11 Places to Visit near Bangalore for Short Trips..!!

May 1, 2021

Bangalore has become a metro-cum-workstation city lately. Many workaholics are busy working there and sometimes looking up for a trip as for break nearby to relax. Short trips aka weekend trips are like our best friends. Takes us away from all our problems. Gives us a happy break. Makes us feel good again. Lets us forget all our problems and never too far from us. Just a plan and bookings away..!! Your bff might ditch you on your trip but trips won’t ever ditch you with awesomeness.

So, heere we have come up with sorted list for you hard-working travelers to add some magic amidst your life and jobs:

1. Ooty

Distance from Bangalore: 297 km

Drive Time: 7 hours 30 minutes approx.

A relaxing half day drive and you reach in the laps of ‘Queen of Hills’. Making its place in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it is an actual paradise. Lakes, gardens, viewpoints, tea and coffee plantations, all count to the charm of this little town. But the most affluent attraction of Ooty is the toy train route. Experience the beauty of mesmerizing wooden huts of the hills through the tiny colorful windows of the toy trains and get lost in its magic.

2. Kabini

Distance from Bangalore: 206 km

Drive Time: 5 hours approx.

This pretty place is a must for the wildlife enthusiast. Kabini Forest Reserve and Nagarhole National Park gives you all the perks of rich flora and fauna. Sight Bengal tigers, golden jackal, Indian bison and many more on your jeep safari. Swing with the chirping rare birds on a boat ride in river Kabini or opt for a coracle ride accompanying the locals of nature. Take an elephant safari in the deep wooden jungles or just sip a fresh cup of coffee amidst the delightful nature. What else a weekend trip asks for??

3. Chikmagalur

Distance from Bangalore: 243 km

Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes approx.

Chikmagalur is perfect stop for the coffee lovers. Known to be as the capital of coffee plantations, it lives with the aroma of coffee. Though the town has something to offer for almost every kind of traveler. This pleasant hill station serves all adventures- caving, trekking, rafting and so on. Experiences doesn’t stop here, you can also go for your love for flora and fauna through the wildlife sanctuaries of Chikmagalur. Apart from all such experiences it has the tranquil peace which you search coming out from the hustle-bustle of your city Bangalore.

4. Bheemeshwari

Distance from Bangalore: 104 km

Drive Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes approx.

Residing beside the Cauvery river, this little town has all the water- based adventure. From fishing to kayaking, rafting to boating or the traditional coracle ride choose any of these and show your type of love to the water nature. May be just lie beside the river on a camp night and gaze the pretty stars or sing and dance with your group on a bonfire with some lip-smacking local cuisines and start your day around with a perfect sunrise walk. Bheemeshwari has great options of fishing resorts and camping to make your weekend a perfect service. Also, outskirts of Bangalore can always surprise you with the wildlife sighting due to rich flora and fauna it has!!

5. B.R. Hills

Distance from Bangalore: 173.2 km

Drive Time: 4 hours approx.

The Biligiri Ranga hills or commonly known as B.R. Hills is a nature’s delight with the confluence of both western and eastern ghats resulting in diverse ecosystem. The hilltop is named on the famous temple Biligira Rangaswamy residing here. It is the most common weekend hotspot for the people of Bangalore. Visit the place to spot the Dodda Sampige Mara, the big, holy Champak Tree which is known to be as more than 2000 years old.

6. Mysore

Distance from Bangalore: 143.6 km

Drive Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes approx.

Mysuru or Mysore is architecturally and culturally rich city along with the yoga place of the country. This city has too much to tell the travelers who are interested in culture, architecture, yoga, food-hopping and lots of shopping. Pridely flaunting its glittering Mysore Palace which is the most important sight-seeing treasure of the city. It has alot apart from this. Mysuru is also famous for its Dussehra celebration which attracts tourists from around the world. This can be your perfect weekend stop to attract peace from its different style of yoga and together enjoy its other beauty.

7. Wayanad

Distance from Bangalore: 271.2 km

Drive Time: 6 hours approx.

