- Home
- Doddaballapura Tourism & Travel Guide
Doddaballapura Tourism & Travel Guide
Trips and Itineraries for Doddaballapur
1 Day
6.6k Views
Breezy Makalidurga!!
TYPE - Hill, Rocky DISTANCE - 60 KMs approx. from Bengaluru FOOD - Not Available STAY - Camp site available BEST TIME – August to December This is common spot for Bengaluru trekkers specially on No Moon day, people go here for a night trek to camp....
- Share
- Add Comment
View more
comments...
2 Days
20.0k Views
A Vineyard Visit and Wine Tour in Bangalore
Bangalore does have some great vineyards and wineries, and 'Grover Vineyard and Winery' is one among them....
- Share
- Add Comment
View more
comments...
83.8k Views
Thrilling Journey For An Exciting Destination: Bangalore To Goa
Prologue: It had been while since we had a long vacation....
- Share
- 1 Comments
View more
comments...
2 Days
53.7k Views
A Trek Up the Makalidurga, Karnataka
At the base of the hill The Star to be......
- Share
- 10 Comments
View more
comments...
6.8k Views
Vineyards Are Now New Weekend Gateway In India.
Waking up dizzy with a banging headache on a Sunday morning, does that sound familiar to you?...
- Share
- 2 Comments
View more
comments...
Top Places To Visit in Doddaballapur 1 Spots
D Cross (Doddaballapura Cross)
D Cross (Doddaballapura Cross), Doddaballapura, Karnataka, India
Ask for Pavitra Hotel, its village style but worth it specially if you are foodie.. foooood glorious food!
Ask for Pavitra Hotel, its village style but worth it specially if you are foodie.. foooood glorious food!
Hotels and Homestays in Doddaballapur 1 Hotels
Weekend Getaways from Doddaballapur
Chennai
306 Kms from Doddaballapur
Best time to visit - January,February,October,November,December
Located off the coast of Bay of Bengal is Tamil Nadu’s capital and India’s fourth largest city. Formerly known as Madras, the metropolis is the main transportation hub for southern India. Travel to Chennai for the unique exhibit of architecture from the British Raj, peaceful pilgrimage sites and a delectable South Indian cuisine. Tourists can start their day with a walk by the beautiful Marina Beach, teeming with fishermen and their boats, and makeshift bazaars fringing the shore. Among the other places to visit in Chennai, start with the characterful neighbourhood of Mylapore that houses the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Then head to Rajaji Salai’s Fort in St George that once was home to the British East India Company. The Government Museum inside the imposing Pantheon complex of the colonial era is a popular attraction. The state museum is decked with bronze antiques dating back to the 7th century Pallava era. Surfing along the Covelong beach and walking through the bustling bazaars of George Town are a few of the most common things to do in Chennai. Also, don’t leave here without getting yourself an authentic South Indian thali from the illustrious Saravana Bhavan.Read More
Chennai....An old metro city...Fully developed place of south india there are so many places for roaming like....
The first view of coast was from the air. A white fin stuck into our view of the dancing azure ocean as it enclosed land protectively. Deeper into our sight was an ocean of dense humanity clustered in buildings and houses that were coloured in pinks, yellows, blues and greens. Shortly after, we’d landed at the Chennai airport.
From Mahabalipuram we go to the Chennai... took a flight and Fly away with lots of memories of beautiful places and found some peace in south region...South is the best place to visit with family friends or solo(Very Safe Region) Here one thing is common if you go anywhere you will find something beautiful...
And, an announcement happened "There has been a technical problem at the Colombo Airport, so we are going back to Chennai". Now, you can image how happy I was.Day 2 (Chennai - Colombo - Kandy)
Waiting for the boarding announcement we pondered about the course of action for the day. We planned to get to Udagamandalam (or should I say Ooty) from Coimbatore, and were brainstorming about how to get there. I was an advocate of renting a car - it would give us a good deal of flexibility while travelling, and would feel like the road trips we used to take when my sister and I were kids. My parents were more interested in hiring the services of a driver, as it would give my dad an opportunity to sit back and relax. After a brief discussion, we agreed on renting a Hyundai i20 from Zoomcars for the next 3 days and made the payment en route to the aero-bridge.
DAY-10 ChennaiThe challenge which was accepted and successfully accomplished.The goal was to cover 5000kms but I have covered 6410kms in 10days with total amount of Rs4500.This was by far my greatest ever accomplishment. Changed my perspective of lot of things. Made me a more tougher person. Taught be how to be without a mobile for a couple of days. Talk to real people and hear their perspectives. Made me so grounded. I'm so glad that I did this. Thanks to everyone
The roads are pretty smart during this a part of the planet. The three huge metros particularly Chennai, Hyderabad and the city are utterly connected to through specific four-way roads. This triangular affiliation of roads covers many tons of if not thousands of kilometres. Most of the most effective traveler spots will be reached out simply from branches that come out of those roads. Safety place with friendly folks. Southern a part of Indian landmass is one among the safest ever with friendly people that are well-known for his or her warm reception. In contrast to northern a part of the country, these folks speak English all right. This improves most of your troubles in visiting a distant country.
