Kolar Day Trip from Bangalore: Temples, Antharagange Trek & Picnic Spots
If you’re looking for a peaceful one-day trip from Bangalore that combines ancient temples, light trekking, and fresh countryside air, then Kolar is a wonderful choice. Far less crowded than popular spots like Nandi Hills, Kolar offers history, spirituality, and nature — all within a comfortable driving distance.
Why Visit Kolar?
Located in eastern Karnataka, Kolar district is known for:
- Ancient temples and forts
- Rich history dating back to the Chola, Ganga, and Chalukya dynasties
- Easy road connectivity from Bangalore
- Offbeat destinations with minimal crowds
It’s ideal for:
- Families with kids
- History and temple lovers
- Beginner trekkers
- Travelers seeking uncrowded weekend escapes
Distance & Best Time to Visit Kolar
- Distance from Bangalore: ~69 km
- Driving time: 1.5–2 hours
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Ideal trip type: Day trip or short half-day outing
Early mornings or slightly late starts both work well, depending on how many places you plan to cover.
Our Travel Plan & Road Experience
This trip was planned as a self-driven day trip from Bangalore. We started around 10:00 AM, carrying homemade food and snacks, as we preferred avoiding restaurants.
Road Conditions:
- Smooth highways
- Easy navigation via Google Maps
- Comfortable even when traveling with kids
We took a short 15-minute break midway for fruits and refreshments, which made the drive relaxed and enjoyable.
1️⃣ Someshwara Temple, Kolar (Fort Area)
Our first stop was the Someshwara Temple, located inside the Kolar fort area.
Historical Significance:
- Built during the 11th century by the Chola dynasty
- Later influenced by the Chalukyas
- A fine example of early South Indian temple architecture
What to Expect:
- Calm spiritual environment
- Ongoing renovations in some areas (non-intrusive)
- Spacious parking facility
- Well-maintained temple premises
⏰ Tip: Temples here close in the afternoon, so check timings before visiting.
2️⃣ Kolaramma Temple – A Walk Through History
Right next to Someshwara Temple is the Kolaramma Temple, which can be reached easily on foot.
Architectural Details:
- Built in Dravidian (Dravida Vimana) style
- Dates back to the Ganga period
- Two main shrines:
- Goddess Kolaramma (Durga)
- Saptamatrikas
Picnic Break & Relaxation
Just across the temple road, there’s a well-maintained community park, ideal for picnics during normal times. Since we preferred isolation, we chose a shaded farm area nearby.
Picnic Highlights:
- Kids enjoyed running freely in open fields
- Homemade lunch and lemonade
- Fresh air and peaceful surroundings
- Great photography spots
This mid-day break truly refreshed us before the next part of the journey.
3️⃣ Antharagange Trek – Nature & Spirituality Combined
After lunch, we headed to Antharagange, located just 3 km from the temples.
About Antharagange:
- Known for a sacred stream flowing from a stone bull’s mouth
- The name literally means “Ganges from within”
- Surrounded by rocky hills and scenic landscapes
Trek Experience:
- Easy and beginner-friendly trek
- Well-laid stone steps
- You can take breaks as needed
- Suitable for families with children
The hilltop is shaped like a cobra hood, offering panoramic views of seven surrounding towns.
Neelakanteshwara Temple & Scenic Views
At the foothills lies the Neelakanteshwara Temple, another spiritual highlight of Antharagange.
As you trek upwards, you’ll notice:
- Stacks of stones placed one over another (local beliefs)
- Unique rock formations
- Excellent sunset views
- Calm, meditative atmosphere
This spot is extremely photogenic and rewarding for those who enjoy slow travel.
Return Journey
Antharagange was our final stop. Before heading back:
- We enjoyed homemade snacks (vada pav & chilli-garlic balls)
- Started our return journey around 5:00 PM
- Reached Bangalore by 7:30 PM, safe and satisfied
Things to Know Before You Visit
✔️ Carry water, snacks, and hats
✔️ Wear comfortable footwear for trekking
✔️ Check temple timings in advance
✔️ Ideal for half-day or full-day trips
✔️ Best visited during cooler months
Final Thoughts: Is Kolar Worth Visiting?
Absolutely yes.
Kolar proves that you don’t need to travel far from Bangalore to:
- Experience history
- Enjoy nature
- Breathe fresh air
- Spend quality time with family
With fewer crowds and rich heritage, Kolar is a perfect offbeat day trip destination.
Have You Visited Kolar or Antharagange?
If yes, I’d love to hear about your experience.
Drop a comment and share your journey 👣
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4 days
Tagged Assam, Familytravel, India, itineraries, Meghalaya