Travel

Table of contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. Ethereal Waterfalls
    • Shivanasamudra Falls
    • Hebbe Falls
    • Iruppu Falls
    • Thottikallu Falls
  3. Enchanting Forests
    • Bandipur National Park
    • Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
    • Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
  4. Exciting Escapades
    • Avalahalli Forest Loop
    • Hennur Bamboo Forest
    • Turahalli Forest Loop Trail
  5. Rejoice in the rain

1. Introduction

Monsoon – the season that is synonymous with piping hot pakoras and rain-soaked weekend getaways. And when it comes to short vacations, are you bored with the usual list of popular tourist destinations? Worry not, we bring you a few thrilling options near Bengaluru that are perfect for exploration during this time of the year – forests and waterfalls that welcome you with a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and colours. Visit these stunning locales and make some beautiful memories.

2. Ethereal Waterfalls

  1. Shivanasamudra Falls

    • Location: Chamarajanara district, Karnataka
    • Travel time from Bengaluru: 2.40 hours (Via Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway)
    • Basic Facts: The twin waterfalls of Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki. Both are on the Kaveri River, around 15 km from each other. Gushing water and lush forests make for a mesmerising sight.
    • Spots to visit: Talakadu (a temple town of archaeological importance, which is also known for its wineries and horticulture), BR Hills (part of the BRT wildlife sanctuary), Sangam (the confluence of the Kaveri and Arkavathi rivers), and Bheemeshwari (a scenic location at the Kaveri riverfront).
    • Fun activities: Sightseeing, photography, and coracle rides.
  2. Hebbe Falls

    • Location: Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka
    • Travel time from Bengaluru: 5.40 hours (via NH75)
    • Basic Facts: This is a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall – Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). It’s located inside a coffee estate amidst natural splendour.
    • Spots to visit: It’s just 10 km away from the well-known hill station of Kemmangundi. Other places worth visiting include the Rock Garden (Chikamagalur), Shanti Falls, Z Point, and Kalhatti Falls.
    • Fun activities: Sightseeing, trekking, biking, camping, and jeep safari.
  3. Iruppu Falls

    • Location: Kodagu district, Karnataka
    • Travel time from Bengaluru: 4.54 hours (via NH275)
    • Basic Facts: Located in the picturesque Western Ghats. The origin of the Lakshmana Tirtha River is also a tributary of the Kaveri. The falls are also called the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls.
    • Spots to visit: Rameshwara Temple (a famous Shiva temple, it’s located on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha river), Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuruva Island, and Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, among others.
    • Fun activities: Trekking to Brahmagiri Peak, bird-watching, white-water rafting, jungle safari.
  4. Thottikallu Falls

    • Location: Bangalore Urban District, Karnataka
    • Travel time from Bengaluru: 48 minutes (via Kanakapura Road)
    • Basic Facts: It is also known as Swarnamukhi waterfalls. This location is close to Bengaluru (it is just 28 km away from the city). Surrounded by lush greenery, the area is an elephant corridor under the purview of the Karnataka Forest Department.
    • Spots to visit: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bannerghatta Zoo, and Bengaluru Palace, among others.
    • Fun activities: Trekking, peacock sighting, photography

3. Enchanting Forests

  1. Bandipur National Park

    • Location: Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka
    • Travel time from Bengaluru: 3.35 hours (via NH275)
    • Basic Facts: It is the largest protected area in South India and also the largest habitat of Wild Elephants in South Asia. It is also home to Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Dhole, Sloth bear, Sambar, Chital, and a wide variety of birds.
    • Spots to visit: Gopalaswamy Betta (a hill with stunning views), Pykara Falls, Moyar Canyon, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Fun activities: Bus and jeep safari, exploring the Kabani and Moyar riversides, trekking
  2. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
    • Location: Kodagu District, Karnataka
    • Travel time from Bengaluru: 3.5 hours ( via Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway and NH275)
    • Basic Facts: The reserve is named after the Nagarahole River, which means the Serpent River in Kannada. Spread over Mysore and Kodagu, it is connected with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the south and Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the southeast. It is a major Tiger and Elephant conservation hub and also houses Leopard, Sloth bear, Asiatic wild dog, Sambar, Gaur, Chital, Four-horned antelope, Muntjac, Wild pig, South-western langur, and Mouse deer. It also boasts multiple varieties of birds.
    • Spots to visit: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Iruppu Falls, Thirunelli Temple, Mruthyunjaya Swamy Temple, tea estates, Kabini Dam, and Chikka Devammana Betta (a Devi temple on a stunning hilltop).
    • Fun activities: Kabini boat safari, jeep safari, nature walks, wildlife photography, and trekking.
  3. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Location: Shivamogga and Chikmagalur districts, Karnataka
    • Travel time from Bengaluru: 5.13 hours (via NH 75)
    • Basic Facts: It’s also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, after a village on its periphery. A Project Tiger reserve, it has many other animals like leopards, reptiles, and over 250 species of birds, many of which are native to the Western Ghats. Another main attraction of the sanctuary is the 400-year-old Jagara Giant, the largest teak tree in Karnataka, which has a girth of 5.1 metres and a height of 32 metres.
    • Spots to visit: Bhadra Dam, Sunset Viewpoint, and Mullayanagiri Peak.
    • Fun activities: Jeep safari, boating in Bhadra reservoir, wildlife and nature photography, nature walks.

