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
- Hill stations
- Palace and Casual day outing
- Historical monuments with complex and intricate carvings and sculptures
- Rivers and waterfalls
- Nature, Wildlife, Bird watching and photography
- Trekking spots
- Hill temples
- Temples and other divine places
- Landscapes, Nature, Dam, Reservoirs
- Caves
- 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
| |
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
|
Belur, Halebidu Photography Feature Blog: http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2016/06/belur-halebidu-belavadi-photo-feature.html
Belur, Halebidu Blog: http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2014/05/belur-halebidu-and-somanathapura.html
|
Somanathapura, Thalakkad
| |
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
|
28 Kms, Google Map Link
|
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.
|
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
|
Check my exclusive blog on Bandipur - http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2015/05/bandipur-national-park-and-tiger-reserve.html
|
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
|
Jungle Lodges and Resorts (http://www.junglelodges.com/kyathadevara-gudi-wilderness-camp/)
|
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
|
Jungle Lodges and Resorts (http://www.junglelodges.com/bannerghatta-nature-camp/)
|
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
|
Visit My Blog on “Places in Bangalore”: http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2015/07/places-in-bangalore-important-places-to.html
|
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
|
Visit my exclusive blog: http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2016/03/ranganathittu-bird-sanctuary-photo.html
|
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
|
Visit my blog on Kokkare Beluru: http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2014/07/melukote-and-kokkare-bellur.html
|
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
|
92 Kms, Google
Map Link
|
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
|
Small hill, Savandhi Veerabhadraswamy Temple
|
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 Dharmasthala: https://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
|
40 Kms, Google Map Link
|
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
|
12th century Temple, Visit Wiki:
|
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
|
<upcoming>
|
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.
- The Orange county at Kabini and Coorg
- The Serai at Kabini, Bandipur and Chikmagalur
- Jungle Lodges Kabini
- Windflower resorts at Coorg, Bandipur and Wayanad
- Vivanta by Taj Coorg
- Tata Plantations Chikmagalur
- Jungle Lodges Dubare
- Shiva Vilas Palace Sanduru : My blog on this is here
- Vythiri Resort Vythiri wayanad
- Wild Planet Devala
There are lot more, check all the places listed under “Nature and wildlife category”.
