94 Places to Visit near Mysore within 200 kms (2024)

Belur is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka. It was the early capital of the powerful Hoysala Empire on the banks of River Yagachi. About 25 km from Chikmagalur, and 217 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages.

Belur is renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple built by king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. Dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, it is the best of three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (other two being the temples at Halebid & Somnathpur). The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Sri Chennakesava Temple is one of the must-visit places as part of Belur holiday packages.

Standing on a star-shaped platform, Sri Chennakesava Temple is known for its intricate sculptures and friezes. There are about 48 pillars of various sizes, shapes, and designs, bearing testimony to remarkable artistry. The main highlight of the temple is Darpana Sundari or The lady with the mirror. Yagachi Dam, Halebidu, and Narasimha Pillar are the other tourist places in Belur.

...read more

Shivanasamudra is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and also among popular one day trip from Bangalore. It is about 130 km from Bangalore.

Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other. Situated on River Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka. The island of Shivanasamudra divides Kaveri River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki includes a huge horsetail shaped waterfall dropping from a height of 90 m and two large parallel streams that cascade down through a rocky bed from a height of over 320 feet. Asia's first hydroelectric power station was set up in the downstream of the falls in the year 1905. Barachukki is a cascading fall with a height of 70 m forming several streams through the wide rocky formations establishing superb natural beauty.

This place offers breathtaking sight in the peak monsoons. Shivanasamudra is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages. An interesting way to watch the beauty of the waterfall is to take a coracle ride to the mouth of the magnificent waterfall.

...read more

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Karnataka. About 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, it is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore.

Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages. With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. Gomateswara temple, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Kattale Basadi, and Parshwanatha Basadi are importantplaces to visit in Shravanabelagola.

Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola can also be visited along with Mysore tour packages.

...read more

Iruppu Falls is one of the best Karnataka waterfalls, and among the must include places in Coorg tour packages. It is about 75 km from Madikeri,110 km from Mysore, and 248 km from Bangalore.

Also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls locally, Irupu Falls or Iruppu Falls is one of the popular 2 day trip from Bangalore. It is formed by Lakshmana Tirtha, a stream that originated in Brahmagiri Peaks and joins the Kaveri River. Dropping from a height of 170 feet through several stages, the falls are situated amidst the thick forest of Western Ghats.

The roaring waters of Irupu Falls and the picturesque surroundings make it a favorite picnic spot. It is an unforgettable experience to stand at bottom of the cascades and play in the sizzling waters of the falls. There is a temple called Rameshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, en route to the falls. It can also be visited along with Wayanad tour packages.

...read more

Nicknamed as the Garden City of India, Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is the 5th largest city in India, and among the top places to visit in Karnataka. It is one of the fastest growing industrial and commercial centers in India. It is often referred as Silicon Valley of India due to large number of software companies established in the city.

Bangalore is one of the ideal places for those planning to visit south India with many attractions in the form of heritage palaces, gardens, museums, temples, etc. Lalbagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Tipu Sultan's Palace, Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta National Park, and Vishveswaraiah Museum, are the some of the must include places in Bangalore tour packages.

Explore our Bangalore Travel Guide for complete details on the capital city of Karnataka.

Bangalore is the perfect stopover point, because this city is the gateway to a plethora of South Indian tourist destinations - you can choose from ancient temples, jungles, historic sites to even scenic countrysides for a quick weekend getaways. Coorg, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Wayanad and Ooty are the top weekend getaways from Bangalore.

...read more

Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet, Sakleshpur is one of the least explored hill stations in Karnataka and among the must include tourist attractions in Karnataka tour packages. It is about 151 km from Mangalore and 220 km from Bangalore.

Lies in the Malnad region, this beautiful hill station is very popular for its fascinating mountains, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather as well, which are the must-experience things to do as part of Sakleshpur holiday packages. Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Hemavathi Dam, and Pandavar Gudda are some of the popular places to visit in tourist places in Sakleshpur. Besides, this lesser-known hill station is famous for trekking activities in Bisle Reserve Forest Trail and Kumara Parvatha trail, in which one can explore the rich biodiversity of the place.

Sakleshpura is the gateway to the Western Ghats from Bengaluru & Hassan side. Sakleshpur is among the major producers of coffee and cardamom output in India.