• Sign your kinds up for a vacation on the waves of ChennaiIf Keanu Reeves impressed you with his surfing in Point Break, then head straight to Covelong Point, a surfing school in Chennai to learn the moves.Have you ever come across someone who quit surfing because he or she didn't enjoy the feeling of walking on water? Probably not. That's the charm of surfing. Once you're in it, you're in it for life.The Covelong Point is your opportunity to enter the world of surfing. Classes are held by a team of qualified surf instructors from the school.Great for intermediates and beginners, you can also try one of their yoga packages, to bring more flexibility to your body.Prices:SURFINGIntroduction Class – 2 Hours - ₹1500Regular Lesson – 1 Hour - ₹50010 Day Course – 4 Hours/ Day - ₹13,5005 Day Course – 4 Hours/ Day - ₹6,750Contact Details:Surfing School: +9840975916The surfing school also provides accommodation. They have five beautiful ocean-facing rooms with a breathtaking view of the Bay of Bengal.Call for accommodation details: +9884046674Check out the details here.
I had been planning to explore places in and around Chennai as soon as my internship got confirmed (which happened to be in Feb). Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) and Pondicherry had been on the top of the list for a while. I decided to end my 8-weekend long procrastination and finally came up with an impromptu plan with my cousin Rahul.
The first part of the trip is reaching Rameshwaram from Chennai. We(5 friends) on a much awaited Friday, somehow managed to escape the offices and reached Tambaram station by 7:15 in the evening. Took a Madurai bound train until Madurai and reached around 4 in the morning.
Pondicherry
297 Kms from Doddaballapur
Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,October,November,December
For a dose of south Indian culture with a side of French flavours, travel to the city of Pondicherry, perched on India’s east coast in Tamil Nadu. Peppered with Gallic landscapes of bougainvillea draped colonial townhouses, pastel villas and leafy boulevards, Pondicherry is a haven for both – the traveller in the quest for spiritual awakening, and the leisure-seeking tourist.
One of the region’s most sacred attractions, is the internationally acclaimed Sri Aurobindo Ashram located off Goubert Ave. Drawing lakhs of devotees from across the world every year, the grounds are home to the shrines of Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother), and a meditation hall, which is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Pondicherry. Another must visit destination is the township of Auroville that was founded in 1968, located 8kms away from Pondicherry. The community, houses people of 45 nationalities. One of the lesser known things to do in Pondicherry is bird watching at the Ousteri Wetlands, 10kms from the heart of the town. You could spend your mornings at city’s major beaches - Auroville, Serenity, Promenade and Paradise, and end your trip with a walk along the seafront promenade, as you chase the setting sun.
Read More
Next morning started with an attempt to see the sunrise. But sunrises and I have a history. Till date I have never seen a sunrise. It was quite cloudy so I couldn't see the sun rise until it was already up and about.
After that we go to the pondicherry we enjoyed there a lot(This place is so beautiful and unique which force me to write a separate blog for this.... can't help I have to )
Ever heard of Puducherry (aka. Pondicherry)? It is one of the best places to visit in India, for its white sand beaches and Auroville.
10:00 am - Breakfast at a local eatery and went to the city for sightseeing.Had some red velvet cheesecake at "Zuka" and a wrap at subway.Shopped till the later part of the day and went to the room around 3:00 pm.
On day three you wake up in Puducherry and post breakfast, depart for Auroville, an experimental society, in Pondicherry. This coastal town is famous for its French quarters, local and international cuisine and the beautiful beaches. It's a place where you can enjoy the cultural diversity of France and South India, discover pristine beaches to just chill at and relax, and rejuvenate with some yoga and meditation.Sights covered: Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram in the French town, Ganesha temple, shopping and stroll on the pristine Promenade beach.Meals: Breakfast and dinner on board. Lunch at a luxury resort in Pondicherry.Timings: Auroville at 10am, Aurbindo ashram and other sightseeing at 3.45pm.