Wayanad has been a favourite place amongst tourists for long years. If cave adventure is your type of interest, then this little town is a perfect go for you. Adding to other adventure activities such as trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, mountaineering and many more. Most beautiful Chembra Peak Trek has its way from here. Make up for it, if you are fond of nature treks and have extra days in hand. Wayanad offers pretty wildlife scenes, rich in flora and fauna with a perfect touch of soothing weather. You can spot asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards and lots of beautiful birds chirping in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to amuse you. Other than this, also try bamboo rafting here for a different but amazing experience from the normal rafting. Also, take a visit to the Asia’s second largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam. Adding upto this, Wayanad also have beautiful temples too, for the spiritual, pligrimage tours. Does this place leaves any reason to not visit it?

8. Hogenakkal Falls

Distance from Bangalore: 126.6 km

Drive Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes approx.

Commonly known as the ‘Niagara Falls of South India’ is the most budgeted weekend trip from Bangalore. Lying on the Kaveri River, Hogenakkal is an ultimate stop for nature lovers. Feel the thunder of the water here with some scrumptious seafood. Also, try coracle ride amidst the waterfalls to give you another experience of adventure. Apart from all the fun, Hogenakkal is the perfect weekend spot as it also has good local oil-massagers for the best relaxing short vacay.

9. Kudremukh Trek

Distance from Bangalore: 310 km

Drive Time: 6 hours and 30 minutes approx.

For all the nature and trek lovers, steps to Kudremukh Peak is not difficult. Changing scenery with every steps will keep you amaze throughout the trek. This is the reason, the trek seems neither difficult nor long. Magic of western ghats can be perfectly felt on the way with cascading waterfalls, beautiful streams and lush, green forests. Not only these, peaceful chirping of birds will motivate you to walk the heights easily. The picturesque view on the top with chilly, windy waves will make it worth all the hardships you faced. The tiredness and dullness of Bangalore will all brush out with the tiredness of Kudremukh trail. Also, read out the Kudremukh experience of one of our writer, before planning yours- Trek to Kudremukh, A tale of rains and leeches.

10. Nandi Hills

Distance from Bangalore: 61 km

Drive Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes approx.

Nandi Hills is a mixture of fun for history buffs and adventure lovers altogether. Majorly known for the hill fortress of Tipu Sultan for their summer retreat, this little hill station offers the same retreat presently too. It is the shortest break you can take from Bangalore with adequate fun. Visit the famous Nandi Temple and other historical remnants of fort and various temples. Enjoy cycling and paragliding amidst the clouds. Take a peaceful walk wondering the beauty this little town holds. Also, take vineyard trip on the way to sip some amazing wines.

11. Coorg

Distance from Bangalore: 242 km

Drive Time: 6 hours approx.

Coorg has been the most breath-taking beautiful hill station of Karnataka. Known to be the ‘Scotland of India’ because of the exotic landscapes and misty scenic views. It is a heaven for the couples. Coorg is a coffee plantation town, a hub for coffee-lovers. Also, an admiring place for the culture lover with a local clan of Kodavas. Try homestays here for they are the lovely hospitality provider. No place near Bangalore will leave adventure, being amidst the nature. Hiking, rafting, trekking will be your companion here too with the best of views and weather.

Though Bangalore has very magnificent nearby places. The list is long. But we sorted a few which had less driving time, so that you take less time to travel and more time to chillax.

Also check, weekend trips near Delhi, if you have a group of friends there and join them to cheer their days.

Happy Traveling!!

Trek to Kudremukh, A tale of rains and leeches

Kiran Rathi

May 28, 2020

I have vacations, I can go anywhere, I can do anything. Yet, the travel bug in me decides to travel 1170kms to Bangalore, for a trek, to a place experiencing the highest rainfall in the Western Ghats. Rolling green hills laid out in a mosaic of sprawling grasslands, cloud kissed mountains, forest trails, bamboo shrubs, and a dozen waterfalls, all of these tricked me to leave the comfort of my home and embark on a monsoon trek to Kudremukh, the Himalayas of the South.

