Places To Visit In Bangalore With Family

It can be a long weekend or a yearly vacation with your family, and your road should lead to Bengaluru. Tourism here is not just about the places to visit in Bangalore.

There have been multiple moves from the Airport Authority and the State Government to make a trip to Bengaluru more sustainable and transform the capital city of Karnataka into a tourism hotspot.

“A good tourism policy will attract industrialists and investments. Karnataka is looking to develop its 300-km-long coastline. Bengaluru can become a tourist hub besides being the IT capital.”
– D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.

So, when you travel to Bangalore, you get the best amenities, eco-friendly tourism practices, and an abundance of nature, history, and human stories. Here is a brief account of the family-friendly travel destinations in Bangalore.

Traveling With Family? These Are The Best Places To Visit In Bangalore

The places to visit in Bangalore can accommodate tourists of all age groups with varying interests. The tech hotspots and amusement parks will be the favorite of youngsters.

Further, the historical places and buildings whisper about the city’s heritage, culture, and human stories. Further, spots like Nandi Hills and Bannerghatta National Park offer you a slice of nature and wildlife.

To cut a long story short, Bangalore is a great place to be with family. Let’s explore the following places.

1. Ramanagara

Distance from Bangalore: Around 50 Kms

Best Time to Visit: December to March

Ramanagara was known as Shamserabad during the time of Tipu Sultan. Then, in the pre-independence times, the city was called Closepet, after Sir Barry Close.

Ramanagara is a famous tourist attraction today, and it is known as the “Silk City” or “Silk Town” of India. It is the hub of sericulture and Asia’s largest silk cocoon market. As you note the operations of the silk industry and other businesses here, your little ones will love the traditional toys of Ramanagara.

Further, it has Ramdevara Betta (where the famous Sholay film was shot), Kangal Anjaneya Swami, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Maganchanbele Dam, Chunchi Falls, Savandurga, etc.

Moreover, Ramanagara has a unique geological feature thanks to Closepet granites. The 50-km belt of granite rocks from the Lower Proterozoic era stands in a north-south direction.

2. Nandi Hills

Distance from Bangalore: Around 70 Kms

Best Time to Visit: October to June

Nandi Hills is a beautiful fusion of nature, adventure, and history. For the best experience, you must visit the hills before Sunrise. The hills look magical as the Sun starts showering its first rays for the day.

Did you know that India hosted the first SAARC Summit in 1986, which took place at Nandi Hills?

Popular as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, Nandi Hills is one of the best places in Bangalore for bird watching and hiking. The history of this place goes into antiquity, and in many ancient scriptures, you will find the mention of ‘Nandigiri,” the former name of this place.

Explore The Best Trekking Spots In Nandi Hills

You can explore the following trekking spots in Nandi Hills.

⁍ Northwest-Channakeshava Betta

⁍ Skandagiri

⁍ Brahmagiri

⁍ Shravana Tirtha

You can even try parasailing at Nandi Hills.

Visit The Temples At Nandi Hills

As you reach the top of Nandi Hills, you will find the Yoganandishwara Temple. It is a Shiva temple built in the Chola style.

Further, Bhoganandishwara Temple, a village near the hills (Nandi Grama), is a major draw for tourists here. Established in the 9th century AD, this Shiva temple gathered Vijayanagara, Chola, and Hoysala elements in its architecture through various periods.

Listen To The Whispers Of History At Nandi Hills

The Paleyagars of Chikkaballapura built the fort walls of Nandi Hills, which was later occupied by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.

There is a spot called “Tipu’s Drop” in the fort. Stories have it that prisoners were pushed to death from there.

3. Bheemeshawari

Distance from Bangalore: 103 Kms

Best Time to Visit: August to February

Bheemeshwari is a quaint town located between Shivanasamudra Falls and Mekedatu. It is a favorite destination for trekking in Bangalore.

When in Bheemeshawari, staying in the fishing camps is a real fun. These camps have mosquito nets, cots, and bathing facilities to offer you comfort.

‣ Bheemeshwari Is A Trekking Hub

Doddamkali and Galibore are the two most popular trekking trails in Bheemeshwari. Doddamkali is just 7 Kms away, offering activities like rafting, birdwatching, and fishing.

On the other hand, Galibore is 16 Km away from Bheemeshwari and known for its catch-and-release fishing camps. You will also find an elephant camp here.

