The best part about being in Bengaluru is its proximity to other southern states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Infact, Karnataka itself has innumerable options to take off to on the weekends. And that is what we like about this city!
So if you have a day in hand and are itching to get away and explore a new place, here’s our pick of the best one-day trips from Bengaluru.
1. Lepakshi
Road less taken and less exploited, Lepakshi is a 120 km drive from Bengaluru. The gorgeous 2.5 hours stretch all along NH44 and further down Devanahalli and Nandi Hills makes for a pleasant driving experience. Lepakshi is mainly known for the
Lepakshi is mainly known for the Veerbhadra Temple that was built during the Vijayanagar Era. The temple boasts of breathtaking carvings, murals and lengthy stretches of pillars that are quite fascinating and admire worthy.
Stand at any spot within the temple, and it’d make for a perfect frame for photographs.
You may also want to explore Dharmavaram & Hindupur, the silk and cotton weaving villages around Lepakshi – if you have time in hand.
Tip: Carry your own food and snacks, scarce options of restaurants.
Where: Lepakshi, Anantapur (Southern Andhra)
Distance: 120 km
Time: Approx 2.5 hours
2. Anthargange
For the adventurous kinds, Antharagange makes for a great one-day getaway! There are numerous boulders, hillocks, caves and plantations – you can trek and even explore the caves that took form from volcanic rocks.
The real fun of trekking up the hill will be if you reach the location early before it gets too sunny and that will also give you enough time to descend back in time. Once again carry your own food due to lack of proper food joints around.
Where: Anthargange, Kolar
Distance: 70 km
Time: Approx 1.5 hours
3. Shravanbelagola
Located close to 150 kms from the city, Shravanbelagola is a popular weekend destination and also rich in history. By the way it is also one of the most popular Jain pilgrimage centers in South India.
It is famous for the 58 feet high monolithic stone statue of Lord Gomateshwara or Baahubali, located on top of the Vindhyagiri Hill. One needs to climb over 600 steps to get a glimpse of the statue, which has inscriptions in Kannada and Tamil at its base.
It definitely is a must-visit for all those who love to soak in India’s rich heritage and understand it in depth.
Where: Shravanbelagola, Karnataka
Distance: 150 km
Time: Approx 3 hours
4. Nrityagram
Oddisi dancer, Protima Bedi’s brainchild, Nrityagram is also known as the dance village. Art and culture lovers will have gala time appreciating performances of Oddisi dancers and taking a guided tour of the place that also includes understanding the various dance forms and their history.
You can also visit the Hessaraghatta Lake situated nearby.
Where: Nrityagram, Karnataka
Distance: 35 km
Time: Approx 1.5 hours
5. Mysore
While in Bengaluru, you’ve got to do a day trip or even more if you’d like to Mysore. With just one day in hand, it is totally worth visiting the majestic Mysore Palace. The palace now converted into a museum preserves the minutest bits of history from the Wodeyar reign – from jewellery to paintings to costumes.
Listening to stories of the glorious past and admiring the stunning architecture, time will fly in a jiffy and you’d wonder if the day could be longer!
Where: Mysore, Karnataka
Distance: 150 km
Time: Approx 3 hours
So, where are you headed this weekend? Tell me, I want to know :)
Also read, The 6 Less Explored Beaches of India