Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India is known for its hectic lifestyle. If you are stressed out and want to spend a weekend far from the maddening crowd of the capital city of Karnataka, there are several places round the city to help you out.
1. Lepakshi
Breathe in some fresh air this weekend at the quaint hamlet of Lepakshi of Andhra Pradesh. The city is mythological as it is believed that bird Jatayu fell down here while trying to protect Sita. One of the prime attractions of the place is the 4.5m high statue of Nandi, which is the second largest rock cut statue in India.
The Lepakshi Temple, dedicated to Veerbhadreshwar is intricately designed with unique carvings and comes with an amazing hanging pillar.
The Vijaynagara murals enhance the beauty of the shrine. Shopaholics will love the brassware, Cherial scroll paintings and Banjara embroidery. You can cover all the attractions in half of the day.
Temple Timings: 6.00 am- 7.00 pm
Distance from Bangalore: 123 km
2. Srirangapatna Bangalore
This is a beautiful river island of Karnataka. Enjoy some celestial moments at weekend at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple of the city; dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is one of the largest temples of the state.
This capital town of Tipu Sultan is also famous for the Gumbaz, the mausoleum of the sultan, the palace of Daria Daulat. Bird lovers can enjoy a trip to the Ranganathithu Bird Sanctuary while the banks of River Cauvery are ideal picnic spots. One day is enough to complete the tour of the city.
Distance from Bangalore: 124 km
Read More : India’s Top 5 Hindu Temples
3. Shivanasamudra Falls
Enjoy natural bliss at one of the top 45 waterfalls of the world this monsoon at Karnataka. Rejuvenate with the cold splashes of water of the Shivanasamudra Falls.
Another attraction of the Shivanasamudra Island is the Ranganatha Temple, one of the landmarks of Hoysala temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Jagan Mohan Ranganatha, this temple treasures various statues of Goddess Cauvery, Serpent Takshaka, Ramanujacharya, Alwars and Sugriva. It is just a one day trip to the falls.
Distance from Bangalore: 130 km
Read More : Top 5 Hidden Photography Locations In Bangalore’s Backyards
4. Somnathpur
Somnathpur is another peace paradise of Karnataka. This small village is known for the Prasanna Chennakeshava Temple, situated at the banks of the River Cauvery. This 13th century Hoysala temple houses beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala.
Another amazing feature of the temple is its 16 ceilings, depicting 16 different blooming stages of banana plant. As you are permitted within the temple bare footed, hence it is best to visit the shrine during winters, that is, from October to March. You can complete exploring the temple in half of the day.
Temple Timings: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
Distance from Bangalore: 137 km
Read more : 6 Top Places To Visit In Karnataka
5. Shravanabelagola
One of the popular heritage sites of Karnataka, this town is known for its Jain temples. Shravanabelagola houses the tallest monolithic statue of the world, 58 feet high, Bahubali, while the Gomateswara Temple, located at an altitude of 3347 feet gives a panoramic view of the city.
Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi and Kattale Basadi are some of the Jain sanctums located at the hills of Shravanabelagola. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival, celebrated every 12 years is the largest festival of the town. It will take one complete day to explore all the shrines of the city.
Distance from Bangalore: 140 km
6. Mysore
The mesmerizing aroma of sandalwood beckons tourists to Mysore. This beautiful city is known for its grand palaces and is famous as a shopping arcade. While the Mysore Palace is the epitome of grandeur, the Chamundi temple treasures the customs of ancient Karnataka. Kids can enjoy at the Mysore Zoo, while the Brindavan Gardens is the best place to rest your tired feet. You need to reserve two days for visiting all the tourist spots of Mysore.
Distance from Bangalore: 139 km
7. Hogenakkal Falls
Your vacation cannot be better than washing away all stress with the cold splashes of natural cascades. The Hogenakkal Falls is popularly known as the Nigara of India due to its snow white water that majestically breaks down the hills.
Visitors can enjoy coracle riding and boating at the pre and post monsoons or go for trekking at the nearby cliffs. August to October is considered to be the best time to visit the falls. It is a one day tour from Bangalore.
Distance from Bangalore: 146 km
8. Horsley Hills
The hill station of Horsley is an ideal escapade from the busy life of Bangalore. Located at a height of 1265 meters, this hill city has several tourist sites, like the Gangotri Lake, View Points, Gali Banda, Environmental Park and the Horsley Hills Museum.
February to May is the best time to visit the place. You can completely explore the place in a day.
Distance from Bangalore: 166 km
9. Yelagiri Hills
This hill station is another famous weekend gateway for the residents of Bangalore due to its pleasant atmosphere and sports facilities. Feel life like a free bird with paragliding or enjoy the colors of life at the Yelagiri Summer festival. Visit the place between April to May or November and February. The Velvan Temple, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and the Nature Park are the other popular places of the city. You can cover the place in two days.
Distance from Bangalore: 178 km
10. Biligiri Ranga Hills
If you are in love with wildlife, visit the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary this weekend. While the 50 avian species greet you with their sweet chirps, elephants, sloth bears, wild dogs and gaur can be seen in their natural habitat. The 500 years old Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple is another attraction of the place. Visit Biligiri between October and May for best experience.
Temple Timings: 5.00 am to 11. 00 am and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
Sanctuary Timings: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Safari Timings: 6.00 am to 8.00 am and 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Distance from Bangalore: 170 km
Hence now spend a happening weekend near your city within an affordable cost and short time.
Also Read : Best Weekend Getaways from Bangalore
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