About Bangalore
Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru (Kannada) is the capital of the Indian State of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a Pensioner’s Paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India’s third most populous city. There are a number of expats from across the world living in the city, thanks to the growing presence of Multi-National Companies.
Today as a large city and growing metropolis, Bangalore is home to many of the most well-recognized colleges and research institutions in India. Numerous public sector heavy industries, software companies, aerospace, telecommunications, and defence organizations are located in the city. Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India because of its position as the nation’s leading IT exporter. A demographically diverse city, Bangalore is a major economic and cultural hub and the fastest growing major metropolis in India.
The nearly consistent cool weather, which makes the rest of the country jealous and the Bengalureans proud, is one of the reasons for loving Bangalore, which only becomes all the more Green-and-gorgeous in monsoons. Here is a list of a few places to visit near Bangalore in monsoons for you to choose from this year!
Sakleshpur
Located between Coorg and Chikmagalur—Karnataka’s more famous weekend getaways—Sakleshpur is permanently swathed in robes of emerald and jade. Its slopes are filled with Arabica coffee plantations, gorgeous waterfalls, and trekking routes to suit all abilities. For those who like to spend vacations reading, dozing off, and living the life of a bean bag, there are intimate homestays. Others who prefer more invigorating weekends can spend their time trekking the Western Ghats, snooping for orchids, colourful frogs, and the numerous species of birds that live here.
Exploring Sakleshpur’s walking and hiking trails is one of the most rewarding ways of seeing the country’s outstanding natural beauty. Sakleshpur or Sakleshpur is a hill station town in Hassan District of the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is a beautiful town located in Western Ghats on Bangalore-Mangalore Highway. Sakleshpur is located on the border of Malnad and Bayaluseemae in Hassan district. It receives heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon and because of the temperate climate; this place is blessed with huge amount of coffee, tea, cardamom, and pepper plantations. In fact, Sakleshpur Taluk reports for around one-third of cardamom production in India. Sakleshpur is located in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that stretches from Kerala to Gujarat. The southern range, which includes Bisle reserve forest and the region around Sakleshpur is listed as one of the 18 most diverse spots in the world in terms of flora and fauna. Homestays in Sakleshpur is Great way of relaxing by leaning back to nature. It is consider to be weekend destination for lot of Bangaloreans. Easy to access as it is on National Highway 47 well connect with toll roads.
Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a beautiful district situated on the western part of Karnataka. It is mostly popular for its coffee plantations and a pleasant climate. Another renowned attraction that Chikmagalur is known for is its Bababudan Giri ranges. Though it was among the underexplored destinations, the hill station thanks to its picturesque landscapes and greenery has earned a lot of attention from tourists across. The literal meaning of Chikmagalur is ‘Land of the younger daughter.’ Chikmagalur has dense forests, lush green hillsides, wonderful streams, enchanting waterfalls and the abundant and famous coffee plantations, along with plenty of amazing homestay options!
There is a rich history attached to how Chikmagalur got its name. It is said that years ago the land of this district was given as a dowry to the younger daughter of a legendary chief who ruled Sakrepatna- Rukmangada. And that is how it was named. Chikmagalur as rugged terrains, stunning mountain regions and also has lowlands. Because it is situated amidst beautiful landscapes and untouched environs, this is one destination that you must explore. There is also a local belief that coffee was first made in Chikmagalur. Ask the locals here and they will tell you that Babu Budan who was a Muslim saint brought the coffee seeds in 1670 from Yemen and cultivated them here. And from there on the plantations just grew and the British also played a big role in the growth. You will also find the Central Coffee Research Institution here.
Apart from all this, the waterfalls of this region also have attracted travelers. There are many waterfalls located in this district like the famous Hebbe falls, Shanti waterfalls and several others. Chikmagalur is a birth place to many renowned freedom fighters, intellectuals and also poets and politicians. In fact, even Indira Gandhi once represented Chikmagalur in the Indian Parliament.
Coorg
At a distance of 265 km from Bangalore, 117 km from Mysore, 132 km from Mangalore, 322 km from Coimbatore & 362 km from Kochi, Coorg or Kodagu is a district in Karnataka and Madikeri is the district headquarters. At an altitude of 1525 meters on Western Ghats, it is also known as the Scotland of India. Coorg is the most famous places to visit in India and among popular 2 day trip near Bangalore. It is also one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism.
Abbey Falls, Talacauvery and Dubare are some of the best places to include in Coorg Packages. According to Puranas, Kodava is the redefined name of Krodhadesa meaning Land of Anger, said to have been inhabited by the Kodava tribe. Some historians believe that it is named after the River Cauvery. Coorg was under the Gangas rule during 9th and 10th centuries and Cholas in the 11th century followed by Hoysalas. Later Coorg was relatively independent under Haleri Rajas until British occupied the region in 1834. Coorg was a separate state before its merger with Karnataka in the year 1956.
Coorg is the largest producer of Coffee in India. Also, it is one of the places with highest rainfall in India. The Kodagu district comprises different communities like Kodava, Tulu, Gowda and Moplah out of which the largest is the Kodava community, both economically and politically. The economy depends on agriculture, coffee plantations, forestry and tourism.
