9 places to experience nature away from Bangalore

The mercury is rising, and the past week had been a hectic one. Now you are surely looking for a weekend break not far away. Well if you are in and around Bangalore, here are 9 beautiful weekend locales which promise to strain your city fatigue away.

Coorg: Coorg is a mere 5 hour drive from Bangalore. Travel by train and it takes even shorter. This Karnataka hill station is an evergreen repose with its lush landscape, rolling hills, and heritage coffee plantations. Visit Raja’s Seat for a breathtaking view of the distant Western Ghats. Breathe in the fresh mountain air. Dip your feet in the waters at Kavery Nisargadhama. Savor the best of South Indian coffee in the surrounding plantations. With tourists coming from across the globe, Coorg has dining options for all. HeyHolidays has a number of homestay options in Coorg to ensure a holiday in homelike ambience.

Ooty: Ooty has been a favorite summer retreat since the colonial days. Lush locales, the misty blue Nilgiris, tea plantations and a pristine lake make Ooty a perfect getaway to spend the weekend in. frequent bus and train services from Bangalore will take you to Ooty in less than 6 hours. The Dodabetta peak being the highest in the region is a popular destination for viewing sunrise or sunset. The orchid lovers will find Ooty a haven for rare varieties of flora and cacti, carefully nurtured in the numerous gardens of Ooty. The Ooty lake fed by rainwater from surrounding hills is flocked by tourists. Ooty too has a number of stay options from HeyHolidays, and will surely guarantee you a refreshing weekend in comfort.

Wayanad: A few hours from Bangalore can take you to Wayanad, a nature lover’s paradise. This lush holiday retreat is nestled in the quiet corners of Western ghats amidst pristine forests. The Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is home to Indian tigers, bisons, elephants, a large variety of deers, and birds. The Kuruva Island on an offstream of the Kaveri River is serenity at its best. The Banasure Sagar Dam is favourite among tourists for its crystal blue waters. The Edakkal cave is another place not to be missed out. The more adventurous ones can plan a trek to mesmerizing Neelimala hill. With traditional Kerala cuisine on your plate, and some of the coziest HeyHolidays accommodations to say in, a visit to Wayanad is ideal for this weekend.

Kodaikanal: One of the most popular hill stations of southern India, Kodaikanal attracts tourists from around the globe. Fed by waterfalls from the surrounding hills, the Kodai lake and its surroundings are a sheer beauty in shades of blue and green. Relax in the pristine mountain air. Trek along the innumerable hill trails. Visit the beautiful parks to view some rare plantations. The Silent Valley and Shanti Valley, and numerous viewpoints will delight any nature lover. One can still walk amidst the towering pine groves which were supposedly planted by the britishers. With numerous stay options, and well connectivity with all southern cities, Kodaikanal is a strong recommendation for weekend near Bangalore. So plan a trip and unwind in the cozy accommodations of HeyHolidays.

Munnar: An overnight journey from Bangalore will place you in Munnar, in a different landscape altogether. Munnar too was a summer resort for the Britishers, and hence holds a distinct old world charm. Resplendent hills, rolling tea plantations, abundant flora and fauna, and winding rivers make Munnar a favorite among tourists. Barely an hour from Munnar is the Rajamalai National Park & Eravikulam National Park where the wildlife and nature enthusiasts find ample attractions. The Salim ali bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. The Atukkad waterfall is a mesmerizing journey among hills and forests. The surrounding tea plantations will allow sampling of their teas. The HeyHolidays homestays will give you a taste of traditional Kerala cuisine. Munnar therefore promises you a wholesome vacation away from Bangalore.

Mysuru: Mysuru, or Mysore is a very short trip from Bangalore, and this weekend you can experience a royal holiday in the city of palaces. The Mysore Palace is a most magnificent palace, and still amazes the visitors with its grandeur and intricate architecture. The musical fountains at the Vrindavan Gardens are also a must in any tourists bucket list. The Jagmohan Palace and art gallery has a marvelous collection of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings. The city is strewn with numerous other lakes, parks, palaces and gardens which speak of its past royal glory. The places visited, now head for the local handicrafts shops which are laden with beautifully carved wooden figures, and gold woven Mysore paintings. A yard or two of the famous Mysore silk should also be in your shopping list. HeyHolidays has several stay options in Mysore to suit your need and budget.

Chikmagalur: Chikmagalur is a beautiful Karnataka town nestled in the foothills of Bababudan Hills. Visit Giridarshini, Mullayyanagiri, Hebbe Falls, and numerous other spots where nature unfurls its pristine glory. Simply drive around the countryside to inhale the fresh mountain air and relish the serene mountain-scape. Chikmagalur is a favorite destination for trekkers, as the surrounding hills provide ample scopes for easy treks. The coffee plantations around here are an added bonus. HeyHolidays has arranged several homestay options to ensure your comfortable stay in budget.

Sakhleshpur: Sakhleshpur is a 4 hour drive from Bangalore, and will take you to a world of greenery. The area is marked by numerous trekking trails which take you to picturesque locales amidst pristine forests. The coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations along the way make the place a lush canvas of greens. The Forest Department provides permission for this Green Trek. The surrounding Bisle forest is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The Manjarabad fort, supposedly built by Tipu Sultan, is a popular spot among tourists. If you are ready for a short trip to this serene locale, HeyHolidays will arrange a few delightful holiday rentals to make your stay cozy and unwinding.

Masinagudi: If you wish to wake up to the call of chirping birds, and fresh forest smells, Masinagudi is your ideal destination for a weekend away from the hustle of Bangalore. This locale on the Mysore Ooty Highway is a few hours’ drive from Bangalore, and a perfect haven for nature and wildlife lovers who wish to visit the Bandipur & Mudumalai National Parks. You will spot here numerous bird watchers, armed with their DSLRs and ready to capture the rare Indian birds fluttering about. The Nilgiri tea plantations around the area provide a lush landscape. The HeyHolidays rentals in Masinagudi are carefully selected to make sure you have the most of the greenery and quietude.