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Tourist Places Near Bangalore Within 400 Kms

When looking for tourist places around Bangalore within 400 kms, Coorg comes to mind instantly. Famed for its coffee plantations and a bountiful of nature’s best, it has three sanctuaries and one national park for wildlife exploration. Apart from visiting these, one can go to the Dubare Elephant Camp where wild elephants are trained by the forest department.

The two glorious mountains of Tadiandamol and Pushpagiri are great for trekking and camping expeditions while rafting in Barapol is another popular activity here. Flying a microlight plane to get a bird’s eye view of this wholesome countryside is a favourite with adventure buffs.

There are many waterfalls like the Iruppu, Abbey and Mallalli that hold visitors spellbound by their overflowing abundant water. On the way to Coorg, you can stopover at Bylakuppe which is the largest Tibetan settlement in South India. It has several monasteries; the prominent among them is the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, and the Golden Temple.

What to see: Attractions in Coorg

What to do: Activities to do in Coorg

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Coorg

The hill station town of Chikmagalur has coffee estates, expansive hills, a salubrious climate, a tumultuous river, striking waterfalls and a wildlife reserve – all offering endless possibilities to make the most of your stay here. Most adventure seekers head towards the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary where they can hike up the tallest peak in Karnataka – the Mulyangiri.

Another favourite haunt is the famous trek trail between Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri which involves hiking and camping along the soaring and precipitous rocky ridges of Bababudangiri Range. The Manikyadhara, Hebbe, Kalahatti, and Hanumana Gundi waterfalls are ideal spots for family picnics and taking splashing around with your group of friends. Staying in the coffee estate homes in one experience one must not miss out on when visiting this tourist place near Bangalore within 400 km.

What to see: Check out the best Attractions in Chikmaglaur

What to do: Activities to do in Chikmagalur

Where to stay: Explore the best Places to Stay in Chikmagalur

Kerala’s Wayanad district has the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats which includes jungle-covered ridges sloping down to pretty valleys. On a weekend excursion from Bangalore, one can visit tourist sites like Sentinel Rock Falls, Kanthanpara Falls and Pookote Lake which are located in the midst of eye-catching surroundings. Other places likely to interest you are the Kuruva Island and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam across the Karamanathodu River, Edakkal Cave and Thirunelli Temple.

The lofty mountains of Chembra, Banasura and Brahmagiri have trekking trails and suitable camping sites on their slopes. River Kabini that flows in this region, has certain sections where rafting can be done safely. Pakshipathalam, situated at an altitude of 1740m above sea level, offers a challenging hiking route where one can spot a cave which saints are believed to have used for meditation in olden times.

What to see: Explore the best Attractions in Wayanad

What to do: Activities to do in Wayanad

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Wayanad

Sakleshpur is a hill station town with a temperate climate resulting in its lofty, green hills to be covered with coffee, cardamom, pepper and areca plantations. The town, often enveloped in mist, has the famed Manjarabad Fort in its precincts, which is known to have been built by Tippu Sultan for its strategic location.

While on a trip to this tourist place near Bangalore within 400 km, you can go on treks on the Kumara Parvat as well as within the Bisle reserve forest which give a peek into the wide-ranging ecosystem of the region. The Green Route is a stretch of railway track from Sakleshpur to the Subramanya railroad station and is an easy trekking trail dotted by 58 tunnels, 109 bridges and about 25 waterfalls. The nearby River Kempu Hole is ideal for rafting, kayaking and coracle rides along with fishing.

What to see: Explore the best Attractions in Sakleshpur

What to do: Activities to do in Sakleshpur

Where to stay: Checkout the best Places to Stay in Sakleshpur

A sizeable number of tourists flock Ooty each year, lured by its cool climate, lofty mountains, pretty lakes, thick forests, rambling grasslands and extensive tea gardens. This popular hill station is located in the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains) of the Western Ghats and counts The Government Rose Garden and Ooty Botanical Gardens as its prime attractions. A boat ride in the Ooty Lake and visiting the adjacent deer park is a must-do for those travelling with kids.

The highest mountain in the Nilgiris - Doddabetta Peak – offers extensive views of the nearby hills ranges and dense sholas surrounding them. A ride on the mini-train of Ooty Mountain Railway which runs from here to Coonoor is a memorable experience while on a trip from Bangalore. Masinagudi, a small town at the edge of Mudumalai National Park near Ooty, can be included in your itinerary for trekking and wildlife safari in its densely forested premises.

