1) Aihole:
Aihole, near Bijapur is the cradle of Indian Temple Architecture housing around 125 Temples. The Lad Khan Temple and Durga Temple are among the oldest temples in the country dating back to the 5th Century AD. The area is protected by the Archaeology Department of India.
(2) Badami:
Another place under the protection of the Archaeology Department, Badami houses a lot of temples of Lord Vishnu and Shiva with glorious carvings. It is one of the three places that can be reached from Bijapur; the other two being Aihole and Pattadakal.
(3) Bandipur:
217 km from Bangalore on the way to Ooty is the Bandipur Sanctuary, set up by the Mysore Maharajas in 1931, at the foot of Nilgiri Hills. You can travel into the forest to see elephants, barking deer, quail, wild dogs, sambar, hornbill and giant squirrels. Endless variety of flora and fauna flourish here, rosewood, teak, bamboo and sandal. Bandipur is a centre for Project Tiger.
(4) Bannerghatta National Park (Wild Life Park):
About 21 km south east of Bangalore on Bangalore Anekal Road is the Bannerghatta National Park. The protected animals here are bisons, lions, tigers, crocodiles, lion-tailed monkeys, tamed elephants and some species of birds. Visitors are driven around the Safari Park in vehicles arranged by the Forest Department.
Working hours: 10 AM to 12 noon and 2 PM to 5 PM
(5) Belur and Halebid:
Belur is about 35 km from Hassan or 220 km from Bangalore. The chief interest here is an old temple dedicated to Chenna Kesava built in the star-shaped Hoysala style. There are an amazing variety of carvings on the outer walls of the temple, pillars, ceilings, doorways, etc. The temple took 103 years to complete and deserves all admiration. The Veeranjaneya Temple and many other small temples are also beautiful
Halebid is 15 km east of Belur by road. Every inch of space of the outer walls of the temple here has been carved with designs of an amazing variety. This is again built in the Hoysala style. This temple is guarded by a Nandi Bull, which is incomplete despite 86 years of work on it!
Hotel Mayura Velapuri, Belur (Ph:08177-22209) and Hotel Mayura Shantala, Halebidu (Ph:08177-73224) here are managed by KSTDC.
(6) Bijapur:
This was the capital of Adil Shahi Dynasty and boasts of all the grandeur that lets you discover it all over again. It also boasts of the second largest dome in the world - the Gol Gumbaz. The acoustics here are so fine that if you drop a pin on one side of the dome, it can be heard clearly on the other side. There are other places of interest as well - Jumma Masjid, Ibrahim Roza, Mehtar Mahal and the Nagar Khana.
(7) Biligirirangana Betta:
Biligirirangana hills hosts a wildlife camp, run by the forest department. Right on top of the hill, at an altitude of 5,091 feet above sea level, stands the Biligiriranganaswamy Temple, from which the resort takes its name. Biligirirangana Hills is 247 km from Bangalore.
(8) Chamarajasagar Reservoir (Tippagonadanahalli):
This reservoir, 35 km from Bangalore on the Magadi Road, supplements water supply to the city. It is an ideal spot for picnics. For those wanting to stay there, there is a rest house as well. For advance reservation, contact Chairman, Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board, Cauveri Bhavan, Kempegowda Road, Bangalore - 9. Ph.2215417.
(9) Channapatna - Malur:
Channapatna, about 40 km from Bangalore on the Bangalore - Mysore Road, is known for its silk industry and lacquer wares. Sri Apprameyaswamy temple is situated in Malur, about 3 km away from Channapatna.
(10) Chikka Tirupati:
Chikka Tirupati, 31 km from Bangalore, is known for its temple dedicated to Lord Prasanna Venkateswara with Sridevi and Bhudevi. The temple has an exquisite front gopuram. The place can be reached via Whitefield or Koramangala.
(11) Dharmasthala:
It is about 394 km from Bangalore via Hassan. Sri Manjunathaswamy temple here attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. There is a 39 feet tall Gomateswara statue here as well. (12) Dodda Aalada Mara (Big Banyan Tree):
About 23 km from Bangalore is the Big Banyan Tree, a tree spread over 4 acres. It can be reached either by taking a deviation from Magadi Road or Mysore Road. Regular buses ply to the place from both Mysore and Bangalore.
