Top 5 weekend getaways near Bengaluru

These pandemic times have rendered people stationery. Most of the people who love the outdoors like me are stranded at their homes, looking out of the window and ruminating about their past experiences and tryst with nature and wondering when they will be free to wander outside again. I am a resident of  Bengaluru, capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka and after a hectic 5 days of relentless work , the IT capital does offer a well-deserved 2 days of laid back life before the week opens again. And thankfully there are quite a few weekend getaway places around Bengaluru where we can go to and be back for the Monday morning presentation at office.

Camping in the nearby trekking sites

Here come the hot-spots

1. Bheemeshwari, Mandya

It is a small town in Karnataka's Mandya district, is popular as a paradise for fishing enthusiasts as it is home to one of the finest game fish in the world the Mahseer fishes. Due to its proximity with the Cauvery River and its extensive forest cover with a variety of flora and fauna, Bheemeshwari is visited by adventure lovers and bird watchers. Exciting outdoor activities like boating, adventure camps, trekking up the hills etc are available here. 
                    
River rafting tingles all your excitement nerve

2. Shivanasamudra Falls, Mandya

At a distance of 130 km from Bengaluru & 81 km from Mysuru, Shivanasamudra is a famous waterfall situated in Mandya District of Karnataka State. This is one of the best waterfalls near Bengaluru. These waterfalls are also known as Siva Samudram, literally meaning Shiva's Sea. Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other.

Situated on River Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is among the popular tourism places of Karnataka. The island of Shivanasamudra divides Cauvery River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls are collectively called as Shivanasamudra Falls though Gaganachukki is most commonly represented as Shivanasamudra Falls. This place offers breathtaking sight in the peak monsoons.


Shivanasamudram during monsoon


3. Mysuru, Mysuru district

Mysore was one of the three largest Princely States in the erstwhile British Empire of India. To this day, the Mysore Palace stands tall as one of the most spectacular palaces in India. A very famous tourist spot that sees thousands of visitors milling in and around it every day, the Mysore Palace is a mesmerizing experience in itself.
Mysore is located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills about 145.2 kms towards the southwest of Bengaluru. Mysore is noted for its heritage structures for the festivities that take place during the Dussehra festival when the city receives many tourists from around the world. The famous Mysore Zoo and Vrindavana Gardens(near Mysuru) are a major draw among tourists. Mysore(now Mysuru ) lends its name to various art forms and culture, such as Mysore Ink, Mysore painting, sweet dish like Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosa, brands like Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore silk sarees. Mysore is also known for its special variety of jasmine flower fondly referred as "Mysore Mallige".


Mysore Palace at night during Dussehra


 

4. Chikmagalur, Chikmagalur District


Chikmagalur city is at the foot of highest mountain range in Karnataka, the Mullayangiri Range and is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka.. The life-supporting rivers of Karnataka and other states - Tunga, Bhadra, Hemavati, Vedavati, Yagachi originate in the Western Ghat hills of the district. The district is a great attraction to all kinds of people - trekkers, pilgrims, travellers and tourists. This area is famous for the coffee estates in the vicinity and also known as the Coffee Belt of the South.

The picturesque horizon of Chikmagalur


5. Ooty (in Tamil Nadu)

Ooty, was once the summer capital of Madras Presidency under the British. Located in the mountainous range called the Nilgiris ("Blue Mountains"), it draws swarms of tourists every year. The weather is quite pleasant at a mean of 15-20°C around the year, dropping to lows of 0°C during winter. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests, and special permits will be needed to camp in non-camp sites.


The famous toy-train running along the beautiful Nilgiris

                 

Above were the 5 best places according to me. Do comment in case your list of the places are different or even alike. I can assure you that a visit to any of these places will linger in your memories for a longtime so do try to visit these places.

That's it for now. Take care. Be Safe. Be Healthy.

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