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Journey to Life - Transforming lives through Meditation

Spiritual blossoming simply means blossoming in life in all dimensions,being happy, at ease with yourself and with everybody around you. ~ Sri Sri

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Journey to rejuvenate - Short travels from Bangalore made easy!!!

You are at the right site if you are passionate of driving in your car from Bangalore to UNWIND.

Are you stressed out and would like to unwind... ?
Are you looking for a break after a busy and hectic work schedule....?
Are you passionate to drive in your car?

If your answers are YES for the above questions... 

then you have additional set of questions to ponder on...

Are you wondering where to go...?

Are you perplexed with many holiday planners, trip advisors...?

Are you looking for a simple and reasonable advices...?

Here you will find the precise information you will need to make your quick breaks or holidays most comfortable.
I would articulate my personal travel experiences while you can find for yourself, what is it in it for you.

Gulmarg, Kashmir

Living and working in Bangalore is always a challenge as it is one of the fastest growing cities of India.It is a place where most of the educated youngsters dream to start their life. Youngsters coming from different parts of the country end up confined to Bangalore and its busy life. I have encountered many of the professions looking for short trips such as one day or max two days as a quick refresher. And I am one such individual by myself. I have been a frequent traveler for many years quenching my thirst of short breaks from work.I have visited numerous places around Bangalore and always comfortably done it driving to the destinations. 

Here is the list of the places at one glance, all can be traveled with no much of hassle. Each destinations will be described more in detail, it will be a near to traveling experience for you in your planning. The content is categorized as Sight Seeing Trips and Temple and Holy Trips. You can also see menu in the side frame for quick access.

Vaishnodevi, Katra, Jammu

Disclaimer: It is only a advice and information that should help you in case you are planning for trips to the same destinations.

Sight Seeing and Temple/holy Trips : Click here for details on Trip Categories.  

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Sight Seeing Trips

Exception Trips (More than a Weeks time)

An exception trip which is against the motive of this blog which refers to only weekend trips. The trips lasts for 7 days with 6 nights. A Kashmir Trip which is unmatched and unprecedented with any other tourists location in India

• Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir (Click here)

Another exception trip The trips lasts for 4 days with 3 nights. A Jaipur-Delhi-Agra, a triangle Trip which is quite an exciting one.

• Jaipur-Agra-Delhi (Click here)

Shortest Trips (Single day trips)

Shortest Trips are those trips which can be done in a days time, preferably day starting @7 in the morning (leaving home) and ending @7 in the evening (one can be home at this time)

1. Bheemeshwari, Karnataka(click here)
• Distance - 100-120kms
• Time - 150mins
• Road Conditions - Good
2. TK Falls, Karnataka(click here)
• Distance - 35Kms
• Time - 45mins
• Road Conditions (NICE Road) - Very Good.
3. Nandihills, Karnataka(click here)
• Distance - 60 Kms
• Time - 120mins
• Road Conditions - Very Good.
4. Pyramid Valley International, Karnataka(click here)
• Distance - 45Kms
• Time - 90mins
• Road Conditions - Good 
5. Chitradurga Fort(click here)
• Distance - 201kms
• Time - 190mins
• Road Conditions - Excellent  
6. Hogenekal, Tamilnadu(click here)
• Distance - 200Kms
• Time - 240 mins
• Road Conditions - Very Good 
7. Gagannachukki, Bharachukki, Karnataka(click here)
• Distance - 130Kms
• Travel Time - 3 hrs
• Road Conditions - Average
8. Big Banyan Tree, Karnataka(click here)
• Distance - 45Kms
• Time - 90mins
• Road Conditions - Good
9. Talakadu, Karnataka(click here)
• Distance - 130kms
• Time - 180mins
• Road Conditions - Good 
10. Chunchanakatte, Karnataka(click here)
• Distance - 190kms
• Time - 200mins
• Road Conditions - Fair
11. BR Hills (click here)
• Distance - 190kms
• Time - 180mins
• Road Conditions - Fair (due to on going road construction)
12. Ramanagara, Karnataka(Click here)
• Distance - 60kms
• Time - 90mins
• Road Conditions - Excellent
13. Yelagiri, Tamilnadu (Click here)
• Distance - 160 Kms
• Time - 150 to 180 mins
• Road Conditions - Excellent
14. Shivagange-Savandurga, Karnataka
• Distance - 70kms
• Time - 150 mins
• Road Conditions - Good
15. Balmuri Falls, Karnataka - 140Kms
• Distance - 140 Kms
• Time - 180 to 240mins
• Road Conditions - Very Good
16. Mekedatu, Karnataka - 105Kms
• Distance - 105 Kms
• Time - 180mins
• Road Conditions - Average

