Just a few hours away from Bangalore, a number of places await you that are a great way to enjoy a holiday in the lap of nature.



The Nagarhole National Park or the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, 210 km away from Bangalore which is spread over an area of 644 square km between the Bandipur National Park and the Kabini River, is a wonderful location away from the maddening crowd of the city and amidst wilderness. It is 5 hours from Bangalore and 3 hours by train if you decide to take the rail route. You can experience the jeep safaris , the elephant rides or go on a long trek.

Siddapur is another location worth visiting. Located at a distance of 218 kms from Bangalore, Siddapur is a holiday amongst luscious coffee plantations . Some of the places worth visiting while you are here include the Dubare Reserve Forest, the Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara temple, a Tibetan monastery at a distance of 35 kms from here, the Iruppu falls. Just 5 and a half hours from Bangalore and you are in coffee country surrounded by greenery all over.

The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is another spectacular location in the midst of nature. Mudumalai is at a distance of 224 kms from Bangalore and is known for its elephants. Five and a half hours away from Bangalore, Mudumalai is truly beautiful and you can enjoy a beautiful drive with nature by your side with accommodation in . It is advisable to follow the instructions and not stop anywhere in between as there are several places where elephants cross the road and there is always the danger of wildlife. Jungle safaris and treks are an experience in itself here at Mudumalai.

For a historical city experience, Mysore city is the place to be. Mysore is a two and a half hour drive from Bangalore or you can decide to take the train that would get you from Bangalore comfortably in 3 hours. Mysore city is the perfect blend of the traditional and modern - from elaborate palaces to pizza joints, Mysore city has it all. Some of the breath taking locations that you must not miss out while here at Mysore include the Mysore Palace (the entire palace is illuminated for an hour in the evenings on all Sundays and National Holidays ? all the 65,000 bulbs would be switched on that highlight the beautiful architecture of the Palace and is a truly mesmerising experience); The JaganMohan Palace (has a spectacular collection of paintings of the renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma); Sri Jayachamarajendra Zoo( a major attraction for children and adults alike ? giraffes, crocodiles, tigers, a gorilla , exotic species of birds all add to the beauty of the zoo) ; The Chamundi hills; Brindavan Gardens (located at a distance of approximately 20 kms), Srirangapatnam (12 kms away the fort of the Great hero Tipu Sultan awaits you).From sandalwood to silks to celebrations , Mysore still has that Royal charm.

Some of the other weekend getaways from Bangalore worth checking out are Yercaud, Wayanad, Ooty , Conoor, Hampi, Mahabalipuram to name a few.

Bangalore is a beautiful destination and areas around Bangalore are equally exquisite , and a visit to these lovely locations is an experience in itself.

William Nickel traveler and nature enthusiast, experienced in arranging enchanting with knowledge on elephant safari, tiger safari, jeep safari, trekking India, economical accommodation in Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, national park and Masinagudi reserve forest in Nilgiris on the Ooty Mysore bangalore road