(13) Gokarna:
It is famous for the Atmalingeshwara Temple which is in the shape of a ear. Its importance is second only to Vishwanatha Temple at Varnasi. Gokarna can be reached by road from Karwar - a distance of about 60 km. Literally meaning "Cow's Ear", this town is formed by the ear shaped confluence of two rivers. Legend has it that Ravana tried to pull it out after Lord Ganesh had permanently placed it there. He was sent there by his father Lord Shiva to prevent Ravana from taking it back to Lanka and enhancing his power. The town is a Sanskrit learning centre. Om beach, in the shape of an Om is also located here. The sunsets here are one of the best.
(14) Hampi:
On the bank of Tungabhadra River, the splendid ruins of Vijayanagar is spread out over more than 30 sq km. Popularly known as Hampi, it is about 12 km from Hospet or 350 km from Bangalore. Efforts are being made for conservation and reconstruction of some 16th century monuments. Hampi Utsav is celebrated in November every year.
(15) Hogenakal:
The picturesque picnic spot is about 183 km from Bangalore via Dharmapuri. The Kaveri River falls here at several places at varying heights. There is a guest house belonging to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. The place is also known as "Smoking Rocks" because of the mist.
(16) Jog Falls:
About 378 km from Bangalore, the Sharavathi River takes a leap into a rocky chasm 960 feet below, splitting itself into four distinct cascades - Raja, Roarer, Rani and Rocket. Best time to visit this place is just after the monsoons during June-November. There is a KSTDC hotel - Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa, (Ph: 08186 - 44732)
(17) Kanva Reservoir:
It is about 69 km from Bangalore via Ramanagaram on Bangalore - Mysore Road. It is a beautiful picnic spot.
(18) Karwar:
Karwar is a good starting point to discover the beaches of Karnataka. Karwar's idyllic beauty inspired the great Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, to pen down his first play. Attractions of Karwar include the Sadashivgad Hill fort with a Durga temple, the unique Octagonal Church, and the 300-year-old Venkataramana Temple, that houses some fine ochre paintings. For wildlife lovers, the Dandeli Game Park is just 157 km away. Karwar is 525 km From Bangalore.
(19) Kemmangundi:
A hill station about 257 km from Bangalore. It is an ideal health resort. At short distances from here are the Hebbe Falls and the Kalahasthi Falls. Day trips to the near by Baba Budangiri hills are also arranged from here. There is a guest house managed by the Horticulture Department here. Bookings can be made at the Department office in Lal Bagh in Bangalore (Ph: 6611925).
(20) Kudremukh:
Kudremukh is the secluded hill station, rich in Iron ore deposits. This is one of the perfect trekker's trail. Kudremekh is also well linked by road to Chikmagalur, Mangalore and Sringeri.
(21) Madikeri:
The town is set in the heart of exotic coffee growing Coorg country. It is very close to the birthplace of River Cauvery at Talacauvery. It is about 263 km from Bangalore. It is referred as the Scotland of India. The Fort, Om Kareshwara Temple, Raja's seat are a few spots in Madikeri that deserve a visit. The Abbey Falls, Bhagamandala and Talacauvery are popular tourist spots as well.
(22) Magadi:
It is situated about 48 km from Bangalore. Temples of Sri Rameshwara, Sri Gangadhareshwara, Sri Veerabhadra and Sri Ranganatha are situated here. Savandurga, which is ideal for a day trek is 12 km from Magadi.
(23) Malpe:
Malpe is a quiet beach retreat, just six km away from Udupi. St. Mary's Isles, more serene and ideal for picnics, can be reached by boat from here. It is 392 km from Bangalore.
(24) Manchanbele dam:
About eight km from Dodda Aalada Mara and about 10 km off Mysore Road is the Manchanbele Dam. It is more a reservoir than a dam and is popular with students and weekend campers. Swimming is prohibited here because of the numerous whirlpools.
