterfalls as you go. The Tadiandamol trek itinerary sometimes includes a rafting session in the nearby Kushalnagar too.
Explore more adventure activities near Bangalore, click here.
Trekking in Karnataka: Best time to go
Though you can go trekking in Karnataka throughout the year, the best seasons are monsoon and winter. Each season offers a completely different experience, so depending on what you want to see, you can go for your trek accordingly.
In the months of monsoon, from mid-June to September, the landscape is lush green due to rains, and the dense forests are flourishing with flora and fauna. During these months, you get to see the colourful wildflowers dotting the verdant meadows, the radiant green of the forests swaying in stark contrast to the grey skies, and the mountains of the Sahyadris disappearing into the clouds. With these, the thrill of trekking on slippery terrain which adds an extra dose of adventure to the trek.
Read what makes monsoon trekking in the Sahyadris so great here.
And in the winter season, the clouds disappear, revealing the cerulean sky but the forests are still fresh and green. You don’t get soaked and you get to experience the cool breeze of the Western Ghats. You also get to see the mist rise over the lush forests and disappear into the sky as the sun makes its way over the horizon.
Trekking in Karnataka: Packing list
For your Karnataka trek packing list, you need to first consider the clothes that you are going to wear on the trek. So for that, you need a comfortable t-shirt and trek pants that do not restrict your movement. If you are going during the monsoons, then you also need a raincoat or a poncho.
Then comes what you’ll wear on your feet, and that is a good quality pair of trekking shoes. Make sure these shoes are comfortable, well broken-in and provide ample grip and support. Good shoes ensure a safe and comfortable trekking experience.
As for what you will carry during the trek, you need, first, a sturdy backpack. In the bag, you should carry a water bottle, dry snacks and chocolates along with all the personal essentials like toilet paper, sanitizer, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. And lastly, don’t forget to carry a personal first aid kit.
Check-out our blog on what to pack for trekking in the Sahyadris here.
Karnataka Trek Summary
- State: Karnataka
- Nearest city: Bangalore
- Total days: 1-4 days
- Grade: Easy to challenging
- Season: Monsoon and winter
Talk to an Expert
Need help?
