Bangalore is the third most populous city in India as it is a hub for information technology companies and hence it’s also known as silicon city. Most of the residents of Bangalore city are migrants and majority of them are working in IT companies. Bangalore is also known as the garden city of India because of the presence of Lalbagh garden, Cubbon Park, and other parks.
Working for 5 to 6 days a week and then commuting to the office and home, every one of us definitely needs to relax, have some time with family and friends and give us a boost so that we are again mentally ready to work for the next week. Because of this reason, many of us do search online and offline for places to visit near Bangalore or best weekend getaway near Bangalore.
Luckily, Bangalore is surrounded with many weekend getaway in and around. You can choose from hill stations to wildlife resorts to historic or devotional places based on your interest.
Kabini or Nagarhole – Best weekend destination near Bangalore
If you are someone who loves nature, you must consider visiting Kabini and Nagarhole too. Kabini and Nagarhole are coolest places to visit near Bangalore for 2 or more days.
Kabini is a paradise for animal and nature lovers. It takes breezy 4 hours (200 km) drive from Bangalore with scenic beauty on the way. There are many resorts near Kabini riverside like Kings Sanctuary where you can to stay and enjoy the feeling of being close to nature. Black Panther, Gaur, Elephant, tiger sightings are common in Kabini riverside.
Things to do in Kabini
Jungle Safari
Jungle safari is a wonderful experience and opportunity for all nature lovers. You can see wildlife roaming free and some might come in front of your jeep too. Thrilling right? Kids will also enjoy as much as wildlife photographers
Elephant Safari
Elephant safari is the best and most exciting ways to explore every corner of the jungle. It is the best way to understand the richness of wildlife. Safari on the back of the elephant is definitely going to be exciting.
Boating
A trip near the Kabini river is a dream for the eyes with the wondrous scenery. It is perfect for bird spotting. Do not forget to take the camera and capture the scenery.
Shopping
There are very few shopping options available for tourists in Kabini. However, you might get a chance to buy handicrafts made by the tribals of the area to your home.
You can also visit Kabini dam and then Iruppu falls, Which is about an hour drive from Kabini. Visit Coffee and Spice Estates in Kutta, Kutta is a small town that falls in the region of Kabini. kutta is home to coffee, spice and paddy estates. All these things attract tourists to the Kabini and hence it is one of the best honeymoon places in Karnataka for couples.
Nagarhole is the paradise for animals, which is 220 km far from Bangalore. Nagarhole national park is a popular weekend getaway for couples or group of friends. Nagarhole consists of major jungle lodges and jungle resorts in Karnataka. You can cover more than one wildlife sanctuaries by visiting Nagarhole.
Things to do in Nagarhole
Visit Nagarhole National Park
It is popularly known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park and is enriched with animals and plants. It is a part of Nilagiri and it is surrounded by Kabini river, located in Mysore and Kodagu district. A countless variety of animals such as Elephant, Tiger, Panther etc and almost 250 varieties of birds are present in Nagarhole National Park. Tourist can do things like jungle safari, bird watching etc.
Take a trip to Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary
Take a trip to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary with Nagarhole National Park to its North-West. The sanctuary is spread over 181 square km.The sanctuary has got its name from Brahmagiri park since it has the highest peak with a height of 1608m. It consists of evergreen forests, and landscapes. Also, it is a home to many animals like Macaques, Gaurs, Elephants, Tigers, Leopard, Cats, wild Pigs, Nilgiri langurs and Sloth bears. Tourists can visit the plantation of coffee and cardamom since the sanctuary is surrounded by plantations of coffee and cardamom.
Visit Kings sanctuary
Kings sanctuary is located in the close vicinity of the Nagarhole National Park which a popular weekend getaway. They have great facilities like cottages, villas and emperor suites. They provide open jeep safari, bird watching, adventure sports, indoor activities and outdoor activities etc. It is one of the best weekend destination near Bangalore.
Trekking
One of the best ways to enjoy in Nagarhole is to trek through its lush green forests. One can also have an equally enjoyable bird watching experience.
Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwara temple is located on the banks of the Lakshman Tirtha River, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for the power to clear the problems of those devotees who visit here.
Take a trip to Kutta
Kutta is a small border town in Kodagu that connects the several tourist attractions surrounding it. Kutta serves as an entryway to few other popular tourist attractions and options of a homestay like Nagarhole national park. November to march is the best time to plan a trip to the Wildlife Park and sanctuary.
Visit Iruppu falls
Iruppu falls is originating from the Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of Cauvery, these waterfalls have mythological significance. Monsoons are the best time to visit Iruppu Falls as it provides a great view of the gushing waters.
Nagarhole also allows things like boating, jungle safari, adventures to the tourists. All these things make Kabini and Nagarhole the best weekend destination near Bangalore.
