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 three-hour 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
best riding facilities, experienced instructors and well-cared-for horses make this an ideal place to try your hand at horse-riding or horsetrotting. 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 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
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. Distance: 50km Bangalore-Mysore Road, Ramanagara Tel: 727 1555 Open: 9am to 1pm, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Closed on Tuesday
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 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, th
the ruins of a 16 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 twohour 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
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. Otherwise, it is a one and half hour drive by car. Distance: 65km Tumkur Road
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.
Srirangappattana Srirangappattana is situated in the Mandhya District of
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.
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.
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. p 123 whats the escape?