Manchinbele Dam, Bangalore

This is around 40 kms from bangalore. If you are living towards the south of bangalore, take the Mysore road. After kengeri, take right through the road beside Sri Rajarajeshwari engineering college. The road intially is good but get pathetic later. Dont expect any speed greater than 20 kmph. You will reach great banyan tree which is about 500 years old.

It is appears like a beautiful picture postcard or wallpaper.

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Gopalaswamy Betta, Karnataka

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, is a hill (betta in Kannada) located in the Chamarajanagar district of the state of Karnataka,at a height of 1454 metres.It is also the highest peak in the Bandipur National Park. It lies in the core area of the Bandipur National Park and is frequented by wild life including elephants. Dense fog predominates and covers the hills round the year and thus gets the prefix Himavad (in the native language of Kannada) and the temple of Venugopalaswamy (Lord Krishna) gives the full name of Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta.

It is approximately 220 km from Bangalore and 75 km from Mysore on the Mysore Ooty road -10 km away from Gundlupet,which is 60 km away from Mysore. There is a motorable road all the way to the top of the hill. Entry fee is collected at the forest department checkpost at foot of the hill. Visitors are allowed from around 6am till 5pm. Overnight stay on top is not allowed.

This temple was built by the King Chola Ballala during AD 1315. Later the Wodeyars of Mysore who were ardent devotees of Lord Venugopala displayed keen interest in maintaining the hill temple.The temple is dedicated to Gopalaswamy, which is one of the names of the Hindu God Krishna.

The garbha griha contains an idol of Krishna holding a flute under a tree. Krishna is flanked by his friends and the posture is that of a dance with the left big toe resting on the right one. The panel also features several characters and icons from Krishna's avatar.

Being a part of the Bandipur wildlife sanctuary, the hills are frequented by grazing wild elephants. The place is also known for its picturesque views of the surrounding hills, valleys and visitors may also see the spectacular sunrise and sunset from the top.

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Kemmangundi, Karnataka

Kemmanagundi ( Means “pit of clay” in Kannada) is one of my favourite hill stations. I had visited this place twice along with my writer friend, Ravi Sidula in his blue colour Wangon-R. It is about 293 km from Bangalore. It is roughly about 1434 metres above sea level, and the hill can get quite chilly during the nights.

Many of the trekking routes can be quite slippery and wet. It is advisable to wear sturdy trekking shoes. Avoid slippers. Also carry some mats and games like Uno to spend your time.

The main problem one faces is no proper accommodation and food. It is a charming hill station no doubt. It is also know as K.R.Hills. It boasts of magnificent waterfalls and scenic trekking routes amidst lush coffee plantations.

How to get there:

Road trip: The best option from Bangalore is to drive down to Kemmanagundi. Take the NH4 to Nelamangala, followed by the NH48 to Hassan through Kunigal up to the State road to Kemmanagundi through Chikmagalur. It is about 55 km from Chikmagalur, a coffee estate plantation town.

Train: Birur is the nearest railhead to Kemmanagundi.

Bangalore to Birur: Janashatabdi Express: Departure 6:00 am. Arrival: 9:10 am

Birur to Bangalore: Janashatabdi Express: Departure: 4:05 p.m. Arrival: 8:15p.m.

Chalukya Express: Departure: 6:05 p.m. Arrival: 10:15 p.m

Bus: Both private and KSRTC buses head to Tarikere, a small town which is about a 

30-minute drive to Kemmanagundi.Then one has to take a taxi from Tarikere.

Accommodation: 

Unfortunately, the Horticulture Department Guest House seems to be the only staying option in Kemmanagundi. One has to book in advance for this reason. Among all the cottages in the Department campus, the Raj Bhavan is the most luxurious. The rest of the cottages have basic facilities.One can also stay in dormitory-type cottages. 

Alternatively, one can stay in Chikmagalur and go to Kemmanagundi for a day trip.

Food: 

The Horticulture Department canteen is the only eating place in Kemmanagundi. There are no other restaurants in Kemmanagundi. The best thing to do is carrying snacks from home, as the food served here isn’t good.

Places to visit:

Z-point: This magnificent view-point is worth the all the trouble you took finding your way up. It takes about 30 minutes of trekking on a steep and winding path to reach here. But once there, you don’t want to come back.

Hebbe falls: A downhill trek for about 8 km leads you to Hebbe Falls. 

The water falls down from a height of 168 metres in two stages.

Kalahhati falls: Also Kalahasti falls, it is a religious site. A temple is built between a gap in the rocks. An annual pilgrimage to this spot attracts devout, God-fearing pilgrims. Avoid visiting the falls on that day.

Rock Garden: Horticulture Department’s own creation, but nevertheless, a relaxing site to enjoy with friends and family. Visit the Orchid House to catch a glimpse of exotic flowers. 

Accommodation Listings:

Horticulture Department Guest House

Telephone: 08261237126

Bangalore Horticulture Department: 26573667/26579231

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