July 18, 2014

Weekend breaks or Day trips from Bangalore


Note: Updated with multiple new places as of 16th June 2019




This being the popular post among readers, I wanted to update with more details and make the format easy to read. Share with your loved ones and have wonderful time during holidays and weekends. Enjoy the nature and be with it. Have great Weekends. 

You should be very lucky if you are in Bangalore, yes there are plenty of places which are very close to Bangalore than any other place in India, that too of all sorts. It may be very confusing to decide on some place looking at the extensive list. Hence, I decided to categorize them and add many photos and details for you to decide based on your taste and interest. With the categories and the “Quick Reference Table”, I am sure you will be able to decide.

If you are looking for the places inside Bangalore, then you may want to check my other blogpost with photos and details, planning etc. http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2015/07/places-in-bangalore-important-places-to.html

First things first, always start early before sunrise to avoid the traffic and have breakfast on the way, this will help you reach the place soon. You will get plenty of time to see the place around and spend quality time. At few of the places, you might need to stay overnight and return on the next day, so Saturday / Sunday is well spent. Carry water and healthy local fruits to munch.

Some of the major categories of the places are
  1. Hill stations
  2. Palace and Casual day outing
  3. Historical monuments with complex and intricate carvings and sculptures
  4. Rivers and waterfalls
  5. Nature, Wildlife, Bird watching and photography
  6. Trekking spots
  7. Hill temples
  8. Temples and other divine places
  9. Landscapes, Nature, Dam, Reservoirs
  10. Caves
  11. Resorts for relaxation casual day outing


IMPORTANT: For Mobile readers, I suggest you keep your mobile in landscape mode to read the tables in a better way. I also suggest you can download this web page as a PDF and read it offline. Also you can share the PDF file with your friends. 

Click my blog post link inside the tables to visit respective blog for more photos and details. Please feel free to provide your suggestions to improve this post in comments section below. 



Hill Stations


   


Chikmagalur
Distance
240 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Mullayanagiri Peak 1925 meters high completely drivable, Baba Budangiri Cave temple and hills, Kemmangundi hill station, Hebbe falls and multiple other water falls, Temples like Sringeri, Annapoorneshwari Temple etc
Stay options
Plenty of Resorts, Homestays and Hotels at Chikmagalur town
Food
Where you stay and plenty of options in town
Best time to visit
Best time is to visit right after rains i.e. between September and March. But anytime is good. April to June is relatively hot and dry.
My blog Link for more photos and complete details







Birth place of Cauvery river  


Coorg or Madikere
Distance
250 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Tibetan Golden Temple in Bylakuppe, Nisargadama, Abbi Falls, Talakaveri + Bhagamandala (where the river Kaveri is beginning its journey), Raja seat and Omkareshwara Temple
Stay options
Plenty of Resorts, Homestays and Hotels at Madikere town
Food
Where you stay and plenty of options in town
Best time to visit
Best time is to visit right after rains i.e. between September and March. But anytime is good. April to June is relatively hot and dry.
My blog Link for more photos and complete details








Sakleshpur
Distance
240 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Lovely meadows, Hills, Views, Bisle Ghat and view point, Kukke Subramanya temple, Manjarabad fort, Waterfalls, Green route trek is on the old railway track from Sakleshpur to Kukke (But I guess it is banned now), Betta Byraeshwara temple on hill top, Kumara parvatha trekking is also famous here. Belur and Halebidu can also be covered, but I suggest a separate day for these temples.
Stay options
Plenty of Resorts, Homestays and Hotels in and around Sakleshpur town
Food
Where you stay and plenty of options in town
Best time to visit
Best time is to visit right after rains i.e. between September and March. But anytime is good. April to June is relatively hot and dry.
My blog Link for more photos and complete details







Yercaud
Distance
230 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Botanical garden, Sunrise from Pagoda polnt, Sunset from Gents seat, Fireflies at Rose garden(late evenings), Cave temple at Shervarayon hill and view point, Kiliyur falls
Stay options
Plenty of Resorts, Homestays and Hotels in and around Yercaud town
Food
Where you stay and plenty of options in town
Best time to visit
Best time is to visit right after rains i.e. between September and March. But anytime is good. April to June is relatively hot and dry.
My blog Link for more photos and complete details


Yelagiri
Distance
165 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Murugan temple, Nature park, Punganoor Lake, Jalagamparai falls, Swamimalai Hills. Vellore is close by.
Stay options
Plenty of options, check review sites and choose
Food
Where you stay and plenty of options in town
Best time to visit
Best time is to visit right after rains i.e. between September and March. But anytime is good. April to June is relatively hot and dry.
My blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will update in future


