When we talk about perfect family holidays, destinations around Bangalore can delight you in more ways than you can imagine. Dotted with pretty lakes and hills, weekend getaways around the city are prime destinations for trekking, caving, canyoning, etc. If you are parents are in town, plan a trip to one of these retreats within 200 kilometres of the city:
Bheemeshwari
Located around 100 kilometres from Bengaluru, Bheemeshwari is breathtaking. Set amidst the Mekedatu, Gaganachukki and Barachukki Waterfalls, the beauty and serenity of the place will win over your heart.
Tourists get to witness a large variety of animals such as crocodiles, leopards, wild boars, deer and several exotic bird species. The region is also known for fishing, trekking, water rafting, and is home to the famous ‘Gaming Fish-The Mahseer’.
Bandipur National Park
This is a go-to place for every nature enthusiast family. The Bandipur National Park spanning over 874 square kilometres boasts of incredible landscape and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Located around 204 kilometres from Bengaluru, this park is now home to over ten thousand animals including Tigers, Indian Elephants, Gaur, Vipers, and Dung Beetles.
Spice Village, Thekkady (Coorg)
Again a relatively unexplored destination; Coorg is fast emerging as one of the most beautiful hill stations in the South. The Spice village located in Thekkady, is a tribal village set in a spice garden in the cool highlands of Periyar. Here comfort is obtained without intruding nature. No fancy carpets. Just coir mats on bare stone floors. Modern bathrooms and interiors, but with a spartan elegance based on simple, natural materials and local woodcraft. Experience nature, in it’s true form at the Spice Village.
Shivanasamudra Waterfalls
The sheer glow of the water at the Shivanasamudra Waterfalls is majestic. Located 130 kilometres away from Bengaluru, Shivanasamudra is widely known as Asia’s first hydroelectric power station that was set up in the downstream of these falls. The two large parallel streams cascade down through a rocky bed, from a height of over 320 feet. The currents here are quite strong and the gorge quite deep. The lucid contrast of the frothy falls against the dark rocks makes it unbelievably picturesque – a perfect backdrop for your family portrait.
Hampi
Situated on the banks of Tungbhadra River, Hampi is popular for its rich history and incredible ancient architecture. Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this village is home to a plethora of ruins and an intriguing mythological past. Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagara Empire, and was an extremely important part of the empire from 1343 to 1565. The ruins of Vijayanagara Empire in and around Hampi, are spread over an area of more than 26 Sq.km. Hampi Festival, held for 3 days in November, is the most important festival celebrated here. It is organised by the Government of Karnataka, with dance, music and processions.
The Serai, Kabini
The Serai resorts have a strong reputation of outdoing themselves when it comes to luxury resorts. All of their properties are located in the midst of dense, green jungles; but also offer the most modern facilities. One such property is at Kabini. Located near Mysore, Karnataka, this property is just 200 km away from Bangalore. Here you can trek into the evergreen forests or rest by the river at your Waterfront Verandah at the resort.