I took the last bus to Pondicherry as it takes only 3 hours and there are buses every half hour. I thought I will reach and find a hotel as I have done this a lot of times in Himachal. But this time things were not going to go my way. I reached at around 1 am in the night, there were no autos ,no nothing. All the sign boards were in Tamil, I didn't even know where I was exactly. I couldn't even use maps or book a hotel as I don't have a smartphone. I use the oldest model of Nokia which probably your grandfather uses. I was panicking a little bit. I knew about this hostel called Vedanta Wake Up but didn't know the way. I called up a friend and for the next hour he gave me directions to Vedanta.Thank you Aakash. I reached but there was nobody at the reception. I entered the hostel and tried opening all rooms in hope of finding the dorm, very wrong right ? I finally did after half hour of struggle and just climbed up on a random bunk without checking in.On the next day I finally met Satish, the manager. He was so sweet he didn't even charge for the last night. He said you have had much of an ordeal already. I took an auto and set on to the main promenade area of Pondicherry. You should rent a scooty if you have a license, its cheaper.In Pondicherry I spent most of the time roaming the little town, feeling the sea breeze and clicking pictures. There is nothing much exclusively to see there, just roam around to get the vibe. You can visit the Aurobindo Ashram and the two famous churches Basilica of Sacred Heart Jesus and Immaculate Conception Jesus church, the architecture is enchanting. The pictures are a proof . I found few very beautiful gardens along my walk.
Hunting places
Pondicherry lies on the south-east coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu.A beautiful cloudy morning of March and I landed on Pondicherry , the new bus stop. I had chosen my Budget Oyo Room nearby for staying.What one needs to know while in Pondicherry is where exactly to hangout. I personally love the road that extends from M.G Road to the beach.The French capital of India, is a destination that offers serenity and sanctity in its true sense. The city is calm and its urban architecture, depicting the French style, attracts people from all over the world. Besides sightseeing you don’t need to worry about what to do in Pondicherry, for the tiny holiday destination has a lot to offer and to make it a fun-filled trip for you.1. Beautiful Sunrise at Promenadewake up early morning or stay up all night long. But do not miss the sunrise for watching the sun rise from the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.2. Some Peace at AurovilleIt is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry for those who wish to attain eternal peace and harmony. One can visit the samadhis of Sri Aurobindo & his mother or participate in collective meditation in Ashram around the Samadhi in the main building on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.3.Good Lunch at French CafeA holiday in Pondicherry is never complete without savoring its local cuisine.4. Scuba Diving and watersportsScuba diving is one of the most enthralling and fun things to do in Pondicherry. In fact, Pondicherry is the only diving spot on the eastern coast of India. The place is characterised by natural coral reefs, rocky pop-ups, man-made folds, and a plethora of marine organisms. The marine life includes corals, lionfish, grouper, kingfish, moray eels, eagle, manta rays, parrot fish, sea snakes, triggerfish, angelfish, banner fish, and crustaceans.5. An evening at Paradise BeachAs the name says .. it is actually a Paradise.One can either reach Paradise beach by boat or by road, spectacular boating facilities are available in Chunnambar River, with the lush green plantations and backwaters in the backdrop. Located along the Cuddalore Main Road, this is an amazing location for relaxing and chilling-out.6. A walk to rememberA walk with your loved ones away from the urban chaos is all we want.The seafront of Pondicherry does not allow traffic movement from 6:30 pm till 7:30 am – to ensure peaceful and hassle-free outing and wandering of visitors.7. MahabalipuramMahabalipuram is famous for the Shore temple (Wedding location from the movie 2 States). It is 100Km towards Chennai from Pondicherry.What are you waiting for ? Pack your bag and visit Pondicherry. Perfect Weekend Destination.
Kodagu
221 Kms from Doddaballapur
Best time to visit - January,September,October,November,December
About 100kms west of Mysore, the hilly hamlet of Kodagu (formerly known as Coorg) is located in the evergreen highlands of the Western Ghats. This charming district beckons tourists with its spice gardens, cardamom forests and a sea of coffee plantations. Travel to Coorg for the wide array of adventure activities. Raft through the white rapids of the Barapole river, trek across the grasslands of the Kopatty-Kalugundi trail or quad biking through the Chevalara falls. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, fishing at the Valnoor and Bheemeshwari fishing camps or simply wandering through coffee plantations are some of the most sought after things to do in Coorg.
The 17th century Madikeri Fort where the revered Tipu Sultan once held court, and the Omkareshwar temple are among the most famous attractions of the district’s headquarters in Madikeri. While you are here, also visit Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement of south India. Go here for a pleasant evening intermittent with monastic hymns, prayer bells and a motley of Tibetan handicrafts.
Read More
So, I took off to Coorg along with my family because everyone of us needed a break from our usual monotonic routine. This is the time you must visit this place. It is at its best form during the monsoon season and if you don't have the wanderlust to travel to this place during this time, there's something wrong with you.It's completely covered in lush greens, a beautiful tropical scene to behold. This is the perfect time to fill your car's fuel tank and drive off to this pretty place because I swear the weather there at this time is absolutely gorgeous and not disappointing at all!