Historical monuments with complex and intricate carvings and sculptures









Belur, Halebidu, Belavadi, Shravanabelagola (World Famous Temples)
Distance
220 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Belur - Chennakesava temple, Halebidu - Hoysaleswara temple, Halebidu - Kedareshwara temple, Halebidu - Jain temple, Shravanabelagola - Bahupali statue, Belavadi - Veera Narayana temple, Doddagaddavalli - Lakshmi Devi temple
Available on request, Charges approx Rs.250/= plus (might change time to time)
Speciality
World famous and very highly complex and so intricate carvings, one of the wonders of the world and a MUST see. Photos should tell more than the words, I have gone 4 to 5 times and each time I stare at sculptures as though I have not seen them before. Wov….. superb, amazing !!
Stay options
Hassan town has few options including Hoysala Village resort, Mallige Residency, Hotel Hassan Ashok,
Food
Hassan town has options. You may not find good eateries near these monuments, hence carry enough snacks and water.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details










SomanathapuraThalakkad
Distance
140 Kms
Time Needed
8 to 10 hours including driving
Places to see
Chennakesava Temple, Talakkad Panchalinga Darshan and Sand, Shivanasamudra Falls
Local Guides
Available on request, Charges approx Rs.250/= plus (might change time to time)
Speciality
Same as Belur, Halebidu. Very good carvings and sculptures, Beautiful Chennakeshava. Really cool and amazing.
Stay options
Bangalore.
Food
Kanakapura has few options, but suggest you carry food or snacks and water.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details












Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
Distance
135 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 8 hours including driving
Places to see
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple which has murals, great carvings and sculptures, Big Nandi statue at Lepakshi, Veerapuram which has painted storks on the way and Rangasthala temple
Local Guides
Available on request, Charges approx Rs.250/= plus (might change time to time)
Speciality
Hanging Pillars, Murals on Ceilings, Huge Nandi, and beautiful sculptures
Stay options
Bangalore.
Food
On the Highway you will find many options. Use Google to stop by restaurants.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details






Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Distance
55 Kms
Time Needed
3 to 5 hours including driving
Places to see
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Nandi Hills
Local Guides
Not seen any guides here.
Speciality
Beautiful old temple with a great tower with lots of sculptures and carvings, perforated decorative windows with sculptures. Really amazing to see.
Stay options
Bangalore.
Food
On the Highway you will find many options. Nandi Upachar, Use Google to stop by restaurants.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details







Melukote
Distance
150 Kms from Bangalore and 50 Kms from Mysore
Time Needed
5 to 8 hours including driving
Places to see
Cheluvanarayana temple, Yoga Narasimha temple on hill top, Huge Temple Tank
Local Guides
Not seen any guides here.
Speciality
Very ancient temple for God Narasimha on a small hill with beautiful surroundings, Beautiful carved pillars and sculptures at Cheluvarayana temple below.
Stay options
Bangalore.
Food
At Melukote you will find two to three local mess which are good to try. Don’t foget to try the “Melukote Puloyogare” (tamarind rice) which is the speciality
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details






Chitradurga Fort
Distance
200 Kms
Time Needed
8 to 10 hours including driving, You might take around 2-3 hours to see around all the places here, a good trekking spot.
Places to see
If you happen to visit this on Sunday, you can meet India’s spiderman Jyothi Raju who climbs the fort walls with bare hands. Google for his name to see videos. Refer wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyothi_Raj
Local Guides
Available on request, Charges approx Rs.300/= plus (might change time to time)
Speciality
Beautiful 17th century fort
Stay options
Bangalore.
Food
On the Highway you will find many options. Use Google to stop by restaurants.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year, avoid April and May as it might be very hot.
My blog Link for more photos and complete details






Vellore Fort and Jalakanteshwara Temple
Distance
215 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days), Combine with Thiruvannamalai as well
Places to see
Jalakanteshwarar Temple, Vellore Fort and Museum, Golden Temple at Sripuram, Ratnagiri Hill temple, Thiruvannamalai Temple
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Ancient Temple and the Fort complex is very beautiful, the Golden Temple in evening glitters
Stay options
Vellore and Thiruvannamalai towns has many options.
Food
Vellore and Thiruvannamalai towns has many options.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details


Ramalingeshwara Temple, Avani
Distance
125 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 8 hours including driving
Places to see
Very old historical temples i.e. Ramalingeshwara group of temples, Seetha devi temple on the hill,
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Old historical ASI monument
Stay options
No
Food
On the way at NH
Best time to visit
Anytime
My blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will update in future















