Quick getaways and best picnic spots near Bengaluru
Which is the best place to go near Bangalore with my girlfriend? Where can I take my family for a one-day picnic near Bangalore? This article answers these questions with some information on the best places located near Bangalore to go for a picnic or for a one-day trip.
While there are plentiful tourist spots in Bengaluru such as Cubbon Park, many residents of the city are increasingly eager to head out to nearby places which can be covered within a day. In fact, quite a few youngsters are looking out for places where they can spend a few hours with their girlfriend!
For an outing to these places, travel light & keep some tips in mind before you set out:
If you are driving your own bike / car, ensure you have a full tank before you set out as petrol bunkers will be hard to find.
Wear good hiking shoes
Wear clothes as per the weather
In hot weather, wear large-brimmed hats and sunglasses
Remember to carry your camera!
Here's a list of where you can go for a quick trip…Top 7 best places near Bangalore for a picnic and one-day trip
1. Muthyala Maduvu: The name of the place means "pond of pearls" in Telegu. This name is derived from the large pearl-like drops which cascade from the 90m waterfalls located here. Hence, the location itself is called 'Pearl Valley'. Due to the presence of the waterfalls and the plentiful greenery, it is a regular spot for picnickers and hiking enthusiasts.
Location: 42-45kms. drive from Bangalore, just outside the perimeters of the Banerghatta National Park.
Road route from Bangalore to Muthyala Maduvu: Banneraghatta Road - Banneraghatta National Park – Anekal – right turn to Muthyala Maduvu valley. Longer route: Hosur Road – Attibele – Anekal.
Attractions: The waterfalls and Lord Shiva shrine.
2. Thippagondanahalli Reservoir/dam: This reservoir is the primary source of water for the residents of Bangalore. Also called Chamarajasagar, the large reservoir is located at the meeting point of 2 rivers, the Arakavathi and the Kumudavathi. Locals refer to it simply as T G halli dam.
Location: 30kms. from Bangalore.
Road route from Bangalore to T.G. halli dam: Bangalore – Magadi Road – Tavakere – T.G.halli Dam. You can board a BTS bus in Banglaore from the City market stand. The bus goes to BWSSB Colony. Get off there and walk (about 20mins.) to the reservoir. You will see a road near the dam gates on the right side (approx. 1 – 1 ½ kms). Walk through the trees to the waters of the dam.
Note: if you are interested, you can even take an official tour of the entire reservoir & see first-hand the process of pumping and filtering of the reservoir water. For this, you will have to take prior permission from the Bangalore Water Supply And Sewerage Board (BWSSB) office in Bangalore.
3. Manchanabele Dam: This is located downstream from the T.G. halli dam. Plenty of bird calls to be heard in the area, this is a lovely place for a hike & picnic.
Location: 40kms from Bangalore
Road route from Bangalore to Manchanabele Dam: Bangalore – Magadi Road – Tavakere - Manchanabele Dam
Attractions: Trek up the hill to the dam, with a stunning view at sunset. Good for kayaking enthusiasts.
4. Hesaraghatta: One of the prettiest spots near Bangalore due to the presence of the lake spread over a vast area. Cool breezes create a delightful trip. Members of the yacht club here enjoy water sports on the lake. A dairy & horticulture farm is based here.
Location: 26kms. from Bangalore, towards the north.
Road route from Bangalore to Hesaraghatta: Bangalore – Tumkur raod – right turn at Peenya Signal - Hesarghatta
Attractions: The lake itself & Nrityagram (Dance Village) set up by the late Protima Gauri is close by.
5. Ramohalli: One of the most popular picnic spots near Bangalore, it is well-known for being the location site for films. Rural ambience and lovely views of Savandurga hills attracts a good number of people on the weekends.
Location: 28kms. from Bangalore, towards the south-east.
Road route from Bangalore to Ramohalli: Bangalore– Kengeri - Ramohalli
Attractions: An ancient banyan tree referred to simply as Dodda Alada Mara (meaning Big Banyan Tree in Kannada). It is believed to be the largest tree in the entire State of Karnataka, with its roots going deep down to great depths. The tree itself covers an area of about 4 acres. Named after the tree is The Banyan Tree restaurant operated by KSTDC.
6. Talkad: Visiting Talkad is like visiting a beach! The sandy banks on the river Kaveri make for an ideal place to idle the time in fun. Take a Frisbee along!
Location: 130kms. form Bangalore
Road route from Bangalore to Talkad: Bangalore – Mysore road – Maddur – turn left / Bangalore - Kanakapura - Malavalli – Talakad. You can also board a bus from Malavalli to Talakad (but these are not regular buses).
Attractions: During certain times of the year, small coracle boats are available on hire to cross the river. Some of you may also be interested in exploring the ruins of temples located nearby. If you have more time, you can also visit the Shivanasamudra falls.
7. Muthathi: Good drive to this village along the river banks. You can also take a short walk through the forest area which comes just before the village itself.
Location: 1 ½ hr. – 2 hrs. drive from Bangalore
Road route from Bangalore to Muthathi: Bangalore – Kanakapura road – Sathanur – turn left – Muthathi.
Where to stay: If you are planning a weekend stay, you can find accommodation at Jungle Lodges & Resorts at Bheemeshwari.
Attractions: Fishing, swimming, hiking. You can visit the Chunchi falls.
So what are you waiting for? Pack a picnic hamper & off you go!
