Ruled by a succession of dynasties that wielded an irrefutable influence on the foundation of India, modern Bengaluru's foundation dates back to the era of Kempe Gowda, a feudal ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire. Known as the "Silicon Valley of India," Bengaluru has seen a massive rise of industries across its landscape in recent years. The nation's leading IT hub, the busy life in the capital of Karnataka can be tiring and monotonous. So, take yourself to some of the most beautiful and scenic locations that go beyond Coorg, Mysuru, and Ooty, and aren't too far from the IT capital of India.
Located around 350 km from Bengaluru, Hampi was once the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire. Though destroyed by Muslim sultanates, Hampi remains an important religious center, with mentions in the Hindu epic Ramayana. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is renowned for its remarkable temple architecture and art. The Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to a form of Shiva, stands as the major attraction of the ruined city.
Places to Visit: Other notable sites include the Balakrishna Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, and Vitthala Temple. While exploring the ruins, be sure to take a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River. For more suggestions on where to go in Hampi, click here.
Nearby Attractions: Nearby, the Daroji Bear Sanctuary offers a chance to see rescued sloth bears in their natural habitat.
Getting There: Hampi is reachable by road from both Karnataka and Telangana. Various buses, AC and Non AC ply from Bengaluru daily, traversing the journey in close to 6.5 hours. It is the easiest and cheapest mode of reaching Hampi. Once there, use public transport or autos to get around.
Best Time to Visit: Hampi is best visited between October to March when the temperatures are fairly cool.
Kabini Forest Reserve, one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Karnataka, is known for its lush, verdant landscape, surrounded by a vast lake. Part of Nagarhole National Park, the reserve spans large areas of forestland, water bodies, and mountains. The variety of wildlife here, including four types of deer and antelopes, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and Asiatic elephants, is truly awe-inspiring. Kabini's peaceful environment offers a perfect escape from the bustling city of Bengaluru. Visitors can choose from luxury and budget stays around the backwaters, but gypsy safaris are exclusive to guests of the Kabini River Lodge by Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR). Boat safaris add a touch of luxury to the experience. Need more reasons to visit Kabini? Check this out.
Nearby Attractions: Nearby, Bheemanakolli Mahadeshwara Temple, Balle Elephant Camp, and Kabini River are frequented by tourists.
Getting There: About 208 km from Bengaluru, the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible and a favoured weekend escape for city dwellers. Travelling by road, you can reach Kabini via regular KSRTC buses from Bengaluru or Mysuru (around 220 km away). Taxis or self-driving options offer flexibility and scenic stops along the route. Mysuru has the nearest Railhead and airport, about 70 kms away.
Best Time to Visit: Generally, the best months to visit Kabini are October to May, which provide pleasant weather for safaris, birdwatching, and outdoor activities.
Hassan, a city steeped in history and culture, is a delightful destination for history enthusiasts. Its temple architecture offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the state. A visit to the Gorur Dam is a must; it harnesses the waters of the Hemavati River, a tributary of the Kaveri, and provides power to the surrounding areas while offering stunning views.
Places to Visit: Some famous places to visit in Hassan include Gorur Dam, Shravanabelagola, Chennakeshava Temple, Hoysaleshwara Temple, Manjarabad Fort, and Hasanamba Temple.
Nearby Attractions: The Shettihalli Rosary Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture built by French missionaries in the 1860s, is another highlight. Abandoned after the formation of the Gorur Dam, the church submerges during monsoons, creating a captivating sight, especially during early rains.
Getting There: Hassan is an important centre for transport and links easily to Bengaluru (187 km), Mysuru (115 km), Mangalore, Madikeri, and Chickmagalur. The closest airport, Mysore (MYQ), sits 106 km away. Other nearby airports include Mangalore (IXE) (132.7 km), Kannur (CNN) (135.3 km), and Bengaluru (BLR) (175.9 km).
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Hassan is between the months of October to February when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Just 280 km from Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru is famously known as the "Coffee Land" of Karnataka. The city is close to the Kudremukh National Park, a popular destination for nature lovers.
Places to Visit: Another notable attraction is the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by tropical greenery, making it perfect for relaxation. A walk through Chikkamagaluru's picturesque tea estates is equally rewarding. For adventure seekers, trekking to the top of Mullayanagiri Peak offers breathtaking views. Don’t miss the stunning Hebbe Falls and Manikye Dhara, adding to the charm of this beautiful town that surprises visitors with its natural wonders.
Nearby Attractions: Kudremukh National Park, Dharmasthala, Hirekolale Lake, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hebbe Falls are located within 100 kms of Chikkamagaluru.
Getting There: Chikkamagaluru offers road connections via multiple routes from Bengaluru and Mysuru, each taking around 4.5-5 hours. Trains from Bengaluru and Mysuru pass through Kadur, with a 45-minute bus/taxi ride to Chikkamagaluru. Air access is available through Mangalore, Bengaluru, or Hubbali airports.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Chikkamagaluru is between the months of September and May.
One of the lesser-known hill stations in the region, Yelagiri is a hidden gem for trekkers. A trek to Swamimalai Hills rewards you with one of the most stunning viewpoints in the state. Paragliding is also offered here, allowing visitors to capture a bird's-eye view of the landscape and the 14 charming hamlets that add to the area's beauty. Yelagiri is also home to a serene lake, perfect for a relaxing visit. The peaceful pace of life here makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers.
Places to Visit: Punganoor Lake Park is one of the best places to visit in Yelagiri because of its calm, lush green environment. Swamimalai Hill, the highest point in Yelagiri, is a favorite destination for trekkers. Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Nilavoor Lake, and Yelagiri Nature Park are loved by travellers, too.
Nearby Attractions: Consider visiting Vainu Bappu Observatory, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, and Shri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple near Yelagiri
Getting There: For reaching Yelagiri Hills, taking a train to Jolarpettai followed by a bus ride uphill is recommended. If you're starting from Chennai or Bengaluru, driving directly to Yelagiri would be the most convenient option.
Best Time to Visit: The winter season, from October to March, is the best time to visit Yelagiri.
This story was first published on July 31, 2023; and it has since been updated.