Kere Thonnur (or) Thondanur and Hosaholalu
Distance
140 Kms from Bangalore and 30 Kms from Mysore
Time Needed
10 to 12 hours including driving (Bangalore), 1 hour drive from Mysore
Places to see
1. Nambi Narayana Swamy Temple
2. Sri Gopalakrishna swamy Temple with Sridevi and Bhudevi
3. Yoganarasimha and Sri Ramanujacharya Temple
4. Venkataramana Temple on the small hills - you can drive up to see the beautiful view of entire Kere Thonnur lake from here.
5. Statue of Shri Ramanujacharya and the lake Thonnur
6. Lakshmi Narayana Temple at Hosaholalu - Here three shrines are there. Venugopala on left, Lakshmi narayana in middle and Prahladha on right side
7. Bhuvaraha swamy Temple
Note: Check the Nearby place Melukote if you have lots of time.
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Very old Vaishnavaite temples with inscriptions and Ramanujacharya statue, Beautiful Lakshmi Narayana Temple with intricate carvings
Stay options
Bangalore.
Food
On the way to Mandya you get to see plenty of options in NH, but none in this village. So carry enough snacks and water. Try the local fresh coconut in this village. If you have plans to visit Melukote you can have lunch there. Visit my blog for more details.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
Nearby Places

Note: For the list of all the historical monuments in Karnataka, refer this ASI website(ASI - Archaeological Survey of India) http://asi.nic.in/asi_protected_monu_karnataka.asp 



Palaces and Other Casual day outing places






Mysore Palace and Nearby places
Distance
150 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Mysore Palace(MUST SEE), Chamundeshwari Temple, Big Nandi at Chamundi hill on the way to Chamundeshwari temple, 157-Acre Big Zoo, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Balmuri Falls, Brindhavan Garden or KRS Dam, Nanjangud Temple, Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangapatna, Somanathapura, Talakkadu, Shivanasamudra waterfalls, Kokkare Belluru,
Stay options
Plenty of options at Mysore
Food
Where you stay and plenty of options in town
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details






Shiva Vilas Palace, Sandur
Distance
316 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days), 6 to 7 hours of drive (one side)
Places to see
Palace where you stay, Kumaraswamy Temple, Hampi is close by as well
Stay options
The heritage Shiva Vilas Palace, http://shivavilaspalacehotel.com/
Food
At the Palace you stay
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year, After rains i.e. between September to February is beautiful
My blog Link for more photos and complete details


Ramanagara Anjaneya Statue, Near Channapatna



Channapatna Wooden Toys
Distance
67 Kms
Time Needed
4 to 6 hours including driving
Places to see
You can buy beautiful wooden toys, from here they are exported all over the world
Stay options
Bangalore
Food
On the way at NH, plenty of options and in Bangalore
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details

Wonderla Amusement Park
Distance
28 Kms
Time Needed
8 to 10 hours
Places to see
Famous amusement park close to Bangalore, Visit their site for details:
http://www.wonderla.com/bangalore-amusement-park/  (Water rides, Dry rides, High-thrill rides, Kids rides etc)
Stay options
You can also stay at wonderla resort right next to theme park
Food
At the park and in Bangalore
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details


















Big Banyan Tree and Manchanabele dam
Distance
Time Needed
2 to 3 hours
Places to see
Manchanabele Dam is closeby. The Dodda Alada Mara (big banyan tree) is very beautiful as well
Stay options
Bangalore
Food
Bangalore
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details
Check the photos above




Rivers and Waterfalls

Kabini River and Backwater
Distance
215 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay, 2 days
Places to see
Riverside nature, Wild life safari, Bird and Animal watching, Photography, Kabini Dam, Nagarhole National park safari, Irpu falls, Rameshwara Temple, Banasura Sagar Dam
Local Guides
You get a guided Safari from where you stay
Speciality
During guided safari, you get to see lots of animals and birds
Stay options
Plenty of options including Jungle Lodges (www.junglelodges.com/kabini-river-lodge/), but you need to book well in advance as this is been occupied by photographers very often. Check Water woods resort and The Serai as well.
Food
Where you stay
Best time to visit
After rains (at summer it might be dry and there may not be water or little water and very less chances of sighting animals).
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will update in future


Bheemeshwari Riverside
Distance
105 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 8 hours including driving. You can also stay at Jungle Lodges and Resorts here.
Places to see
Riverside scenery, Galibore is also very close by, Bird watching, Scenery, Good picnic spot
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Beautiful scenery of the river
Stay options
Jungle Lodges and Resorts incase if you want to stay/relax at riverbed http://www.junglelodges.com/bheemeshwari-adventure-and-nature-camp/
Food
On the way at Kanakapura you might find one or two options
Best time to visit
After rains there will be water (at summer it might be dry and there may not be water or little water).
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Been there and stayed at the resort once, but don’t have any photos to share, will update with photos after visit in future. Google should help you.


