Who says you need to travel far to find new enchanting experiences. The city of Bangalore is close to some of the most diverse landscapes, wilderness and riverine attractions and all within in a six-hour radius. Here are some top recommendations.
Shivanasamudra
The captivating Shivanasamudra falls are in their fullest glory during the monsoon seasons. Located just 135 kms from Bangalore, this segmented waterfall is one of the highlights of the Kaveri as it plunges off the Deccan plateau.
The falls are more than 300 metres wide and the town of Shivanasamudra which is on the river is a large island which acts like a wedge dividing the river into two adjacent falls spreading across. Other unique attractions of the area include a group of old temples, including the Someshwara and Ranganathaswamy temples.
Kabini
The wilderness is in Bangalore’s backyard and it is called the Kabini reserve. Watch elephants frolic on the riverside meadows or look for the elusive black leopard in the light of dawn or dusk. Kabini is becoming an increasingly popular place for photographers because of the animal sightings and it has a well-administered and maintained network of resorts and activities for guests.
Kabini is just about four and a half hours away from Bangalore but the journey takes you back to a pristine, primeval time. The backwaters of the Kabini River are a great stage for bird-watching. If you love spending your weekends catching up on nature shows on the telly, then a trip to Kabini is living the real thing.
Hogenakkal
One of the most thrilling experiences you can have at the mighty Hogenakkal falls is sitting on a circular boat or a coracle which floats around the edge of the waterfalls, expertly steered by the boatman.
The falls are also compared to the famed Niagara Falls, because of their formation and wide shape. You can enjoy a picnic in the vicinity of the falls or you can sample some of the fresh catch which is sold. Fish on offer includes robu, kendai, and aranjan. The forests near Hogenakkal were once known to be one of the many hideouts of the feared brigand, Veerappan.
Yercaud
With the plains of Salem at a distance, Yercaud is one of the most endearing hill getaways in South India, offering a mix of the quintessential colonial charm we have come to associate with such towns, and a strong indigenous legacy, evident in the Servaroyan temple and Bear’s cave, a place of worship for Lord Murugan devotees.
Yercaud’s most picturesque attractions include the serene Yercaud Lake, the gushing Killiyur Falls, and the Lady’s Seat which offers stunning wide views of the surrounding landscapes. Yercaud is around 1,500 metres above sea level and is a 5-hour journey from Bangalore.
Kemmanagundi
A page out of a Tolkien escapade is how some can describe the landscape around Kemmanagundi, a hill station in Karnataka’s Western Ghats. Cascading waterfalls, cool jungle streams, and verdant high-altitude meadows are some of the sights you will see when you explore the place. Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri are Karnataka’s highest peaks and great venues for hikes and moderate treks. This region is also a shutterbug’s haven. Book taxi in Bangalore and enjoy this journey into the mountains.
An early morning start will get you to these beautiful destinations by lunch, and the short distances mean you will be left with a lot of energy to explore by the time you arrive. Start making plans for these quick yet uncompromising getaways. If you are looking for reliable and comfortable outstation cabs from Bangalore, you can book a Savaari cab, a nation-wide cab service provider ideal for all sorts of journeys.