What to see: Attractions in Ooty

What to do: Activities to do in Ooty

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Ooty

The confluence of the Panamaram River and the Mananthavady River near the Begur Reserve Forest in Wayanad, forms the Kabini River. The Kabini Forest Reserve on the river bank is one of the most popular wildlife destinations of Karnataka due to its convenient location, lush green countryside surrounding a large lake, and frequent sightings of herds of elephants.

Situated in close proximity to the Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks, the reserve comprises of 55 acres of dense forestland, steep valleys and water bodies. The major exciting activities that one could engage in here are the elephant safari, jungle safari and coracle rides on the river. There are a number of luxury resorts in this area which provide comfortable accommodation with stunning views of the river.

What to see: Attractions in Kabini

What to do: Activities to do in Kabini

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Kabini

The city of Pondicherry, with a rich colonial history, is quite popular with foreign visitors who like to head to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, sited on rue de la Marine. The most popular tourist destinations here are its four beaches which are Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, The Auroville Beach and Serenity Beach. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam and Thirukaameeswarar Temple are ancient religious places where numerous Hindu devotees pay obeisance even today.

During a city tour and heritage walk, one can see a number of old and large churches (most of which were built in the 18th and 19th centuries) as well as a fishermen village to observe the lifestyle of the fishing community. Located 8 km north-west of Pondicherry, is Auroville which is inhabited by people of different nationalities who produce and sell products such as handmade paper and incense sticks at the local outlets.

What to see: Attractions in Pondicherry

What to do: Activities to do in Pondicherry

Where to stay: Resorts in Pondicherry

A hill station standing at an altitude of 1515 metres above sea level,  in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is quite a scenic destination. Its centrally placed lake, enveloped by gardens and trees on all sides, is hub of tourist activity for its boating facilities and serves as the prime tourist attraction in this small town. The highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan Hill at 1,623 m. Here, a small temple is built inside a narrow and dark cave having the idols of God Servarayan and the Goddess Kaveri inside.

Apart from this you can visit the Lady’s Seat from where you can overlook the plains below through a telescope, Pagoda Point which is another favourable view point having a large temple and Silk Farm and Rose Garden where tourists can observe silkworm farming and silk spinning. 2.5 km from the Yercaud Lake, its water overflows into the Kiliyur Valley forming the 91 m long Kiliyur Waterfalls, another local sightseeing and picnic spot.

What to see: Attractions in Yercaud

What to do: Activities to do in Yercaud

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Yercaud

A treasure trove of nature, Bheemeshwari wildlife sanctuary is positioned between Shivanasamudra Falls and Mekedatu, on the banks of the River Kaveri. Perfect for a short trip, it is a popular picnic spot for a good dose of outdoor activities and to soak in the bounties of Mother Earth. One of the favoured tourist places near Bangalore, within 400 kms, the accommodation gives you a true sense of the wilderness.

Visit Bheemeshwari for rare sights of wildlife and a variety of birds residing in the region. The camps also organize activities like jungle walk, short treks nearby, rafting, kayaking and camping for those guests who avail of their hospitality.

What to do: Activities to do in Bheemeshwari

Where to stay: Checkout the best Places to Stay in Bheemeshwari

Masinagudi known for its wildlife and biodiversity offers some of the mesmerizing tourist attractions to all kinds of travellers. From Maravakandy Dam to Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Moyar River to Mudumalai Sanctuary, one can get engaged with numerous places and become a part of the Mother Nature.

As this tourist place is engaged by travellers throughout the year, it offers different types of activities at different seasons. Hence, it makes sure to fulfill everyone’s travel needs. This unparalleled hilly terrain in the Western Ghats gives shelter to exotic wildlife animals and birds. Tourists who come here will take the Jeep Safari at least once.  

Type of destination: Wildlife and Biodiversity 

Distance: 245 km from Bangalore

Travel time: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes

Places to Visit in Masinagudi: 
Masinagudi Jeep Safari, Maravakandy Dam, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.

Things to do in Masinagudi: 
Have an Adventurous Jungle Stay at Masinagudi, Visit the Maravakandy Dam

Best Time: Between the months of October to May

Ideal Weekend Duration: 1 to 2 days

Where to Stay: Best Resorts to Stay in Masinagudi

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport to Masinagudi is Mysore Airport(90 km away)
By Road: There are private buses running daily from Coimbatore and Bangalore to Masinagudi also, one can always hire a cab or a self-driven taxi to reach the destination.
By Train: The two nearest railway station from Masinagudi is Ooty and Coonoor which are just a few hours away.