Galibore Riverside
Distance
105 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 8 hours including driving, You can also stay at Jungle Lodges and Resorts here.
Places to see
Riverside scenery, Bird watching, Scenery, Good picnic spot, Bheemeshwari is closeby
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Beautiful scenery of the river
Stay options
Jungle Lodges and Resorts incase if you want to stay/relax at riverbed. http://www.junglelodges.com/galibore-nature-camp/
Food
On the way at Kanakapura you might find one or two options
Best time to visit
After rains there will be water (at summer it might be dry and there may not be water or little water).
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
I have not been there yet, will update with photos after visit in future. Google should help you.


Mekadatu and Sangama Riverside
Distance
200 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 8 hours including driving
Places to see
Chunchi falls is on the way, This is a confluence of two rivers and very good scenic place. Please be very careful get into water only at specific places with assistance from locals, There may be crocodiles at some places and sign boards are also there.
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Beautiful scenery of the river
Stay options
None
Food
On the way at Kanakapura you might find one or two options
Best time to visit
After rains there will be water (at summer it might be dry and there may not be water or little water).
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Been there few times long time back, but don’t have any photos to share, will update with photos after visit in future. Google should help you.


Chunchi Waterfalls
Distance
100 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 8 hours including driving
Places to see
Waterfalls, Sangama and Mekadatu are very close from here as well.
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Waterfalls
Stay options
None
Food
On the way at Kanakapura you might find one or two options
Best time to visit
After rains there will be water (at summer it might be dry and there may not be water or little water).
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Been there few times long time back, but don’t have any photos to share, will update with photos after visit in future. Google should help you.


Balmuri Waterfalls Near Ranganathittu
Distance
145 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 8 hours including driving
Places to see
Cauvery River, knee-deep and sometimes ankle-deep, many take bath here, But be very careful, before you get into water check the water flow and take all precautionary measures. Mysore is very close from here, you can also plan this along with your Mysore trip.
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Cauvery river bed
Stay options
Mysore
Food
At Mysore or on the Way to Mysore on NH.
Best time to visit
After rains there will be water (at summer it might be dry and there may not be water or little water).
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Been there few times long time back, but don’t have any photos to share, will update with photos after visit in future. Google should help you.


Hoganekkal Waterfalls
Distance
180 Kms
Time Needed
8 to 10 hours including driving
Places to see
Waterfalls. Please be extra careful. Take all precautionary measures if you are getting into water.
Panchapalli reservoir and dam (check my sxclusive blog on this)
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Waterfalls
Stay options
None
Food
On the way, at the NH near Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri
Best time to visit
After rains there will be water (at summer it might be dry and there may not be water or little water).
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Been there few times long time back, but don’t have any photos to share, will update with photos after visit in future. Google should help you.



Barachukki Waterfalls Shivanasamudra






Gaganachukki Waterfalls Shivanasamudra












Shivanasamudram Waterfalls
Distance
138 Kms
Time Needed
8 to 10 hours including driving
Places to see
Waterfalls. Cannot take bath, just a scenery. Talakkadu and Somanathapura temples are on the way to this.
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Waterfalls
Stay options
None
Food
On the way at Kanakapura you might find one or two options
Best time to visit
After rains there will be water (at summer it might be dry and there may not be water or little water).
Blog Link for more photos and complete details


Nature, Wildlife, Bird watching and photography

Note: Kabini is a perfect place for Wildlife. Refer the previous section “Rivers and waterfalls” for the details on Kabini. I did not want to have same table and details again here.









Bandipur
Distance
138 Kms
Time Needed
3 to 4.5 hours including driving
Places to see
Wild life safari, Bird and Animal watching, Photography, Moyar river gorge, Gopalaswamy Betta visit
Local Guides
At the resort
Speciality
Birds and Animal Safari
Stay options
Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Windflower Tusker trails, and many other options
Food
Where you stay
Best time to visit
Any time of the year. During summer it might be very hot. Just after rains it might be so green and you get to see lots of animals.
Best season is between September to February.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details






Masinagudi
Distance
250 Kms
Time Needed
5 to 6 hours including driving
Places to see
Mudumalai and Bandipur Wild life safari, Bird and Animal watching, Photography, Theppakadu Elephant camp
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Wildlife, Photography, Nature
Stay options
Jungle Retreat and many other options
Food
Where you stay
Best time to visit
After rains it will be lush green, during summer (March till May) it might be dry and hot. Best season is between September to February.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details



Devala
Distance
276 Kms
Time Needed
8 to 10 hours including driving
Places to see