To those who do not know about Coorg, please note that Coorg is not at all a hill station in itself.It is a district named as Kodagu (Coorg) in the Indian state of Karnataka and has to offer many locations for sightseeing, and road trips in and around 80~100 kms of radius. We were not known to this as we went unplanned.I am writing this especially for all those travelers who do not belong to the region, and doesn't know much about the place. So that one can plan their trip to this beautiful place properly.
Rightly called, the Scotland of India, Coorg’s silent charm is a trekker’s haven. The trekking routes through tea and coffee plantations lead you to some of the most stunning destinations in the Western Ghats. The rippling of a white cascade at Bettigiri is music to ears as you pitch a tent here and prepare for bonfire and barbeque snacks.Best time for camping: March and April
14. Coorg
Also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ this place has a lot to offer starting from activities to natural beauty and delicious cuisine. This is definitely one of the most opted for tourist places near Chennai within 500 kms with its exotic locations, luscious greenery and trekking options. The Coorgi Chicken curry is like heavenly food on the taste palette and historians also find fuel over here. September to May is the best time to visit this place.Distance from Chennai: 578-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Put those weekends to good use by taking these shorts breaks from Chennai. They rejuvenate you and almost give you a new lease on life. The land of the silk kanchipuram and spicy coconut dosas can get to one at times. It is during such phases when one needs to pack light and head off to a place that allows the unwinding of the mind and presents the weary bodied with ample options to relax. You could use the list of weekend getaways from Chennai to get away to. With so many places to choose from, you can never go wrong. You might want to plan ahead and visit the other places on the list. After all, a weekend off from city life could rejuvenate your spirit. If you have plans of just lazying around and reading a book, one of these places is just for you.Autumn has arrived. There is a slight chill in the air. However, deadlines at work and a hectic schedule at home have probably not given you the chance to take it all in. This calls for a short weekend trip away from the city - away from the noise, the stress and commitments. If you enjoy spending time with yourself, there are a few places near Chennai where solo travel is recommended. Pack light and set off without making an announcement. If you love travelling and you hail from Chennai, you couldn’t be in a better place. The city has so many nearby places to escape to that you’re never short of anything to do on a weekend.Plan your weekend itinerary to fit in some of the best short destinations that Chennai has to offer. If you’re looking for places near Chennai to escape momentarily from city life, these weekend destinations are the best to start with. They are a superb combination of history and architecture, fun and leisure.
At a distance of 237 km, this weekend getaway from Bangalore is officially known as Kodagu district. It's close proximity to the city makes it a desired weekend getaway from Bangalore. Coorg’s hills covered by forests, the coffee and spice plantations add to the beauty of the landscape. The town’s transportation centre is Madikeri – from where cars and buses converge with tourists.Adventure activities in Coorg includes trekking, camping, dirt biking, coffee plantations tours and exploring the wild side of nature in an excursion through its wildlife sanctuaries. The treks here are of moderate difficulty and thus meant for almost every one. The panoramic views from the top of the hills are mesmerizing. There are also a few old Buddhist and Hindu temples here. All of this make Coorg one of the most sought after places to visit near Bangalore within 300 kms.
Why go? Travel to Kodagu District, aka Coorg, to discover the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats at Madikeri. The trekking and camping opportunities near Madikeri have established it as an adventure hub for vacationers for years. Travel to this haven, where the incredible coffee plantations and numerous vantage points offer breathtaking views and make Madikeri an ideal getaway for every traveller.Things to do: The highest peak in Coorg is Tadiandamol. A day hike to this peak includes views of the rolling greens and fragrant coffee plantations, taking you right into the heart of nature.Budget tip for Coorg: Earn JPMiles as you shop online while prepping for your trip to Kodagu and redeem them later on flights.
3.Coorg: Coorg is a quaint little town located near Mysore and Bangalore. Carpeted with emerald green grass, Coorg is a sight to sore eyes and the gentle showers of monsoon do complete justice to this beauty. Glistening off the foliage like precious diamonds, the raindrops add a fresh crispness to this foliage-rich town. Famous for its delicious coffee, the intoxicating smell of the coffee beans will surely have you craving for a cuppa. The terrace gardens of Coorg, coupled with the mountains here they reside make Coorg a must visit monsoon destination of India.
After this unforgettable trip, I had to come back to the city life again. However, I made sure to visit some nearby places for rejuvenation. Over the weekend, an early morning ride to Nandi hills which is famous for catching up a beautiful sunrise scene, was all I needed. Past few weeks, I also explored Coorg, which is called mini Scotland of India. It’s characterized by lush green hills, a dense forest, and a pleasant weather. It’s a perfect location for tourism if you ask me. You get to see Coffee plantation, Dubare elephant camps, Rajaji Seat and Tibetian Monastery. My recommendation for you is to take a Homestay instead of a Hotel.