...read more

Hogenakkal Falls is one of the best waterfalls in India, and among the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. It is about 146 km from Bangalore and 345 km from Chennai. Also, it is one of the major waterfalls near Bangalore.

Often referred to as the 'Niagara of India', Hogenakkal is one of the wonderful places to visit near Bangalore & Chennai. When the River Kaveri enters the Tamil Nadu border after winding its way through the state of Karnataka, it descends down the lofty landscape forming the Hogenakkal Waterfalls. The Carbonatite rocks found near the waterfall are one of the oldest in the world. The falls has about 14 channels with drops varying between 15 & 65 ft. It can be visited as part of Yercaud tour packages.

Coracle riding is one of the main attractions here which is allowed during the monsoon and winter season. Boating is usually stopped in peak monsoons. Hogenakkal is also the good place to try out your swimming skills. Tourists can also go for trekking on the nearby surrounding hills. The water from the fall flows towards the Mettur Dam which is also known as the Stanley Reservoir. Yercaud, MM Hills, and Yelagiri Hills are some of the major tourist destinations near Hogenakkal ...

...read more

Hassan is a city and the district headquarters of Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. About 120 km from Mysore, 170 km from Mangalore, and 177 km from Bangalore, it is one of the must include places in Karnataka tour packages. It is considered the architectural capital of Karnataka.

Found by the chieftain Channa Krishnappa Naik in the 11th century, Hassan was the command center of the Hoysala Empire. Hassan is the base station for Haebidu, and Belur tour packages. Dotted with several religious spots as well as monuments, Hassan is an ideal place to explore for history lovers, pilgrims, as well as curious souls. Hasanamba Temple, Nuggehalli Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Shettyhalli Church, Mosale temples, Maharaja Park, Chandramouleswara Temple at Arasikere, Bucheshwara Temple at Koravangala, Lakshmidevi Temple at Doddagadduvalli, and Gorur Dam are the top places to visit in Hassan.

It is here where the plains begin to gently slope into the Western Ghats. Besides, Hassan is close to Belur, Halebid, Chikmagalur, Sakleshpura, and Coorg.

...read more

About Mullayanagiri

At a distance of 20 km from Chikmagalur and 23 km from Baba Budangiri (by road), Mullayanagiri is a mountain peak located in Chikmagalur. With an altitude of 1950 m, it is the highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Chikmagalur Packages. Known for its serene ambiance and nature's raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path that is also quite popular among adventure enthusiasts. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby.

History of Mullayanagiri

Regarded as the highest peak between the Himalayas and Nilgiris, Mullayanagiri is one of the best places for trekking in Karnataka. The peak gets its name from a small temple at the summit, which is dedicated to a Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy, who is believed to have meditated at the cave near the summit.

Mullayanagiri Trek

For adventure enthusiasts, it is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur as it offers an opportunity to engage in activities like mountain biking, trekking, and road biking. Being the highest peak in Karnataka, it offers some very interesting trails. The trek route to the peak begins from Sarpadaari, which is about 15 km from Chikmagalur. This is a 4 km long moderate trek which is fairly steep ...

...read more

About Abbey Falls

At a distance of 8 km from Madikeri Bus Station, Abbey Falls, or Abbi Falls is a wonderful waterfall situated amidst the mountains of Western Ghats in Coorg. It is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore, and among the must-include places in Coorg tour packages.

Abbey Falls is one of the top tourist places to visit in Coorg. It is situated in the middle of private coffee plantations and spice estates. It is one of the best waterfalls in the Coorg region.

Height of Abbey Falls

Numerous small streams and abundant rainfall combine to form the Abbey Waterfalls. It cascades down the rocky slopes from a height of about 70 feet into a pool. This waterfall flows to unite with the River Cauvery. A hanging bridge has been built across the gorge here, from where the visitors can get a beautiful view of the falls. The sound of the waterfalls can be heard from the main road during the rainy season. A Kali Mata temple on the other side of the bridge is also not to be missed.

History of Abbey Falls

British called Abbey Waterfalls Jessy waterfalls in memory of Jessy, the daughter of Madikeri's first British Captain Chaplain. However, after the independence of India, the waterfalls came under the control of the Government ...