Local Guides
No
Speciality
Waterfalls
Stay options
Wild Planet Resort (http://wildplanetresort.com/), Ecospace Resort (http://www.ecoscape.co.in/) and few other options
Food
Where you stay
Best time to visit
After rains it will be lush green, during summer (March till May) it might be dry and hot. Best season is between September to February.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will update in future






BR (Biligiri Ranga) Hills
Distance
176 Kms
Time Needed
5 to 6 hours including driving
Places to see
Gopalasamy betta temple, Wildlife safari, Birds and animal watching, Photography
Local Guides
Guide at Resort
Speciality
Birds and Animals, photography
Stay options
Food
Where you stay
Best time to visit
After rains it will be lush green, during summer (March till May) it might be dry and hot. Best season is between September to February.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details







Bannerghatta National Park
Distance
Within Bangalore Limits
Time Needed
7 to 8 hours including driving
Places to see
Butterfly park, Zoo, Lion/Tiger safari
Local Guides
Guided safari
Speciality
Wildlife
Stay options
Food
Bangalore or at resort if you stay
Best time to visit
After rains it will be lush green, during summer (March till May) it might be dry and hot. Best season is between September to February.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details


Nagarhole
Distance
230 Kms
Time Needed
6 to7 hours including driving
Places to see
Wild safari, Bird and Animal sighting and photography, Irpu falls, Kutta village, Thirunelly temple
Local Guides
At resort
Speciality

Stay options
Jungle Inn, Kings Sanctuary and few other homestays
Food
Where you stay
Best time to visit
After rains it will be lush green, during summer (March till May) it might be dry and hot. Best season is between September to February.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will update in future


Dubare
Distance

Time Needed
6 to7 hours including driving
Places to see
White water rafting, Treks, Wild safari, Bird and Animal sighting and photography,
Local Guides
At resort
Speciality
White water rafting
Stay options
Jungle Lodges and Resorts (http://www.junglelodges.com/dubare-elephant-camp-hobli/ ), Coorg Dale homestay, The last resort,
Food
Where you stay
Best time to visit
After rains it will be lush green, during summer (March till May) it might be dry and hot. Best season is between September to February.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will update in future



Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance
295 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 7 hours including driving
Places to see
Birds and Animal Safari, Photography, Jeep Safari, Boat Safari,
Local Guides
At resort
Speciality
Wildlife and photography
Stay options
Jungle Lodges and Resorts (http://www.junglelodges.com/river-tern-lodge/),
Food
Where you stay
Best time to visit
After rains it will be lush green, during summer (March till May) it might be dry and hot. Best season is between September to February.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will update in future







Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Distance
140 Kms
Time Needed
6 to 7 hours including driving
Places to see
Bird sanctuary
Local Guides
Guided boat safari is available
Speciality
Bird watching
Stay options
Mysore or Bangalore
Food
Plenty of options on the way at NH
Best time to visit
Best season to see birds are from November to February, but still you get to see many birds throughout the year as well
Blog Link for more photos and complete details


Kokkare Beluru
Distance
90 Kms
Time Needed
5 to 6 hours including driving
Places to see
Walk around the village, you get to see variety of birds and their nestlings, You can also plan with Melukote
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Bird watching
Stay options
Bangalore or Mysore
Food
Plenty of options on the way at NH
Best time to visit
Best season to see birds are from November to February, but still you get to see many birds throughout the year as well
Blog Link for more photos and complete details





Veerapuram near Lepakshi
Distance
135 Kms
Time Needed
5 to 6 hours including driving
Places to see
Walk around the village, you get to see variety of birds and their nestlings, Very close to Lepakshi. You can plan along with this.
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Bird watching
Stay options
None
Food
On the way at NH, Nandi Upachar, Kamat
Best time to visit
Best season to see birds are from November to February, but still you get to see many birds throughout the year as well
Blog Link for more photos and complete details


Valley school
Distance
25 Kms on Kanakapura Road, Google Link: https://goo.gl/maps/XrPzkXeKSVC2
Time Needed
1 to 2 hours including driving
Places to see
Bird watching
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Bird and photography
Stay options
Plenty of options in Bangalore
Food
No need to worry when you are in Bangalore
Best time to visit
Best season to see birds are from November to February, but still you get to see many birds throughout the year as well
Blog Link for more photos and complete details



Lakes of Bangalore
Distance
Within Bangalore Limits
Time Needed
1 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions  (once you are in Bangalore, everything depend on the traffic only and distance never matters)
Places to see
Hulimangala, Hebbal Lake, Chinnappanahalli Lake, Puttenahalli lake near Yelahanka, Kaikondrahalli Lake (Search in Google with these names to spot the location in maps)
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Bird watching and photography
Stay options
Plenty of options in Bangalore
Food
No need to worry when you are in Bangalore
Best time to visit
Best season to see birds are from November to February, but still you get to see many birds throughout the year as well
Blog Link for more photos and complete details