ABOUT THE PEAK

Coming under the Chikmagalur District of Karnataka, Kudremukh is the third highest peak after Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri with a height of 1894m from the mean sea level. Literally meaning ‘horse-face‘ in Kannada, Kudremukh Peak boasts some of the most beautiful views of Western Ghats. The trek to Kudremukh Peak is one of the longest treks of Karnataka with a distance of around 10 km one-way.

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THE JOURNEY

It all started on a Friday night, when the three of us, me, my sister who had come from Chennai and our friend in Bangalore, boarded a bus arranged by a trekking company, with a bunch of odd people. We got the absolute last seats of the bus. When we reached our destination in the morning, our tailbones were acquainted with all the potholes and speed breakers on the way.

At the base village, we boarded a jeep. Somehow surviving the bone-rattling ride, we reached at our homestay in Mullodi, where we freshened up and had our breakfast. We were handed a packet of tamarind rice, which was to be our lunch. By the time our trek guide briefed us, dark clouds had begun to cover the sky. It looked like a storm was heading our way.

THE KUDREMUKH TREK

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After having walked about half a kilometer, we reached the check post of Kudremukh National Park, which is the entry point to the mountain ranges. After walking an initial heavily stony muddy trail, I realized this trek was not going to be an easy feat as the rains had made the path quite slippery.

An important topic of discussion among us was our soon-to-be-companion, Leeches! Everyone shared their own theories and experiences of their encounters with these blood-sucking creatures. All of this discussion did little to lessen our anxiety about the slimy, icky looking slugs. Whilst walking our eyes were continuously glued to the ground, fearing that even a minute of distraction might make us a delicious lunch for the leeches lurking around.

The green carpets of grasslands soon gave way to stretches of evergreen Shola forests, so dense that even the sun rays could hardly penetrate. We crossed our first river here. But none of us dared to hang around to admire the sheer beauty of the variety of trees, whistling birds, rustling leaves and crackling twigs, so as to avoid the creepy creatures from catching up on us. But there was no escape from them! Now and then, we flicked the leeches off each other’s bodies, meanwhile hoping that one of them has not found its way into our socks or onto the back of our neck.

By now, what was drizzle in the morning had converted into a heavy downpour. To shield from the rains, everyone had put on their ponchos and rain gears. And as it so happened that my sister and I, instead of packing ponchos or rain jacket, had packed our school time raincoats with us! Yes, the one with transparent material, floral print, and a funny cap on top! Embarrassed, we tried to avoid putting them on as long as possible, but later when we could no further bear the rains, we, too, geared up in our raincoats and started walking towards our destination.

However, one good thing that happened was, somehow the number of leeches that managed to find a way to our bodies was way lesser than our fellow trek mates who were wearing ponchos and rain jackets! We blessed ourselves for those funny looking raincoats of ours!

Our expectations of clicking spectacular pictures of our trek to Kudremukh and uploading them on social media went down the drain, as the rains had no intention of stopping. Hardly anyone paused to take in the view of the majestic mountains, we had read and googled so much about, as all we had in front of us was a thick fog of grey. Besides, the incessant rains, the constant lookout for leeches, gusting winds, shivering hands, and our runny noses made it very difficult for us to concentrate on anything else other than our air-short lungs!

Thick blanket of fog covered the view ahead of us

In the middle somewhere, we stopped to have our lunch. We opened our rice packets and started eating with our cold, moist hands. We gobbled our food because the rain and wind gushing around us, coupled with the fear that a leech might crawl onto our torso, made us forget all our table manners!

Somewhere between asking for “Aur kitna durr hai?” and Huffing and puffing for air, the three of us managed to reach the top of the peak! We had long back given up the hopes to have mesmerizing views of green velvety mountains. So when at the top, a vacuum of white greeted us, we were not disappointed.