Amongst the places to visit in March in India, Coorg is one destination that should be on the very top of your bucket list. Sometimes referred to as "the adventure capital of Karnataka", this hill station is known to cater to all types of travellers, whether one wants to relax in the backyard of a coffee plantation or one is a serious trekker preparing to climb the Himalayas. With bustling rivers and paddy fields, Coorg makes for a wonderful destination to catch the last whiff of winters.Things to do: Whitewater rafting on the waters of Barapole. Trekking in the Brahmagiri range till the Tadiandamol peak. Quad-biking and other adventure activities in Kakkabe.Food: Some local favourites are pandi curry, a spicy gravy with chunks of pork, and kadumbuttu, dumplings made out of steamed rice.Weather: Average – 28 degrees Celsius. High – 34 degrees Celsius. Low – 22 degrees Celsius.Average Expenditure Per Head (excluding flights): Rs. 11,000 for 5 days.How to reach: Nearest domestic airport is in Mangalore (160km away). It could also be a good idea to take a flight till Bangalore, which is more easily accessible from all major airports, and then take an overnight bus or taxi till Coorg.For an extended guide on Coorg, refer to this trip.
Mysore
147 Kms from Doddaballapur
Best time to visit - January,February,March,July,August,September,October,November
Once the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore for six centuries, Mysore is now the third most populous state of Karnataka. But not much as changed in terms of its cultural ambiance and heritage, hence deeming it as the cultural capital of Karnataka.
This city is popular for its year-round pleasant climate, silk, sandalwood and many majestic palaces, such as Lalitha Mohan Palace, Jaganmohan Palace and the most visited and grand one being the Mysore Palace.
To get an exclusive insight into Mysore's culture, Folklore Museum would be the best place, where a plethora of carved wooden figures, ceremonial headdresses, vibrant masks can be seen along with puppet shows depicting Hindu mythological stories.
Mysore Zoo is perfect for animal and nature lovers while the Regional Museum of Natural History serves those interested in ecological history. For those looking for unwinding strolls or simple relaxation, Karanji Lake and Kukkarahalli Lake are the best to visit, preferably early in the morning or evenings. More attractions include Brindavan Gardens, Railway Museum and St. Philomena's Church.
Cauvery Arts and Crafts emporium is renowned for an array of silk sarees, carved sandalwood, wooden toys and inlay work, whereas Devaraja market is ideal for a more local shopping experience.
Restaurants such as Hotel RRR Restaurant, Malgudi Cafe, Vinayaka Mylari, Sapphire and Anu's Bamboo Hut cater to popular local and international cuisines. Mysore comes alive during the 10-day festival of Dussehra, celebrated in October, when one can witness the entire city bedecked with lights, colours and music, making Mysore a memorable visit. Read More
The distance from Ooty to Mysore is 130 kms and the road from Ooty to Mysore passes through Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The road is really awesome and full of thrill as it passes through dense forests and there are many animals crossing points also. Because we had enough time thus we decided to take a safari in the dense forest of Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Tamil Nadu while Bandipur Tiger Reserve is situated in Karnataka. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is also a good place for wildlife lovers. After that we continued our journey by heading towards Mysore and in the evening we reached Mysore.
Tariff's for Hotel: Starting from ₹1000/- per room (Non AC)
Starting from ₹1500/- per room (AC)
Mysore is one of the most popular tourist destination in Karnataka. It is also known as "Palace City" of India. There we visited Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace and Chamundi Hills. Mysore Palace is one of the best palaces in India. The Palace shows us the lifestyle of our kings that how they lived such a royal life. It is a must visit palace. Lalitha Mahal is also a royal palace with a good architecture. After visiting Chamundi Hills, we left Mysore and then started our journey towards Chennai. The distance from Mysore to Chennai is 480 kms. After a smooth drive of 8 hrs we reached Chennai in the late night.
After tasting the Mysore Pak in Coimbatore, Mysore became a place of must visit. So we reached here in the evening hours and was blessed with the opportunity to view the Mysore palace lighting up for the night hours. Its just spectacularly amazing.
The Mysore Palace is breathtaking and is en route to Madumalai National Park. Hence a stopover to see the palace is must. If anyone is interested...its the best place to buy silk saris.
As far as majestic history goes, there are not many places that can trump Mysore, often referred to as the 'City of Palaces'. The Mysore Palace built by the Wodeyar Kings is a place where perhaps one can locate how Mysore became as culturally rich as it is for the Wodeyar Kings were great patrons of art and culture, allowing various forms, crafts and styles to flourish and grow in a way that they still exist and temper the way the city is today.
