Bangalore is one of the places that shows the perfect amalgamation of work with pleasure. The city offers the metropolitan comforts, year around pleasant weather and a bustling shopping and culinary scene which make it one of the most visited city of India. Here tourists will enjoy the eclectic energy of IT city, Pub city and BT city. Meanwhile the lush green parks and well laid-out gardens will offers recreational spots. Along that the heritage buildings and ancient temple complexes will offers beautiful trail to Indian heritage. Enjoy your sightseeing with CabBazar's Bangalore sightseeing service. Till then you can plan your next trip with this article.
1. Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola is one of the most-visited Jain pilgrimage places to visit near Bangalore. It host thousands of devotees all round the year. Shravanabelagola is known for it's 57 m tall monolithic sculpture of Lord Gomateshwara, constructed by Chamundaraya, a Ganga warrior in 981 AD. This monolithic sculpture is carved out from a single block of granite and looms on the top of Vindhyagiri Hill.
Perched atop of Vidhyagiri Hill at the height of 3,347 ft. Gomateshwara Temple catches the eyes of devotees. In the divine vicinity of Shravanabelagola devotees will get a walk in the town of spirituality from over 2,300 years. Since than Shravanabelagola is become a hub of cultural and religious heritage of Jainism.
The town is also host several temples and ponds that is the cultural hub for Jainism. Other famous attractions here is the 14 historical shrines known as basadis at the Chandragiri Hills that include Chavundaraa Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi and Parshwanath Basadi. Also a congregation known "Mahamasthabhisheka of Lord Bahubali" held after every 12 year is the highlighting event of the town.
2. Bannerghatta National Park
If you want to enjoy the beauty of wild near the metro city, don't worry for Bangalore city dwellers and tourists Bannerghatta National Park is the option located on the outskirts of city. Visitors will enjoy the vast variety of flora and fauna wonder of South India in the vibrant vicinity of national park. Further a Museum, Zoo, Children Park, Aquarium, Snake Park, Crocodile Farm and Prehistoric Animals' Park will added the joy.
Spread over the 104.27 sq.km, Bannerghatta National Park is one of the early secure territory established in the year 1971. The best way to explore the beauty of park is by taking a jungle safari in a but that takes you through the different zones that shelter animals like tigers, elephants and sloth bears. One of the thrilling experience that visitors never want to miss is watching white tiger.
The national park is also known for housing a butterfly park first-of-its-kind in the country that host several colorful species of butterfly. Apart from that you will also get details of life cycles of these wonderful creatures through pictures and video guides in museum. The lush greenery, serene lakes, and the opportunity to witness wildlife in a semi-wild environment make Bannerghatta National Park a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
3. Belur
On the bank of Yagachi river, a land that hold the heritage of Hoysala Empire welcomes tourists to have a dive in the impeccable history of South India. Belur is one of the holiday destinations near Bangalore that will enchants the tourists who love to explore the splendid historical complexes that holds stories of great velour and sacrifices.
Nestled at the bank of Yagachi River, Belur host Hoysala temple complex. Hoysalas were known for its patron of temple construction in South India. The temples constructed by them are still dotted the beautiful town with it's beauty. Have you notice how the beautiful intricate carvings and sculpture adorned with metal-like polishing decorates the temples.
One of the most visited temple is Chennakeshava Temple, dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Built on a star-shaped platform, the temple is decorated with intricate sculptures. Devotees also get puzzled with the craftsmanship, as there are 48 pillars of varies shapes, sizes and designs within the temple.
4. Kolar Gold Field
In the wonderful vicinity of Bangalore, you will find the second-deepest gold mines of the world-Kolar Gold Field. Kolar Gold Field is also known as KGF in Karnataka. Over a century Kolar region has been known one of the famous gold mining region of the state that attract the mining enthusiast, historically inclines and curious visitors towards it's wonderful landscape.
At present the destination is home of defunct gold mines, several British bungalows aesthetically laid out streets and well preserved structures. That beautiful hold the old charm capture the eyes of the visitors. Meanwhile among them a golf course established in 1885 for British employees of gold mines is tourists favorite.
Along that the town is also known for it's numerous beautiful temples. Renowned from them is Kotilingeshwara Temple at Kamasandra that is one of the must visited temples in state. It houses as many as 86 lakh shivlings along with a huge shivling and a Nandi statue. Other interesting site is a Sita Temple, situated on a hilltop in Avani.
5. Halebeedu (Halebidu)
Halebeedu(Halebidu) formerly known as Dwarasamudra is an ancient Indian city located in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. The town is a collection of several magnificent temples that is adorned with beauty of carved sculptures and architecture. Halebidu is one of nice places to visit near Bangalore for history seekers and vagabond.
Halebeedu is the store house of Hoysala Dynasty architecture epitome. Among them the prime attractions here are the twin temples of Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara, they host two grand statues of Nandi (bull god). Further inside the temple there are 108 pillars, that featuring different design patterns that catches the tourists eyes. Meanwhile the indicated wall carving of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva is also shows the excellency of craftsmanship.
Along that here Hindu epics likes Mahabahart is carved out on the temple walls. This is a perfect site for a trail in the wonderful landscape of South Indian history. Visiting Halebeedu takes visitors to the time of past glory and cultural richness of region.
