DAY JAUNTS
Bannerghatta National Park Set twenty kilometres out of the city, Bannerghatta National Park is a popular day excursion with both tourists and Bangalore city folks. This 25,000-acre zoological park is home to diverse species of fauna, including tigers, lions, panthers, bears, and deer. The best way to explore the expansive park is to take the 20-minute safari that takes you through the reserves, where you can catch a glimpse of the animals. The tiger isn ' t all that elusive here – you can see them roving about within a large enclosure. Bannerghatta Park ' s reptilian inhabitants consist of alligators, crocodiles and snakes, which are enclosed in the ' reptile park '. There is also a zoo, a big-ticket item with children, where there a whole range of birds from peacocks to owls and other animals like hippopotamuses and foxes. Elephant rides are also offered here. An unusual and recent addition to the Bannerghatta reserve is the ' Butterfly Park '. This eight-acre park features a museum with a range of lepidopteral exhibits as well as a greenhouse where 20 species of colourful butterflies make their home in a carefully preserved habitat. The
Big Banyan Tree An ancient tree that spreads across four startling acres is just a 40-minute ride from the city! Ramohalli, on the outskirts of Bangalore( 25km), is an unusual site where the country ' s fourth largest banyan tree has put down its roots. Called ' Dodda Alladamara ' or ' Big Banyan Tree ', this botanical marvel is over 400 years old and its allencompassing canopy is a great place for a day getaway. Thousands of aerial roots and branches sprawl far and wide, creating a labyrinthine setting where you walk about, play and commune with nature. One of the city ' s most interesting picnic spots, th
take a turn at the 20-kilometre sign on Mysore Road to get here. An eight-kilometre drive after the turn will get you to the Big Banyan Tree. The tree itself is fenced off to protect it from rogue engravers who have etched its surface in the past. There is a Shiva Temple near the tree, as well as a KSTDC Hotel nearby. Expect crowds on the weekends though, as this is a popular jaunt as well as a favourite site for Sandalwood film shootings. Drive yourself up, or hire a cab for the day, as bus connectivity is limited. Distance: 25km Off Mysore Road, Ramohalli
area around the park is a scenic one – it ' s a biological reserve with the Elephant Corridor passing through. There are several restaurants that have set up shop nearabouts – but don ' t expect anything fancy. Alternately, you could pack your own picnic lunch. To get here, you could either hop onto a bus – these ply from the city ' s main bus stand at Majestic. There are KSTDC buses which will also get you to the park. Else, organising your own private transport is a better option. Jungle Lodges & Resorts have set up the ' Bannerghatta Nature Camp ' here, in case you would to stay a weekend. Distance: 25 km Anekal Taluk, Bangalore South The park is closed on
Tuesday Mekedatu
Mekedatu, a boulderstrewn ravine two hours away from the city, is a dramatic sight. This is the spot where the river Cauvery passes through a chiselled gorge, which is narrow enough for a goat to leap over – and hence the name ' Mekedatu ' or ' goat ' s leap '. The surreal rock formations and the tumbling river, make this a beautiful riverside spot to spend your day. You can lounge around on the rocky outcrops or spend a peaceful day staring at the water and the
surroundings. Or you can sign up for some adventure by walking up to the ' Sangama ' where the rivers Cauvery and Arkavathy merge. There is temple to venerate this confluence at this spot. Mekedatu is best visited when it isn ' t raining. Getting here by your own private car or taxi is recommended. Restaurants are scarce, so pack a picnic basket. Distance: 98 km Past Kanakpura Road, Near Sangama
Nandi Hills A popular place to wile the day in the lap of nature, Nandi Hills, is a green getaway sixty kilometres from the city. Sitting at a lofty 1,455 metres above sea level, this hilly destination also has a history to it – its sylvan landscape was the summer getaway and hill th
fortress of the 18- century ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan.( His holiday home can still be seen here.) Nandi Hills is a riotous maze of trees, bushes and thick vegetation. Evergreen forests, eucalyptus trees, thick shrubbery, gnarly trees and a rich avian and simian life are part of its attractions. You can either pick your own way through the many pathways or explore the various Nandi Hills landmarks. The Magazine is a rock where Tipu Sultan ' s arms and ammunition were stored. There are two temples set here; one is an ancient Shiva Temple. Right at the top of the hill is a colonial bungalow constructed by British officer Sir Mark Cubbon, where a number of p 152 whats the escape?