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Distance: 50km Bangalore-Mysore Road, Ramanagara Tel: 727 1555 Open: 9am to 1pm, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Closed on Tuesday Shivanasamudra Bangalore is a city of tranquil lakes. But if you'd like to spend a day around gushing water, head to the Shivanasamudra Falls at a distance of 139 km from the city. A small town in Karnataka's sugarcane district Mandya, Shivanasamudra is set on the banks of river Cauvery. The river drops from a height of 320 feet here, creating the Shivanasamudra Falls. The waterfall is a segmented one, and creates two waterfalls which fall alongside each other – the Gaganachukki and the Barachukki Falls. Shivanasamudra is a picturesque place to spend your day; but stick to the known pathways to reach the Gaganachukki Falls and do not attempt to climb down the rocks – this could prove to be dangerous. Distance: 139km Mandya Savanadurga Savanadurga is a hill fortress which the founder of Bangalore Kempegowda used as a hideout. This was also the setting for 'The Passage to India', the film adaptation of EM Forester's novel. The p 154 whats the escape? ancient landscape, where Megalithic urns have been uncovered, consists of twin hills and a valley between – Karigudda or Black Hill is replete with green cover and Billigudda or White Hill is a barren one. This hilly getaway offers dramatic views and its other attractions include a lake, the ruins of a 16 th century fort that Kempegowda built, temples of Veerabhadraswamy and Narasimha at the foothills and the Savanadurga State Forest, which lies nearby. Savanadurga is frequented by rock climbers and cave adventurers, and makes for an unusual day getaway. The two-hour journey can be covered by bus or car. Take a bus to Magadi Road from the Majestic Bus Stand. Take another bus from here, and 12 km after, you will arrive at Savanadurga. Distance: 33 km Magadi Otherwise, it is a one and half hour drive by car. Distance: 65km Tumkur Road Devarayanadurga Located near Tumkur, Devarayanadurga is a favourite with trekkers and climbers. So if you want to flex those sedentary muscles after a long week of work, head to this hill, which stands at a height of 1188 metres. The hill is also speckled with temples (dedicated to deities Yoganarasimha and Bhoganarasimha). When trek up to the summit, you are rewarded with some fabulous views, with the Tumkur district stretching below. City buses leave for Devarayanadurga from the City Bus Stand at Majestic in the morning. Srirangappattana Srirangappattana is situated in the Mandhya WEEKEND ESCAPES Upto 150 km Bheemeshwari Fishing camp Bheemeshwari fishing and nature camp is an ideal place to get away from the busy schedules and hassles of city life. Bheemeshwari, a nature camp on the banks of river Cauvery is around 100 km away from Bangalore city. This place is well known all over the world for its masheer, the largest river water sporting fish. Fishing here is great fun, and so it is also called 'angler's paradise'. The forest around Bheemeshwari is a fantastic place for camping and trekking. Another 'must do' on a visit to this place is the ride on the coracle in the river. District of Karnataka. It is a place of historical, religious and cultural importance. It is a vaishnavite pilgrimage centre and is famous for the Ranganathaswamy temple. The city surrounded by river Cauvery, was the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The celebrated Daria Daulat Bagh, the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan is situated in this place. Srirangappattana is also known for the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali, Gumbaz. The city is about 127 km away from Bangalore. 150 km – 300 km Hassan Hassan is a place named after the goddess Hassanamba. It is known as the temple architectural town of Mysore The second largest city of Karnataka is a vibrant place which is thronged by tourists from all over the world throughout the year. The city which was the capital of Wodeyar dynasty has an old world charm that enthrals every soul who visits the city. Situated around 140 km away from Bangalore, the Mysore city with its rich heritage is one of the most famous tourist spots in South India. The famous Mysore Palace is the major attraction of the city. Chamundi hills, on the outskirts of the city where the Chamundeshwari temple is located is another famous destination. Other important tourist attractions of the city are Brindavan garden, Mysore Zoo, St. Philomina's Church, Rail Museum and Karanji Lake Nature Park.