Picnic Spots around Bangalore

Best Picnic Spots around Bangalore for Riverside picnic, day trips, drives, weekend travel, treks, lesirue destinations and more. The outskirts of Bangalore are studded with gushing rivers, serene hills, and breathtaking waterfalls that promise endless adventures.

Day trip, Leisure trip, Picnic spots	Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley), Nandi Hills, Muthathi, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Sangama, Mekedatu, Chunchi falls, Shivanasamudra (Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls), Talkad, Balmuri Falls, Hogenakkal, KRS dam and Brindavan gardens, Melukote, Manchanabele, Devarayanadurga, Madhugiri Fort, Mysore Palace
Trekking	Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Yedakumari, Bandipur National Park, Thadiyandamol
Nature, Wildlife	Coorg, Jog falls, Mullayyanagiri, Bandipur National Park, Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad, Dandeli, Kasaragod, Sirsi, Yellapur
Leisure, History, Culture, Heritage	Goa, Hampi, Belur, Halebeedu, Melukote, Gokarna, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Mahakoota, Lepakshi

Nandi Hills

The ancient hill fortress of Nandi hill is from Tipu Sultans era. This offers panoramic view of nature. Known for Tipu Sultan's Fort and Summer Bungalow, it is surrounded by a couple of beautiful temples.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
61.7 km	1hr 30 min

Bheemeshwari Fishing camp

Surrounded by thick jungles and the river Cauvery, Bheemeshwari is a favourite with nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp is about 100 kms from Bangalore. You can enjoy the Coracle Ride, campfire, fishing, barbecue, trek across the wildlife sanctuary, commando dropping or zip line, inca walk along the rope bridge, kayaking and more. Known for its largest tropical, sporting fish, commonly referred to as Masheer; this camp offers a unique experience and itinerary.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time	Best Season
102 km	2hr 30 min	August to February

Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park was founded in 1971 and later officially declared as a 'National Park' in the year 1974. With various sections such as the zoo, animal rescue centre, pet corner, aquarium, snake house, safari, butterfly park etc. While tigers, elephants, zebras, leopards, jackals, wild boars, monitor lizards, deer and fox constitute the fauna of the park; the rich flora comprises of sandalwood, neem, bamboo, narcissus, tamarind, eucalyptus and the likes. This sure is a one-stop destination for flora-fauna viewing, trekking, museum sighting, elephant sanctuary, wildlife safari, audio-visual viewing etc.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
33.2 km	1hr 1 min

Shivanasamudra

The powerful gush of the falls at Shivanasamudra are a sight to behold. Gape at it for sometime and splash about in the water before settling down with your picnic basket. While the cold spray is tempting, do stay a bit further from the falls themselves.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
136 km	2hr 50min

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

A visit to the bird sanctuary can be a rewarding experience especially during the winter months and around June. Flocks of storks, pelicans, ibises, herons, patridges and egrets come by to Ranganathittu and a coracle ride along the sanctuary's waters can introduce you to these winged beauties. Say hello to crocodiles and otters too, if you're lucky.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
130 km	2hr 40 min

Hogenakkal Falls

Start early and cross over to Tamil Nadu's Dharampuri district to spend a day by the majectic Hogenakkal Falls. The carbonatite rock formations around this area are said to be one of the oldest in Asia and the water infused with medicinal properties.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
180 km	3hr 45 min

Big Banyan Tree

Just a short drive away from the city, the sprawling Big Banyan Tree (or Dodda Aladha Mara as it is known locally) covers over three acres and is known to be around 400 years old. Sit around for sometime and enjoy nature's marvel before heading out to a more secluded spot for your picnic, away from the monkeys.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
28 km	1hr

Savanadurga

picnic spot at savandurga forest Source: Wikimedia/L Shyamal A popular trekking spot, Kolar's Savanadurga is an imposing monolith, one of the largest in Asia. Featured in David Lean's classic � A Passage to India, Savanadurga is a picture of serenity and offers a welcome break from city life.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
50 km	1hr 45 min

Sangama & Mekedatu

The meeting of the Arkavathy and Cauvery rivers at Sangama has been a favourite with the picnickers. It's a great spot to soak your feet and enjoy a coracle ride. Swimming or wading the waters is however not advised since strong undercurrents are common. Once you cross the Sangama and take a short bus ride, you'll arrive at Mekedatu. The river Cauvery runs forcefully through the deep gorges over here and makes for a stellar sight.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
100 km	4hr

Muthyala Madavu

Popularly known as Pearl Valley, Muthyala Madavu is located just beyond the Bannerghatta National Park. The hills nestle a gurgling waterfall where you can spend a few tranquil moments.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
41 km	1hr 30 min

Balmuri Falls

Located just right outside Mysore, Balmuri Falls is easily recognisable if you are an avid follower of Sandalwood (the Kannada film industry not the actual tree) productions. Lay out your blanket by the banks of this gentle waterfall or move on to the nearby Edmuri Falls if you want to skip the hordes of tourists.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
140 km	3hr

Chunchi Falls

The rocky trek to Chunchi Falls is totally accounted for at the sight of the gorgeous cascade. Pick a solitary spot just outside the falls area and bring out that picnic basket.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
90 km	2hrs 15min

Talakad

The historical town of Talakad has long been abandoned, covered in sand dunes. It however is still home to intricately carved and ornate temples that are worth visiting.

Distance from Bangalore	Travel Time
137 kms	3hrs