SHIVANASAMUDRA FALLS (DISTANCE: 130 KMS FROM BENGALURU)
Shivanasamudra Falls is a place to enjoy pure natural bliss. Located at around 130 kms from Bangalore, you can even go there on bike. It is one of the top 45 waterfalls of the world. Rejuvenate with the cold splashes of water of the Shivanasamudra Falls. The gushing water has created and island called Shivana samudraIsland. There is a very beautiful Ranganatha Temple in the middle which is one of the landmarks of Hoysala temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Jaganmohana Ranganatha, this temple treasures various statues of Goddess Cauvery, Serpent Takshaka, Saint Ramanujacharya, Alwars and Sugriva.
YELAGIRI HILLS (DISTANCE: 178 KMS FROM BENGALURU)
This hill station is another famous weekend getaway for the residents of Bangalore due to its pleasant atmosphere and sports facilities. Feel life like a free bird with paragliding or enjoy the colors of life at the Yelagiri Summer festival. Visit the place between April to May or November and February. Velvan Temple, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and the Nature Park are the other popular places of the city. You can cover the place in two days.
LEPAKSHI (DISTANCE: 123 KMS FROM BENGALURU)
Lepakshi Temple, dedicated to Veerbhadreshwar is intricately designed with unique carvings and comes with an amazing hanging pillar. The Vijaynagara murals enhance the beauty of the shrine. Shopaholics will love the brassware, Cherial scroll paintings and Banjara embroidery. You can cover all the attractions in half of the day. The city is also mythological as it is believed that bird Jatayu fell down here while trying to protect Sita. One of the prime attractions of the place is the 4.5m high statue of Nandi, which is the second largest rock cut statue in India. The temple at Lepakshi stays open between 6 am to 7 pm.
SRIRANGAPATNA (DISTANCE: 124 KMS FROM BENGALURU)
Enjoy some celestialmoments at weekend at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple of the river island of Karnataka. Lord Vishnu is one of the largest temples of the state. This capital town of Tipu Sultan is also famous for the Gumbaz,the mausoleum of the sultan, the palace of Daria Daulat. Bird lovers can enjoy a trip to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary while the banks of River Cauvery are ideal picnic spots.
MYSORE (DISTANCE: 139 KMS FROM BENGALURU)
The mesmerizing aroma of sandalwood attracts tourists to Mysore. This beautiful city is known for its grand palaces. While the Mysore Palace is the epitome of grandeur,the Chamundi temple treasures the customs of ancient Karnataka. Kids can enjoy at the Mysore Zoo, while the Brindavan Gardens is the best place to rest your tired feet. You need to reserve two days for visiting all the tourist spots of Mysore.
