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A Short Escape to Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

by: Piyanka

After the hassles of the entire week, relaxation and a weekend getaway is all you need. Infested with large flora and fauna Bangalore is bordered by some of the most exciting natural parks, water falls, pristine hill stations and renowned wild life and bird sanctuaries. A weekend getaway from Bangalore is a nature lover’s dream. Now beat the monotony of everyday life and revitalize yourself in the natures lap while taking a short escape to some of the best weekend getaways around Bangalore. Check out the list of following places.

Top 10 Weekend getaways from Bangalore Mysore
Mysore, the ‘cultural capital of Karnataka’ provides a much sought after weekend getaway from Bangalore. Located just 140 km from Bangalore, Mysore is the heaven for art, literature, music and dance. The name itself attracts the honeymoon couples and welcomes visitors with its rich cultural and easygoing environment. Mysore palace was once the home to the Wodeyars, the emperors of Mysore now allure the tourists not only form the country but across the globe. The palace depicts the grandeur of a by gone era. Mysore zoo is the finest zoo in India housing rare and endangered species. St. Philomena's church with its gothic architecture is a must visit spot. Other attractions are Brindavan Gardens, which is worth visiting in the day time as well in the evening, Fort of Tipu Sultan, Belmuri, Edmuri and many others.

Image credit: http://www.mysore.org/images/mysore%20palace.jpg

Bandipur
Bandipur National Park is a famous wildlife reserve in south Karnataka and a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore. Located about 220Kms from Bangalore and 80Kms from Mysore, the park is a home to several endangered species like tigers, wild boards, striped hyena, Bengal fox, leopards and many more. The best time to visit the park is October to January. Located on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty, Bandipur is easily accessible by bus.

Image credit: http://www.iwebie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/bandipur-wildlife.jpg

Ooty
Ooty or popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ is one of the popular getaways from Bangalore. Located 297Kms from the city of Bangalore, Ooty can be reached in 8 hours by road. The major attractions in Ooty are e Rose Garden, Pykara Falls, The Ooty lake, The Botanical Gardens, Dodabetta Peaks and the Wenlock Downs. Do not forget to try the home made chocolates while you are on a weekend to Ooty. Ooty is the perfect place for those who want to take a break from the hectic city life of Bangalore.

Image credit: http://www.hotelkhoj.com/media/upload/image/city/ooty/Ooty.jpg

Kabini
When you visit Kabini expect a weekend on nature’s lap. Located 220Kms from Bangalore, Kabini is one of the top 5 wildlife resorts in the world, as rated by Britain's Tatler's Travel Guide. Kabini offers a view of 150-200 elephants, as a reserve. September to March is the favorable time to visit Kabini. You can take a jeep safari, a river boat ride, campfire, or indulge in trekking while in Kabini for a weekend getaway from Bangalore.

Image credit: http://www.indianpanorama.in/images/LakeKabini_elephants.jpg

Tirupati
One of the most sacred and spiritual destination in India, Tirupati is a must visit spot for individuals looking for a weekend getaway from Bangalore. Located about 258 km from Bangalore there are ample bus services available to take you directly to this popular destination. The most renowned temple of Tirupati is the Sri Venkateswara Temple which is known to attract most of the pilgrims in the world after Vatican City.

Image credit: http://www.templesofindia.co.cc/tirupati-balaji.gif

BR hills
Located 226 km from Bangalore, Biligiri Rangaswamy Sanctuary or BR hills is a wildlife sanctuary and a favorable place to getaway for weekend from Bangalore. Take a safari on elephant’s back to maximize your wildlife safari experience. With ample scenic spots BR hills is a blend of wildlife reserves and hill stations. Easily accessible by road it is one of the preferred spots for Bangaloreans and tourist all over the country.

Image credit: http://www.thejunglelook.com/info/_media/trip-reports/crw_7243-habitat-1.jpg?w=&h=&cache=cache

Coorg
Known as Scotland of India, Coorg is a beautiful hill station located 252Kms from Bangalore. Coorg has acres of coffee and tea plantations, orange groves, thick forests and offers serene views with cloud covered hills enough to captivate the mind of the visitors. You can also take part in trekking, white water rafting, ayurvedic treatments and many more.

Image credit: http://www.indiamike.com/india/attachments/8495d1222963313-biking-trip-from-manipal-sullia-coorg-madikeri-nagarahole-white-water-rafting-coorg.jpg

Nandi hills
Take a drive to Nandi hills, famous for its stunning views from the hill top, located just 65 km from Bangalore. It was once Tipu Sultan’s summer retreat. The hill is also a popular picnic spot for the Bangalorians and the origination of three rivers Palar, Pennar and Arkavati. Do not miss the breathtaking sight of Tipu’s drop, a high cliff from where the prisoners were pushed down to death. Other attractions are Tipu’s Summer Palace, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Fort, Horse Way, Secret Passage and many more.

Image credit: http://nithinkamath.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/nandi_hills_04.jpg

Shivanasamudra falls
Take 3 hours drive from Bangalore to enjoy the beauty of India’s second largest waterfall, Shivanasamudra which has twin jumps namely Bhara Chukki or the Eastern falls and Gagana Chukki or the Western falls. You need to trek through the green forest for 2 km to reach the waterfall. You can also get an eye-catching view of the falls from Shivanasamudram watch tower. Definitely visit Mekedatu where river Cauvery flows through a narrow valley. It is believed that once Lord Shiva crossed the river disguised as a goat and hence the name Mekedatu or ‘Goat’s Leap’ was given to the place.

Image credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1e/Mighty_Jog.jpg

The Big Banyan Tree
Located just 25 km away from Bangalore city, The Big banyan Tree in Ramholi provides a quick getaway during the weekends. The tree is 500 years old and covers almost 3 acres. Also known as Dodda Alada Mara’ in Kannada, the tree is one of the nature’s astounding creations. Take a walk in a nearby garden and relax under the shade of the tree. The second biggest Banyan Tree in India is a popular tourist attraction in Karnataka.

Image credit: http://yeschinatour.com/static/photologue/photos/cache/big-banyan-tree-yangshuo-07_leading.jpg