Popular as a holiday destination for several visitors each year, the regal city of Mysore is one of the tourist places near Bangalore within 400 kms. The city’s Amba Vilas Palace is flocked by thousands of guests during the 10-day Dasara festival which is held during the month of October or November (depending on the Hindu calendar) with much pomp and show. Relics of the city’s royal past include the Mysore Palace, the Jaganmohana Palace, the Jayalakshmi Vilas and the Lalitha Mahal – all uniquely structured.

Apart from palaces, some of the other places you could visit as part of Mysore walking tours include the Mysore Zoo, Railway Museum, Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts and the Regional Museum of Natural History. Chamundeshwari Temple, a short drive from Mysore and atop the Chamundi Hills, is a prominent religious place. Not very far from the city lies the Krishnarajasagar Dam and the Brindavan Gardens bordering it, where a musical fountain show is organised every evening.

What to see: Attractions in Mysore

What to do: Checkout the best Activities to do in Mysore

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Mysore

Most of the weekend holidayers are searching for that elusive destination where they can look forward to a relaxed ambience, unspoiled air, arresting views of the hillocks along with a pleasant weather. For them Horsley Hills is just the ideal sanctuary – being a pretty little hill station tucked away at a height of 4,312 feet above sea-level in Chittoor district. An abundance of deciduous flora, surrounded by dense growths of eucalyptus, jacaranda, allamanda and gulmohar trees, the area is a delight for naturalists.

The major tourist attractions around Horsely Hills are Lakes Gangotri and Mansarovar, Highview seeing place, Gaalibanda, Environmental Park and the Horsley Hills Museum. Adventure activities like zorbing, rapelling and trekking are conducted here too which can be indulged on your trip to this quiet retreat.

What to see: Checkout the best Attractions in Horsley Hills

In the charming environs of the soaring Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty Highway, Bandipur National Park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km. Along with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole National Park in the North, it forms India's biggest biosphere reserve commonly known as the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve'.

Known for protecting several species of India's endangered wildlife, it witnesses a large influx of tourists from far and wide who come here for wildlife safaris hoping to catch a glimpse of its untamed inhabitants. This is one of the few tourist places around Bangalore within 400 kms, which has many Tigers and other animals like the gaur, sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, malabar squirrel and porcupines.

What to see: Attractions in Bandipur

What to do: Activities to do in Bandipur

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Bandipur

Nagarhole National Park, spread over both the districts of Coorg and Mysore, has vast swathes of forest cover, trickling streams, many hills, valleys and waterfalls. The River Kabini is one of the major water sources here around which several resorts and camps have been setup to provide the wildlife experience to visiting guests. For those who come here for jungle safaris, there is a possibility to come across tigers, Indian bison, wild dog, sloth bear, hyena, four-horned antelope, wild boar and elephants.

Birding enthusiasts have something to look forward to as there are over 250 species of birds found at this tourist place near Bangalore within 400 km. Besides the vast diversity of woodland birds like the bearded bee-eater, scarlet minivet and Malabar whistling thrush, there are great congregations of water fowl in the Kabini River ranging from the common ospreys to herons and ducks. Jeep safaris, guided forest walks and birdwatching treks are popular activities in these regions.

What to see: Attractions in Nagarhole

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Nagarhole

Ensconced between four mountains and spread across 30 km2, the small villages of Yelagiri are dotted with fruit orchards, rose-gardens, and green valleys - making it a perfect place for a relaxed outing. One of the lesser known hill stations around Bangalore, it is located at an altitude of 1,410 m above sea level in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district.

A lake called Punganoor is the focus of activities in the region with leisure boating and a children’s park nearby. You can also opt to either trek up the uneven hillocks or go on long walks through narrow roads to explore the green environs of this rural retreat. A short distance away from Athanur, the main town here, is Jalagamparai Falls which is formed when the Attaru River flows through the Yelagiri Hills, and plummets down elevated terrain.