However, this is not all, Mysore is not just a place of cultural but also natural beauty. Located at the foot of the Chamundi Hills it has numerous lakes like Kukkarhalli and Karanji. The Chamundi Hills are also important because atop them is located the Chamundeshwari Temple, one of the most important religious sites in Mysore.
Mysore, formerly a Princely State, until the Independence of India in 1947 is filled with Royal beauty. It was once a region with flourishing art and culture under the royal and mighty kings. Also called as the "City of Palaces", Mysore's beauty can be seen through its rich architecture and its majestic palaces that stand tall today. Passed form the Vijayanagar Empire to the Wodeyar family (that lives here even today), Mysore has always been occupied by Royalty.
After the break, we reached Mysore recharged and our first stop had to be the street side dosa stalls serving up the famous south Indian dish ‘masala dosa’. With hot, freshly made dosas in our laps we sat on cold stone steps looking out on the magnificent 1927 Silver Jubilee Clock Tower now lit up by spotlights.
The next morning we made our way to visit our first Catholic church in India, St. Philomena’s Cathedral. The cathedral has some beautiful stained-glassed windows and it was very interesting how inside the locals had Indianised the church.
From the cathedral we caught a rickshaw and made our way towards the gate of the Maharaja’s Palace. Continuing through the palace the interior never ceased to amaze with huge hallways, massive swinging chandeliers and a kaleidoscope of mirrors, stained glass and sparkling walls that when reflected in the mirrors seemed to continue forever.
We won't be able to start riding from the outset, but will initially have to take a shuttle bus to battle the traffic on its own terms. Once we get to riding, the route for the day is overflowing with culture, which is quite expected for India! We ride past mango orchards, nurseries, paddy fields and temples and make the first stop at the Big Banyan Tree. This gigantic tree is about 400 years old and spreads itself over 3 acres. after a stop here, we move onto the small town of Channapatna, where toy-makers make handmade toys in their small factories. Before this, we stop for a typical Kannadiga cuisine at Kamat Lokaruchi. Channapatna owes its toy-making heritage to the King Tipu Sultan, who first introduced this otherwise Persian art. The small highway town is lined with bright shops showcasing horses, beads and sundry toys. We again use shuttle to reach the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore.
Ooty
230 Kms from Doddaballapur
Best time to visit - May,June,September,October,November
This renowned hill station once housed the Madras Presidency during the British Rule and possesses many remnants in the form of regal looking bungalows, such as the Stone House, The Ootacamund Club, Government House and Fernhill Palace. This along with the tall pine trees in the green areas almost makes you believe you are in old English country.
Ooty is also home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the country, such as the Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake and the popular Ooty Lake. For some adventure, one can hop on the Nilgiri Toy Train and enjoy a ride through the blue mountains, winding through dense forests, dark tunnels and valleys from Ooty to Coonoor.
Ooty is heaven for nature lovers and a trek through the Mukurthi National Park will be etched on your mind for years to come, offering a stunning panorama of carpet like green hills, home to the tallest peak of the Nilgiri Range, several wildflowers and beauties such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Bonnet Macaque, Mouse Deer, Otter, Small Indian Civet and many more. If you still want more, you can take a mesmerising walk through the charming 19th century Government Botanical Gardens.
Ooty's beauty can be explored more adventurously with everything from horse riding to hand gliding and mountain biking, all arranged by various resorts. Avid readers will be overwhelmed to visit the 19th century Nilgiri Library, sheltering around 25,000 books and hosting many events to promote reading habits among all age groups.
Chocoholics should place King Star on the top of their itineraries for purchasing a plethora of delicious homemade chocolates. More delicious food from vegetarian, cafe to non-vegetarian cuisines can be enjoyed at popular places such as Quality Restaurant, Earl's Secret and Willy's Coffee Pub, which also has a commendable library for one to delve into while enjoying their drink. Witness Ooty come alive in the month of May, with its vibrant boat races and flower shows, hosted across the town.Read More
This is among the few places I visited before I fell in love with travelling. Ooty is a 255km drive from Bengaluru. Bengaluru itself is a beautiful place and you don't need too much reasons to visit. What adds to the experience is this hill station. One can travel from their personal car or hire a car. Other than car, buses are also easily available.
18:30 - We reached Ooty and the drive along with the view was enthralling.I must say that it is quite commercialized.
13. Ooty (Nilgiris)Udhagamandalam (also Ootacamund) is abbreviated as Udhagai or Ooty. It is located 80 km north of Coimbatore and is the capital of the Nilgiris district.
As there were no 1-bedroom apartments available for the next day, we were allotted a couple of hotel units (it's essentially room + bathroom). We explored the area a bit in the morning before the amazing continental breakfast at Ascot. We reached the clubhouse after a bit of a climb and discovered a number of hidden gems there, including a 6-player Carrom board. The pencil sketches made by the previous guests were really interesting - it was almost homely.
