Here’s the top 10 getaway places you can visit without having to go to the airport !

It’s so easy to fall in the rut of just staying at home on the weekends, but with a little planning and a full tank of gas you can escape to some truly amazing places that are not too far from Bangalore.

Some basic tips – allow 1 hour travel for every 50 klm you need to cover and if you leave very early in the morning you will save an hour or more off your trip time. Pack snacks and drinks for the kids as while there are a few places springing up on the roadside it’s definitely not the US or Europe.

So where to go ?

Mysore

(142 km, 2h 30m). Be dazzled by the incredible Mysore Palace and make sure you take a full tour, the palace lights are spectacular but are only lit Sunday’s and holidays (like Dasara) from 7pm. If possible go for the last two days of Dasara (Oct) and catch the celebrations including the final day parade and the 750kg golden howda on the lead elephant. Also make sure you go to Chamundi Hills for the Chamundi Temple and Bull Temple, there is a zoo and a number of lakes and waterfalls on the nearby river system. A great first trip and there are some excellent hotels.

Wayanad

(289 km, 5h 20m) Situated in the elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in the Western Ghats. Wide stretches of mist capped mountains, green valleys, white water springs, lakes and wild forests show the natural beauty of the area. It’s pretty image notwithstanding, the most endearing feature about this quaint hill station is its large tribal population of about fifty-strong tribes and their fascinating lifestyle. You can stay at the tree top houses and mud huts and enjoy the thrills of jungle life

Ooty

(268, km 5h) Ooty is a must visit destination and is known as the ‘Queen’ of the hill stations. Perched at 2,240m above sea level in the Nilgiri hills it is famous for its plantations, Botanic Garden, Ooty Lake and just wonderful scenery – also fabulous locally made chocolates ! lots of great trekking and a myriad of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. If you know a member of the Ooty Club make sure you have them book you in to stay – like turning the clock back 100 years, and remember your jacket and tie for dinner.

Mangalore

345 km, 7h)  Karnataka’s beach side city set on the Arabian sea, best visited between September and February when it’s a little drier and cooler. Great coastal scenery, plenty of water sports and fantastic local seafood are just some of the delights. The city was started in the 9^th Century so lots of historic temples, churches and fort’s for the history and culture buffs. Also a good Golf course.

Hampi

(372 km, 7h 30m) The ruins of Krishnadeva Raya’s Hindu kingdom capitol was razed in the 16^th century and now offers a strange and interesting landscape. Much of the area is world heritage listed and there are many fascinating sights to see in the main 33 square klm area of the ruined city. Be prepared for a lot of walking and you can also hire scooters to get around the town.

Pondicherry

(309 km, 5h)  The only destination to make both my top 10 lists. Beautiful hotels, fabulous food, wonderful French wines plus beaches – what more could you want ? Get along to Auroville the nearby 60’s community dedicated to world peace and harmony, even if you don’t get the hippy vibe there’s an amazingly good wood fired pizza place on the road back to Pondy. Remember to keep some space in the car for the antique shopping !

Chikmagalur

(250km, 5h) some of the world’s best coffee comes from  Chikmagalur. A flat strip of land surrounded by what are known as the mocha mountains including Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. The hill stations, the waterfalls, the historical temples and the wildlife sanctuaries make this region a tourist paradise. Plenty of great accommodation from home stays to 5 star.

Coorg

(259 km, 5h 20m) Coorg is a cluster of villages in the hills to the South West of Bangalore and is famous for its plantations and glorious scenery. Coffee, pepper, nutmeg, and every other spice imaginable grows in these verdant hills. There is also an elephant training camp and plenty of great treks and mountain bike trails. The local Coorgi’s are known for the fierce resistance through the centuries to the many invading forces, and the local delicacy is wild boar (which is delicious). Also now a great Taj Vivanta hotel.

Puttaparthi

(155 km, 3h 20m)  For those looking for a spiritual journey this was the birthplace and home of notable spiritual teacher Sai Baba. Home to the famous Sathya Sai Baba Ashram with numerous temples and holy sites to visit. Worth a day trip and there are places to stay around the Ashram and various courses held by the Ashram (check their website).

Kabini

(220 km, 4h 30m) Situated near the Rajiv Gandhi National Park and adjacent to the Kabini River. A couple of great resorts are strategically located on the banks of the magnificent Kabini River and they offer a wonderful gallery for viewing wildlife including leopards, elephants, deer, monkey’s and even the odd bear and tiger. The Kabini River runs between Bandipur and Nagarahole, two of the richest National Parks at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Southern India. An great trip for the family with the main resorts having excellent organised tours as well as facilities such as pools and good restaurants.

Namaste !