Travel
*** Weekend Getaways From Bangalore ***
1. RANGASWAMY HILLS
About sixty kilometers from Bangalore, on the Kanakpura road is the dense thorny shrub forests of the Rangaswamy hills. The base can be accessed either from Doddamaralvadi (after Harohalli) or from Kanakpura. A perennial stream skirts the hill base that disappears deep into the valley. A small cave temple blends in these serene forests of Rangaswamy Hills.
The steep 2 ½ hours walk to the top ends at a cliff that offers a breath taking view of the vast green forest cover. The flat top is ideal for camping. It’s also a wonderful place for cross-country cycling and Cliff Rappelling.
2. MUTHURAYANABETTA
Muthurayanabetta is about thirty-five kilometers from Bangalore near Ravgudlu. Off the Kanakpura road, the green and irregular countryside is an idyllic destination for a quick weekend getaway. Light trek up Muthurayanabetta that stands like a tower on the edge of a panoramic landscape is also a wonderful destination for camping. Dusk and dawn are sights to cherish. In the night, the sparkling illumination of rural Bangalore resembles a milky way.
Crisp adventure like rock climbing, rappelling, camping, night navigation and cave exploration are activities offered by Muthurayanabetta.
3. MARIBETTA
Maribetta or Bananthamaribetta is lesser-known adventure destination. Exploring new territory like Maribetta, is a challenge for hardcore adventurers. The hill is located 55 Kms from Bangalore near Kanakapura and further 6 kms on the Ramnagar Road. The landscape is generously scattered with rocky hills. The hard trek through the narrow valley, rocky slopes and thorny bushes makes the trip adventurous and very interesting. It is also an ideal destination for landscape photography.
New rock climbing routes can be discovered. It is said there exists a small fort nearby. Maribetta is good for camping too.
4. Makkalidurga
Makkalidurga is 45kms away from Bangalore after Dodda Ballapur. Makkalidurga, also known as Gunjur Hill, is situated at Makalidurga village, 12 km from Ghati Subramanya.
5. KUNTIBETTA
100 km from Bangalore, Kuntibetta near Mysore and very close to Padavpura (25km from Mandya and 2km from Pandavapura). Kuntibetta is actually two hills and the one on the right is also called Bhimanabetta. The rocks are oddly enough- also known as the ‘French Rock’ as the French who assisted Tipu Sultan in his fight against the British, who stayed here. An interesting place to explore history! In the countryside, you get to sniff at pungent smell of the jaggery and a warm smile, some polite words and a small request will guarantee unlimited amounts of the fresh sugarcane juice more delicious than anything you’ve ever tasted. From the hilltop, the lake below shimmers in the sun, the twin humps of Chamundi hills at Mysore flirt with languorous clouds while Melkote’s peak beckons in the distance.
You can walk the hill on the right where the path here is rather well defined. But in terms of adventure, it is the hill on the left that is more interesting. Reaching the top here would take a lot longer as the way is rather hazy and unclear. But the strain and effort on this route is more than compensated by the spectacular views from the top.
6. GERMALAM
190 kms from Bangalore on the Kanakpura Road, The Wild Valley Farm is situated at Germalam, in Tamil Nadu, at a height of 4000 feet above mean sea level. The weather is pleasant year round – not too cold nor uncomfortably hot! The Farm is surrounded on three sides by the reserve tropical forests of the enchanting Western Ghats and bordered by a jungle stream with a small waterfall as well. Wildlife sighted and heard include the big cats like leopards and tigers to predators like the wild dogs and jungle cat, to herbivores like the spotted deer, sambar, elephants and bison, to omnivores like the wild boar and sloth bear. Rare sightings include the Indian anteater. Even an evening stroll within the 100 acres Farm can involve sightings of ground birds like the Indian peacock & peahens, wild fowl, pheasants & quail, and hare. There is a large pond within the Farm, teeming with fish.
Guests can take walks within the farming areas and (based on seasons) have the liberty, if they desire to pluck their own vegetables for consumption. Guests can also, at their option, get involved in regular farming activities.
