Karnataka Tourism Bangalore

Take a walk on the wild side in the Bannerghatta National Park, just a few kilometres from the city centre. The 25000 acre sanctuary is home to elephant, leopard, sloth bear, porcupine, jackal, rock python, and many bird species. Take a ride through the lion and tiger safari and guess which of the tigers were brought from England by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the classic Born Free, who set up the foundation to help animals in distress.

Wander through the zoological gardens, find a resting spot beside the aviary or the butterfly park or get up and walk close to all manner of slithery creatures safe in their enclosures.

Nandi Hills is up north, close to the Bengaluru International Airport. The bracing air and serene environs of the hills, towering 1455 m above sea level, provided Tipu Sultan, and later the British, with the idyllic summer retreat. Here, one can take leisurely strolls or experience the spine-chilling thrills of paragliding. Two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva grace the hill. For a magnificent view of the city, trudge to Tipu’s Drop, a 600 m high cliff from where condemned convicts where pushed to their death.

In the valleys to the left of the hills stretch acres of vineyards that supply grapes to a winery where one can book a wine appreciation trip on some weekends.

Shivanasamudara Falls present a breathtaking vista

Discover nature’s handiwork in the Shivanamudra Falls, 65 km east of Mysore. Wooded hills and lush green valleys cradle a small hamlet and two fine temples. Together they form a strikingly calm setting for the river Cauvery as it plummets 75 m into a deep rocky gorge with a deafening roar. Downstream is Asia’s first hydroelectric project, established by the visionary engineer and statesman Sir M. Visvesvaraya.

Just an hour’s drive from the city, en route to Mysore is Ramanagaram, where Ramesh Sippy shot his classic Bollywood western, Sholay. You can stand on the rock where Gabbar Singh mouthed his unforgettable phrase, “Arre oh Samba,” and get your picture shot at your most menacing. The rugged rocks are home to bear and pangolin.

There are lots of interesting diversions you can take before you reach Mysore. Hare off to Melkote, a temple town where the ancient language of Sanskrit still thrives. Spend some time in a homestead in the coffee country Kodagu (Coorg). Or check into a resort close to the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks where you can see gaur and dancing peacocks, and if you are lucky, you might glimpse a tiger.

A temple at Channapatna

Focus your binoculars on the islands of the Cauvery in the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary and watch migratory waterfowl nesting in the trees. Tarry a while at Srirangapatna, Tipu’s capital. And while in Mysore, enjoy the aesthetics of its grand buildings including the palace of the Wodeyars and marvel at the Brindavan Gardens, adjacent to the KRS dam.

You could also stop by at Sangam and Mekedatu in Kanakapura taluk for a perfect one day getaway. Sangam, 100 km from the city, is a point where two small rivers flow into the Cauvery. From here one can trek 5 km to Mekedatu through lush green forests and breathtaking hills, while you listen to the distant roar of the river.

And if your wallet permits, you can board the resplendent Golden Chariot for an amazing train journey or you could soar through the skies in a helicopter, taking in a bird’s eye view of the lush green countryside beneath.