Weekend Getaway Idea 003 – Magadi

Magadi is a popular weekend getaway spot is situated very close to Bangalore. A commute of less than an hour-to-hour and half distance from different spots in Bangalore, this place is suitable for a single-day trip on a weekend.

About Magadi

Magadi is a small town situated at a distance of about 55km from Bengaluru. This place rose to prominence because it was the hometown of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda – the local ruler and a vassal to Vijayanagara Empire who not just built several forts and temples in the region to protect the local populace from enemy attacks, he was also the architect for the modern-day Bengaluru.

Why should you visit Magadi

• Historical Significance
  • Magadi is the place from where Nadaprabhu Kempegowda rose to prominence.
  • He was born at a place near Magadi, his final resting place was also nearby Magadi.
  • He built temples, forts and conducted administration from Magadi for a significant period before and after establishing Bangalore.
  • Magadi Fort is only a shadow in glory of its former self and has been converted into a playground but some walls are still intact and can be viewed.
  • Sri Someshwara Temple has several markers of historical significance including the place where Nadaprabhu Kempegowda used to sit and deliver justice, the trees he planted, etc.
• Religious Significance
  • Three medieval period temples dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Narasimha and Lord Shiva.
  • Two of these temples – Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple and Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple are prominent because of their association with Sri Ramanujacharya.
  • Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara but gets its name because of a stone relief of Sri Ranganatha Swamy on one of the walls. It is believed that this statue on the stone is growing year after year.
  • Sri Someshwara Temple was built during Kemepgowda’s period under his patronage.
• Adventure & Trek Lovers
  • A short and relatively easy trek to Sri Mutturaya Swamy Betta would be refreshing.
  • A temple dedicated to Lord Anjaneya or Hanuman, nice view of the town and the vast expanse and beautiful sunsets can be viewed from here.
• Nature Lovers
  • There are several hills causing valleys along the scenic route from Bengaluru to Magadi.
  • The two major water reservoirs of Bengaluru – the Manchinbele Dam and the Tippagondanahalli Dam are along the route.
  • Both these dams along with the valley provide for a scenic drive and visitors can engage in water sports at Manchinbele Dam.

Travel Tips

• Weather/Temperature
  • Best suited for round the year visit. Temperatures are moderate and seasonal.
• Places to Eat
  • There are several small-time eateries in Magadi town. Vegetarian options are available.
• Places to Stay
  • Magadi being a Taluka place, it has several small lodges for overnight stay. Given its proximity to Bengaluru, most people may make it a day trip to Magadi.

Map/Location

Tell Us About Your Visit

If you have visited Magadi before or after reading about it on ExploreKarnataka.com, please do let us know how you found the place by commenting below. You can also share your tips or feedback to improve the article.