(25) Mangalore:
This city boasts of the famous Ullal beach, yet another beach resort, the silvery beaches of which command breathtaking views of the sunset. Karwar, Udupi, Murdeshwar and other coastal towns are easily accessed from here.
(26) Marvanthe:
About 525 km from Bangalore, Marwanthe is a unique seaside town, where the West Coast Highway cruises along with the Arabian Sea on one side, and the river Sauparnika rushes on the other. Water sports and beach resorts promise an enjoyable holiday here.
(27) Mekedatu (Goat's Leap):
98 km from Bangalore via Kanakapura Road, the river Arkavathi flows through a narrow deep gorge. The gorge is supposed to be just wide enough for a goat to leap over, hence the name Mekedatu
(28) Murdeshwar:
Located amidst idyllic surroundings, Murudeshwar offers, a breath taking view of the sea from the hill by the shore. Atop the hill lies the famous temple enshrining the linga which attracts a lot of devotees and tourists. This picturesque town is about 386 km from Bangalore.
(29) Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley):
This is about 44 km from Bangalore on Hosur Road. It is a picturesque picnic spot with a waterfall, which is 300ft. high.
(30) Mysore:
136 km from Bangalore, this city with Chamundi Hill as an enchanting backdrop, is an educational, cultural and industrial center. The capital of the erstwhile Wodeyar dynasty, the city boasts of numerous interesting places - the Mysore Zoological garden, Sri Chamarajendra Technical Institute, Jagan Mohan Palace (Chamarajendra Art Gallery), the Maharaja's Palace and Central Food Technological Research Institute. Krishnarajasagar and Brindavan Gardens are about 19 km from Mysore.
Chamundi Hill, 3484 feet above sea level, about 8 km to the top of the hill from Mysore by motor able road is also a popular stop over. There is a temple dedicated to Sri Chamundeswari on the hill. There is a small lake to the east of the temple. On the way up the steps of the hill lies a monolithic statue of Nandi (Bull) about 5 meters high.
(31) Nagarhole:
236 km from Bangalore, in the Mysore and Kodagu districts is the Nagarhole National Park. You can go on a jungle safari either on elephant back or in jeeps. The four horned antelope, warblers, spotted deer, panther, mouse deer, gaur and giant flying squirrel are the main attractions here.
(32) Nandi Hills:
About 59 km from Bangalore by road is the Nandi Hill, 4850 feet above sea level. It is a well-known summer resort. There is a motorable road to the top of the hill. There is a fairly extensive plateau with a garden. There are well-furnished bungalows for lodging and good catering establishments. For reservation of accommodation, the Director of Horticulture, Lalbagh, Bangalore - 2, (Ph: 6611925) may be contacted. Hotel Mayura Pine Top, managed by KSTDC is here. (Ph: 0816 - 78624)
(33) Nrityagram Dance Village:
The famous dance school set up by Protima Gauri Bedi lies about 30 km from Bangalore via Tumkur Road towards Hessarghatta. She built this unique village for classical dancers around the norms of a traditional gurukula. Here students from all over the world are trained in various Indian dance forms including Bharatnatyam, Odissi and Kuchipudi. Every year, in the first week of February, Nrityagram conducts the Vasantha Habba or the festival of spring. You can also stay here overnight to get the feel of this rustic Indian charm. It is situated at Hessarghatta, Bangalore rural district. Phone : 8466312 , 8466313 , 8466314.
(34) Pattadakal:
Pattadkal is another testimony for Chalukya style of Architecture, also happens to be the World Heritage Centre. Situated on the banks of Malaprabha river has the epics chiselled on the temple walls. It is accessible by Bijapur and can be seen along with Badami and Aihole.
(35) Savandurga:
12 km south east of Magadi or 60 km from Bangalore on the Magadi Road. This massive granite hill range rises to a height of 4000 feet above sea level. There is a temple dedicated to Sri Basaveswara. At the foot of the hill are temples dedicated to Sri Narasimhaswamy and Sri Veerabhadraswamy. It is an ideal place for day trekkers.
