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 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
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 all-encompassing 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 th
picnic spots, 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
The park is closed on Tuesday Mekedatu
Mekedatu, a boulder-strewn 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 fortress of the th
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 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 longterm 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 p 122 whats the escape?