At the top, the winds blew even more strongly, threatening to carry us off the peak. We sat down there for a while and gave our crying feet, knees, and lungs a break. On our way down, the modest shelter of our raincoats did little to provide us any respite from the relentless rains and the strong winds.

THE DESCEND

The way down was even worse because the terrain had become extremely slippery and slushy. Even after being extra cautious, we slipped a few times. Everybody was helping and looking out for each other. The rains lashed harder and did not stop until we successfully completed the 22kms trek and were back at the homestay.

After reaching the room, we removed our drenched, mud-covered clothes and tended to the leech punctures. Some people had it easy, while for others, the blood kept oozing for a couple of hours. We decided it unanimously to cancel the next day’s plan of visiting the coffee plantations and directly head back home, the first thing in the morning. The next day in Bangalore, we tended to our sore bodies and attempted to feel human again.

This entire Kudremukh trek was an experience of a different kind! The feeling of having survived the blood-sucking leeches, lashes of rain and winds and having trekked 22kms were enough for us to proclaim ourselves superhuman!

BEST TIME TO VISIT

For all the monsoon trekking enthusiasts, if the idea of all the miseries we went through appeals to you, then head to Kudremukh between June and August.

But for others, Kudremukh trek from October to February promises “visible” picturesque views of the rolling hills and verdant valleys, a little easier climb and of course, leech less paths!

20 most popular places to visit in India during Monsoon

Krutarth Vashi

August 14, 2018

Monsoon is a great time to pack up your bags and do the outbound to observe nature at its raw best. Touring in a country like India, which is rich in its natural heritage. Here is the list of places you can visit to look for the pleasure of monsoon in India. These places are best to visit in India during July-September.

List of 20 most popular places one can visit during monsoon.

Saputara

Gujarat’s solitary hill station is a popular tourist spot as soon as the rains begin. With the tourism department organizing the monsoon festival every year. It is a perfect place for a weekend getaway. Relax at the lakeside with corn on the cob. Paddle boat with friends in the lake. Witness the magnanimity of Gira Waterfalls. Get awed by the variety of flora at Waghai Botanical gardens and get familiar with the Warli paintings and art, as you breathe in a bit of Gujarat.

Lonavala

This one needs no introduction, as it stands out to be every Mumbaikar’s and Punekar’s favourite weekend destination. Located exactly at the midpoint of two cities, the journey is as pleasant as the destination. Mumbai-Pune express highway offers a completely different sight in the monsoons, with waterfalls mushrooming all along the road. Enjoy the long drives with near and dear ones while having a bite at the famous Chikki and jelly chocolates.

Matheran

India’s smallest hill station offers you the biggest of surprises in the monsoons. As the entire area gets covered with a blanket of greens, the viewpoints present a soothing view to sore eyes. The entire hill station is a no-vehicle zone. The only way to explore is by foot or horseback, which is an excitement in itself. Witness the sunrise and sunset behind the hills in the company of macaques while sipping a cup of tea among the clouds.

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Lavasa

For those looking for a peaceful weekend, India’s first planned hill station is where you need to head to. On the banks of an artificial lake, stands a peaceful town, away from the hustle and monotony, with lovely views all around. There are lots of waterfalls on the way to the city and the valleys offer breathtaking views. In short, an ideal place to visit for spending a lazy weekend. Counting in the list of places to visit near Mumbai and Pune during monsoon.

Goa

Image of Arambol Beach, Goa. Clicked by Rohit Gupta
Image of Vagator Beach, Goa. Clicked by Rohit Gupta

For all those who think Goa is a beach destination, they must visit Goa during monsoon to see its other side. Charao Island, a little-known place just 30 mins from Panaji is the place to be in Goa when it rains. For hikers and nature lovers, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is equivalent to a utopian society. But the cherry on the cake is the magnificent Dudhsagar Falls which offers a completely mesmerizing view of the monsoon. Explore an unknown side of Goa at a dirt cheap rate while devouring the Goan Fish Curry and nip of Fenny.

