From picnic spots to stay-overs, Bangalore offers a dizzying range of weekend travel options. Try these for starters.
Kolli Hills
Verdant, ‘undiscovered’, Kolli Hills lie in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu. Salem is the nearest large town. From Rasipuram, it’s up all the way to the Eastern Ghats; seventy-two hairpin bends later, you’re in Kolli Hills, 1200 m above sea level.
Trek to scenic view points like Selur and Seekurai. Enjoy boating on the lake at Vasalurpatti. The Arappaleeswarar Temple, sacred to Lord Shiva has ancient Chola inscriptions. From here, walk down 1000 steps to the Agayagangai Waterfalls, stopping only to inhale fresh, mountain air. Evergreen forests with gurgling steams are interspersed with small tribal-owned tea, coffee and spice farms and fruit orchards (don’t miss the jackfruit, a local speciality).
Kalpetta
High up in the Western Ghats is Wayanad, rich in natural beauty and history. Kalpetta, the district headquarters, lies at approximately 780 m above sea level, encircled by coffee plantations.
This is God’s Own Country – besides the ancient Mahavishnu Temple on the highway and a couple of Devi temples, Kalpetta also boasts of the 300-year-old Varambetta Mosque, several old Jain temples and the Pallikunnu church.
Head out from Kalpetta to explore Wayanad’s diverse natural splendours. The Edakkal Caves (25 km south of Kalpetta) – they’re more like fissures in the rock – have Stone Age inscriptions, rare in south India. Fabulous birds too – Paradise Flycatchers, Lorikeets, Coucals, White-cheeked Barbets and more beauties.
Water is in blessed abundance at the spectacular Meenmutty Falls; the smaller Chethalayam Falls are also known for their rich birdlife.
Chembra Peak, at 2,100 m above sea level is the highest in the region – drive or plan for a full day trek, 17 km each way.
The idyllic, lily-filled Pookote Lake set amidst dense, tropical forest is a lovely place to chill.
Bheemeshwari
Go fish! Anglers worldwide come to Bheemeshwari to do just that, hoping to hook a giant mahseer from the River Cauvery. Nature camps located by the river offer delightful weekend recreation, from fishing camps to treks through the nearby forested hills and villages.
Ma Cauvery offers manna for the soul, but treachery lurks deep down in the form of crocodiles, so alas, swimming is a no-no. No matter, hop into a coracle and float downstream for a complete de-stress. All this, just 100 km away from Bangalore – can one ask for more?
Kabini
Maharajahs once hunted here, followed later by the British. Today, Kabini’s wild animals are shot only with digicams and the deep forests and lake are accessible to anyone who loves the great outdoors.
This fabulous nature reserve, about 200 km from Bangalore, is located along the Kabini River, a tributary of the River Cauvery. An early morning safari in summer rewards you with elephant herds quenching their thirst at the lake. Big cats like leopards can be spotted on evening safaris. Brush up on bird knowledge before getting here – there are some 350 species to identify.
The Mastigudi Lake is the centre of wildlife action, with crocodiles hanging out on the banks and scores of aquatic birds. Enjoy the sunset while kayaking or drift in peace on a bamboo raft…heavenly!
With none of these destinations beyond 300 km, getting away was never easier. What plans for Friday?