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Introduction
Living in Bangalore comes with a unique advantage—you're just a few hours away from some of South India's most sacred and serene pilgrimage spots. Whether you're seeking peace, spiritual rejuvenation, or a divine family weekend, this guide will help you uncover the top 10 pilgrimage destinations near Bangalore, perfect for a short spiritual escape.

1. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple – Shirdi (via flight/train from Bangalore)
Distance: ~980 km | Ideal for: Devotees of Sai Baba
Though not very close by road, Sai Shub Tours offers flight or train-based weekend packages to Shirdi, making it feasible. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple draws millions for blessings and miracles.
Highlights:

• VIP Darshan options

• Shej and Kakad Aarti

• Nearby attractions: Shani Shingnapur, Nashik

2. Tirupati Balaji Temple – Andhra Pradesh
Distance: ~250 km | Travel Time: 5–6 hours by road
One of the richest and most visited temples in the world, Tirupati Balaji offers intense devotion amidst scenic hills.
Highlights:

• Quick 1-night, 2-day trips

• Hair tonsuring tradition

• VIP break darshan available

3. Srirangapatna – Ranganathaswamy Temple
Distance: ~125 km | Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours
A peaceful island town with immense religious significance, home to the Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Highlights:

• Dravidian architecture

• Close to Mysore

• Less crowded than major pilgrimage centers

4. Melukote – Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple
Distance: ~150 km | Travel Time: 3.5 hours
Situated in the Mandya district, Melukote is rich in Vaishnavite tradition. The temple on the hilltop is not just sacred, but offers panoramic views.
Highlights:

• Devotional rituals and prasadam

• Traditional Iyengar heritage

• Peaceful countryside retreat

5. Nandi Hills – Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Distance: ~60 km | Travel Time: 1.5 hours
While Nandi Hills is famous for its views, at the foothills lies the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, one of the oldest Shiva temples in Karnataka.
Highlights:

• Serene 9th-century temple complex

• Ideal for sunrise spiritual escapes

• Perfect combo of adventure and darshan

6. Lepakshi – Veerabhadra Temple
Distance: ~120 km | Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Located in Andhra Pradesh just across the Karnataka border, Lepakshi Temple is a marvel of Vijayanagara architecture and mythology.
Highlights:

• Hanging Pillar Mystery

• Large Nandi statue

• Artistic carvings and Shivalinga worship

7. Shivagange Hill and Temple
Distance: ~60 km | Travel Time: 1.5 hours
A popular trek-and-temple destination, Shivagange offers both physical challenge and spiritual satisfaction.
Highlights:

• Lord Gangadhareshwara Temple

• Sacred spring believed to be from Ganga

• Family-friendly half-day trip

8. Dharmasthala – Manjunatha Temple
Distance: ~300 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hours
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is known for its interfaith harmony—run by Jain administration but worshipping Hindu deities.
Highlights:

• Free meals for devotees

• Evening aarti rituals

• Nearby: Kukke Subramanya Temple

9. Kukke Subramanya Temple
Distance: ~280 km | Travel Time: 6 hours
Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Kukke is one of the most powerful temples for removing Naga Dosha and seeking blessings for children and marriage.
Highlights:

• Sarpa Samskara Pooja

• Green surroundings and river rituals

• Often combined with Dharmasthala

10. Talakadu – Temples Buried in Sand
Distance: ~130 km | Travel Time: 3 hours
A mysterious spiritual site where several temples are buried under sand dunes, Talakadu is deeply linked to Shiva and mythology.
Highlights:

• Panchalinga Darshan

• Sacred Cauvery River nearby

• Ideal for a mix of devotion and nature

Why Choose Sai Shub Tours for Weekend Pilgrimages?
At Sai Shub Tours, we understand that pilgrimages are about comfort, connection, and care. Whether you're traveling with family or seniors, our packages ensure:

• Comfortable transportation from Bangalore

• VIP darshan bookings for major temples

• Clean and safe accommodations

• Tailor-made weekend getaways with flexibility

• Senior-citizen-friendly services

Conclusion
Whether you have a few hours or a full weekend, these sacred spots near Bangalore offer everything from spiritual cleansing to scenic serenity. Don’t wait for a long holiday—your divine weekend is just a short drive away.
Let Sai Shub Tours handle your planning, so you can focus on your prayers and peace.