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In a way, Bangalore is in the geographical
centre of the most interesting places to
visit in South India. Make this your base
camp for your tours of the jungles, the
seaside and the mountains. Here is a list of
destinations. Some of these are resorts. All
places are an overnight journey away and
well connected by trains and buses. You can
also drive there. We also list the numbers
of tour operators who will advise you on
every detail of your plans and even make
travel and hotel reservations.
Historical
Places
MYSORE
140 kms. The old capital of the Mysore
Maharaja during an era of splendour and
riches. Visit the Palace, Zoo and Chamundi
Hills. Base camp for trips to Bandipur /
Nagarhole.
Sravanabelagola
170 kms from Bangalore, is a famous Jain
Pilgrim centre. There is a 17 metre statue
of Lord Bahubali, said to be the world's
tallest monolithic statue.
HAMPI
353 kms. Former capital of the Vijayanagara
Kingdom. 12 Kms from Hospet. Vast relics of
the empire can be seen. Best to travel by
train.
BELUR/HALEBID
220 kms. Old temple in soapstone with
extraordinary carvings on outer walls,
pillars and doorways. Dates back to the
Hoysala Kingdom.
Wildlife
BANDIPUR/NAGARHOLE
240 kms. Natural forest. Excellent
overnight/weekend stays. Touring inside
jungle arranged. Check with tour operators.
Best visited Oct-May.
KOKREBELLUR
Between Channapatna & Maddur on Mysore
Rd. Natural bird sanctuary. Painted storks
and pelicans. Excellent picnic spot. Best
between Jan-Jun.
Kabini River Lodge
Karapur, Mysore District.
Cauvery Fishing Camp
Bhimeshwari, Mandya District.
Leisure
NILGIRIS
About 7 hrs from Bangalore. 2240 metres
above sea level. Means ‘blue mountains’.
Ooty, Coonoor and Wellington are hill
stations. Travel by the miniature train with
its toothed central rail.
KODAIKANAL
About 14 hrs from Bangalore. 2100 metres
above sea level. Boating, horse riding and
long walks.
COORG
300 kms from Bangalore. Called ‘Scotland
of India’, a picturesque hill station
famous for its coffee estates and hospitable
people. Uncrowded, suitable for long walks,
jogging, trekking and camping.
GOA
625 kms. A former Portuguese colony situated
in the West Coast of India. Famous for its
beaches to suit all tastes, and magnificent
temples and churches. Full of festivities,
dancing and music. You’ll encounter the
last of the hippies here. Best time to visit
is October to May. If you like rains, go
between June and August. It’s less costly
and less crowded in the monsoons.
MAHABALIPURAM
410 Kms. Travel via Chennai. Famous for its
shore temple. Temples here are dedicated to
either Shiva or Vishnu. It was the second
capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of
Kanchipuram. Provides an excellent
combination of cheap accommodation, good
food, a good beach and handicrafts. Popular
dance festival in the month of January.
MANGALORE/UDUPI
347 Kms. Mangalore has idyllic beaches and
is a major sea port for the export of coffee
and cashew nuts. Udupi is famous for the
temple of Lord Krishna and beach resorts.
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