Quick Trips from Bangalore

Located in Karnataka, Bangalore is a rather convenient base for those who want to take quick and short trips to several South Indian cities. With its myriad collection of interesting locations around, you’d probably be spoilt for choice. There are hill stations, heritage sites, national parks, religious spot & so much more. Of course, it does seem pretty difficult to list it all down and categorize stuff into must-see and must-do’s, but we’ve tried to compile a list of some really interesting places that are among our personal favourites & that you must visit.

Mysore (139 kms from Bangalore)
This is the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and is also called the cultural capital of the state. Mysore has a rather royal feel to it and probably that is why it is called the Palace City.

Popular Visits: Mysore Palace, Jagmohan Palace, Chamundi Hills, St Philomena’s Cathedral, Rail Museum, Folklore Museum, Sri Jayachamarajendra Zoo, Kukkarahalli lake, Karanji lake, Brindavan Gardens, Somanathpur.

Travelguru Tips: While South Indian food is easily available, try out the Mysore Tiffin and the Mysore Pak sweet. Mysore is also a hot-spot for buying silk saris, sandalwood and rosewood products and items carved in stone.

Yercaud (230 kms from Bangalore)
One of the quietest hill stations in South India, Yercaud is blessed with natural panoramas. Literally meaning ‘lake-forest’, Yercaud is made of quaint-named spots, waterfalls, temples and points that offer panoramic views of the region.

Popular Visits: Arthur’s Seat, Grange, which was the first commercial plantation, Kiliyur Waterfall, The Big Lake, Pagoda Point, Horticulture Farm, Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Pagoda Poin, Anna Park.

Travelguru Tips: A marvel of nature, one must visit the stark white Elephant Tooth Rocks, which are said to have been formed when a meteorite fell on earth! The annual Flower Show held at Anna Park is also very popular.

Coorg (237 kms from Bangalore)
This rather quaint hill station on the Nilgiris (Blue Mountain) is best known for its sprawling coffee plantations and spice plantations. Coorg is also an adventurer’s paradise with its several trekking trails that have irresistibly quaint names such as Honey Valley and Mojo Rainforest Trek.

Popular Visits: Abby Falls, Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary, Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Talacauvery, Omkareshwara Temple, Dubare Elephant Training Camp, Kakkabe, Somwarpet the coffee heartland.

Travelguru Tips: Coorg is home to the largest Tibetan settlement and you must watch the almost-gilded Namdroling Monastery. Coorg is also an important spot for trekkers and one of the most popular trekking spots is the Talacauvery-Brahmagiri Peak.

Tirupati (250 kms from Bangalore)
One of the most revered destination, it is famous for the temple of lord Venkateshwara, which is located on top of Tirumala Hills. The Tirumala hill has seven peaks, said to represent the seven hoods of Adisesha, the serpent under whose hoods Vishnu resides in Vaikuntha.

Popular Visits: Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Alamelumangapuram, Varahaswamy Temple, Venugopal Swamy Temple, Sri Kapileshwara Temple, S.V Museum, Sila Toranam, Chakra Tirtham, Gogarba Dam, Akasa Ganga Tirtha Falls.

Travelguru Tips: It takes about 2-5 hrs for darshan on normal days, so it’s best to go prepared. Electronic items like mobiles, camera, lighters, etc are not allowed inside the temple. When returning, carry the signature buy from here – Chandana Dolls, which are idols of Lord Venkateshwara and his consort Padmavati.

Ooty (297 kms from Bangalore)
This is the backdrop against which hundreds of Bollywood movie sequences have been shot. Also one of the most popular honeymoon hot spots, Ooty is made of rolling hills, tea plantations, activities by the Lake and the oldest inhabitants of the region, the Toda Tribe.

Popular Visits: Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Union Church, Trinity Church, Snowden Peak, Mukkurthi Peak, Cairn Hill, Glenmorgan, Pykara Lake & Fall.

Travelguru Tips: Don’t miss out the Summer Festival held every May, which includes the beautiful Flower Show. While Ooty is famous for its several varieties of tea and aromatic oil and spices, the star attraction here remains hand-made chocolates, which are available at King Star Confectionery on Commercial Road.

Coonoor (314 kms from Bangalore)
Similar to Ooty, Coonoor is easily the second most popular hill station in the Nilgiris. Standing at 1839 meters, the place abounds in picnic spots and picturesque surroundings. The city provides travelers with a panoramic view of the lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valleys, and waterfalls.

Popular Visits: Sim’s Park, Droog Fort, Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, Pomological Station, Catherine Waterfalls.

Travelguru Tips: You must take out time to watch the bi-weekly tea auction that is held by the United Planters Association of South India (UPASI). Also recommended is a guided tour of the Pasteur Institute of India, which is involved in conducting research in the field of rabies, polio and DTP group vaccines.

For more exciting holiday options , check out our weekend breaks from Bangalore that provide an in-depth insight into places, things to see & lots more.