illustrious guests stayed, including Mahatma Gandhi. However, the most popular spot is Tipu ' s Drop, a 600-metre cliff from where convicts were pushed off during the Sultan ' s reign. Be wary of this spot if you are travelling with kids. The best way to get to Nandi Hills is by car, although buses from the Majestic Bus Stand do come out here. The winding roads, steep inclines and the grape vineyards and hills that dot the way, make the drive a picturesque one. A KSTDC hotel provides refreshments at Nandi Hills. Head back before it gets dark, for a safe drive through the hairpin bends. Distance: 60km Kolar District, Bangalore North Open: 8.30 to 5pm
Nrityagram
This dance village is Odissi danseuse Protima Gauri Bedi ' s labour of love, started in 1989, with the passionate intent to preserve and further Indian classical dance. Set within picturesque and rural Hesarghatta, this beautifully envisaged dance school takes in students who take up the long-term study of classical dance and runs on the age-old Gurukul philosophy. Go here to watch a successful cultural experiment at work – although Bedi passed away years ago, Nrityagram continues to thrive in the able hands of a group of committed dancers. Every year, the dance school ' s cultural festival ' Vasanthahabba ', a night-long celebration of music and dance attracts people from Bangalore in droves. The dance village runs on the lines of holistic living and is set in an elegant ethnic space, which makes for an interesting tour. Just across the road is the lovely Taj Kuteeram, a resort run by the Taj Group. With Yoga sessions, an Ayurvedic centre, an eclectic menu and a rustic ambience, stopping at Kuteeram for the day, makes for an uplifting excursion. Also visit the Hesarghatta Lake, an artificial reservoir, in the vicinity. Distance: 30km Nrityagram: Hesarghatta, Tel: 2846 6313, Web: nrityagram. org Taj Kuteeram: Opposite Nrityagram, Hesarghatta, Tel: 28466326, Web: tajhotels. com
Embassy International Riding School If you ' d like an equine day out, head to the Embassy Riding School on the outskirts of the city. A 400-acre expanse, the best riding facilities, experienced instructors and well-cared-for horses make this an ideal place to try your hand at horseriding or horse-trotting. Adding to the charm is ' Ai Cavali '( Italian for ' By the horses '), the in-house restaurant, where you can hang out at and sample delicious Italian fare. All in all, you are guaranteed you a satisfying day outdoors in the company
Hogenakkal Waterfalls If you are looking to getaway from the city, and don ' t mind driving a bit further long, then take yourself to Hogenakkal, a threehour journey from the centre of town. This is a waterfall on the river Cauvery, situated at the edge of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in a district called Dharmapuri( in TN), 180 km from Bangalore. The pristine Hogenakkal Falls, which is set in the midst of thick greenery, has been nicknamed the ' Niagara of India '. When the water falls on the rocks it sprays into the air like white mist or smoke and thus the name, ' Hogenakkal ' or smoking rocks! Hogenakkal Falls makes for a great tourist attraction, not just because of its natural beauty, but also because of the supposed curative powers that the waters hold. What makes Hogenakkal Falls an especially fun jaunt is the coracle boat rides. You can float and spin around in these circular bamboo boats as you make your way through the river and get wonderful views of the waterfalls around. But boating is only allowed in the dry season, when the waterfalls are flowing not at full-throttle. Dharmapuri town has some hotels where you can stop by for a meal. Visit hogenakkal. com for more information. Distance: Approx. 180 km Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu
of horses – especially recommended for kids. Distance: 27km 149 / 2 and 223 Torhunse Village, Jalahobbli, Devanahalli Taluk Tel: 2846 8296 Open: 6.30am to 6.30pm, Closed on Monday
Janapada Loka
Just 50 kilometres out of the city, among the rocky hills of the Ramanagara district, is an interesting folk museum called Janapada Loka. You can spend your morning ambling through the 15- acre folk theme park which showcases Karnataka ' s indigenous arts and crafts. Masks, household implements, folk dance costumes and such are displayed in the museum. There is an amphitheatre where films are screened. The highlight of a trip to Janapada Loka is also the Kamat Lokaruchi restaurant, next door. Here you can sample a traditional North Karnataka meal on a plantain leaf, which includes Bajra rotis with brinjal curry in peanut gravy. Round off the trip at the tiny handicraft stores that are situated at the entrance.
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