Around Bangalore

Summer ashram of Sri Satya Sai Baba. The seer resides in this spiritual and educational centre for three or four months each year.

The huge banyan tree sprawling over a few acres in Ramohalli Village is a botanical wonder. It is also a great picnic spot.

Situated in a deep valley set in the midst of hills, the main attraction of this fascinating picnic spot is its waterfall,formed by thin jets of water spurting down from a height of 90m. These jets of water converge at the bottom to resemble a pond of pearls, hence the name Pearl Valley. Overlooking these falls is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, adding a religious aura to the place.

Trek amidst nature’s splendour or go off on a biking-hiking trail in one of the highest places around Bangalore. Situated around 60km from Bangalore, towards the town of Magadi, Savandurga welcomes you with its gigantic hills, dense vegetation and beautiful landscapes. The view of the sheer black rock will inspire you to have a go at it. In some places, the rock slants upwards at an angle of 70 degrees, and the ascent is difficult. On top, find a stone Nandi inside a Mantap (similar to those built by Kempegowda to mark the boundaries of Bangalore), facing the breathtaking spectacle that lies in the front. Be awestruck by Mother Nature’s creations. A word of caution, the area is surrounded by dense vegetation and is inhabited by an occasional bear or leopard, which moves freely after dusk. Make sure not to stay at the top after dark. Carry water, food, a firstaid kit and a survival kit in your backpack. Exercise caution while ascending or descending, and always move in groups.

Situated in Kanakapura Taluk, it is a perfect spot for one day outings. Sangama (100 km from Bangalore), is a point where three rivers meet. From here, trek 5km to Mekedattu, amidst lush green forest and breathtaking hills, while you listen to the distant roar of the Cauvery River, as well as the chirping of birds. Do not miss the awesome Cauvery drop, which is sure to leave you enthralled. Take a left 16kms before Sangama, and travel 6km to the Yeleguri Village to reach the beautiful waterfall.

Called the Mecca of Rock Climbers, the wilderness around Ramnagara, 50km from Bangalore on the Bangalore- Mysore Highway, is a climber’s delight. This amazing place has plenty of opportunities for budding as well as professional rock climbers. There are a few temples at the top of these hillocks. The classic Hindi movie, Sholay, was shot on these picturesque rocks. These clusters of rocks are spread over many kilometers.

It is the starting point of night treks to the Nandi Hills. Watch the shimmering lights, as you trek through these beautiful hills. The temple of Lord Subramanya is located here, which is also one of the ancient pilgrim centres in Karnataka. Ghati Subramanya is 45km away from Bangalore, towards Dodda Ballapur. Do not forget to carry a powerful torch, water and other essentials. Thick cotton clothing is a must for trekkers.

The once-capital of the Ganga Kingdom is also a place worth exploring. Visit the famous Kolaramma Temple, originally built by the Gangas and later renovated by the Cholas. Some of the other spots to visit here are the Someshwara Temple built during the Hoysala period, a shrine with its attractive individual stucco figures of Sapta Matrikas, and the Makbara with the grave of Haider Ali’s relatives. Apart from temples, there are beautiful hillocks overlooking the town of Kolar, providing ideal trekking tracks for adventure enthusiasts. Kolar is reputed for its country blanket (Kambli). Shop for some on your way.

The taluk headquarters of Bangalore Rural District is 41km away from the city. Kempegowda was forced to leave Bangalore in 1638 and make this town his headquarters. He built a fort and the Rameshwara Temple. There is also the Someshwara Temple built in 1712, with Kempegowda’s hazara near it.

It is a less known, small water dam, approximately 45kms from Bangalore. The dam built across River Arkavati, is a great spot for bird-watchers. Some of the birds sighted here are Brahminy kite, Green bee-eater, Pied kingfisher, Purple-rumped sunbird, White-browed bulbul, Indian robin, Pied bushchat, Oriental skylark, Woolly-necked stork, Black drongo, Red-wattled lapwing, Golden oriole and the Brahminy starling. En route, visit the “Big Banyan Tree” (Ficus Benghalensis), a massive 400 year old tree. Relax under the canopy of the banyan tree before you head to Manchanabele Dam.

This four-faced hill (1368m) resembles a Nandi from the east, a Ganesha from the west, a linga from the south, and a cobra from the north. An arduous climb takes you to the two main shrines, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave Temple and Honnadevi Temple. You can stop to rest midway between the two at Patalaganga, a natural spring.

Set amidst hills and dense forests, Devarayanadurga is dotted with hilltop temples like the Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha. It is also famed for Namada Chilume, a holy natural spring, and the Mahalakshmi Temple at Goravanahalli.

This popular weekend getaway is just 60km from Bangalore. The bracing air and serene environs of Nandi Hills, perched at a height of 1455m above sea level, provided Tipu Sultan and the British with an idyllic summer retreat. Here, you can take leisurely strolls or experience the spine-chilling thrills of paragliding. Two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva grace the hill, one at the foot and the other at the peak. Nandi Hills shot into prominence during the visits of Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960s and the heads of the SAARC countries in the 1980s.