Oasis Holidays: Bangalore

Bangalore

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Are you fed up of scorching high temperatures and rising heights of mercury? It’s a high time for you to take a chill pill and say goodbye to the scorching sun for some time. Go away from the dusty air to fresh air of hills and beaches in India. Every state in India is having many beautiful destinations which are perfect for summer holidays to beat the sun. India is known to please everyone in one way or the other.

Go with friends or with family or enjoy your own company for some time. The diverse topology in India has many things for everyone’s enjoyment which make you feel nostalgic about some childhood memories.

Presenting some of the top destinations in India for summer holidays

1) Places around Delhi to Beat the sun

* If you are living in Delhi, you must be fed up of everyday rising temperature here. The temperature here has touched 45-degree celsius.

* Worry not! there are many places around Delhi where you can enjoy the weekend holidays and have fun.

* The most fun place in Delhi is the Indian Mountaineering Foundation which is famous for fun and adventurous activities.

* Walk into Ice Bar chamber of ice. You will feel like you’re walking into an igloo. Everything here from the walls and furniture to the sculptures, bar, and glasses are made of ice. The temperature inside is maintained at minus 10 Degree C.

* Kingdom of Dreams, where art, culture, heritage, craft, cuisine, and performing arts are showcased in a dreamy setting. Many travelers now recognize it as “a must-visit place”.

* Rishikesh is just 240 km away from Delhi. This place is blessed with natural beauty since it is situated in the lap of Himalayas. One can enjoy various adventurous activities in Rishikesh like trekking, white water rafting, cliff-hanging etc. Rishikesh also is considered as a ‘holy city’ and is vegetarian.

* Nainital is 300km away from Delhi and is among the pride of India in terms of beauty. Nainital offers the beauty of lakes to the travelers like Naukuchiyatal which is the lake with 9 corners, Bhimtal which is the small island in the middle of the lake, Khurpatal which is the hoof-shaped lake and many more. The view of Himalayas from is mesmerizing. Shopping at the Tibetan Market where you can find artifacts is another beautiful and joyful thing you can do here. The ropeway takes you to small peaks in Nainital and also gives you a bird’s eye view of the hill station. Have the blessings of famous Naina Devi temple.

* Nahan is 261 km away from Delhi. It is the good place to beat the heat of Delhi. You can enjoy trekking and rock climbing buffs. There are forts to enjoy the scenic beauty. Enjoy the beauty of Renuka Wildlife park and sanctuary near the town of DAdahu in Simaur district which covers 403 hectares of land. You can also admire the lake of here. Jaitak Fort, situated on the Jaitak Hills, is believed to have been built using the material recovered from the destroyed Nahan Fort.

* Agra UP is 235 km away from Delhi. This place is the epitome of immense love, the Taj Mahal. One can enjoy the great architecture of Mughal empire. Agra is also famously known as the Land of palaces. The climate in Agra is very inviting, suitable and peaceful. The city is well designed and constructed, where even the houses show huge explanations and detailing in their design. Even the interiors of the buildings show the unusual imagination and thinking capability that the architects probably had.

2) Places around Mumbai to break the stress of work

* Mumbai is the financial center of the country where dream often turns into stress. It is the busiest city in India, the land of here. The people over here are always at work. This state never sleeps.

* If you are also the part of this city, it’s a high time for you to give some rest to your mind and work and let your let life to be free for sometimes.

* There are many places in and around Mumbai which are best to provide relief from your work. Some of these are compiled here.

* Lonavala is at a distance of 88km from Mumbai. The landscape, lakes, gardens and natural beauty here is mesmerizing. Kune Waterfall is a heaven for eyes, nestled between the scenic valleys of Lonavala and Khandala. It is the 14th highest waterfall in the country. One can enjoy swimming and bathing here along with Rappelling which is a popular adventure sport conducted here. Karla Caves, a popular attraction for tourists and locals is located about 8 km away from the beautiful hill station of Lonavala.

* Della Adventure is one of the largest and most adventurous theme parks in India. The park provides over 100 adventure sports activities for people of all ages, which makes it a perfect leisure destination.