What to see: Attractions in Yelagiri Hills

What to do: Activities to do in Yelagiri Hills

Where to stay: Checkout the best Places to Stay in Yelagiri Hills

The area called Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is a hill range situated on that part of the Nilgiris where the Eastern & Western Ghats converge. The Biligiriranga Hills, commonly called B R Hills, have an unmatched eco-system which supports diverse flora and fauna types within its deciduous forests.

A temple of Lord Rangaswamy with the idols of Sri Biligiri Ranganatha and Ranganayaki, the Lord's spouse stands atop the major hill in the sanctuary. Trekking, birdwatching, jungle safari, mountain biking, and wildlife photography within the forested regions are few of the activities one can indulge in when visiting this tourist place near Bangalore within 400 km.

What to see: Attractions in BR Hills

Where to stay: Explore the best Places to Stay in BR Hills

With the four rivers of Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, Varada and Kumudavathi flowing near Shimoga, the region has scenic locales much appreciated by visitors. Its popular amusement spots include the Tunga Anicut Dam, Kunchikal Falls, Gajanur Dam, Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari, Sakkare Bayalu Elephant Camp, and the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary. It is here that the River Sharavathi plunges down a 900 feet chasm to form the world famous Jog Falls which are flocked by tourists for the stunning sight.

Some of the less prominent but worthwhile locales include the Achakanya Waterfalls, Shivappa Nayaka Palace, the Kavaledurga Fort atop a hill and the Chandragutti Fort. With so many historical and natural attractions in and around Shimoga, there are plenty of options to keep you occupied in this tourist place around Bangalore within 400 kms.

What to see: Explore the best Attractions in Shimoga

What to do: Activities to do in Shimoga

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Shimoga

Hampi, a village located inside the remains of Vijayanagara, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable heritage architecture. The Virupaksha Temple along with several other noteworthy Hindu temples like Achyutaraya Temple, Badavi Linga, Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple and Chandramauleshwara Temple can be explored to view their detailed carvings and sculptures. While on a historical walk in Hampi, one can also visit the Hazara Rama Temple Complex which, although ruined, is well-known for its inscriptions depicting the story of Ramayana and a sprawling courtyard well-laid with gardens.

All these temples are perfect for pursuing photography and appreciating ancient architecture. Huge boulders dot the banks of the River Tungabhadra that flows adjacent to the village border and are frequented by rock climbing and bouldering enthusiasts who find the granite rocks most ideal for their adventurous pursuits.

With a multitude of places to go to within 400 kms of Bangalore, you have many choices to think of your next weekend vacation. Weather it is a relaxed, indolent outing or an action-packed, exciting one, you can opt for the destination most suited to the experiences you are searching for. With most of them situated in the middle of Mother Nature’s lap, you will return home feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, carrying back fond memories of your trip.

What to see: Attractions in Hampi

What to do: Activities to do in Hampi

Where to stay: Explore the best Places to Stay in Hampi

Hassan town is situated 934 m above sea level with an ambient weather similar to Bangalore. Well-known for the temple-architecture in its regions, this place has been named after the Goddess "Hassanamba", the city's goddess and presiding deity. Belur is one of the famous places 40 kms away from Hassan where the main attraction is the Chennakesava temple complex. 

At its centre is the Chennakesava Temple that is bounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple. The Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple, 31 km from Hassan, is the other must-visit location for its beautiful carvings in black stone on its outside walls. One of the most important Jain pilgrim centers, Shravanabelagola, is also situated in this district. Visit these religious structures to get a perspective of the various architectural styles in this area.

What to see: Attractions in Hassan

What to do: Activities to do in Hassan

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Hassan

Kolli Hills, a small mountain range located in Tamil Nadu, has managed to preserve its unblemished and simple beauty since it is still not very prominent on tourist maps. While driving to this destination, one has to cover 70 hair pin bends to reach the peak of the hills which have three reserve forests, namely Ariyur Solai, Kundur Nadu, Pulianjolai, in their vicinity. The high mountains here have two vantage points - one at Seekuparai and another at Selur Nadu - to view the valleys below. 

Agaya Gangai, a 300 ft waterfall of the river Aiyaru, is situated near the Arappaleeswarar temple atop these hills with deep ravines on all sides. Another waterfall in the area is the 200 ft long Masila Falls. The Masi Periyasamy temple is at its top, which can be visited along with the Kolli Pavai Temple, Siddhar Caves, the Boat house, the Botanical Garden, Koyilur View point and Santhana Parai Valley and Dam.

Where to stay: Places to Stay in Kolli Hills