Unwind at these less popular but equally rich getaways from Bangalore
1. Yelagiri: Soak in some sunshine and solitude in the hills of Yelagiri. Located in Tamil Nadu, this hill station is a short distance from Bangalore at a distance of 160 kilometers . The drive up the 14-pin bend is quite lovely, and isn’t strenuous.
Getting There: By road and rail. You can either drive down yourself or jump into a bus. Alternately, you can get into a Chennai-bound train like Brindavan or Express that run daily, and get off at the Jolarpettai Jn. From there, you can hire a taxi or a local bus to get you to Yelagiri.
Activities: Boating and Trekking.Paddle and pedal around Lake Punganoor in a boat, or opt for an hour-long trek to Swamimalai - the highest peak in Yelagiri.
Why you should go: To unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life without the hassle of a long journey.Also, the fresh honey from the local vendors are said to be worth it.
2. Ramnagara: Most popularly known for being one of the locales for Sippy’s magnum opus: Sholay in 1975, Ramnagara has something for everyone – from adventure to heritage enthusiasts and even something for foodies.
Getting There: Road and Rail. Ramnagara is around 50 kms away from Bangalore.
Activites: Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in trekking, rappelling and rock-climbing among others. For some cultural fix, check out the the hills and temples that dot Ramanagara. The Ramagiri hills, in particular, look different to the eye – depending if you are in the east, west, north or south (lingam, Ganesha, serpent and Hanuman). The famous Channapatna town known for its toys are also worth a visit, and makes for nostalgic mementos. Alternately, you can check out the wine tours, if you’re an avid foodie.
Why you should go there: It’s a small place with lots to offer.
3. Sakleshpur: This is another hill station that is quieter than its popular counterparts – Coorg and Chickmagalur. From Bangalore, Sakleshpur is 200 kilometers.
Getting there: Road, Air and Rail. There closest airport to Sakleshpur is Mangalore.
Activities: Plantation walks, nature treks, cycling tours
Why you should go there: For some quiet time, and to reconnect with nature.