The journey to Ooty was by far the most memorable road trip I have had yet. And the fact that we rented a vehicle (and not hired one with a driver) made the experience so much better. From cruising on the well maintained roads to trying to find an inexistent road and retracing our path by about 4-5km, we experienced it all. We discovered during this experience that the people in the small towns here feel really happy to help others out - never before had I seen anybody so enthusiastic about guiding us towards our destination, be it a lady carrying vegetables home or a pan-shop entrepreneur! Our ascent to Ooty finally began at about 5.45pm after we finally found a small restaurant where we stopped for tea. I dreaded the ghat section because I was really prone to carsickness as a teen - however this time was something different. We rolled down the windows and took in the freshest air possible, sang along with the songs on the phone, cracked jokes, enjoyed the beautiful scenery outside, observed the fluffy clouds, looked out for monkeys, and finally witnessed the sun take the rest of the day off. The most interesting part of this journey was seeing the buses travel up and down the slope - for a bus, the speed at which the drivers drove was just insane, and the way they navigated at the blind turns was nothing less than a work of art. By the time we reached the Club Mahindra Derby Green Resort, it was dark. We missed a couple of turns and ended up adding an additional half hour to the duration of our journey.I always look forward to staying at Club Mahindra - I love every bit of the experience, especially their hospitality (they go to extra lengths to ensure that our stay is comfortable) and the amazing food. On arrival we were greeted with hot towels, honey herbal tea, and sandalwood paste. The slightly-sweet hot tea complemented the chilly Ooty evening, and the untimely rain helped in quickening our journey from the reception to the 1-bedroom apartment (which also had a kitchenette!). The bandh interestingly proved to be beneficial for us - our room got upgraded owing to the fact that one of the guests cancelled at the last moment! We had a hearty dinner at restaurant Ascot. We were spoilt for choice when it came to dinner, as there was every cuisine we could possibly want. With minds full of eventful experiences, and tummies full of amazing food, we finally retired to our mini-apartment for the evening.
Adorned in Colonial charm, Ooty is a delightful hill town cradled in the beautiful Nilgiri Hills. The charm of the hill station lies in its laid-back luxurious grace, a surreal destination to rejuvenate in a picturesque setting and the perfect place to visit in May in India. With enthralling sights of the Doddabetta peak and the Tiger hill, Ooty is mesmerizingly graced by waterfalls and lakes. Pretty cottage dot the back alleys, and tea plantations on hill slopes add to its scenic beauty, along with terraced botanical gardens and flower cultivation.How to get there: Well-connected by roads. Coimbatore is the nearest airport and Mettupalyam is the nearest railway station.
After travelling such a long distance we finally reached Ooty . Crossed a small market area , few hotels and then went uphill . After crossing tea factory it appeared as if we have entered forest area. I became skeptical about the place but my thought changed completely after reaching the the resort - Sinclairs Retreat . Glimpse of the city from this place was so enticing . Entire city appeared like little sparkling stars in the sky.
Ooty or the Queen of the Nilgiris, which is also known as the Blue Mountains, is one of the most fascinating hill stations in south India. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 7,500 ft, Ooty boasts of prolific vistas, tea and coffee plantations, clear lakes, hills and stunning valleys.Ooty is where the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats submerge to become one. One can encounter rare species of flora and fauna here and the roads in Ooty are often surrounded by huge Eucalyptus trees and forests that seem to end at infinity.Ooty has always been an allurement for the people in south India but now it attracts tourists from the world over. This Ooty itinerary is your one stop guide to answer all the questions that you might have as you plan your next weekend getaway to Ooty.
So, on our last day we decided to ditch the Doddabeta peak and head to avalanche lake. On reaching avalanche, there was no road that lead to the lake. We had to find a trail in the forest ans trek down the mountain to reach the lake. So we parked our two wheeler side by the road, and found a trail. We had to be careful as we feared the wild bisons and the snakes. On reaching down, we found a beautiful lake surrounded by forests. All that you can hear is the wind, the sound of the water flowing and the birds chirping. The calmness one can get at this particular place is on a whole new level. People who really want to destress and escape reality should visit these places untouched by the tourists. The lake is deep though. And the fresh air you get is unbelievable. After spending one full hour at the lake, we had to climb back and came back to Ooty. We had our lunch and boarded our bus at charing cross at about 6PM. We reached chennai the next morning. The whole trip was unforgettable. The best way to de stress and escape. And we really escaped reality and had nice stay in all these places. The best way to explore any place is to hire a vehicle and explore and just loiter around the city. The beautiful part was the view between these destinations. The journey was more beautiful than the destination.