Ramanagara Vulture Sanctuary
Distance
50 Kms
Time Needed
3 to 4 hours including driving
Places to see
Vulture sanctuary
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Vulture, In India this is the first of its kind. long-billed vulture, Egyptian vulture
Stay options
Mysore or Bangalore
Food
Plenty of options on the way at NH
Best time to visit
Best season to see birds are from November to February, but still you get to see many birds throughout the year as well
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Visit one of the good blogs which has lots of photos and details. Happy to share here. http://kannadagottilla.com/ramadevara-betta-vulture-sanctuary/  



Hill Temples









Shivagange – Hill Temple
Distance
51 Kms from Bangalore and 31 from Tumkur
Time Needed
4 to 5 hours to climb up and down
Places to see
Theerthams (Holy water), Temples
Difficulty level
Medium
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Pilgrimage for many, Beautiful view from top
Stay options
None
Food
On the way at NH you get to see many options including Kamat
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year except hot summer i.e. April and May
Blog Link for more photos and complete details









Shravanabelagola – Hill Temple
Distance
145 Kms
Time Needed
1.5 hours for Vindyagiri Hill and 45 mins for Chandragiri Hill
Places to see
Vindyagiri Hill and Chandragiri hill, and nearby places are Belur, Halebidu, Belavadi, Doddagaddavalli, Gorur Dam, Shettyhalli
Difficulty level
Medium
Local Guides
No, but you get to see lots of sign boards with details
Speciality
world's largest monolithic stone statue of Bahubali.
Stay options
Hassan town has few options including Hoysala Village resort, Mallige Residency, Hotel Hassan Ashok
Food
On the way at NH you get to see many options including Kamat
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year except hot summer i.e. April and May. But if you happen to visit in summer wear socks to climb up.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details





Devarayanadurga – Hill Temple
Distance
51 Kms from Bangalore and 31 from Tumkur
Time Needed
30 mins to 1 hour to climb up and down
Places to see

Difficulty level
Easy
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Beautiful view from top
Stay options
None
Food
On the way at NH you get to see many options including Kamat
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details


Ahobilam – Hill Temple(s)
Distance
350 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days), might take one another day due to the distance
Places to see
Nine Narasimhasthalas (Narasimha temples)
Difficulty level
Medium
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Beautiful temples on the hills
Stay options
Nandyal -
Food
At Nandyal – Udupi hotel
Best time to visit
Avoid summer – April and May
Blog Link for more photos and complete details



















Sri Revana Siddheshwara Hills (SRS) – Hill Temple
Distance
62 Kms from Bangalore, Google Map Link
Time Needed
30 mins to 1 hour to climb up and down
Places to see
Small hill temple, Annadhana (free food) area
Difficulty level
Easy
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Pilgrim place, small hill
Stay options
None
Food
On the temple premises they serve food for all
Best time to visit
Anytime of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Check photos above



Balakondarayanadurgam Krishnagiri - Hill Temple
Distance
77 Kms, Google Map Link (on the way to Krishnagiri Tamilnadu)
Time Needed
2 to 4 hours including driving
Places to see
Small hill on the NH road
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Hill and the view are beautiful
Stay options
No
Food
Plenty of options at NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will post in future


  
Avalabetta Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Hill Temple
Distance
Time Needed
3 to 5 hours including driving
Places to see
Small hill
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Hill and the view are beautiful
Stay options
No
Food
Plenty of options at NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year, Avoid summer
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will post in future



Caves





Belum Caves – Natural Underground Wonder
Distance
300 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Belum caves and the beautiful fields on the way
Local Guides
Yes, available on request, ask for guide where you buy the entrance tickets
Speciality
This is one of the kind in India, more than a kilometer length you will be able to visit and has total of 3.2 Kms (not open to visitors)
Stay options
Haritha Resort at Belum (http://www.aptdc.gov.in/haritha_kurnool.html) (or) Hotel Suraj at Nandyal (or) Haritha Resort at Gandikota (refer the same above link)
Food
At the resort or at Nandyal – The Tourist Udupi style hotel
Best time to visit
Any time of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details






Siddarabetta Caves – Medicinal herbal plants
Distance
100 kms
Time Needed
1 to 1.5 hours to climb up and cave exploration is about 30 mins and 40 minutes to come down
Places to see
Go inside the caves with the help of local guide
Local Guides
Yes, available on request. You will find locals who will come along with you and show the places beneath the rocks. Please don’t explore yourself, take the local guide along.
Speciality
You get to see the thick wines, caves
Stay options
None
Food
On the way to Tumkur you will find Kamat and other options at NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year, avoid hot summer i.e. April, May
Blog Link for more photos and complete details


















Antharagange Caves
Distance
100 kms
Time Needed
1 to 1.5 hours to climb up and cave exploration is about 30 mins and 40 minutes to come down
Places to see
Kashi vishweshwara Temple, Go inside the caves with the help of local guide
Local Guides
Yes, available on request. You will find locals who will come along with you and show the caves. Please take the help from local guide and don’t explore yourself.
Speciality
Caves
Stay options
None
Food
On the way to Kolar, you will find Kamat and other options at NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year, avoid hot summer i.e. April, May
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
I have only visited Kotilingeshwara and not Antharagange.  