Agumbe

An absolute gem of a place in the heart of the Western Ghats. The serpentine roads lead you up to the peak which offers a breathtaking view of the forests. The ruins of Kaveladurg fort are perfect for a day out. Trek across the paddy fields enjoying the nature at its very best and hike all the way to the endpoint to witness a spectacular sight on three sides.

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Kudremukh

A trekker’s paradise and a bike rider’s holy grail, Kudremukh National Park is yet another hidden gem of Karnataka. It springs to life during monsoon. If green pastures, misty backdrops & cool breeze are your things, Kudremukh should be on your bucket list. These places are best to visit in August in India.

Gokarna

For those who feel that Goa is too mainstream, Gokarna is where you must head to. A few hours ride from Goa, Gokarna is an amalgamation of beaches and mountains. It has the lesser hustle and is more peaceful than any of the beaches in Goa. The beaches are secluded, peaceful and offer a beautiful view of the sun setting into the Arabian Sea. Relax on the shacks of the beachside cafes with chilled beer and Chicken Ghee Roast. Its the speciality of the region, while enjoying the stunning view around.

Munnar

The gorgeous tea estates will escort you all through curvy roads of this tiny hill station hidden in the Western Ghats. More reasons to visit Munnar in August of 2018 is the blooming of Neelakurunji, a rare blue flower that blooms once in 12 years, covering the region in a blanket of blue. Witness the raw beauty of nature at Eravikulam National Park. The enigma of nature in Neelakurunji Flowers, freshness of the tea gardens and the aura of the indigenous Nilgiri Tahr at Munnar this August.

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Alleppey

Pristine and surreal backwaters surrounded by the beautiful paddy fields and coconut plantations on either side await you as you set your foot aboard the houseboats and sail lazily into them. August marks the harvesting festival, Onam, in Kerala and is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. The snake boat races are the main attraction of Onam and it is one experience to witness them. 100-120 men row the boats in an absolute synchronization while singing “Kuttanadan Punjayile” in the spirits as high as the coconut trees surrounding the area. Such places are must visit in August in India with family.

Wayanad

Adorning the northern hills of Kerala is the beautiful district of Wayanad. This area is famous for its large amount of camping and trekking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, caves, bird watching sites, flora, fauna and an overall plethora of magnificent sights. At Neelimala’s summit, you can get a view of the Meenmutty Falls, the largest of its kind in Wayanad. Get delighted by the range of exotic products including spices, coffee, tea, bamboo products, honey and herbal plants available here. Release your tensions with the Ayurvedic massage and get refreshed by the aura of the place.

Andaman Islands

View from the Island. Clicked by Krutarth Vashi.

Far off the mainland, there are a group of 400 little islands collectively known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The volcanic islands are home to the best beaches in India. A rich underwater diversity makes it a top spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. Relive the moments of Indian Freedom Struggle at Cellular Jail. Witness the architectural genius at Ross Island. Get awed by the beauty of Radhanagar beach. Swim with fishes at North Bay Island and get lost in the mystical Chidiya Tapu beach while witnessing the unaltered beauty of nature.

Meghalaya

‘It always rains in Meghalaya! That’s why it’s so beautiful!’ Meghalaya is gaining a reputation as a natural adventure playground, a prime destination for trekking, caving and canyoning and tribal encounters. Clouds and forests all around, Meghalaya has the best of the natural heritage in India. Be it the natural root bridges at Khasi hills or the clandestine caves at Jaintia. The magnanimous Nohkalikai waterfalls, these all are unique in their own ways. Experience the spectacle of rains and virgin beauty of the wettest place on earth like never before.

Valley of Flowers

Perched at an altitude of 14000 feet above sea level, with the verdant beauty of the snow-capped Himalayas in the backdrop, the green meadows and cotton-like clouds blend in to make a dreamlike valley of flowers trek. Known as the most beautiful trek in the world with the blue Primula, Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand is a must do the trek for nature lovers. Blessed with exotic flowers, faunas and magnificent views this trek will take you to the world of snow clad mountains and high cliffs. Listen to the sound of birds chirping and the musical sound of the stream during the trek. The soothing breeze and the enchanting beauty lure away nature and the photography lovers.