Misty hills, lush forest, tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views have made Coorg an unforgettable holiday destination. Madikeri is the heartland of Coorg region and was the seat of ruling dynasty. Places like Raja’s seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Bylakuppe, Talacauvery and Dubare are the major attractions. The famous Cauvery River is originated in the hills of Coorg at Talacauvery.
Shimoga
A beautiful city located along the banks of the Tunga river in central Karnataka is Shimoga also known as Shimoga. Offering the beautiful tourist places in Shimoga, this city is encompassed by lush green landscapes, coconut palm trees and abundant waterfalls. Shimoga has a religious history with rich traditions, fine arts and culture.
The Sahyadri ranges, a part of the Western Ghats, sustain the waterways round the year, and immerse the prolific alluvial soil, with gifts from nature make it the bread provider of Karnataka. Shimoga can be named as ‘Heaven on earth’ in India as it is comprised of breathtaking views from the hills and hillocks, refreshing waterfalls with a calm and peaceful weather among the other things to do in Shimoga, nature is surely one of the picturesque blisses of the place. The serenity here attracts many tourists to this city. Visit this wonderful city with your beloved or with your family as it a perfect tourist destination for all.
Shimoga district is part of Malnad region and it is also known as the Gateway to Malnad. The district is bounded by the districts of Haveri, Davanagere, Chikmagalur, Udupi and Uttara Kannada. Shivamogga is often referred to as the rice bowl of the Karnataka State. The main rivers of Shimoga are Sharavathi, Varada, Tungabhadra and Kumudavathi, which play a main role in the production of paddy in this region.
Wayanad
Wayanad has a pleasant weather throughout the year and is one of the popular Kerala Tourism destinations. Famous Wayanad tourist places include Waterfalls (Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Kanthampara Falls), Dams / Lakes (Pookote Lake, Banasura sagar dam, Karappuzha Dam), Wildlife Sanctuaries (famous Wayanad WLS), Peaks / Trekking Destinations (Brahmagiri / Pakshipathalam, Chembra Peak), Hill Stations (like Lakkidi) and several Pilgrimage centers (like Thirunelly Temple).
Wayanad is also famous for Tea and Coffee plantations. Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are the largest towns in Wayanad after Kalpetta and these three towns are the base stations to visit different parts of the Wayanad district. Wayanad has the least population density in Kerala. The famous tribal events and folk dance performances by tribes are hosted between February and May. Onam, during August- September, Maha shivaratri and Vishu are the important festivals celebrated in Wayanad.
Mangalore
Sometimes a beautiful beach town, and sometimes a crowded and busy small town, Mangalore has many shades to it. While it’s a great city in which to unwind and relax by the beach, the journey to get to the beach may grate on your nerves. But that’s Mangalore—small, cozy, naturally charming and unapologetically chaotic.
Situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the city enjoys the best of both worlds—mountains and the sea. The roads dip from time to time, causing little butterflies in your stomach—proof of a city that was carved from the hills. The food is spicy yet delicious; the people hospital and warm, yet expectant… waiting for you to learn their language.
Karnataka’s most important port town, Mangalore used to be a major bone of contention between the British and the Mysore rulers, namely Tipu Sultan. The British finally took over the city and added their touch to it—elements that stand tall till today.
Mangalore is a scenic place dotted with coconut palms, hills and streams, and is known for its temples and beaches. The Mangaladevi temple, Kadri Manjunatha temple, St Aloysius Chapel, the Rosario Cathedral and the Jama Masjid are the important pilgrimage sights in Mangalore. It also boasts an array of clean, serene beaches, some of which are Mukka, Someshwara, Tannirbavi and Panambur beaches surrounded by palm and coconut trees. It is also famous for its seafood and Udupi-style dishes. Dharmasthala, Subramanya, Kollur, Udupi, Karkala, Venoor and Moodabidri are the nearby places of interest.
Ooty
This is located in the Western Ghats zone at an altitude of 2240 mtrs. It is the headquarters of the Nilgiri District, where the two mountain ranges meet. Udhagamandalam , popularly called as OOTY by the tourist, is the Queen of Hill Stations. Centuries ago this was also called as Oththai-Kal [single stone] Mandu [ Mund is a name of Toda Village]. The British started calling it as Ootacamund. Coffee and Tea Plantations and trees like Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pine and Wattle dot the hill side in Udhagamandalam and its environs. Summer temperature is maximum of 25 C and a minimum of 10 C . During the Winter it is minimum 5 C and a maximum of 21 C when it is slightly warmer. This area was inhibited by the tribals called TODA long before any body could venture into this region. Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown even during the periods of the great Southern Dynasties. It was the Britons who ventured into the riches of the regions during early 1800’s. Development and modernization took after their arrival to Udhagamandalam. This was the Summer Capital of the Madras Presidency during the British Rule. Coonoor – 19Kms, Kothagiri – 31 Kms are the other smaller nearby hill stations.
Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is often referred to as ‘Queen of hill stations’. It is the capital of Nilgiris district in the state of Tamilnadu. Nilgiris means ‘Blue Mountains’. A land of picturesque picnic spots & lakes, it was a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 7,440 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level. Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden and Rose Garden are among the must include places in your Ooty tour packages.