    4. Exciting Escapades

    Here are some forest trails within the city of Bengaluru. These are ideal for a fun day out.

    1. Avalahalli Forest Loop
      • Travel time from Bengaluru: 36 minutes (via Bellary Road)
      • Basic Facts: This loop trail, which is 6.8 km long, is ideal for a one-day expedition with family. A green haven within the city limits, it’s home to an impressive array of birds. This trail will take an average of 1.40 hours to complete. You can enjoy long walks lost in the serene surroundings.
      • Fun activities: Hiking, mountain biking, and running.
    2. Hennur Bamboo Forest
      • Travel time from Bengaluru: 41 minutes (via New Airport Road)
      • Basic Facts: Situated just 15 minutes away from the Outer Ring Road junction, this forest has a mix of easy and difficult trails. As the name suggests, it’s known for its bamboo grooves. A secluded area, it’s best visited in groups. It’s also the venue for Hennur Bamboo Ultra, one of India’s most popular ultra events.
      • Fun activities: Hiking, bird-watching, cycling.
    3. Turahalli Forest Loop Trail
      • Travel time from Bengaluru: 29 minutes (via Kanakapura Road)
      • Basic Facts: Along with a wide variety of flora, Turahalli is home to animals like spotted deer, hares, wild boar, and jackals. It also boasts rare birds like Sirkeer malkoha, Eagle-owl, common flameback woodpecker, and blue rock thrush. The forest has a Shani temple atop a hill, which offers breathtaking views.
      • Fun activities: Biking and natural rock climbing.

    5. Rejoice In The Rains

    Spoilt for choice when it comes to nearby holiday destinations, right? Well, pack your bags for the coming weekend, choose a destination from this list, and make the most of the monsoon season!

    Monsoon Paradise: Explore These Getaways Near Bangalore During Monsoon

    Intro

    The monsoon is here…the season is synonymous with piping hot pakoras and perfect weekend getaways…

    And when it comes to short vacays, are you bored with the popular tourist destinations? We bring you a few thrilling options near Bengaluru that are perfect for exploration during the monsoons – forests and waterfalls that become even more alive during the rains and welcome you with a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and colours. Visit them and make some beautiful memories this monsoon..

    The Points Covered Will Be (common for all)

    • Time & Distance from Bengaluru
    • USP
    • Accommodation (resorts/hotels/homestays)
    • Spots to visit
    • Fun activities

    List of places

    Waterfalls:

    1. Shivanasamudra Falls (2 hrs, 49 mins)
    2. Jog Falls (7.51 hrs)
    3. Hebbe Falls, Kemmanagundi (5 hrs, 40 mins)
    4. Iruppu Falls, Virajpet (4 hr 54 mins)
    5. Athirapally & Vazachal Falls, Kerala (11 hrs)
    6. Thottikallu Falls (1 hr)

      7. Forests:

    7. Bandipur National Park (Kabini forest area, 4 hours)
    8. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve (3 hrs, 40 mins). This place is just 1 hr 30 mins from Bandpur…can be a combined tour
    9. BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hrs, 10 mins)
    10. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (5 hrs, 37 mins)
    11. Bannerghatta National Park (1 hr)

      12. Forest Trails (a one-day outing)

    12. Avalahalli Forest Loop (57 mins)
    13. Hennur Bamboo Forest (1 hr)
    14. Turahalli Forest Loop Trail (49 mins)

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