* Mahabaleshwar is at a distance of about 274 km from Mumbai and can be reached via roadways. It is the popular hill station of India. Tapola a tiny hamlet in the west is also famously known as mini Kashmir Tapola. Shivsagar Lake is among must visit places for all its visitors here.

* Matheran is the best place to have some adrenaline rush and they are aimed at giving people a chance to discover the values of independence, self-reliance, co-operation and teamwork.

* Bhandardara is 163 km away from Mumbai. This place is excellent weekend place is the entire region is rich in lush greenery and undisturbed picturesque landscape.

* Amboli is 486 km away from Mumbai. This place offers immense natural beauty with tranquil hill station on the Western Ghats, enclosed by dense forests and rolling terrains. This beautiful place has magnificent hill station offering breathtaking views of the valleys. The splendid waterfall pours out during monsoon and provides the peace of mind and body to nature lovers.

* Kamshet is 101km away from Mumbai. One can enjoy paragliding sessions, swimming in the reservoir here. This place has man breathtaking lakes.

3) Places around Bangalore to make most out of this summer

* As the schools are shutting down and vacations are arriving for kids. Its the time for you too to give some rest to your work and have some enjoyment and make best out of the 14 long weekend holidays in 2017.

* Bangalore is the center of India’s high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. This city has many beautiful places in and around to make your holidays the best from rest.

* Horsley Hills is 144km away from Bangalore. The town is blessed with the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot the sambhar deer early morning. This was discovered by British and one can enjoy adventure sports activities like Zorbing in Horsley hills.

* Mysore is located 150 km southwest of Bangalore. Mysore is a beautiful place to visit which have splendid beauty to offer. You can hike up the Chamundi hills and visit the Chamundeshwari Temple. You can take a trip to the Mysore Palace and the museum it houses. The Railway museum is one of the tourist attractions here.

* Kotagiri is 350 km away from Bangalore. This place is considered as one of the three best hill station in India. You can visit the Catherine Falls and Elk Falls is a must when in Kotagiri.

* Nandi hills are 60km away from Banglore. Nandi hill is an ancient hill fort and hill town located at an elevation of 1,478 meters above sea level in the state of Karnataka. This place was a major stronghold of the Mysore kingdom under Tipu Sultan which was later annexed by the British who used the hamlet as a summer retreat. The hills here have several indigenous trees and flowery shrubs. Tipu’s drop, Tipu’s summer palace, ancient temples, Gandhi house, Amruth Sarovar and the secret escape route are the popular attractions that can be visited in Nandi Hills.

* Coonoor is 285 km away from Bangalore. Coonoor is second largest hill station and you can find beauty at its best here. This place is famous for its tea, tourism and UNESCO world heritage, the Nilgiri Mountain Railways.

4) Places around Kolkata to enjoy sweeter summer vacation

* Kolkata is known as “the Paris of East”. The food is one of the best variety of cuisines. It is the king of food specially Roshogollas. Every festival is celebrated in a grand manner.

* You can enjoy many places in and around this place. Some of them are compiled here.

* Kalighat Kali Temple is one famous temple in Kolkata. During Durga pooja, this temple is highly rushed with devotees. Indian museum is one of the most significant, and the first museum to be founded in India. The museum has collections and galleries spanning many different subjects.

* Bishnupur is 151 km away from Kolkata.This town was set up by Malla Kings in the 17th century. Bishnupur is famous for terracotta temples and Baluchari sari. The temple town is dotted with some of the widely discussed religious buildings such as Pancha Ratna Temple (Shyam Rai temple), JorBangaloww temple, Radheshyam temple, Dolmadol Kaman, etc. The Madanmohan temple of Bishnupur is designed in ektarana style that has a square flat roof with carved cornices.

* Chandipur is 255 km away from Kolkata. This place has less crowded seaside. The beach is the main attraction of this tourist spot and turns extremely beautiful during the time of the ebb tide. This natural phenomenon takes place twice a day and leaves a wide stretch of silvery sand beach.

* Digha is 185km away from Kolkata. The beaches of Digha offers a beautiful canvas lined with swaying chains of Casuarina trees for lovers of nature and beauty.

