Whether you live in Mumbai or in Bengaluru, there is always a place to get away for the weekend. This summer, head to the haven closest to you for a relaxing break.
Bengaluru to MYSURU 146 Km
Palaces, gardens, hills and one of the country’s cleanest zoos — Mysuru has it all. The third largest city in Karnataka, it’s a popular tourist destination. The Mysore Palace, built in 1912 in Indo-Saracenic style, is the second-most frequented place after Agra. If you visit the palace on Saturday or Sunday, you will see it lit up with 40, 000 bulbs!
The Mysore Zoo is home to giraffes, African elephants, exotic birds, the white tiger, gorillas, crocodiles and snakes. The zoo is sprawling and will take you about half a day to see everything. If you like gardens and open spaces, head to Brindavan Gardens. About 19 km from Mysuru, the gardens and Krishna Raja Sagar dam are every tourist’s delight. The illuminated dancing fountains are the main attractions here. If you want to have a better look at Mysuru, take a drive up Chamundi Hills. At a height of 1062m, it offers a spectacular view of the city.
Must visit: Shivasamudra falls is the second largest waterfall in India and the 16th largest in the world. Tucked away on a remote island, the island hosts Asia’s first hydroelectric power station.
Delhi to KESROLI: 155 Km
Surrounded by the Aravalli hills, Kesroli is all about exploring the 600-year-old Kesroli Fort. Built by Yaduvanshi Rajputs in the 14th century, the place is reminiscent of scenes from books by Enid Blyton. One could go on long walks, watch the sunset, trek to the hill fort, go on a picnic to the farms or look out for tigers. Make sure you visit the Sariska Tiger Sanctuary. It is about 48 km from away. From Kesroli, Tijara is 57 km away. This place is popular for its fort. In 1685, during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh, the Jaisamand Lake, also known as Dhebar, was built. An hour’s drive can get you to this scenic spot. It also happens to be one of the largest lakes in Asia, covering an area of 36 sq km. On the banks of lake are marble steps leading to the water and a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Must visit: Vinay Vilas Palace, also known as the Garden Palace was built in both the Mughal and Rajasthani style of architecture. The palace has a garden which is watered by the waters of the Siliserh Lake.
Mumbai to KHANDALA: 94 KM
A popular hill resort, you could choose from a variety of options like trekking, hiking or caving. Make a trip to Duke’s Nose. This is a cliff face and is named after Duke Wellington because it is said that the cliff resembles his nose! You could also visit the Bhaja caves, known for its 22 rock-cut caves. It dates to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism. At the last cave is a waterfall! Another must visit destination is the Kune Falls. Located between the Lonavala-Khandala valley, it is surrounded by lush green vegetation. An ideal place for a picnic, make sure you savour some raw mangoes from the trees or the ripe Afooz or Alfonso mangoes famous around this area.
Must visit: Kamshet is a hill station famous for paragliding. Several paragliding schools are located in and around Kamshet and offer training and tandem flights.
Hyderabad to BIDAR: 145 Km
A three-hour drive from the city, is Bidar. True to its name, the place had many bamboo clusters. The fort at Bidar was built in the 15th century and is home to several monuments. The Rangin Mahal, also known as Queen’s palace is 700 years old. The rooms have a frame of multicoloured tile work. The Bahmani tombs may also be of interest. They are large mausoleums that feature arches, niches and lofty domes. The walls of the tomb are decorated with beautiful paintings. The highlight of the tombs is the swastika symbol used for ornamentation.
Must visit: The Honnikeri Reserve Forest is about 18 km from Bidar. It is known for its Blackbuck population and migratory birds.
Kolkata to DIGHA: 178 Km
A coastal destination that has the best beaches on the east coast, Digha is a place to laze around. The Digha Boardwalk runs along the sea face. You could spend the entire evening just walking, looking at the sunset or lazing on the beach. Another major attraction is the marine aquarium, which is said to be the largest in the country. The Amravati Lake has boating facilities, and if you would like to do something wild, take a peek at the snake farm close to the lake. A quieter place would be the beach at Shankarpur, a stone’s throw away from Digha.
Must visit: Digha is often known as a birdwatchers’ paradise. Look out for Pallas’s Gull, Little and Common Tern, Terek Sandpiper,
Greater Sand, Kentish and Pacific Golden Plovers and the Black-capped Kingfisher.
