Take a Break and Plan a 1-Day Trip to India's Silicon Valley! 10 Not-to-be-Missed Destinations in and around Bangalore You Should Visit in 2020

What’s the first thing that strikes your mind when you think of Bangalore? Is it technology, corporate campuses, IT hubs or businesses? Though that’s one facet of the city, Bangalore has a lot for the wanderlust spirit as well. From various hiking and trekking destinations nearby to beautiful hills in nearby towns, the city offers a number of quick getaway options. Here in this article, we will be covering some of the amazing places to visit in Bangalore for a 1-day trip.

The climate of Bangalore is very pleasant and unique that is loved by people, especially if they are from northern India. One of the best things about Bangalore is that its weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Though you should carry a raincoat or an umbrella along with you even if the sky is slightly cloudy as it can rain anytime. Also, it becomes difficult to find transport once the rain starts.

Generally, people think that food will be the major issue in Bangalore but you will find multiple cuisines across the city, whether you like continental, Chinese, Thai or Indian. It is not a city that only serves the typical south Indian delicacies. If you eat food in the restaurant, do not choose specific delicacies only as you are going to miss amazing items that way. And, all the local recipes are prepared with a variety of seasonings and spices.

There is no need to worry about your nightlife and enjoyment. Bangalore has numerous pubs which you can simply visit and enjoy partying when you feel bored.

In Bangalore, you will experience a vibrant cultural scene covering music, theatre, arts, and more. The iconic Ranga Shankara is a hub for the theatre devotees while Lahe Lahe hosts a range of performances from meets to workshops. There are a lot of places that let you explore the cultural side of the city.

In India, Bangalore is one of the most popular cities. Its good road network connects it with other parts of India in addition to the great connectivity by flights and trains as well.

Bangalore Airport or Kempegowda International Airport connects it with all prime international and domestic destinations. Spread over a large area of about 4,700 acres, the city has the 3rd largest airport in India after Mumbai and Delhi. Air India, SpiceJet, Air Asia India, and Indigo operate daily flights from Patna, Ahmedabad, Goa, Srinagar, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Varanasi among other domestic destinations. Additionally, Lufthansa, Emirates, SriLankan, Air France, Tigerair, and British Airways are some of the international airlines connecting Bangalore with destinations like Dubai, Colombo, Singapore, London, etc. The airport is approximately 36 km away from the city centre and is conveniently connected through public transport options like taxis, autos and air-conditioned buses.

The KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) connects Bangalore city with nearby places and you get different private buses too. Daily service is available from Coimbatore (368 km), Mangalore (350 km), and Goa (557 km). People can also opt for air-conditioned, luxury, or state transportation as per their requirement and budget. Apart from this, a person who wants to drive to Goa from Bangalore may take NH-63 and NH-4 that connect these cities in almost 11-12 hours of travel time. The Majestic bus station of Bangalore is about 50 km away from the Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli.

The Yesvantpur Junction and Bangalore City Railway Station are 10 km and 4 km away from the Bangalore city respectively. The city is connected with all prime Indian cities such as Mysore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Delhi among others. Trains like Kongu Express and the Bangalore Rajdhani Express run daily and link Bangalore with the capital city, Delhi. After reaching the station, you can take a local bus or a prepaid taxi to reach your destination. The railway station of Bangalore is about 50 km away from the International Airport at Devanahalli.

Be wary of taking autos and cabs, especially if you do not understand the city or the local language. It is advised that you have a person or friend who understands the local or any Indian language when travelling within the city. Though most of the locals, as well as auto-rickshaw drivers, understand English. You can verify your destination and location on the GPS or pre-book a cab or taxi if you want to travel alone.

Are you visiting Bangalore for a day? Nandi Hills is one of the most popular tourist places around. The ancient hill, situated in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur district, offers mesmerizing views from the top. This place is perfect for you if you love to see the sunset or sunrise. In addition to the relaxing views and peaceful weather, you can also go for exciting activities like cycling, paragliding, or hiking. At the bottom of the hills, the earliest Nandi temple known by the name Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is situated, that’s why these hills are known as the Nandi Hills. And, at the top is the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple. If you are interested in artwork, you will find intricate carvings and designs on the temple pillars. This place is situated at a distance of 60 km from the city of Bangalore.

Ramanagara is a popular picnic spot near Bangalore. The place is a popular weekend gateway from the city. In addition to the alluring flora and fauna, it is also famous for the granite hills which make it a perfect tourist destination. Ramanagara is also famous for trekking among people. The place is also known as the ‘Silk Town’ or ‘Silk City’ of India as it is a major silk production centre. It is almost 50 km away from the city of Bangalore and it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach there. Ramanagara is also known for the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary where you can find numerous endangered vulture species in their natural habitat.