* Bakkhali is a small beach town located on the outskirts of Kolkata. Its peacefulness will not allow you to leave this place. It is a perfect place for you and your partner to just listen to the rhythm of the gushing waves and relax.

* Raichak is located 50 km south of Kolkata, Raichak is a riverside town. It has an amazing view and is completely different from other parts of West Bengal. A romantic trip to this place is all that will you need to rejuvenate your mind.

" Get ready to beat the sun with Oasis Holidays!!! "

The best way to engulf oneself in the myriad mysteries of nature is to trek through the lush green mystery of the forests, over mesmerizing hills, across mountains, and feel nature, and enhance oneself in its essence! Given the dynamic presence of Western Ghats in the state, Karnataka though much underrated, has the best mountain peaks ideal for trekking. Here are 10 highest peaks in Karnataka that’s worth a visit.

1. Kudremukh

Kudremukh in the Kannada language means ‘horse face’ and it is so appropriately named because one side of the mountain peak, which is among the highest peaks of Karnataka, is almost shaped such that it resembles the face of a horse! Situated in the Chikmangalur district, the starting point of the trek is Samse from where the picturesque pathway leads to Lobo mane, a point just 3-4 hours from the Kudremukh Peak. Trekkers undertake another very beautiful route which starts at Kaikamba. Located within the Kudremukh National Peak, camping is not quite convenient in the area, given the conservation measures of the rare flora and fauna in the park.

Kudremukh attributes its popularity to the diverse and interesting wildlife found en route. Wrapped in dense green forest, the trek to Kudremukh almost puts one’s trekking ability to test, given the slippery ground, while the breathtaking waterfalls in the vicinity leaves one spellbound!

2. Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, located in the Chandra Drona Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats of the Chikmagalur Taluk. With a height of 1,930 meters, Mullayanagiri is one of the best trekking destinations in South India. The trek route is quite enthralling, across the beautiful deep forest, to reach atop two breathtaking waterfalls, and is a paradise for any trekking enthusiast.

The starting point of the trek is at Sarpadhari, which as in its native meaning has a path shaped like that of a snake. The whole trek distance is around 3 kilometers to Mullayandri but it can be further extended to Bababudangiri. Camping is forbidden in the area. It takes about 6-8 hours to trek to the highest point of the peak which is at an altitude of 6333 ft.

3. Kumara Parvata

Known as the ‘trekker’s paradise’, Kumara Parvata is one of the most popular and highest peaks of Karnataka ideal for trekking, and it is the treacherous route that which makes it all the more alluring, adding to the challenge; and nonetheless the efforts are paid off given the end result, to reach a place wrapped in beauty and enveloped in calmness! The Kumara Parvata peak is located at a height of about 1712 meters.

The journey to Kumara Parvata starts at the small town called Subramanya, famous for the Kukke Subramanya temple of the snake deity which is a sacred pilgrimage spot for the Hindus. The pathway is flat, surrounded by the lush green forest of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and is the perfect to go, get lost in nature!

4. Pushpagiri Hills

The Pushpagiri Hills located in the Western Ghats is also a wildlife sanctuary with rich flora and fauna. It is also known as the Subramanya Hills, which with an altitude of 5626 ft is the second highest peak in Coorg, Karnataka. Beautiful forests, valleys and hills make it one of the most ideal places for trekking expeditions. There is the Kukke Subramanya Temple in the vicinity.

The Trekking starts from the forest checkpoint at the base of the Pushpagiri Hills. 3-4 hours route across dense forest, wet grasslands, over rocky terrain. There is a small temple located at the peak dedicated to Kumara Swamy. Mostly trekkers exit through the nearby Kumara Parvatha, and camp at Girigadde.

5. Kodachadri

Located on the Shimoga District of Karnataka, the Kodachadri Peak stands out for the aesthetic view of the sunset across the Arabian Sea. Embedded in a spiritual essence, with the legends encircling the mountain, the Kodachadri Peak is one of the highest peaks of Karnataka.