‣ Bheemeshwari Is One Of The Best Places To Visit In Bangalore For Birdwatching

If you visit Bheemeshwari during the monsoon season, you will get to see the following birds:

• Woodpeckers

• Eagles

• Kingfishers

• River terns

However, be careful while watching the waterbirds as the river is filled with crocodiles and anglers.

‣ Spot The Wildlife At Bheemeshwari

A lush green forest surrounds this small town. You can spot animals like elephants, crocodiles, otters, leopards, wild boars, and monkeys there.

Kingfishers, Ibis, and herons are also visible in the forest near the river.

‣ Enjoy Fishing At Bheemeshwari

Bheemeshwari has Mahseer fish, a natural inhabitant of the Cauvery River. Mahseer is loved as a gaming fish.

The fishing camps here allow amateur and professional fishermen to catch the fish. However, you will have to release the creatures.

Overall, Bheemeshwari has emerged as a great space for eco-tourism near Bangalore. You must include it on your itinerary for a one- or two-day trip from Bangalore.

4. The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

Distance from Bangalore: Around 200 Kms

Best Time to Visit: October to February

18th September 2023, Monday, was a day of “More Pride” for India. The X handle of the UN announced, “Just inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, India. Congratulations!”

“More pride for India! The magnificent Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The timeless beauty and intricate details of the Hoysala temples are a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of our ancestors.”
X Post of Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India

As PM Modi has pointed out, the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas are the flag bearers of the rich cultural history of our country. It’s great that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has protected them well.

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, or the Hoysala temples of Halebid, Belur, and Somnathapura, were built during the 12th and 13th centuries.

The temples primarily exhibit the brilliance of Dravidian architecture. However, the following craftsmanship styles from various parts of the country are also visible here.

‣ Bhumija Style (Central India)

‣ Karnataka Dravida (Kalyani Chalukyas)

‣ Nagara Traditions (Western and Northern India)

Keshava Temple, or the Chennakesava Temple, is most famous in this sacred ensemble. Somanatha, a renowned army commander of the Hoysala Dynasty, built this temple on the banks of River Cauvery.

5. Bannerghatta National Park

Distance from Bangalore: 21.7 Km via Bannerghatta Road

Best Time to Visit: October to June

Bannerghatta National Park is one of the best places to visit with family and kids. You can reach the spot after a short and easy car drive from Bangalore.

Watching the lions and tigers here is a majestic experience. Also, the zoo, butterfly park, and museum are great attractions for wildlife enthusiasts. Further, you can spot the following animals on a safari in Bannerghatta National Park.

• Sambar

• Gaur

• Chital

• Barking Deer

• Gog Deer

• Nilgai

• Black Buck

Bannerghatta National Park will be even more easily accessible with metro connectivity, which will be available here soon.
The Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line, connecting the “Kalena Agrahara (Gottigere) on Bannerghatta Road to Nagawara,” will open in 2025.

Established in 1970, this park was designated a national park in 1974.

6. Devanahalli Fort

Distance from Bangalore: Around 35 Km

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Built by Malla Baire, the Devanahalli Fort is more famous today as the birthplace of Tipu Sultan. His father, Hyder Ali, took the fort over, and his brave son was born here in 1750.

There is a small pillared enclosure near the Devanahalli Fort. You will find a stone tablet there depicting the story of Tipu Sultan’s birth.

The Devanahalli Fort takes us back to 1501 AD. Malla Baire built the first mud fort here with the consent of Devaraya at Devanadoddi, which was the former name of Devanahalli.
Malla Baire comes from the Morasu Wokkalu family, who settled in this region after their leader, Rana Baire Gowda, saw a dream. He built a settlement here in the name of Ahuti, later known as Avati.
It’s fascinating to know that Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore city, also belongs to this family.

Devanahalli in Kannada roughly translates to the “Village of God” in English. When you are at the fort, you must visit temples like Venugopalaswamy Temple (the oldest), Siddalingeshwara Temple, and Chandramouleshwara Temple.

Further, known as the summer residence of Tipu Sultan, this fort today has the paintings and belongings of the great ruler. The stone and mortar structure with teak, wood, and plaster also speaks of the architectural excellence in this part of the world.

The places to visit in Bangalore with family are endless. Along with the sites I have discussed, you can also explore Cubbon Park, Krishna Rajan Market, Janapada Loka, and Venkatappa Art Gallery.

Set your itinerary right and choose the places to visit in Bangalore based on the days you will spend in the city and the locations you want to explore.