Shorter Trips (2 days)

Short trips are those which need a short stay (couple of days) to complete the trip experience. In all the places listed below, accommodation is easy to fetch and can be done online. I will provide the accommodation that is affordable and is reasonably good for family stays in each of the places that I visited.

1. Kasargod, Kerala(click here)
2. Wayanad, Kerala(click here)
3. Hampi, Karnataka(click here)
4. Yercaud, Tamilnadu(click here)
5. Chennai, Tamilnadu(click here)
6. Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka (Click here)
7. Kodachadri(click here) 
8. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
9. Cochin, Alepey Kerala
10. Mysore, Karnataka
11. Kemmanagundi, Karnataka
12. Pondicherry, Pondicherry
13. Munnar, Kerala
14. Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
15. Ooty, Tamilnadu
16. Coonoor, Tamilnadu
17. Bandipur, Karnataka
18. Belaum Caves, Andhra Pradesh
19. Jog Falls, Karnataka

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Temples and Holy Trips

Shortest Trips (Single Day)

1. Melukote, Karnataka (click here) 
2. Gatti Subramanya, Karnataka (Click here)
3. Kotilingeshwara, Karnataka (Click here)
4. Bangaru Tirupathi, Karnataka
5. Vidhurashwatha, Karnataka
6. Lakshmi Temple, Goravanahalli, Karnataka
7. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 
8. Shravanabelagola, Karnataka
9. Belur-Halebid, Karnataka
10. Somanathpur, Karnataka
11. Nanjanagud, Karnataka

Shorter Trips (2 Days)

1. Kukkesubramanya, Kuke, Karnataka
2. Dharmasthala, Karnataka
3. Shringeri, Karnataka
4. Horanadu, Karnataka
5. Kalasa, Karnataka
6. Kateelu, Karnataka
7. Kollurmokambike, Karnataka
8. Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh

Some of the interesting facts of the the places and their distances. These facts are tickling triggers for travel folks.

• Pondicherry - 309km 4h, 48m
• Thalassery - 324km 5h, 51m
• Kozhikode - 343km 5h, 53m
• Chennai - 345km 5h, 41m
• Mahabalipuram - 346km 5h, 40m
• Mangalore - 372km 6h, 12m
• Bekal - 381km 6h, 36m
• Udupi - 413km 6h, 26m
• Maravanthe - 442km 7h, 7m
• Murudeshwar - 443km 6h, 47m
• Gokarna - 475km 9h, 6m
• Kochi - 511km 7h, 48m
• Devbagh - 533km 8h, 10m
• Alleppey - 559km 8h, 25m
• Kumarakom - 560km 8h, 30m
• Goa - 576km 9h, 40m
• Rameswaram - 578km 9h, 50m
• Kanyakumari - 696km 10h, 57m
• Trivandrum - 707km 10h, 25m
• Kovalam - 717km 10h, 40m
• Visakhapatnam - 1001km 15h, 49m

Watch for more....

Talakadu, Karnataka

Talakadu, Karnataka

Talakadu is a unique place in Karnataka situated near Mysore. Its uniqueness comes from the fact that this is submerged with sand, sand like in beach. In fact the sand is all over the place. It can also be termed as desert like place. However it is surrounded by the river cauvery. Talakadu was once known for many of its temples and close to 30 in number, there are very few which can be visited today. At some places in Talakadu, the excavation is still ongoing and some are halted. There are many monuments that were excavated from the earth and are lying on the open ground.