There are several routes to the trek, one of which starts from the Nagodi Village, another route is from Kollur which reaches Nagara in Shimoga, though it is especially used by devotees visiting the divine Mookambika Temple situated in the vicinity. Kodachadri is graced by many waterfalls, whilst, the Hidlumane waterfalls is the most thrilling. There are also the Arasinagundi Falls. The old Nagara Fort, located nearby adds an old world touch to the area, while the backwaters of the Linganamakki dam on the Saravathi River, makes up the background. The place is best for amateur trekkers.

6. Madhugiri

A town in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Madhugiri is famous for a hill which has the second largest monolithic rock hill in the Asian continent. With an altitude of 3,930 feet, the hill in Madhugiri has become a popular destination for trekkers. On the hill slopes, there is the Madhugiri fort, named aptly so because of the honey bee colonies abundant back in the day, while a ruined temple is located at the top.

The trek starts at Tumkur and deviates into two, one of which is Koratagere and another via Siddara Betta, both of lead to Madhugiri.

7. Agumbe

Agumbe is very popular destination for trekking expeditions, with its rich flora and fauna, which makes up for a beautiful route. Known as the ‘Cherrapunjee of the South’, Agumbe receives the heaviest rainfall in the region. Agumbe attracts adrenaline junkies, nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, all in their own right!

Well connected by road, rail and air, Agumbe has two wildlife sanctuaries, the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park. Agumbe offers a fascinating sight of the setting sun paint a beautiful picture across the Arabian Sea at the sunset point. There are many waterfalls located in and around Agumbe like the Barkana Falls, Onaki Abbi Falls, Jogigundi Falls, all making up picturesque picnic spots. The Varahi River forms the Kunchikal Falls which is the second highest in the country. The Gopalakrishna temple, with its intricate and magnificent architecture, adds to the beauty of the place.

8. Brahmagiri Hills

A mountain range in the Western Ghats, the Brahmagiri Hills is in the borderline of the Karnataka state in the north and Kerala in the south. Located at a height of 1608 meters, Brahmagiri along with being one of the highest peaks of Karnataka is also a scenic tourist destination, wrapped in dense forest and interesting wildlife. There is an ancient temple with giant pillars, the Thirunelli Temple, situated in the Kerala side of the Brahmagiri Range, which is much revered by the Hindus.

Pakshipathalam located at an altitude of 1740 meters at the Brahmagiri Hills, also is good for trekking and even has the Munikal cave that adds some dynamic essence. The beautiful Iruppu Falls formed by the Lakshmana Tirtha River is located in the vicinity. Mythological tales encircle this mountain range which offers quite a few vibrant trekking options.

9. Tadiandamol

One of the highest peaks in Karnataka, Tadiandamol literally means the highest point in the Kodava language and is actually the highest point in Kodagu. Located at a distance of more than 250 kilometers from Bangalore, Tadiandamol is one of the most challenging treks, given its topography.

The trek begins at Virajpete; en route there are the remains of an old palace, popularly known as ‘Nalku Naadu Aramane’, where there is a stopover place known as the Aramane stop, while the peak is at a distance of 6 kilometers from there. The best time to visit the peak is at winter when the hill slopes are enveloped in hanging clouds, adding a mysterious allure to the trek route. There are many mountain streams forming small waterfalls through hill nooks, which add an aura of beauty to the place.

10. Kalavaarahalli Betta

Just a few kilometers from Bangalore, located off the road from Bellary, the Kalavarahalli Betta is situated at a much lesser altitude. It is situated quite close to the Nandi hills and the Chikkaballapura and derives its name from the village of the same name where it is located. The place is sought after by trekkers because the peak offers a spectacular night trek, after which trekkers can watch the sunrise at dawn.

Furthermore, the fort of the dynamic Tipu Sultan is a major tourist attraction, which exits even today. There are two caves located in the vicinity and at the end of the cave; there is a temple, revered by the local people. With the clouds lingering over, hanging on to peak, blanketing it in white beauty, the Kalavarahalli is indeed a heaven on earth!