Trekking places

Nature treks:

I have not done any trekking except for Hill temples, Forts and caves. Please be careful not to explore alone into forests. Always go in a group with the help of organizers and guides with the proper permissions. Sharing some of the organizing sites and links. Some of the popular treks are:
Kudremukh Trek,
Mullayanagiri and Baba budangiri Trek,
Thadiyandamol Trek,
Kodachadri Trek,
Kumaraparvatha Trek,
Sakleshpur Trek,
Brahmagiri Trek,
Chembra Peak Trek,
Some of the Trek organizers

Hill temple trek: Refer to Hill temples listing

Caves Trek: Refer to Caves listing for Siddarabetta and Antharagange


Fort treks:

Note: For the details on Chitradurga Fort refer Historical monuments list.






Madhugiri Betta (Fort)
Distance
110 kms
Time Needed
2 hours to climb up and come down
Places to see
Just the view from top and ruined fort structure
Local Guides
No
Difficulty level
Medium, at one spot you need to be bit careful.
Stay options
None
Food
On Tumkur road you will find restaurants.
Best time to visit
Avoid rainy season.
Blog Link for more photos and complete details


  
Savandurga Fort
Distance
50 Kms, Google Map Link, (check the temple link below as well)
Time Needed
4 to 5 hours including driving
Places to see
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Hill and the view are beautiful
Stay options
No
Food
Plenty of options at NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year, Avoid summer
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will post in future. Visit google map link for photos



Skandagiri Hills
Distance
60 Kms, Google Map Link, (check sunrise point link as well below)
Time Needed
4 to 5 hours including driving
Places to see
Small hill, Sunrise view point
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Hill and the view are beautiful
Stay options
No
Food
Plenty of options at NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year, Avoid summer
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, will post in future. Visit google map link for photos

  

Temples and other divine places

Note: Refer to all the Historical monuments list and Hill temples list as well.






Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwarar Temple
Distance
205 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Ramanashramam
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Ancient temple, Very big temple towers and the sculptures. During full moon days many do “Kirivalam” (barefoot walk) around the temple which is close to 12+ Kms.
Stay options
Thiruvannamalai town has many options.
Food
Thiruvannamalai town has many options.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details








Kanchipuram Temples
Distance
285 Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay (2 days)
Places to see
Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kumarakottam Murugan Temple, Dr.Annadurai Memorial, Kanchi Kudil - Typical Kanchipuram house, Sankara Mutt or Kanchipuram Kamakoti Peetam
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Ancient Temples, there are lots of Temples here and it is famous for its Silk Sarees.
Stay options
Kanchipuram town has many options.
Food
Kanchipuram town has many options.
Best time to visit
Anytime, Throughout the year
My blog Link for more photos and complete details


Tirupati, Kalahasthi and Thiruthani
Distance
250 Kms to Tirupati
Time Needed
1 night stay and 2 days, If you take the big-footpath you consider full day for darshan alone
Places to see

1.       Sri Venkateshwara Temple Tirumala,
2.       Sri Padamavathi Temple Trichanur
3.       Srikalahasteeswara Temple Kalahasthi,
4.       Thiruthani Murugan Temple
Distance:
              Tirupati to Thiruthani Murugan Temple is 66Km
              Tirupati to Kalahasthi is 40 Kms
              Tirupati to Trichanur is 6 Kms

Online Booking for Tirupathi Darshan: https://ttdsevaonline.com/
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Temples, Tirupati Laddu are famous, You can go by walk (small path or big path)
Stay options
Plenty of options, check review sites, you can also book from the above Temple site
Food
Plenty of options at Town
Best time to visit
Any time of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details





