Stuck in the concrete jungle, and just looking for some green in the midst of all the grey? City life can be stressful and can start taking a toll on one’s health, if a timely break is not taken. And what better break to rejuvenate yourself by spending some time in locales with exotic natural beauty, that promise to strain your city fatigue away. While Bangalore is known for its great weather, one still yearns to spend some relaxing moments in nature’s lap. And if you are a nature lover, the yearning is even stronger. So here is a must visit list of the top 5 offbeat places near Bangalore for nature lovers:
Coorg
Just a 5 hour drive away from Bangalore, Coorg is a hill station and an evergreen repose with its lush landscapes, heritage coffee plantations and rolling hills. Sip on the best South Indian coffee in the surrounding plantations is a must on the list of things to do in Karnataka. Spend a morning dipping your feet in the waters at the Kavery Nisargadhama. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the distant Western Ghats from the Raja’s Seat.Â
Masinagudi
If you are looking for the best experiences to enjoy nature’s beauty in its most pristine form, Masinagudi is the destination you must visit. You can visit the Bandipur and Mudumalai National Parks. An ideal destination for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore, you can stay at the Discovery Village resort, where you wake up to the call of chirping birds and fresh forest smells. Not only that, you have so many options of activities to do within the resort itself, so it makes it the ideal choice for trips with your family. You can visit the Nilgiri tea plantations and enjoy the lush landscapes, or you can go bird watching and spot rare Indian birds fluttering about.
Wayanad
A nature lover’s paradise, Wayanad is just a few hours away from Bangalore. Nestled in the quiet corners of the Western Ghats, this destination is amidst pristine forests and makes for a breathtaking view. The places to visit here include the Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary, which is home to the Indian tiger, bison, elephants, a large variety of birds and deer. You can visit the serene Kuruva Island on an off-stream of the Kaveri River. A must visit for all tourists is the Banasure Sagar Dam, with its crystal blue waters. Another place to visit is the Edakkal cave. And you also have the trek on the Neelimala hill for the adventure seekers.
Munnar
Just an overnight journey away from Bangalore, Munnar is a destination with a splendid landscape. A summer resort for the Britishers, it stills holds a distinct old world charm. With resplendent hills, rolling tea plantations, abundant flora and fauna, and winding rivers, Munnar is one of the topmost tourist places in Karnataka. You also have the Rajamalai National Park and the Eravikulam National Park just an hour away from Munnar, and these are ideal for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The route to the Atukkad waterfall is a mesmerizing journey through the hills and forests, and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a must visit for birdwatchers. You can enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine and sample teas in the surrounding tea plantations.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal attracts many tourists from all corners of the world, and continues to be one of the most popular hill stations of Southern India. The Kodia Lake is a splendid site, as it is fed by waterfalls from the surrounding hills and is encompassed in shades of blue and green wonders. The pristine mountain air re-energises all visitors and allows them to appreciate the beautiful surroundings. You can visit several of the beautiful parks to see rare plantations, or you can also trek along the innumerable hill trails. The Silent Valley and the Shanti Valley are the must visit places for all nature lovers. Walking through the towering pine groves is a memorable experience worth your time in Kodaikanal.
With so many picturesque locations around Bangalore, when are you planning your “green” getaway?
