Discover 10 Scenic Places To Visit In October Near Bangalore For A Refreshing Experience

Chikmagalur green hills under cloudy skies, top places to visit in October near Bangalore.

Cooler weather in early October makes it the right time to explore nearby getaways without the usual summer glare or monsoon delays. You’ll find several places to visit in October near Bangalore that feel completely different from the city. They are quieter, greener, and perfect for short breaks. Some offer sunrise views after steep climbs, others bring you close to water bodies where you can kayak or just sit and watch birds. The charm lies in the variety, and every spot stays within a reasonable driving range, so you can make the most of the season.

Best Places To Visit In October Near Bangalore

These short getaways offer great weather, scenic routes, and perfect activity levels for places to visit in October near Bangalore.

1. Manchanabele Dam

Manchanabele Dam, one of the scenic places to visit in October near Bangalore.

Photo: Manoj M Shenoy / Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for calm surroundings within a short drive, Manchanabele Dam stands out as one of the most relaxing places to visit in October near Bangalore. The water level stays steady in October, making it safer for activities like kayaking, which local organisers run near the edge of the reservoir. You can spot a variety of local birds across the streetline, especially early in the morning. There’s no formal viewing point, but a few clearings around the banks offer great photo angles. There’s also a forest patch nearby that draws groups interested in photography and short hikes.

Distance From Bangalore: 35.8 km
Major Attractions: Kayaking, riverside nature walks, birdwatching

2. Savandurga

Savandurga Hills are covered in lush greenery with gentle slopes and a serene natural setting.

Photo: Nandhu Kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

One of the more challenging yet rewarding experiences is Savandurga, especially for those interested in day treks. The climb begins from the base temple and winds up a monolithic hill with very little shade, which is why October’s cooler mornings make the timing just right. The trail isn’t marked by artificial paths; you’ll be following natural rock surfaces and occasional painted arrows. From the top, you get wide views of surrounding forests, nearby villages, and the Arkavathi River. The upper portion of the hill has remnants of a fort wall, and the descent feels completely different once the valley lights up.

Distance From Bangalore: 46.6 km
Major Attractions: Monolithic hill trek, forest trails, Veerabhadreshwara temple

3. Ramanagara

Koothagal village in Ramanagara with vibrant houses, one of the places to visit in October near Bangalore.

Photo: KshitizBathwal / Wikimedia Commons

Among all the places to see in October near Bangalore, Ramanagara offers a mix of history, adventure, and open landscapes that are hard to find close to the city. The region is known for its distinctive rocky hills, with Ramadevara Betta being the most popular climb. This hill also houses a temple halfway up and marks the shooting location for the film Sholay. If you’re not doing the adventure course, the climb to the top still takes about 30 minutes and rewards you with wide-angle views of the forest belt and surrounding hills.

Distance From Bangalore: 47.2 km
Major Attractions: Ramadevara Betta trek, Sholay movie point, adventure camps

4. Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills in Karnataka with a small waterfall surrounded by lush green vegetation.

Photo: Ranjeet Chauhan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Nandi Hills remains one of the most accessible getaways from Bangalore, offering sweeping valley views and hints of 18th-century architecture. The upper stretches feature old stone walls, open courtyards, and tree-lined walkways ideal for unhurried exploration. October weather sharpens visibility and brings pleasant air, enhancing the hilltop experience. From Tipu’s Drop, you can spot distant lakes, forest patches, and village roads. Stone paths lead to Amrita Sarovar, a stepped tank, and peaceful garden areas. A small temple at the summit remains open throughout the day, adding to the area’s charm.

Distance From Bangalore: 57.2 km
Major Attractions: Sunrise point, Tipu’s Drop, hilltop gardens, fort ruins

5. Skandagiri

The peak of Skandagiri Hills, one of the popular places to visit in October near Bangalore.

Photo: Taosif Jamal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

If you want to start the day with a sunrise above the clouds, Skandagiri is one of the most thrilling places to visit. The trekking route begins from the Papagni Mutt at the base and moves steadily uphill through forest sections, rocky ridges, and open slopes. In October, the trail stays dry and more manageable, which makes it easier to complete before daylight fully sets in. The peak is known for its ruined fort walls that once guarded the hill, and parts of the broken structure still stand along the final stretch.

Distance From Bangalore: 61.9 km
Major Attractions: Sunrise trek, ancient fort ruins, panoramic views

6. Doddamakali

A serene view of the river with a calm water body surrounded by dense greenery and mountains.