Hogenakkal Falls, also referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India", is a very famous waterfall in India. Lying 2 hours away from the city of Bangalore, the name of these falls is made up of 2 words - ‘Hoge’ means smoke and ‘Kal’ means rock. During the monsoon season, the falls and greenery are visible from a particular distance only.

If you truly love holidaying in water, this place is a must-visit in the winter season as the water flow is gradual and you can enjoy a boat ride. You can also take a dip in the shallow pond at the waterfall's bottom. The Hogenakkal Falls is crowded with lovebirds and photographers in the peak season. You must add this place to your list of places to visit in Bangalore in a day. The forest department also maintains a zoo and crocodile park where your kids will be kept busy.

Skandagiri, also known as the Kalavara Durga, is the most popular mountain fortress situated approximately 62 km from the city. If you are on a one-day visit to Bangalore, this place is the best destination for watching an amazing sunrise with clouds spread over the surrounding areas. The place is perfect for nature lovers and has also become a hot spot for adventure enthusiasts. The trekking which starts at night is fun in itself, and you gain an exciting experience while covering the 10 km long trek. Once you reach the top, you can set a bonfire and make memories with your loved ones or friends and then see the most stunning sunrise and capture the rays that come from the clouds.

Shivanasamudra Falls is on the Kaveri River and is also referred to as Kaveri Waterfalls. Experience the water flowing gushing down from a height of about 100 m and breaking down into various streams. Its western branch is known as Gaganachukki while the eastern branch is called Bharachukki. If you want to reach the falls, you have to hike on rocky land that is surrounded by scenic vistas and lush greenery. Its scenic beauty is surrounded by waterfalls and is considered spiritual. You can also take a coracle ride which is easily available here. Shivanasamudra is 135 km away from Bangalore.

Shivagange is a mountain peak and Hindu pilgrimage centre at a height of 804 m situated near Dobbaspet at a distance of 54 km away from Bangalore. The spiritual mountain is shaped like a Shiva Linga with a spring flowing nearby referred to as the holy Ganga. This area is famous for rock climbing and the trekking path to reach this foothill is about 2.3 km long. The entire path is marked and man-made steps are present that make the trekking easy in the first half. But, it becomes difficult to trek the next half because of increasing narrowness. And, when you reach the top, you experience an amazing combination of cool breeze and a feeling of calmness.

During King Chamarajendra Wadiyar’s rule, a royal palace was constructed taking inspiration from the architecture of the Windsor Castle in London. The majestic Durbar Hall and the opulent ballroom are some of the highlights of this iconic landmark. Its walls are decorated with photographs and paintings of the royal family. The lawns of the palace are beautifully maintained and are a perfect setting for occasional private parties which are organised here. Some unique armour and artwork are displayed in this grand palace. The audio guides available help you listen to the stories of that time and you will feel like you have actually moved to those ancient times. You must add this to your list of beautiful places to visit in Bangalore in one day.

You must visit Savandurga if you love trekking. The place boasts of one of Asia’s biggest single rock formations and is located 60 km from Bangalore. Savandurga has a white and a black hill. If you want to do trekking at night time, there are various trekking groups that manage hiking in this location. It is home to various endangered birds and butterfly species such as long-billed, white-backed vultures, and the yellow-throated bulbul. At night time, you can also see leopards and sloth bears in the jungle. Besides, this is also a perfect place for those who want to experience rock climbing.

Explore carved temples and ancient monuments in a day. Hassan is referred to as Karnataka’s temple architecture capital. Its name is derived from the Hassanamba goddess. From Bangalore, you can reach this place via train or drive through NH-75. The most visited place in Hassan is the Gothic-style Shettihalli Rosary Church that stays partially covered with water from the month of July until the month of October. Other highlights include the Dravidian style Hoysala Temple, Gorur Dam and the Hasanamba Temple.

Mysore is famous for its grandiose architecture. To reach Mysore, you need a 3.5 hours drive from Bangalore or you can catch a direct train as well. The city has extensive gardens, palaces, and ornate temples that you can explore in a day. Its major highlights include Jaganmohan and Mysore Palace that are known to carry the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. And, the Brindavan Garden is full of quality colourful plants and animals. This garden is spread across 60 acres in Mysore, indisputably one of the biggest terrace gardens in the world. You can enjoy boating, botanical parks and fountains everywhere around. And, Mysore Zoo is home to more than 168 animal species.

When visiting Bangalore, you shouldn’t miss eating the popular masala dosa at Darshini. This place is famous for breakfast but runs almost for the whole day. You will definitely love the south Indian delicacy, the tempting masala dosa there. Adigas, Maiyyas, MTR, and Vidyarthi Bhavan are other popular places to eat masala dosa.