Kukke Subramanya and Dharmasthala
Distance
Kukke is 281 Kms and Dharmasthala is 300Kms
Kukke to Dharmasthala is 54Kms
Time Needed
1 night stay and 2 days
Places to see
At Kukke: Kukke Dharmasthala, Bisle Ghat view point, Kumaradhara River near the kukke temple,
At Dharmasthala: Manjunatha Temple and Annadhana (have free food here), 39-foot Bahupali on Ratnagiri hill just beside the temple, Manjunatha museum, Nethravathi river
Local Guides
No
Speciality
16th century Temple, Annadhana at Dharmasthala is very special,
Stay options
At Kukke: Sri Krishna Residency, Akshara residency
At Dharmasthalahttps://www.shridharmasthala.org/online-room-booking/ (very basic and may not have attached toilets), Sannidhi has AC and non-AC.
Food
Try Annadhana at temple both Kukke and Dharmasthala
Best time to visit
Any time of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details











Chandra Choodeswarar Temple, Hosur
Distance
40 Kms
Time Needed
2 to 3 hours including driving
Places to see
Temple on a small hill, If you visit in evening, sunset is very beautiful from here, Also check Brahma hills opposite this temple
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Ancient temple on the hills
Stay options
Plenty if you want to, but not needed as you can just drive and back
Food
Plenty of options at Hosur and after Hosur on NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details




Brahma Temple – Brahma Hills, Hosur
Distance
Time Needed
2 to 3 hours including driving
Places to see
Temple on a small hill, If you visit in evening, sunset is very beautiful from here, Direct opposite to Chandra Choodeshwara Swamy Temple
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Temple, View and Hill
Stay options
Plenty if you want to, but not needed as you can just drive and back
Food
Plenty of options at Hosur and after Hosur on NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
Not visited yet, Check Google map link for photos







Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Distance
100 Kms
Time Needed
8 to 10 hours including driving
Places to see
Kotilingeshwara Temple, Antaragange Caves, Ramalingeshwara Temple and Sitadevi temple in Avani
Local Guides
No
Speciality
1 Crore shiva lingams installed here.
Stay options
No
Food
Plenty of options at NH
Best time to visit
Any time of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details






Adhi Chunchunagiri Kala Bhairaveshwara Temple and Nagamangala Saumya Keshava Temple
Distance
114 Kms from Bangalore, on Mangalore Highway you need to take a right turn for Adi Chunchunagiri and at same place take a left for Saumya Keshava Temple, Nagamangala
Time Needed
6 to 8 hours
Places to see
At Adi Chunchunagiri: Shri Kalabairaveshwara Temple, Visit Lord Kalabhairaveshwara on top of the small hill
At Nagamangala: Visit Saumya Keshava Temple which is very old and beautiful. 
Local Guides
No
Speciality
Stay options
Bangalore or Mysore
Food
Try Swathi Delicacy or Kichcha Halli Mane (both are opposite to each other)
Best time to visit
Any time of the year
Blog Link for more photos and complete details
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Resorts for relaxation at beautiful locations

There are lot more than what is listed below, check all the places listed under “Nature and wildlife category” as well. Click the links below to visit their web sites. 

There are lot more, check all the places listed under “Nature and wildlife category”.



Hope you like this post, share with your friends and have a happy journey. 


32 comments:

  1. Good information. Thanks for compilation.

    Regards/RK

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy to know and thanks for the feedback RK, Let us know if you need help !

      Delete
  2. Added Lepakshi which is close to Bangalore. It has beautiful carvings and pillars, paintings on ceilings.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good collection of information, Thanks Thanigai.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bala for the feedback, happy to know you liked it. !

      Delete
  4. first of all want to greet u for this idea of travel blog.
    very detailed and Amazingly written.

    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. Even Vellore and Thiruvannamalai can be done in a day seperately. Vellore is just 3.5 hrs drive and Thiruvannamalai is 4 hrs drive. Check my other post about these http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.in/2014/10/ratnagiri-vellore-thiruvannamalai.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the feedback, good to know you like the post !

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank You Thanigai & Sasi. We are so happy and we try to visit few places ,all your detailed informations are really very useful. We are planning to visit more places recommended by you. I can see your hardwork and dedication in preparing all these information and visiting all these places. Thank you once again for sharing such a detailed and good information about all these places. We liked so much. Hope to see more places and more informations around our incredible India.( already following all your post abt travel...) Keep it up.( I remember the song in recent Ajith Movie,Yennai Arindhaal - Unakkenna Venum Sollu ullagathai kata sollu,Song , he takes his kid all around India - for a trip, where she points out her finger in India Map and both explore the new places...the song reminds you... hopefuily u did that already to your kids - Thank you so much. Keep continue....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a ton for your feedback and it is very encouraging. Sure, we will cover more and more and share. Though we used to visit many places few years back, we did not have insight into things and used to search in google for details. That really triggered me to start this blogging and share with others so that they will be benefited out of this. Happy to know this is useful.

      Delete
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    1. Thanks for the feedback, the layout is the Google Blogger layout and no manual additions.

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    1. Thanks a lot for the feedback, really appreciate taking time to write comments and feedback.

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