Photo: Apoorv Verma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

For a quiet day near the river, Doddamakali stands out as one of the most peaceful tourist attractions near Bangalore. Tucked away beyond the main roads, it sits along a forested stretch of the Cauvery where the terrain stays raw and untouched. Most people visit for the coracle rides and guided nature walks, both run by eco-camps that require booking. The river here is gentler, and the surrounding forest is known to host spotted deer, otters, and over 100 bird species, depending on the time of day.

Distance From Bangalore: 108.3 km
Major Attractions: Jungle trails, fishing spots, riverside birdwatching

7. Bheemeshwari

Riverside Eco Camp at Bheemeshwari, one of the places to visit in October near Bangalore.

Photo: Uriel Mont / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bheemeshwari sits by a quiet bend of the Cauvery River, where the forest meets the water without any urban interference. October weather keeps the river calm, which allows for safer coracle rides, ziplining across open stretches, and short guided treks through shaded jungle paths. The camps here are set up with minimal concrete, blending into the tree cover with small cabins, open kitchens, and resting huts near the water. You can spot Malabar giant squirrels, elephants, and an occasional crocodile resting by the riverbanks, though all activities are designed with safe zones in mind.

Distance From Bangalore: 103.7 km
Major Attractions: Wildlife sightings, coracle ride, ziplining, riverside eco camp

8. Kabini

Two elephants are walking through the forest at Kabini wildlife sanctuary.

Photo: Fareed Akhyear Chowdhury / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

If you’re planning a short wildlife trip in early October, Kabini offers one of the best forest experiences. The chances of spotting elephants and bison increase around the backwaters, especially during morning rides. On the jeep trail, sightings of leopards and occasionally tigers. Boat safaris run along the Kabini River, which curves past thick groves and quiet mud banks, offering views of marsh crocodiles and a wide range of birds, including crested serpent eagles and storks. Wildlife lodges here book out quickly, especially those that offer packages with both safari types and meals included.

Distance From Bangalore: 210.6 km
Major Attractions: Nagarhole National Park, boat safari, backwater sunset views

9. Sakleshpur

Small water body and greenery in Sakleshpur, one of the top places to visit in October near Bangalore.

Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

Sakleshpur is a quiet hill destination perfect for those seeking treks and heritage ruins. The Jenukal Gudda trail becomes more accessible in October when the slopes stabilize after the rains. Local guides lead you along forest ridges, meadows, and rocky ledges with wide views of the Western Ghats. Deeper inside, an old railway line runs through mossy tunnels and over iron bridges. Though inactive, it remains intact and can be explored with guidance. Many homestays in coffee plantations offer outdoor seating, and hosts often lead morning estate walks before the sun climbs.

Distance From Bangalore: 219.6 km
Major Attractions: Railway bridge treks, Manjarabad Fort, Western Ghats trails

10. Chikmagalur

Scenic view of the Chikmagalur hills covered with lush green forests under a clear sky.

Photo: Adarsh Noolvi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Set at the base of Karnataka’s highest peak, Chikmagalur remains one of the most scenic places to visit near Bangalore. The weather here begins to clear after the rains, and the hills around Mullayanagiri stay cool and walkable without slippery stretches. The trail to Mullayanagiri begins from a marked point just outside town and moves through a mix of exposed rocks and grassy slopes. Beyond trekking, the town is surrounded by working coffee estates that allow short visits. These walks take you through sections of the plantation while explaining how the beans are picked, sorted, and sun-dried before roasting.

Distance From Bangalore: 240.9 km
Major Attractions: Coffee plantations, Mullayanagiri peak, Baba Budangiri

Each of these places to visit in October near Bangalore offers open hilltop skies, river trails through forests, coffee paths in plantations, or lakeside dam serenity. October’s weather is perfect, with no heavy rain or harsh sun, letting you explore comfortably. Whether a one-day trip or a quiet weekend, these spots provide a peaceful escape from the city. Plan your October getaway with TripXL to make your time outside Bangalore truly memorable.
Cover Photo: Arun Yokesh / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can book tented camps at Bheemeshwari or riverside forest stays at Doddamakali. Both require booking, and camping is organised with basic safety, meals, and activity options included.
Sakleshpur is suitable for short weekend plans with plantation stays and nearby treks. Chikmagalur takes longer to reach and is better if you can spare at least two full days.
In October, you may get a room in Sakleshpur on weekdays if you arrive before noon. In Chikmagalur and Kabini, most stays are full by Friday morning without advance confirmation.
Stay in a single-cabin estate in Sakleshpur where meals are served in-room. In Kabini, book a cottage facing the river. Both options stay quiet on weekdays and offer privacy.
Yes, many coffee estates in Chikmagalur offer guided plantation tours explaining the coffee-growing and processing methods.

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