Nandi Hills

Chhota Ladakh is near Kolar, from Bangalore that is 1.5 hours away. So, it is a great place for a weekend trip if you stay around Silicon Valley. You can drive using Old Madras Road or NH75, which are pretty routes with easy drives.

If coming by public transport, buses and trains do go to Kolar town, but hiring a cab or coming in your own vehicle would be much better for reaching the exact location.

Chhota Ladakh is an ancient quarry, filled up gradually year after year by rain water. White rocky limestone boulders abound around the place, shining in the crystal-clear waters, but a lot like Ladakh's fine landscape. An empty and harsh beauty would attract photographers and nature lovers coming for something different.

Chhota Ladakh is lovely to visit during October and March as it remains a pleasant sunny season with adding the brilliance of sun glare onto the clear water, so it would enhance the beauty of that place. An early morning or late afternoon visit would be fine, because the sun would be too strong for sightseeing during its middle hours.

Chhota Ladakh doesn't offer a planned adventure activity, but its natural beauty is a good place for many fun activities.

The breathtaking scenery of turquoise waters against the rugged white rocks makes Chhota Ladakh a paradise for photographers. Whether it’s capturing the serene landscape or experimenting with creative angles, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography, offering soft lighting and beautiful hues.

A picnic basket for a calm day by the quiet water. This spot is great for a happy time with friends or family. Bring a mat or some portable chairs because there are no places to sit.

Take a nice easy amble around the quarry and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The barren yet beautiful landscape is a feast, perhaps some interestingly shaped rock formations. Be careful and do not tread too close to the water as the grounds do become slippery sometimes.

The trip to Chhota Ladakh is known for bikers and road trippers. Beautiful countryside, curvy roads, and greenery make it an exciting round trip. Many groups of bikers from Bangalore plan rides to Chhota Ladakh, making it a good destination for motorcyclists.

There is no gate to enter and no time to visit; come during the day to see the landscape well. This is also a good time due to safety aspects. Since it is an open area, entrance is free but other services such as toilet and food stalls are limited.

Carry Essentials: There are no shops, so carry along with your food, drinking water, and basic necessities. Don't forget some sunscreen, hat, or sunglasses for sun protection.

Leave No Trace: Help leave the area uncluttered and pristine. Take back your litters, don't leave any litter behind.

Safety Alert: The area close to the quarry is rocky, with steep rocks and near the water, and is thus completely unsafe to enter. No lifeguards or safety barriers are in place here in this part of the park.

Avoid Crowds: Chhota Ladakh gets quite crowded on the weekends and during public holidays. A visit during the weekdays would offer a serene experience with lesser crowding around.

6:00 am: Leave Bangalore for a nice, comfortable journey to Kolar district.

8:00 AM: Reach Chhota Ladakh and click photographs of every corner and enjoy the beauty of the place.

10:00. Breakfast picnic at the water body, during this will have to take time to relax under peaceful atmosphere.

12:00 PM: Take a walk around the site or find a shady spot to rest. If you’re into photography, experiment with capturing the landscape.

2:00 PM: Wind down your day with an end visit to Bangalore; lunch over at a local restaurant in Kolar.

Chhota Ladakh is a lesser-known but absolutely stunning destination near Bangalore, offering a slice of nature’s raw beauty. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a biker, or just someone looking for a peaceful day in the outdoors, this place won’t disappoint. So, gather your friends, pack your bags, and head out to discover this hidden gem near Bangalore.