While the hustle and bustle of the Bangalore City can get to you throughout the week, there are several places for the people of the city to unwind at during the weekends. Apart from the famous and regular outskirts of Bangalore, there are some unexplored places that are worth a visit. There are also several resorts around Bangalore that are great to stay at during your getaway. Here is a list of interesting off-beat places for you to visit around the city:
- Gandikota
This small village lies on the banks of the Penna river and is the perfect place if you are looking to experience an Indian version of the Grand Canyon. With a huge fort built with red stones and bordered by rocky and deep gorges, this place is perfect for an old age ruralised postcard. Situated just 280 kms from Bangalore, you can reach this place in 5.5 hours by car. You can explore the viewpoint of the Gandikota fort and gorge and visit the Ranganatha Swamy temple and Madhavaraya Temple while you are here. Some of the best places to stay at in Gandikota overnight are Royal County and Ziara Hotel.
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2. Gudibanda
Looking for an unexplored place for a day out with your family? Look no more. The Gudibanda town is known for its magnificent fort that is an ideal place to visit if you are looking for a day’s picnic. The fort is 400 years old and is an interesting site by itself to visit. You can also walk at the banks of the lake that welcomes you to the city. It is only 78 kms from the city of Bangalore and takes an hour to get there. There is no place to stay over here and is ideal for a days’ trip only.
3. Manchinbele Dam
This is no ordinary dam. If you are a nature lover, the Manchinbele Dam has a lot to offer you. Rocky boulders surrounded by dense deciduous forests and serene backwaters gives you the perfect place to unwind amongst nature away from the concrete jungle of Bangalore. Situated at the foothills of Savandurga, only 36 kms away from the city, this place is an ideal place to visit for a one-day getaway. You can trek on the hilly tracks, swim in the backwaters or simply unwind in the serenity of nature over here.
4. Kunti Betta
This hillock range is popularly known for trekking and rock climbing. It is an absolute treat for adventurists and is one of the few off-beat places around Bangalore where you can do a night trek. Kunti Betta oversees the Pandavapura settlement and is only 130 km from the city. Whil there are no places to stay overnight at Kunti Betta, adventure and nature clubs do offer camping and night trek options that are truly one of a kind.
5. Doddamakali
Also known as “birds paradise”, Doddamakali is an absolute delight for nature lovers. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes where you can experience nature camping. It is located near the Cauvery river, which is only 115 km away from Banglore and takes about 2.5 hours to reach. Its tranquillity clubbed with rugged topography makes it one of the most popular place among many for offbeat places around Bangalore. You can indulge in many activities such as trekking, fishing, angling, camping and coracle rides during your visit here. The Doddamakali nature camp is one of the most preferred stays in the area.
6. Galibore
If you are looking for a perfect getaway amongst nature, Galibore is the ideal weekend retreat for you. Located on the banks of the Cauvery river, this place is known for its nature camps and fishing camps. Trekking and fishing here are popular activities for those who visit. It is only 102 km from Bangalore and takes about 2 hours to reach. Galibore Nature Camp is the preferred choice amongst the few accommodations available at this place.
7. Devanahalli
If you are looking to explore some historical traditions of the region, Devanahalli is the place for you. It is a small fort that is located closeby to the garden city of India and takes only an hour by road to reach. You can visit the Devanahalli fort and the Venugopalaswamy temple while you are there. However, recent times have seen changes as the area is undergoing vast urbanization for business parks, IT parks and more. There are no stay options available here, however, you can stay in one of the many outskirt resorts in Bangalore.
