We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharal Nehru
Always find time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive.Going on weekend trips is one such thing. The world doesn’t lie in your books or maps. It’s out there.
So, go ahead and explore these five best weekend getaways you must not miss if you are in Bangalore.
1. Belur – Chikmagalur – Mullayanagiri – Kemmanugundi
A two-day tour including the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebeedu, and the romantic hill stations Chikmagalur, Mullayanagiri and Kemmannugundi will prove to be the best escapade from the strenuous weekdays’ schedule. The main attractions here are:
• The Bababudan Range (one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris.)
• Chennakesava temple, Belur
• Mullayanagiri (highest peak in South Karnataka)
• Coffee Plantations – the Coffee Museum at Chikmagalur
• Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebeedu)
• Kemmangundi and Hebbe Falls trek
Distance from Bangalore by road: 245km
2. Coorg/Kodagu (Kashmir of Karnataka)
Known for its coffee and ethnic warrior people, Coorg is located at the eastern slopes of the western ghats. The main attractions around Coorg are:
• Talakaveri ( place where river Kaveri originates )
• Bhagamandala (The Triveni Sangam – confluence of 3 rivers)
• Nisargadhama( man-made island and picnic spot)
• Abbey Falls
• Dubare(an elephant capturing and training camp)
• Nagarahole National Park
• Iruppu Falls
• Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple, Bylakuppe
• Madikeri Fort
Distance from Bangalore by road: 287km
3. Hampi
Hampi is the religious center of Karnataka and also one among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hampi is popular for its rocky landscape attracting rock-climbing fanatics making it the ‘bouldering capital of India’.
Most noted places in Hampi are:
• Virupaksha Temple
• Underground Shiva Temple
• Archaeological Museum (Kamalapura)
• Muslim Sunni Masjid
• Vittala Temple Complex
• Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy
Distance from Bangalore by road: 353km
4. Mangalore
Mangalore is the port city of Karnataka. The city’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, coconut palms, freshwater streams, and hard red-clay tiled-roof buildings. Few major attractions of Mangalore are:
• Mangaladevi Temple
• Beaches: Kaup, Malpe, Maravanthe, Tannirbhavi, Panambur, Ullal, Someshwar, Surathkal
• Durgaparameshwari Temple (Kateel)
• Milagres Church
• Karkala (a pilgrim center of Jainism)
• St. Lawrence Church (Attur)
• Lord Krishna temple (Udupi)
Distance from Bangalore by road: 350km
5. Mysore (Palace city of India)
Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills on the southwest of Bangalore, Mysore is known for its grand celebration of Dusshera (a 10-day festival). It is also a growing centre for the production of premium silk, sandalwood and incense. Few major attractions in Mysore are:
• Amba Vilas Palace, or Mysore Palace (one of the most visited monuments of India)
• Chamundeshwari temple (on top of Chamundi hills)
• St. Philomena’s Church
• The Mysore Zoo
• Krishnarajasagar Dam and the adjoining Brindavana Gardens
• Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
Distance from Bangalore by road: 144km
The world is yours to explore. Bon voyage!