Bengaluru is the capital of Karnataka and India's technology hub, a high-altitude city of gardens, lakes, palaces, and a famously inventive food and craft-beer scene. Colonial-era cantonment avenues, Tipu Sultan's fort, and the Lalbagh Botanical Garden sit alongside glass-walled tech parks and the cafes of Indiranagar and Koramangala.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Nandi Hills Sunrise Walk and Trails
A hill fortress rising to about 1,478 m above the Deccan plain, Nandi Hills is Bengaluru's classic sunrise outing. Most visitors drive to the summit car park, while walkers use the old fort paths, the Tipu's Drop viewpoint trail and the steps around the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple.
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2
Savandurga Hill Trek
Savandurga is one of Asia's largest monolith hills, a twin granite mass (Karigudda and Biligudda) rising to about 1,226 m. The trek is a steep rock-slab scramble with fort walls, a small Narasimha temple and long views across the Arkavathy valley.
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3
Skandagiri (Kalavara Durga) Sunrise Trek
Skandagiri, also called Kalavara Durga, is a ruined hill fort at about 1,350 m with a famous sunrise-above-the-clouds view from October to February. The trek is now controlled through an online permit system run by the Karnataka Forest Department.
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4
Ramadevara Betta (Ramanagara Hills)
Ramadevara Betta is a temple hill and vulture conservation reserve in the granite hills of Ramanagara, known from the 1975 film Sholay. Short, steep trails lead to the Rama temple and to rocky viewpoints over the town.
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5
Anthargange Caves and Hill Trail
Anthargange is a volcanic-rock hill near Kolar with a natural spring, caves and a night-trek reputation. A short trail winds up through boulder fields and crawl-through cave passages to a small Kashi Vishweshwara temple.
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6
Makalidurga Trek
Makalidurga is a ruined hill fort with a temple on the slopes and views over Doddaballapur plains. The easy trail, with a moderate scramble at the end, suits beginners on a half-day outing.
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7
Turahalli Forest Trails
Turahalli is a small protected forest of boulders and scrub on the southern edge of the city, used for weekday runs, bouldering and sunset walks. It is the easiest wild-feeling trail reachable within Bengaluru.
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8
Devarayanadurga Forest Trail
Devarayanadurga is a forested hill with two temples, a monkey-rich path and sweeping views over the Tumakuru plateau. The trail follows steps and a shaded road from the base temple to the summit shrine.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Bengaluru.
- spring
- summer
- fall
- winter
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Bare granite slabs become very slippery when wet, particularly at Savandurga and Ramanagara
Hazard: Heat and dehydration on exposed hills from March to May, with little shade or water
Hazard: Aggressive monkeys at Nandi Hills, Devarayanadurga and temple hills
Hazard: Entry without a valid Aranya Vihaara permit is refused at controlled routes such as Skandagiri
Hazard: Sharp volcanic rock and tight cave passages at Anthargange
Hazard: Snakes and stinging insects in scrub and rock crevices, especially after the monsoon
Hazard: Early-morning fog on the Nandi Hills ghat road can reduce visibility for drivers
Hazard: Night trekking is restricted at several sites and unlit paths cause falls
Hazard: Limited mobile signal and no rescue services on most trails