Bangalore city is often called a Botanist’s dream come true. This claim is best substantiated by The Big Banyan Tree, a marvel bestowed by nature in the city’s outskirts. Spread over 5 acres, the Big Banyan tree is nearly 400 years old and is an excellent specimen of nature’s bounty! Taking a walk alongside the labyrinth of roots and relaxing in the cool shade is my idea of a good weekend break from the chaos of modern city living!
Coorg is a beautiful district in the state of Karnataka in South India. Fondly referred to as the Scotland of India, Coorg takes the breath away from tourists with its lush green coffee plantations, misty hills and breathtaking views. Coorg is a wildlife lover’s paradise with 3 sanctuaries and a national park. With imposing peaks, Coorg is also a popular trekking destination. And if you are a sinner, you can atone for your misdeeds by visiting Talacauvery the holy spot where River Cauvery originates!
Did you know that the largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet is actually in a village in the southern state of Karnataka? Experience Tibet at Bylakuppe where you will find more than 10000 Tibetans making a living by farming, far away from their homeland. It is an amazing place for a weekend getaway from Bangalore. You will get to experience Tibet and Tibetan lifestyle through the Golden temple, educational monastic institutions and monasteries like Namdroling and Tashilunpo.
Jawahar is a hill station with a difference. While, it shares a salubrious climate, picturesque waterfalls and scenic views with other Maharashtrian Hill stations like Mahabaleswar, Jawahar has a unique Tribal flavor to it. It is home to Jai Vilas palace, the seat of erstwhile tribal kings. It is also an important centre for learning for Warli style of paintings. Far from the madding crowd, Jawahar beckons travelers looking for a “non-touristy” hill station.
One day a civil contractor was bulldozing a piece of land in Connecticut when he stumbled upon skeletons of dinosaurs. Further excavation led to the discovery of one of the largest dinosaur tracks of North America. Today you can visit the Dinosaur Park to catch a Jurassic Trail that goes back 200 million years back in time!
There is only one New York City. No other Metropolis in America or elsewhere even comes close to it in terms of diversity of culture, entertainment, business and commerce. Yet within a day's drive, one can find fine beaches, seascapes, forested mountains; quaint small towns and plenty of historical sightseeing. And, for a true experience of the spirit of New York, head towards the Empire State Building.
Kolar is a unique weekend getaway from Bangalore. It has something different for everyone in the family. Gold fields, Valmiki's Ashram from Ramayana, Silk farms, Wool spinning units, temples like the Kotilingesvara temple with ten million lingams, Adventure Sports, Black Buck safari are on the menu. And just in case, you happen to be a Particle Physicist, you too won’t leave Kolar disappointed!