It gives a great pleasure to walk on the deserted land filled with sand. In fact it feels like a virtual beach walk. At all the corners of the walking stretch, one can find some petty shops selling some fruit snacks and ice creams. The whole walking stretch is sheltered and so you are all time protected from sun and rain. Watch out for thorns in the sand, at times they will trouble you and is quite irritating to spend rest of the day in case you fail to get rid of the one that has pierced.

One can mainly do temple visits which is well organized and you will hardly miss one and enjoy a nice desert walk. It is advisable to carry some sports equipment like Cricket kit or Badminton. There are some areas which are open and flat where certain sports can be played and in the shelter.

One of the ruins

Another temple excavated

Shelter area where one can play some sports and also for dining

Monument excavated

There is a beautiful cavery river flowing in a short distance from there. Just enquire the local villagers there and they will guide you. This is a must visit and one should visit by 3 pm and can be there up to 5 pm. The water is flowing on the visible land (little higher than keen depth) and so you walk into the waters, play and swim. It is also safe for children of above 5 years.

Cauvery River, Sweet Water

There is a temple called Mudukuthore Mallikarjuna Temple which is close to Talakadu in the distance of 5 kms. It is one of the five temples that are part of the Panchalingadarshana held at Talakd once every 12 years. The five temples being, Sri Kshethra Vaideshwara, Sri Pathaleshwara, Sri Maruleshwara, Sri Arakeshwara and Sri Mudukuthore Mallikarjuneshwara are believed to be Panchalingas and thus have become famous. This temple visit is so special due to its location. 

View from the path uphill

View from the path uphill

The view from the path uphill.

The way to up hill to reach the temple

A view from the top.

View from the temple.

View from the top of the hill.

A view from the Temple main Dwar

Temple Front View

Travel:

There are two routes and both are in very good condition. One is through Mysore Road and another through Kanakapura Road. Hop on to one of these roads and one will find the sign automatically directing you. It takes about 2 and half to 3 hours to reach Talakadu.

Kanakapura Road, reach Halaguru and then Talakadu.

Mysore Road, reach Maddur, Malavalli and Talakadu.

Overall it is 135kms.

One can reach faster if traveled on Kanakapura road.

Food:

Right at the place there are no food stalls or restaurants available however at some distance one can find food. Again, it is advisable to carry food to this place and to be had under a shelter. The food tastes more better than having in a averagely maintained restaurants.

Stay:

Talakadu itself is a day trip from the cities like, Bangalore and Mysore and hence an option of staying at Talakadu is seldom sought after. The other option is to stay in nearby places like Maddur or Mysore. 

Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but preferably avoid summers.

Shivagange - Savandurga, Karnataka

Shivagange - Savandurga, Karnataka

Beautiful locations in Karnataka and quite near and easy to travel. Shivagange and Savandurga offer a lot of historical beauty blended with nature's amazement. 
The two places can be covered in a single day, however the recommendation is that one should make it on different days to have it more relaxed trip experience.

Shivagange is a trekking place and will a need whole day to up trek and down trek if one is fond of trekking. It is an incredible place and must visit for all those who like to trek and this place offers well laid out trekking paths, all trekking can be done with out any trekking gear.

Shiva temples adorn the hill of Shivagange. It is a beautiful location with a lot a excitement in trekking. The trekking path is a mix of simple and adventurous experience. At some parts of the route the rock is quite steep poses a challenge for first timers however with little caution these challenges can be enjoyed. There are steps carved on the natural stone and some parts of the route can be trekked by man made stairs/steps.

A small hill on the way...

A small warm trek to the small hill on the way

A view from the hill

Other side view from the hill..

Tip of the hill

Trek to the hill

Start of the Shivagange hill trek.

