5 Hidden Gems around Bangalore which you didn't Know Of ! 

Craving to get out on weekends and explore new places near you? Have you visited almost all the well-known places in and around Bangalore? And browsing google gives you the same list of places again and again?

Fret not, we have a perfect list of 5 hidden gems that are waiting to be explored by travelers having a zeal of wanderlust like you! All these places listed here are relatively new tourist places nearby Bangalore and hence you can also expect little to no crowd over here compared to other tourist destinations in India.

Chota-Ladakh

Yes, you read that right! There's a place called Chota Ladakh which falls within 100kms from Bangalore. Also called 'Dodda Ayur', with pristine blue water, surrounded by the dry white stone hills, the landscape here closely resembles that of Ladakh.

This short-trip for you can be a perfect combination of a long drive, passing through a secluded village and then a bit of off-roading on the last stretch of the road. Since this is an open space, it is recommended to visit there early in the morning to avoid the scorching heat.

Also, a word of precaution to not try to swim in those waters since a lot of drownings have been reported here and the water is known to be chemical-ridden from where it supposedly gets its blue color.

Gandikota

Famously known as "The Grand Canyon of India", this place is 300kms from Bangalore and the best place to head out on weekends if you are looking for a place that is serene, touristy as well as untouched. Since it is not yet commercialized, you cannot find a stay here except for the government APTDC complex which has few cottages for stay and also public washrooms for tourists to freshen up.

Hence, people are allowed to camp on top of the gorge where you can see the Penna river flowing right next to you. Early morning, walk a few kilometers ahead and you can find amazing viewpoints to admire the marvel of nature and also for excellent photography. Locals have also started kayaking in the Penna river here and it is truly a memorable experience kayaking through this large and wide canyon.

Kopatty Trek

This is another less popular places to visit in Coorg district of Karnataka. Being one of the untouched treks, you can expect to find little or no people on the trail. This trek starts from the Charambane temple and the trail can be found from the Kopatti temple.

If you are kind of skeptical about trekking in this secluded place on your own, you can join one of the many trekking groups from Bangalore like the "Nature Walkers". One of the most unique aspects of this trek is that you can find all range of landscapes ranging from paddy fields, which continues to forest trails, opens out to a meadow and then needs one to navigate carefully through the steep path to reach the peak taking a total of 6-6.5 hours to complete this trek.

Chunchi Falls

Tired of going to waterfalls and finding huge crowds of people there so much so that you have to strain your neck to get a good view of the falls? The church is one of the places which is less than 100kms from Bangalore and less-touristy till now. It is a beautiful waterfall to be visited from September-February to get the best view.

If you are an adventure-loving person and love to explore then one can also trek down to the bottom of the falls. This place falls on the way to Mekedatu and Sangama and is on the banks of Arakavati river. Best for a picnic and a one-day holiday trip from Bangalore.

Pyramid Valley

Housing the largest meditational pyramid in the World, you will be amazed to find such a serene place so near to Bangalore (around 70kms). One of the most peaceful places you can find near Bangalore, it also has a beautiful Buddha statue.

The entire pyramid is constructed in a scientific way at an angle of 51 51 51 degrees where it is said that the Earth collects the energy force maximum at this angle, also it is known that meditation inside a pyramid is three times more effective and a crystal is placed at its apex which helps multiply and distribute cosmic energy inside the entire pyramid area.

The entire area is sculpted in a way to facilitate and promote modern spirituality and meditation where there is an art gallery, accommodations like standard rooms, dormitories, bamboo cottages, meditation briefing centers and a cafeteria which serves only vegetarian food.

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple

Present at the foothills of Nandi Hills which also falls under 100kms from Bangalore and known for its beautiful and large "Kalyani" or "Pushkarni" which means temple pond surrounded by steps leading to it, and is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Karnataka which was build around 9th century by the Nolamba dynasty in Dravidian architecture.

Later extended by the reputed dynasties of the Gangas who built The Arunachaleshwara temple which represents Lord Shiva in his childhood, the Hoysalas built the Uma Maheshwara Temple depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati and the main Shiva temple Bhoga Nandeeshwara built by the Cholas representing Lord Shiva's youth.

Also, the Yoga Narasimha temple which depicts Shiva's renunciation is present at the top of the very famous and popular Nandi hills.

Omkareshwara Hills

Bonus place: Omkar Hills or Omkareshwara Hills is located near Raja Rajeshwari Nagar in Bangalore. This is a Shiva temple which is famous for Matsya Narayana temple and Dwadasha Jyotirlinga temple.

This hill is situated at 2800 ft which is one of the highest viewpoints in Bangalore and also a 40feet giant clock tower draws people to this place, which is one of the largest clock towers in the world, even bigger than the famous Big Ben in London.

All the places listed here are best when visited between the months of September - February and also, untouched and yet to be flooded with tourists, hence we request you that whenever you happen to visit these places please do preserve and respect the sanctity of the place.Also, enjoy the nature and serenity at these places and do let us know in the comments if you happen to know any more hidden places around Bangalore. 🙂

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