(36) Shivaganga:
Shivaganga, an enchanting hill, 4595 feet above sea level, 60 km from Bangalore in Tumkur District is a pilgrim centre. It is also known as Dakshina Kashi. There are several temples of which the temples of Sri Gangadhareswara and Honnadevi may be mentioned. Of the several thirthas, Patala Ganga is most famous.
(37) Shivanasamudram:
120 km from Bangalore or 80 km from Mandya is the cascading water falls of Shivanasamudram. Its hydroelectric station was the first of its kind in India. The twin water falls Gaganachukki and Bharachukki (200 feet) are most attractive, especially during the monsoons. There are two temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.
(38) Shravanabelagola:
The giant monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali towers on the hill at Shravanabelagola. About 170 km from Bangalore on the Bangalore - Hassan Road, this is a major attraction for tourists. The statue is 58.8 feet high and can be reached by climbing up the short hill.
(39) Siddaganga:
Siddaganga is a place of pilgrimage 5 km from Tumkur or 80 km from Bangalore. It is also an educational center.
(40) Sringeri:
Situated on the banks of Tungabhadra, the Sharada Temple here was established by Sri Adi Shankara in 9th Century AD. There are 12 zodiac pillars in Vaidya Shankara Shrine which are arranged so that the rays of the sun fall on the pillar corresponding to the months. In front of the temple are stone lions, with stone spheres inside their mouths that can be rotated.
(41) Srirangapatna:
123 km from Bangalore, on the Bangalore - Mysore Road or about 16 km from Mysore City is the island town of Srirangapatna. Embraced by two branches of the Cauvery River it is both a historic place and a pilgrim centre.
Both Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan ruled their kingdom from here. Tipu even fought the last of his battles here with the British. The huge temple here built in 894 A.D. in Dravidian style, is dedicated to Sri Ranganathaswamy.
The large imposing mosque with tall minarets, the Gumbaz or the mausoleum of Tippu Sultan, the Daria Doulat Bagh and Abbe Du Church are other places of interest.
Hotel Mayura River View (Ph: 08236-52114) here is managed by KSTDC. 3 km from Srirangapatna bus stop is the Cauvery Sangama, where the two branches of the river rejoin.
About 5 km from Srirangapatna is the Ranganathathittu Bird Sanctuary, a small island on the river Cauvery. It is a nesting and breeding centre for birds from all over the world. The season to visit the sanctuary is from May to the end of November. The hatching time is generally in the middle of June. 125 Kms. from Bangalore on Mysore Road. This sanctuary is home to exotic birds coming all the way from Siberia, Australia and North America. Stretching on both sides of river Cauvery, its home to birds, otters and crocodiles. Take a ride in a cane boat, to see them, accompanied by the open bill stork, the white ibis, egret, heron, partridge or cormorant, an endless variety of delightful birds.
(42) Sri Satya Sai Ashram:
Whitefield - Sri Satya Sai Ashram (Ph: 8453418) in Whitefield is 16 km from Bangalore. Whenever Sri Satya Saibaba stays in Bangalore, a large number of devotees come here for his darshan and blessings.
Puttaparthi - Sri Satya Sai Prashanthi Nilayam at Puttaparthi in Ananthapur District, Andhra Pradesh, where Sri Satya Saibaba stays, is a famous pilgrim centre. Sri Satya Sai Prashanthi Nilayam is connected with Bangalore both by road and rail.
(43) Talkad:
This is an ancient town, situated on the left bank of Cauvery River, 24 km from Shivanasamudram. The amazing fact about this place is that the entire town is immersed in fine sand. The story goes that due to a curse of a woman who was displeased with the kings, the entire town was covered in sand.
There are temples dedicated to Sri Maralewara, Sri Arkeswara and Mudukutore Mallikarjuna. Many monuments here lie buried in sand. Don't forget to ask the local guide for the colourful story of how the town was immersed in sand due to a curse.
(44) Udupi:
Famous for Udupi Krishna Temple, is also the birthplace of Krishna devotee and Dwaitha Philosopher Sri Madhwacharya. Udupi's contribution to world, apart from art and philosophy is the Udupi restaurants and the Masala Dosa.