Kanakapura, a small locality beyond Bengaluru, is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, wooded patches, and adventure sports. The ecoregions also include hills and forests where nature lovers can take up trekking expeditions. The outskirts too have a diverse avifauna, making them a delight for bird watchers and photography lovers. On that note, because of its central accessibility, the places to visit near Kanakapura are quite popular in terms of day sightseeing excursions as well as short holidays featuring weekend trips that are far removed from the hectic metropolis.
Top 13 Places To Visit Near Kanakapura
From stunning waterfalls to vibrant towns with rich cultural and historical heritage, here are some of the top places to visit near Kanakapura:
1. Muthathi

Photo: Nikhil$051994 / Wikimedia Commons
Muthathi is an idyllic village located by the serene Kaveri River. It is nestled amidst the breathtaking forests of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, making it perfect for all nature and wildlife lovers. Muthathi due to its biodiversity serves chances to see animals like deer and elephants and many kinds of birds, and thus, this place also has many visitors as Muthathi is famous for picnics, fishing, and boat rides. Being this beautiful and peaceful, Muthathi is an excellent place for those who want to get away from the city and be with nature. This place also has cultural beliefs as policies near Anjaneya (Hanuman) temple.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 38 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : October to March
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Karnataka To Explore Exotic Wildlife
2. Chunchi Falls

Photo: Mishrasasmita / Wikimedia Commons
Chunchi Falls is an incredible waterfall based on the Arkavathi River and one of the popular attractions near Kanakapura. Surrounded by craggy hills and green vegetation, it serves as a peaceful heaven for all nature enthusiasts. The enjoyment of the visitors is held by and through short treks to the various scenic trails which lead to the falls where photography and birdwatching enjoyment takes place. Although swimming is not encouraged owing to the rushing waters and the rocky floor, Chunchi Falls is ideal for a quiet family outing and a day basking in the beauty of nature.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 27 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : June to September
3. Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta

Photo: Gopakumar V R / Wikimedia Commons
Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta hill is an eminent trekking and climbing site because of its amazing views and quiet environment. It is one of the notable places to see near Kanakapura, attracting both novices and experienced climbers. The trek to the peak of the hill, which takes about 1–2 hours to climb, offers stunning views that include the green hills and valleys, along with a beautiful temple of lord Rangaswamy. This region also provides an ecosystem with various species of plants and animals including many birds, which is interesting to nature lovers and bird watchers.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 16 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : September to February
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Karnataka You Must-Visit For Breathtaking Vistas
4. Sangama And Mekedatu

Photo: Rayabhari / Wikimedia Commons
Sangama and Mekedatu are beautiful places that rank among the top tourist attractions near Kanakapura. Sangama acts as the meeting point of the Arkavathi and Kaveri rivers, which creates a perfect ambience for family outings and nature trails. Tourists can have a great time watching the verdant stretch of land along with the babbling rivers. A bit of trek from Sangama takes you to Mekedatu, where the rivers run in between two hills with great rocks and falls. The region is also famous for its different types of birds and sceneries, which is why it is popular among photography enthusiasts. These sites are ideal for those seeking natural beauty and adventure near Kanakapura.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 35 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : October to March
5. Ramanagara

Photo: Navaneeth KN / Wikimedia Commons
Ramanagara is an active tourism region famous for its amazing scenery and high degree of adventurous activities. Known for its bouldered landscape, it provides superb rock climbing, trekking, and rappelling activities. Things to do in Ramanagara include exploring the adventurous trails, camping under serene hills, and experiencing various outdoor sports such as ziplining and ATV rides. The area is also famous for its sericulture and beautiful landscapes, which makes it an ideal place for capturing great pictures. The main attractions include the Ramadevara Betta Hill with its temple and breathtaking views, as well as the historic Kanakapura Fort close by. There’s a mixture of nature and adventure in Ramanagara that makes it a perfect destination for people who love the outdoors and nature as well.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 35 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : October to February
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Ramanagara
6. Kabbal Durga

Photo: Shruti.morabad / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kabbal Durga is famous and certainly among the best trekking places due to the beautiful scenery and several temples of ancient architecture. The trek to the summit offers a moderate degree of difficulty, making it suitable for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. At the topmost point, there is the Kabaalishwaran temple, which is built in a Shiva centre in a uniquely stylized location and serene ambiance. For this reason, Kabbal Durga is also an excellent place for the devotees and the gaggles of day trippers, who are in the mood for an escapade blessed with pleasing landscapes and spirituality.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 25 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : October to February
7. Shivanasamudra Falls