(Part 3 of the “Unshod in India” series)

The more I get to know this place, the more I realize how much there is to discover and understand. How distant my logic is from what thrives on the ground. And the neutral corners I always run to for safety are exactly what they are: corners in a world, in a life that is round. While I initially cringed at the idea of walking inside homes and temples barefoot, I understood it is a necessary step to make peace with the truth. And again, for security or for balance, it is never a bad idea to keep one's feet on the ground. In grace and in gratitude. One can’t get footloose and fancy-free in life just like that.

I arrived early morning in Bangalore a few days after my introduction to India through Mumbai. The cool weather gave me goose bumps not so much a physiological reaction as a psychological one. Life seemed pretty laidback. From my quick showers in Mumbai at least three times a day, this southern city was inviting me to soak up in this lukewarm bath, testing its waters and mapping out many possibilities for this time I felt that I am here for the long sail. Another step towards a certain understanding of this great subcontinent.

Bangalore was no different as India's I.T. capital still has its streets randomly matrixed with peddlers in carts and cycles. Just outside of my house, two men under a makeshift tent were ironing clothes for a living using a pair of traditional iron.

So you ride my tide: Bangalore is about the charm of old world and the chase towards the future. That somehow explained the dust: old roads being reconstructed. At one point, you'd grow a longer neck waiting for that fresh mango juice as the vendor would have to peel it by hand and whatnot, and then, just upstairs, some grown up kids in an office try to continue knotting the whole world beyond breakneck speed.

However, Bangalore is also a city that still sleeps. Here, before trees of avocado, neem, what looks like a relative of pine, and a moringa almost as tall as the neighbor's mango, I caught the city still in the land of dreams. In the quiet of its midmorning chill, I felt every part of it breathing. I woke up to this, after a night tranquil, dreams of elephants marching to a crow's rhythmic pleadings, echoes of laughter over a young man's late night phone call about his struggles with the underside of young love.

I also had my very first haircut in India at the Bombay Salon, here in Bangalore. The first part went the usual. Short and clean, despite Mr. Barber Guy watching Bollywood half of the time even during crucial moments like clipping around the ear area. And then, when he asked me to choose between coconut and almond oil, I thought it was some sort of hair gel or any hair product. But what ensued or what I could remember to have happened was a series of some serious head slapping and banging that had sent my spirit away. And then, just when one think it couldn't get any weirder than this, Mr. Barber Guy brandished what I deemed to be an interior of an electric fan fortunately without the blades, wore it over his hand, plugged it in, and voila!: an improvised vibrating massage machine that he let loose about my head. When he asked if I would want some facial massage, I politely said no, and headed home, my hair flat heavy with oil, and my spirit still somewhere else.

Then, there’s this constant adventure with Bangalore traffic and its rickshaw drivers, which is yet another story.

Coming from an archipelago, for me it used to be that the sea was the only link. And every time I am before the sea, I strongly feel a certain connection. But Bangalore is landlocked, so sometimes it made me feel a fish out of water. The great thing about this city though is that it is in the heart of South India, from where you can reach the country's many other interesting cities.

Slowly, I’m learning that India is not only about marveling at the great beauty of its people and the complexities of its culture. But also, it is the act of embracing what is different, what makes you uncomfortable, what rattles your cage, what tips your top. It is having the grace to face the children of this generation when India is in a tug-of-war between modernity and tradition.

Then, it’s about gratitude for the chance to be part of this history, this episode in India’s great history as it opens its doors to the world, but not without asking its visitors to keep their feet off the rangoli. I am not so sure yet about eating with my hand all the time or wearing long shirts, even skirts, on all occasions.

But for the nth time, I am taking my shoes, sandals, slippers off before I let myself in. I am thinking of home not as the ability to resist or be very comfortable in a place for the longest time. I kept telling myself, home is a journey. And I should be ready to walk, even barefoot. // Unshod Rover for Oasis Holidays

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Photo Credit: Eirik Refsdal, The Streets of Bangalore (March 1, 2008) [Source Site]

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Unshod Rover is a worldwide-eyed wanderer currently based in Bangalore, India. You may follow his musings and wanderings on this blog. "Unshod in India" is a series of articles based on Mr. Rover's adventures and discoveries in this very interesting and incredible subcontinent.