17 Best Treks Near Bangalore You Shouldn't Miss This Monsoon

If there’s one thing I’ve loved about living in Bangalore, it’s the abundance of weekend treks around the city. Not many know this, but the Indiahikes office is based in Bangalore, and naturally, we’re always stepping out on weekends – either to trek, document new trails, or to simply immerse ourselves in the outdoors.

Over the years, I’ve seen trekkers repeatedly heading to popular trails like Kumara Parvata, Kudremukh, Tadiandamol, and Skandagiri. While these treks are undeniably beautiful, they’ve also been trekked a lot. So in this post, I want to shine a light on the other lesser-known treks that are just as rewarding — 17 of them, to be precise. Think of this as a ready weekend plan for the next 4 months!

Out of these, we don’t run all as Indiahikes treks. Many of them are well-documented on our website, so you can do them on your own. You’ll find detailed information — how to get permits, how to reach the base, GPX files, what to expect — all neatly put together in our documentation.

Let’s get started!

Day Treks You Can Do Around Bangalore

(These are treks you can begin early in the morning and be back home by evening.)

1. Harihara Betta Trek (Doddaballapura)

A perfect quick hike near Doddaballapura, just north of Bangalore. It starts off with a temple and a wide courtyard where you can even stop for breakfast under the shade of a tree. The ascent is short and sweet, offering beautiful views throughout. It is an ideal trek for families and school students!

2. Makali Durga (Doddaballapura)

Also near Doddaballapura, this trail takes you through a serene eucalyptus grove and forest canopy. It's lush and vibrant post-monsoon and a delight to walk through. In essence, it is a short, beautiful, and perfect for beginners.

3. Channarayana Durga (Tumkur)

An adventurous trail that leads to an old fort. It’s rocky and requires careful footing, especially during monsoon. The ruins and the nearby reservoir make it worth every step.

P.S. At Indiahikes, we run the Channarayana Druga trek from October to February. Take a look.

4. Minchukallu Betta (Tumkur)

A gentler alternative to Channarayana Durga, this trek starts through farmlands and canal paths, ending with expansive views. Great to pair with Channarayana Durga if you’re up for a double trek day.

P.S. At Indiahikes, we also run the Minchukallu Betta trek from October to February. Take a look.

5. Ramadevara Betta (Tumkur)

Recently documented by our club members, this trail features stunning bamboo forests and a serene lake at the top. It’s a great introductory trek for children.

6. Bidarakatte (Ramnagara)

This trail is full of character — forest paths, multiple water ponds, and the ruins of a beautiful old temple. It’s a hidden gem, especially great for families or history buffs.

7. Kunagalu Betta aka "Puppy Betta" (Ramnagara)

This fun, forested trail is named after a rock that resembles a puppy’s face. The trail goes through caves, forest tunnels, and ends at a small shrine — all within a 1.5-hour trek.

8. Pyramid Hills (Shivanasamudra region)

Starting from a private camp (Kalvari Camp), this unique trek takes you to two pyramid-shaped hills with breathtaking views of the surrounding region. It is amidst a quiet and relatively unknown spot.

Longer Treks

(Requires Overnight Travel)

These treks are one-day hikes, too, but the base is far enough to require overnight travel.

9. Bandaje Falls (Chikmagalur)

One of the most scenic treks I’ve done — vast grasslands that reminded me of Bedni Bugyal, and a breathtaking view from the snout of the Bandaje waterfall. It’s wild and powerful.

10. Ettina Bhuja (Chikmagalur)

A short and easy trek that rewards you with panoramic views. The final climb is a bit steep but short, and the top looks like the shoulder of an ox (hence the name).

11. Kurinjal Peak (Kudremukh Range)

Offers views and forests similar to Kudremukh but with fewer people and lesser effort. It is a great alternative to the usual Kudremukh crowd.

12. Gangadikal Peak

What makes this trek special is the view of the Lakhya dam backwaters from the summit. It's serene and very different from other peaks in the region.

13. Valikunja (Kudremukh Range)

Slightly more challenging, this trek has a wild forest section followed by dramatic openings into vast, rolling meadows. It’s not as known, but incredibly rewarding.

14. Narasimha Parvatha (Kudremukh Range)

For those seeking raw adventure, this trek has stream crossings, dense forests, and an unmarked trail. It’s rugged, remote, and a favourite among our team.

15. Coorg Nelji Hill

We run this trek at Indiahikes, and it’s one of our most cultural and homely experiences. You stay in a local Coorg homestay, hike to Nelji Hill, and soak in the plantation landscape.

16. Nishani Motte (Coorg)

A gorgeous ridge walk through the Brahmagiri range, with constantly changing colours depending on the season. The walk itself is the highlight — ridge views on either side!

17. Doddabetta + Abbewari Falls

An offbeat trail that offers views of the mighty Kumara Parvatha from different angles. You can end the trek with a refreshing dip in the Abbewari waterfall. Less crowded, but equally beautiful.

The last trek on my list — the Brahmagiri Trek — was probably the most unforgettable. It’s wild, remote, full of signs of wildlife, and gives you an intense sense of being deep inside nature. I’d only recommend it if you’ve done a few treks before and are looking for something more adventurous.

This list is just scratching the surface. Karnataka has hundreds of unexplored trails. I hope you use this as a guide to make your weekends more adventurous and mindful. All the documentation is available on our website — with GPX files, photos, permit details, and safety tips.

So pack your bags and get out there! And if you’ve done a trek not on this list, drop a comment or write to us at tws@indiahikes.com — we’d love to go explore and document it with you.