Rishikesh

It is every adventure enthusiast’s dream destination, Rishikesh offers you a plethora of options to try to satiate the adrenaline appetite. The gushing waters of Alaknanda create roaring rapids as you paddle your raft through them without ending up in the water. Rishikesh also hosts India’s highest bungee jump platform, paragliding, hang-gliding, kayaking and bridge slithering among various activities one can choose from. Camp by the riverside with barbeque and music for a perfect ending to a wonderful adventure. Also, soothe with some peace through yogic training.

What is your travelling activity

Hampta Pass Chandratal Trek

Five days of Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake trekking will enable you to spend ample time amidst the flabbergasting serenity mixed with fun and excitement. The Chandratal Lake Trek is a treasure trove for the ardent as well as amateur trekkers and holds the charm and allurement like any other treks in the Himalayas. The scenic landscape exposes trails that meander through alpine forests, huge rock formations, and remarkably rich vegetation. Chandratal Lake trekking experience introduces you to the captivating beauty of the Himalayan meadows, flora and fauna of the Lahaul and Spiti valley. It also gets you close to the life and spirit amidst the lofty peaks. With easy gradients, climbs and descends, this trek will definitely satiate all your quench for trekking in the Indian Himalayas. It is the best place to visit in August in Himachal.

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Forts of Maharashtra

The forts have been strongholds of the Maratha rulers since the reigns of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Tactically built over hilltop overseeing the valleys, these forts provide a gem of a sight after the rains turn everything green. Lohgadh, Raigadh & Sinhagadh forts are the most famous of the forts, offering a stunning view alongside a brilliant architecture. Visapur fort, Harihar fort and Torna fort are a few other in this long list of breathtaking beauty and architectural marvel. Be amazed by the rich history and the magnificent view of the Maratha bastions this monsoon in Maharashtra.

Pondicherry

‘Bonjour’ is what you’ll say as you step foot on the erstwhile French Colony in India. The hotels, restaurants and ‘lifestyle’ shops sell a seductive vision of the French-subcontinental aesthetic, enhanced by Gallic creative types and Indian artists and designers. The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, draw large numbers of spiritually minded visitors. Pondicherry’s vibe: less faded colonial-era villa, more bohemian-chic, New Age–meets–Old World hang-out on the international travel trail. The beaches are just as peaceful as the city, making it a must visit place for seeking inner peace.

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Udaipur

Rajasthan’s best-kept secret, shining on the shores of the shimmering Lake Pichola and surrounded by the brilliant Aravali ranges, Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in all India. The grandiloquent palaces, havelis & the narrow streets add a human touch to the city’s natural charms. For a tourist, the tranquillity of boat ride on the lake, colourful bazaars, lively arts and the tempting shops along the lovely countryside that can be explored and enjoyed to the fullest. Make it more enriching while feasting on some of the most delicious street food the city has to offer.

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Kausani

Situated on a ridge, above a dense alpine forest, a small village in the Uttarakhand offers lovely panoramic views of the snow clad mountain peaks, fresh air & relaxed atmosphere. Kausani is a backpacker’s happy place and an author’s dreamland, offering exquisite views of the massive Nanda Devi and Panchachuli Peaks. The glory of the views reaches its pinnacle at dawn and dusk. Sun-rays turn the peaks into golden during sunrise and crimson at sunset, making a spectacle to observe and relieved in the memory box.

Dear couples, this might also solve your problem. These are the best honeymoon destinations in India during monsoon. Breeze with your partner in the ‘awesome mausam’.

There you have the best 20 places to visit this monsoon, so pack up your bags, pick up a place or two and blend in the surroundings of the mesmerizing places of our Incredible India. India is happening during New Year’s too. So also have a look at New Year celebrating destinations of India.

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