Midway, a view from the shivagange hill

Another view from the mid of the hill..

Another side of the hill view

One must avoid this place in case of heavy rain as it becomes quite dangerous and risk climbing up or down. The huge boulders and the rocky hill becomes very slippery at some locations. Children must pay a special attention through out the trek. 

There attractive a pond at the bottom of the hill, it is traditionally called as Pushkarni. Of course the waters are not clean to get in nevertheless offers a picturesque view. It is advisable to take a nice walk around the pond.

Steps carved on to the natural hill rock.

One can start the trek at around 10am and reach the temple by 12pm, you can carry sufficient water while on the trek just in case you have to quench your thirst especially if it is hot during the day. There are few stalls on the way which offer very deserving water/fruits/snacks.

The altitude of the hill will amaze anyone who reaches the top after a very tiring trek. But it is worth the efforts. It is believed that the name of the place is derived from the way the hills are formed and an aerial view might prove it well. However, while on the way drive to the place also will give sufficient hints to make you believe this fact. It appears like a a linga. Another interesting fact to note is that there are water falls when ever there is rain and hence also aptly called gange, so together is Shivagange.

Nandi on the hill.

Beware, there is no place to leave footwear for security hence suggest one to leave their footwear in the car before you stat to move towards
the start of the hill. However some climb with the footwear and some don't. It depends on the believe and religious sentiments/vows.

Another interesting matter to note is the monkey menace. This places is heavily ruled by the monkeys and some are monstrous.
They are very aggressive and are used to live on the food from tourists. Some literally pounce on you to grab the food. .
You must constantly watch for them and pay caution to keep yourself safe from these arrogant/merciless monkeys. The best way to keep yourself
away from these is by not carrying any food in your hands. However, the population of monkeys will significantly reduce as you climb up the hill.

Places around - Savandurga.
This is an equally awesome place and is a must visit to see the nature at its best. This is unique due to its gigantic and mammoth rock formation. This a hill with just one monolith rock, believe your eyes when you see it. It is simply a rock, really a huge rock. It offers feast to eyes when visited during rainy season. The whole rock gets the wet and water starts to pour down the rock by finding its ways from different steeps. They look like a smally falls all around the rock.

The sad part is that this can not be trekked at all. It is a most beautiful location for adventurous sports, like rock climbing and rappling. This place too like many other places has temples to visit. In fact two of them are most well known temples. One is narasimha god and another is shiva.
These temples are huge and have quite a bit of space around to rest under the shade of the trees. It is too green to eyes as it boast a forest outlook.

A Huge Monolithic Rock, Savandurga

When it rains.

When it is raining...

Wide Spacious Temple premises.

Green, historical Ruins...

Green, Historical Ruins

Another view of the boulders and rock hill

A huge rock hill amidst the greens.

A Main Temple

Temple Gopura

Forest like view.. a temple in the forest.

Travel:

The route to reach Shivagange is very simple and the roads are amazing. one must hop on to nice road and alight at Tumakur road. 

This is place is less than 70Kms from Bangalore especially from Hosur road Nice Road Junction. It takes 2 hours to travel to shivagange at any point in time.
The nice road toll from Hosur road to Tumakur road is 155/- and is around 35+ kms. After that one must look for a right turn which will lead to Shivagange in 5.5km to a circle and another 5 kms to the destination.

Once you reach there is a ample amount of parking place and they charge 30/- for the same. This parking place is just on the side ways of the
pond/pushkarni.

On the way to Savandurga

On the way to Savandurga

Route to Shivagange

Food:

Strictly adviceable to carry. There are eating joints in Shivagange but none at Savandurga. The ones that are there are very average.
There are sufficient snacks that might keep you going and may not make you feel short of food. Mind you all are small road side ones.

Stay:

Not recommended at all.
This is a trip from Bangalore and can be covered in single day hence there is no need for a stay.

Best time to visit:

Just before Monsoon and Winters. Avoid too hot summers.