Mangalore
303 Kms from Doddaballapur
Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,December
Known as the gateway to Karnataka, the picturesque city of Mangalore is famous for its golden beaches, revered temples and delicious coffee. This port city lies nestled between the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the towering hills of the Western Ghats.
The pristine beach of Panambur is a popular tourist destination and also plays host to the colourful kite festival of Mangalore. Adorned with ancient murals, the Kudroli Gorakhnath Temple is frequented by many devotees. The Ullal Beach of Mangalore is a great place to enjoy water sports. Easily comparable to the Marine Drive of Mumbai, the New Mangalore Port is an ideal place to relax and unwind.
Mangalore is famous for its Udupi style dishes and staple seafood preparations. The Neer Dosa, Mangalorean fish curry, Cashew Upkari and Rasam are great introductions to this cuisine. Pallkhi, Gajalee, Cochin Bakery and Naivedyam are popular eateries here. There are multiple hotel options for tourists, extending from high-end resorts to budget hotels and even beach resorts. With its easygoing air and calm countenance, Mangalore is the perfect destination to relax and unwind. Read More
MANGALORE is one of the most important cities of Karnataka. It is the nearest airport to Manipal. If you are missing the city vibes and feel like shopping or want to be stuck in traffic for a while, Mangalore is the place to go. Mangalore offers a number of options for shopping ranging from Levi's to Calvin Klein. It also offers a good range of food joints and restaurants.
Flight journey from Mangalore to DehradunHoping for safer, smoother and shorter yatra , we left for Dehradun from Mangalore on June 18th 2016 early morning. To travel to the Chardham circuit, we hired a mini-bus from Haridwar since it was the only mode of transport that could carry 13 people across the terrains. Helicopter service has become popularity , if pilgrimage is the only objective, one can choose this mode of transport.Day 2 and 3
We decided to travel by train up to Mangalore and then hire a bus for the road journey. “Matsyagandha express” dropped us at Mangalore central station at 9.30 a.m. sharp. We hired a bus for our road journey up till Kodagu, but we decided to refuel ourselves with some breakfast. Our driver (Mr. Shivaji) took us to a nearby restaurant which served simple, yet elegant South Indian breakfast.
We left for Mangalore at around 5 PM and reached home by 7 PM.
Bekal is a small village situated in the northernmost district of Kerala, Kasargod. This place happens to be my native too. We visit here to attend the functions at our family temple every year. Bekal is famous for the Bekal fort, which is the largest fort in Kerala. There is also a famous Shiva temple on the way to the fort.Getting here: One can visit Bekal by train or by road. The train Mangalore–Coimbatore passenger departs from Mangalore Central at 7:35 AM. The journey is of 45-50 minutes. But we usually travel by our car. It is around 75 KM ride from Mangalore city.We started at around 7 AM from Mangalore by our car. The NH66 road is in excellent condition now.Our first stop was the Anantapur Lake Temple. This temple is built in the middle of the lake in Ananthapura Village. Legend has it that the cave near the temple is connected to the Ananta Padmanabha temple of Thiruvananthapuram. Unforunately, I had not clicked any pictures of the temple during my visit there ( as our phones were switched off)
This trip with the family was long due. Since all of us were in Mangalore(my hometown) to attend a family function, we decided to go to Coorg/Kodagu for two days. We were 7 of us (my family and my cousin’s family) and we booked an SUV for the trip. The distance from Mangalore to Coorg is around 150 KM ie approximately 3 and a half hour drive. The roads were great and the weather was very pleasant.As we had gone with our parents, we did not include any adventure stuff on this tour.
Sometime back, I was travelling to Goa from Karnataka. We were going back from a friend's wedding and since we had a few days to spare, we decided to go by road. It was a crisp 8 hour drive, the best part being most of it being along the coast.
12. Beaches of Mangalore
You can spend your rest of the day by visiting few others temples and churches like Kadri Temple, Gokarnanatheshwara temple, St. Aloysius Chapel etc. or you can end the day by visiting Tannirbhavi beach and Panambur beach. You can also enjoy boating and jet-skiing at Panambur. Don’t forget to taste the best ice cream of Mangaluru at Pabbas Ice Creams, Lalbagh. If you are a foodie you cannot miss on this. Also, try Kori Rotti for lunch or dinner, Korri Rotti is the authentic Mangalorean dish. Crispy Roti with chicken curry!
Visited Deepak travels, paid their bill and had roti with Undhiyo for lunch. Boarded evening flight at 3.30 P.M ,reached Mangaluru at 7.30 P.m.Its trip with colorful memories of kites, flying dwaj of Mandir, birds, blue sea, creek , green fields,white/pink temple and white desert.
₹ 0
₹ 20000+
