The temperature seems to be torturing Bangalore dwellers in ways that was not thought possible. If there is any thing that can be done, its this, we head out to some cooler getaways for a bit and come back refreshed to face the day and the scotching heat. Read on to check out 12 getaways from the city that will provide the much required refreshing change.
1. Mukurthi Hills
Image credit: Explara
A forest reserve located close to Ooty and bordering Kerala, this is yet another undermined beauty in the Nilgiris that you need to see and explore. A rare but precious sight here is the Nilgiri Tahr, an animal endangered in India. Picturesque, serene, and filled with rich flora and fauna, this hilly region is a must-visit for anyone who is looking to get away from the noise and traffic of Bangalore.
Things to do here: Wildlife, sightseeing and camping
Closest Airport: Coimbatore airport
Closest Railway Station: Udhagamandalam
Distance from Bangalore: 279 km
2. Masinagudi
Image credit: Explara/Trek In India
Located in the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary at the foothills of the Nilgiris, Masinagudi is part of a dense forest reserve that is home to abundant wildlife. This place is perfect for anyone who is looking for some time out from commercial holiday spots and seeks to explore the wild with their cameras and friends.
Things to do here: Tented stay, wildlife, sightseeing and safari
Closest Airport: Coimbatore airport
Closest Railway Station: Coimbatore Main junction
Distance from Bangalore: 228 km
3. Hankon
Image credit: Explara/Pixabay
A little ahead of Asnoti village and 12 km away from Karwar in Karnataka lies a beautiful and quaint little village called Hankon, by the gently flowing Kali river. The village is spread out over five acres, and offers several exciting adventure eco-camps that you can try out this summer.
Once here, you can give a shot at kayaking, canoeing, rafting, tubing, and river crossing, or go rock-climbing and rappelling four kilometres away at Pata. This place is perfect for those who want a completely eco-friendly getaway experience.
Things to do here: Eco-camp adventures and water sports
Closest Airport: Dabolim airport
Closest Railway Station: Asnoti railway station
Distance from Bangalore: 537 km
4. Meghamalai
Image credit: Explara/Holidayer
Also known as the High Wavy Mountains, these beautiful cloudy hills are part of the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Located deep in the Western Ghats, these forests and hills are home to a wide plethora of wildlife and plants alike. Also, tea estates are aplenty here, for you to enjoy.
You could get a chance to see the great pied hornbill, black naped oriole, and many other exotic birds. This place has it all, from beautiful hills and forests to waterfalls that will surely take your breath away!
Things to do here: Birdwatching, wildlife photography
Closest Airport: Madurai
Closest Railway Station: Dindigul
Distance from Bangalore: 487 km
5. Ponmudi
Image credit: Explara/Flickr
Ponmudi has a carpet of thick tropical forest that rolls down to the foot of the hill range, and is home to 283 species of birds, many of which are endangered and threatened. So, don’t waste your time here relaxing, just go ahead and indulge in some birdwatching!
The scenery here is so beautiful it has people visiting throughout the year. There are beautiful forests you can camp in here, and lakes that overlook lovely hills.
Things to do here: Birdwatching, trekking and camping
Closest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram
Closest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram
Distance from Bangalore: 628 km
6. Oorakam
Image credit: Explara/Rooftop Travel
A simple 10 km drive from the Thrissur town in Kerala takes you to Oorakam, where you can indulge in some pottery and sculpting! The famous pottery studio here allows you to discover and hone your skills at clay modelling and glazing from international experts.
While here, you can visit the pottery village called Kumbhara Gramam at Cheruthuruthy to watch traditional potters practicing a beautiful but long-forgotten craft.
Things to do here: Pottery, culture, sightseeing
Closest Airport: Kochi International Airport
Closest Railway Station: Thrissur railway station
Distance from Bangalore: 348 km
7. Poppalwadi
Image credit: Explara/Flickr
This place is so remote, you will need a pick-up from a landmark point to reach here. Located on the Goa-Karnataka border, it has a wonderful climate all year round. Here, you can stay in teepee tents in beautiful homestays and go on guided walks to a private waterfall, indulge in different nature treks and night safaris. You must absolutely not miss the Dudhsagar waterfall here!
Things to do here: Homestay, trekking, forest walks, and hiking
Closest Airport: Dabolim
Closest Railway Station: Londa Junction
Distance from Bangalore: 487 km
8. Tharangambadi
Image credit: Explara/Flickr
Loosely translated to mean ‘place of the singing waves’, this is a former Danish colony that will do any traveller proud. The Fort Dansborg here is a must-see attraction, one of the last remnants of a dynasty gone by. This is definitely a place not many head to, but it is a must-visit.
Things to do here: History, scavenging, water activities, beach surfing
Closest Airport: Tiruchirappalli
Closest Railway Station: Karaikal
Distance from Bangalore: 437 km
9. Anjudeep Islands
Image credit: Explara/Trekkers
The popular Devbagh Island is surrounded by rings of tiny islands, one of the most beautiful of the lot being the Anjudeep Islands. These islands have a very unique look, and visiting them will surely give you a feeling of solitude.
The ocean and the trees makes this island look beautiful at all times of the year. It also houses some remnants of Portuguese culture, which are worth visiting.
Things to do here: Beach surfing, water sports
Closest Airport: Dabolim
Closest Railway Station: Karwar railway station
Distance from Bangalore: 538 km
10. Kappil Beach and Bekal Fort
Image credit: Explara/Foriverain
The secluded and relatively unexplored Kappil Beach is idyllic and quiet as compared to the other crowded beaches of Kerala. The Kodi Cliff nearby gives you a 360-degree view of the Arabian Sea. About 6 km away is the Bekal Fort, a piece of history that is a must-visit. This beach is one of the cleanest and most unpolluted beaches of Kerala.
Things to do here: Sightseeing, photography, bonfire by the beach
Closest Airport: Calicut
Closest Railway Station: Cannanore railway station
Distance from Bangalore: 371 km
11. Agumbe
Image credit: Explara/Wikimedia
Agumbe is a beautiful hill station located in the Shimoga district of Malnad, Karnataka. It is situated at an altitude of over 2100 feet. Agumbe is one of the four peaks in the Western Ghats that borders the mainland and divides it from the coast.
Things to do here: Camping, hiking
Closest Airport: Mangalore
Closest Railway Station: Shimoga
Distance from Bangalore: 334 km
12. Araku Valley
Image credit: Explara/Forumfantion
This is an ideal getaway place for those who love coffee, hills, and are looking for a unique place to visit. This hill station is located in the calm environs of Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The Araku Valley is located in the midst of the mountains of Galikonda, Raktakonda, and Chitamogondi. Since very few travellers have headed to this place over the years, you can get to see the untouched beauty of this place.
Things to do here: Trekking
Closest Airport: Vishakapatnam
Closest Railway Station: East coast line from Vishakapatnam
Distance from Bangalore: 1096 km
Which of these unique places are you most interested in visiting this summer? Do tell us, in your comments!
courtesy msn.com