6. Krishnagiri
A small city of at the outskirts of Bangalore welcomes visitors with it's Neolithic, Monolithic and Paleolithic archaeological sites, religious shrines and museums. Further if you looking for a dive in the nature, so Krishnagiri is perfect hill station near Bangalore. Situated in Tamil Naidu, Krishnagiri is properly known as "Mango Capital of India" for it's great cultivation of the Mangoes.
Blessed with pictorial ideal landscape, Krishnagiri is a popular destination located at the bottom of Krishnadevaraya Hills, that get it name form the 'Krishna' that refers to 'black' and 'giri' that refers to 'hill'. This district is gifted with black granite hillocks and named as “krishnagiri”. This is one of the famous archeological sites that have the presence of prehistoric reminance, various rock paintings and rock carvings of Indus Valley civilization and Iron Age. Also it is one of the city that has significance importance in the rule of Hyder Ali's that is also served as "Gateway of Tamil Nadu".
Apart from that this also offers tourist vide range of the outdoor activities at the various sites like Krishnagiri Fort, Krishnagiri lake, Dam Water View Point, Krishnagiri Forest Area along with the many religious sites likes Sri LakshmiNarasimha Swamy Temple, Narasimma Swamy temple, Sri Kattu Veera Anjaneya Temple and many others. The best season to visit Krishnagiri is during the onset of summer and the winter season.
7. Nandi Hills
Among the other attraction near Bangalore, Nandi Hills also called Nandi Durga is profoundly most visited tourist destinations near Bangalore. Nandi Hills is a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers, who are enthralled by its breathtaking beauty and picturesque surroundings that grab the attraction of city dwellers and visitors.
Situated at the elevation of 4,851 feet above sea level, Nandi Hills offers a beautiful land escape from the buzzing cities. In the wonderful vicinity of the lavish hills tourist can also visit Tipu's Drop Point, which is perched upon a hill. It is also said that it is the place from where prisoners were pushed off by the army of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore.
Nandi Hills is also home to the 9th century, the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple. It is one of the oldest temples of Karnataka that is known as the Nandi Temple through the state. Built with wood this ancient temple is equipped with beautiful carved arches and majestic pillars with painted walls and ceilings. Here tourist will enjoy the eye pleasing architecture and peaceful environment simultaneously.
8. Lepakshi
A small village lies near Bangalore will open the gateway to the splendid architecture and ancient temples. For history lovers Lepaksi is a synonym to a store house of archaeological and cultural richness of India. That will host hundreds of attractive temples and stories in it beautiful ambience. All this beautiful spots makes, Lepakshi one of the most popular tourist attractions near Bangalore.
Lepakshi is known for it's fascinating range of art forms and traditional crafts. Strolling amid the magnificent stone building of Vijayanagara period you will stimulate by the living art of the artisans. Also it seems that times goes slow down and surrounded air resonates with the echoes of the past. Lepakshi is host the beauty of South Indian craftsmanship and introduces visitors to the fine splendour of the talented craftsmen of Andhra Pradesh. Most poplar among them are musical instruments, paintings, jewellary items, sarees, wooden art crafts and many more.
Apart from them the village is famous for shrined dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Veerabhadra. All these shrines were built between 1336 and 1646 AD. To make them identical Vijayanagar style that temples are boasting imposing sculptures and numerous murals, prominent them is a snake on Nagalinga. Being situated in Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi cab be easily reached form Bangalore.
9. Biligirirangana Hills
If you looking for fun and adventure in the peaceful vicinity of Bangalore, Biligirirangana Hills that is also know BR Hills is a nice places to visit in Bangalore. The lush green landscape floated with the tall trees, chirping birds and wonderful creatures will definitely please you.
Nestled in the heart of Peninsular India, BR Hills or Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is famous as the melting point of the Eastern and Western Ghats. Spread across an area of 539 sq km. the natural reserve is home to the diverse ecosystem, thus opens the Pandora box for forest adventures and sports. Tourist will enjoy here rafting, trekking, fishing, angling and coracle boat riding.
The hills gets its name from the Ranganathasway Temples lies atop a cliff. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha and is one of the major pilgrimage centre and attracts a large number of tourists during the month of April when special festivities are held. Weather you are going to seek the blessings of God or looking for adventure, BR Hill can be a perfect hill stations near Bangalore.
10. Mekedatu
Mekedatu is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore. This wonderful destination attracts the tourists with its cascading river water, rugged bold stone landscape, deep ravine amid the hard granite rocks and eye pleasing greenery. It is one of the perfect one-day outing destination from Bangalore city that will give tourists a wonderful experience.
The word Mekedatu means goat's lap in Kannada. That can be literally feel through splendid landscape of lush green beauty, tourists will enjoy the unique offering of River Cauvery cascading through a narrow gorge. Also a ancient beautiful Sangameshwara Temple is also grab the attention of tourists with it's divine aura and peaceful ambience. Other amazing attractions are Shivasamudram Falls and Kallahalli Sri Srinivasa Temple.
Apart from that visitors will also enjoy the natural charm of dense forest and majestic hills, where the sweet chirping of birds gives melodious memory to you trip. Best time to visit Mekedatu is from October to March, when the water level allows visitors to explore the beauty.
