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| BANGALORE - Getaways | |
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| In a way, Bangalore
is in the geographical centre of the most interesting places to visit
in South India. Make this your base camp for your tours of the jungles,
the seaside and the mountains. Here is a list of destinations. Some of
these are resorts. All places are an overnight journey away and well connected
by trains and buses.
Historical Places MYSORE 140 kms. The old capital of the Mysore Maharaja during an era of splendour and riches. Visit the Palace, Zoo and Chamundi Hills. Base camp for trips to Bandipur / Nagarhole. SHRAVANABELAGOLA 170 kms from Bangalore, is a famous Jain Pilgrim centre. There is a 17 metre statue of Lord Bahubali, said to be the world's tallest monolithic statue. HAMPI 353 kms. Former capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. 12 Kms from Hospet. Vast relics of the empire can be seen. Best to travel by train. BELUR/HALEBID 220 kms. Old temple in soapstone with extraordinary carvings on outer walls, pillars and doorways. Dates back to the Hoysala Kingdom.
BANDIPUR/NAGARHOLE 240 kms. Natural forest. Excellent overnight/weekend stays. Touring inside jungle arranged. Check with tour operators. Best visited Oct-May. KOKREBELLUR Between Channapatna & Maddur on Mysore Rd. Natural bird sanctuary. Painted storks and pelicans. Excellent picnic spot. Best between Jan-Jun. Kabini River Lodge
NILGIRIS About 7 hrs from Bangalore. 2240 metres above sea level. Means ‘blue mountains’. Ooty, Coonoor and Wellington are hill stations. Travel by the miniature train with its toothed central rail. COORG 300 kms from Bangalore. Called ‘Scotland of India’, a picturesque hill station famous for its coffee estates and hospitable people. Uncrowded, suitable for long walks, jogging, trekking and camping. MAHABALIPURAM 410 Kms. Travel via Chennai. Famous for its shore temple. Temples here are dedicated to either Shiva or Vishnu. It was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Provides an excellent combination of cheap accommodation, good food, a good beach and handicrafts. Popular dance festival in the month of January. MANGALORE/UDUPI 347 Kms. Mangalore has idyllic beaches and is a major sea port for the export of coffee and cashew nuts. Udupi is famous for the temple of Lord Krishna and beach resorts. |