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Shivanasamudra Falls is an awe-inspiring double waterfall situated on the Kaveri River. Comprising two main falls named, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, this waterfall is famous for its scenic beauty, most especially in the rainy season when water flow is at its full capacity. Things to do in Shivanasamudra Falls include enjoying the stunning views from different angles, photography, picnics, trekking the trails around, taking a coracle boat ride near the falls, and exploring the ancient Ranganathaswamy Temple. One can get a 360-degree view from different postures and enjoy photography, picnics, and even move around the place without much hassle. The Falls also features the ancient Ranganathaswamy Temple, a hydroelectric power generation plant, which shows that the place has great historical importance.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 75 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : June to September
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Shivanasamudra Falls To Experience Serenity
8. Art Of Living International Center

Photo: Abhiman Singh / Wikimedia Commons
The Art of Living International Centre, located near Kanakapura, Karnataka, is a popular spiritual retreat which spans an area of 65 acres and provides a conducive environment ideal for practices like yoga, meditation, and even soul-searching. At this centre, different workshops, courses and events are conducted and people can walk in well-maintained gardens, listen to spiritual discourses, or engage in talking and breathing exercises with the meditation sessions. This, a gorgeous meditation hall, is a famous feature of the centre. Such a place is suitable for people in search of peace and in need to connect more deeply with themselves. It is also one of the notable places to visit near Kanakapura, Karnataka, offering a serene escape amidst nature and spirituality.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 45 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : October to March
9. Thottikallu Falls

Photo: Manjukirans / Wikimedia Commons
Thottikallu Falls can be reached by road in 45 minutes from Kanakapura and is a beautiful waterfall in a green setting. Fondly called as “TK Falls”, this place is a hit among nature lovers and adventurers alike. The falls plunge down striking vertical granite cliffs, forming a beautiful view, especially during rains. Trekking and hiking are some other activities that can be enjoyed in the nearby woods, thus making it an ideal place for outdoor activities. This area is not very developed in terms of tourism, which makes it a perfectly suitable place for a getaway, away from the busy urban cities.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 45 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : June to September
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Jog Falls
10. Turahalli Forest

Photo: Gpkp / Wikimedia Commons
Being green in every sense, this serene forest has its own share of narrow lanes suited for trekking and cycling. It has a rich biodiversity, hence birdwatching and photography are some of the activities enjoyed by many visitors to this National park. The forest has a reputation of providing peace and quiet, which makes it suitable for taking a walk or having a picnic with friends and family. Turahalli also has some rocky structures, which people who are into climbing and other extreme sports will find interesting.
Distance From Kanakapura: Approximately 30 kilometres
Best Time To Visit : October to February
11. Kaveri Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthathi Range)

Photo: Jagadish Katkar / Wikimedia Commons
The Kaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is a one day trip near Kanakapura for family. It is located near Kanakapura and is on the banks of the River Cauvery. The sanctuary is made up of lush forests and hilly land that is home to elephants, spotted deer, leopards, and many kinds of birds. This makes it a popular place to picture wildlife and watch birds. In the peaceful Muthathi range, people can go on hikes through the bush, ride coracles, and have picnics by the river.
Distance From Kanakpura: 20 km
Suggested Read: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
12. Dodda Alada Mara

Photo: Sunesh M S / Wikimedia Commons
Dodda Alada Mara, also called the Big Banyan Tree, is spread out over three acres in Kethohalli town. With its maze-like roots and branches, this huge banyan tree, which is thought to be more than 400 years old, makes a cool, green shade. Families and travellers like to have picnics there and take it easy, take pictures, or just enjoy the natural beauty. It is one of the most interesting places to visit near Kanakapura with friends because of its size and long history.
Distance From Kanakpura: 40 km
13. Skandagiri Hills (Kalavara Durga)

Photo: Aranyaparva / Wikimedia Commons
Skandagiri Hills, which are also known as Kalavara Durga, are a famous place to go trekking because of the beautiful views of the sunrise from above the clouds. Some trekkers start their ascent early in the morning, and when they reach the top, the first rays of sunlight turn the sky yellow. The easy walk goes along rough trails, through lush vegetation and past the remains of an old hill fort, which gives the trip a historical feel. Skandagiri is a popular place for nature fans, photographers, and people who like to hike because of its beautiful dawn views.
Distance From Kanakpura: 40 km
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Hubli Perfect For A Weekend Getaway
Drenched in nature and adventure and devoid of any form of madness, Kanakapura and the region in general is heaven. From the breathtaking, ever-familiar Chunchi Falls to the serene Art of Living Center, the places to visit near Kanakupra are extremely beautiful. Considering your next trip to Karnataka, how about letting us at TripXL do all the hard work in terms of deals and bookings? Book now!
Cover Photo: Deepak TL / Wikimedia Commons