...read more

At a distance of 24 km from Somnathpur, 32 km from Sivanasamudram & 49 km from Mysore, Talakadu is a historical place situated on the banks of Kaveri River n Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit in Somnathpur.

Talakadu is a beautiful place surrounded by temples and is among prime place to visit on a Mysore trip. Talakadu had over 30 temples, most are them are buried in the sand today. Some of these temples have been excavated and are open to the public. There are five temples dedicated to Lord Siva - Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaideeshwara, and Mallikarjuneshwara Temple. The Keerthinarayana temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a beautiful site with wonderful carvings.

Talakadu was ruled by several dynasties - Gangas, Hoysalas, Rashtrakutas and Vijayanagara Kings. The temples of Talakadu have mixed architecture styles of these dynasties. Talakadu is also known for 'Curse of Talakad' by Alamelamma on the Wodeyar Dynasty of Mysore.

A famous festival called Pancha Linga Darshana is celebrated here once in 12 years. It is held on new moon day in the month of Karthika when two stars conjoin, the stars of Khuha Yoga and Vishaka.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

...read more

At a distance of 12 km from Halebidu, 27 km from Belur, 64 km from Chikmagalur, and 82 km from Kemmangundi, Belavadi is a village situated in the Chikmagalur district. It is one of the popular places to visit in Halebidu.

Belavadi is famous for Sri Veera Narayana Temple built in Hoysala architectural style. The place is described as Ekachakranagara of Mahabharata and is said to be the place where Pandava prince Bheema killed the demon Bakasura and protected the village and its people. Belavadi Temple can be visited along with Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

The Veera Narayana temple was built in the 13th century by the Hoysala King Veera Bhallala II. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in three different forms. While Belur and Halebid are famous for their intricate sculpture, this temple is one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. The west side of the temple consists of a square garbhagriha, a sukanasi, Ranga mandapa and square maha mantapa. The whole structure has been constructed on a raised platform. The entire temple is built out of soapstone and is believed that this temple was constructed in two phases. The temple is in trikuta style (three vimanas) with Sri Veera Narayana in the center facing east, Sri Venugopala facing north and Sri Yoganarasimha facing south. The shrines ...

...read more

About Dubare Elephant Camp

At a distance of 15 km from Kushalnagar, and 29 km from Madikeri, Dubare Elephant Camp is an elephant training center situated on the banks of the river Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Coorg, and also one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg packages.

Dubare is a natural island formed by Cauvery River. It is an important base for the Karnataka Forest Department's elephants and among the must include places in India wildlife tour packages.

History of Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp is a project undertaken by the forest department and jungle lodges & resorts. This camp has plenty of elephants which are trained under naturalists. The elephants used for Mysore Dussehra are trained at this camp. The trainers explain the various aspects of elephant history, ecology, and biology. Visitors can also participate in various activities involving elephants like feeding the elephants with ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, banana, and coconuts. Tourists can also watch elephants being given a scrub-bath in the river and also watch how oil is applied on their forehead, tusks, etc.

Things to do at Dubare Elephant Camp

Elephant interaction like Elephant bathing, ...

...read more

About Brindavan Gardens

At a distance of 16 km from Srirangapatna, & 19 km from Mysore, Brindavan Gardens is a famous & beautiful garden laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam in Karnataka. This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Mysore, and among the must-include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages.

History of Brindavan Gardens

Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Diwan of Mysore wanted to beautify the area around KRS Dam. Therefore, the construction of Brindavan Garden was started in the year 1927 by the Department of Horticulture and was completed in 1932. The designs of Brindavan Gardens have been inspired by the breathtaking Shalimar Bagh of Kashmir which was created in the ancient Mughal Style. Now, the garden is maintained by the Cauvery Irrigation Department, Government of Karnataka. The garden was renovated in 2005 at a cost of Rs. 50 million which included sprucing up the musical fountain using a digitized system and repairs of dysfunctional fountains.

Layout of Brindavan Gardens

Spread over an area of 150 acres, the Brindavan Gardens is considered one of the best gardens in India, and among the prime places to visit in Srirangapatna. The garden is divided into various parts - the ...

...read more

About Bylakuppe Golden Temple

At a distance of 5 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Cauvery Nisargadhama, 34 km from Madikeri, and 87 km from Mysore, the Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist Monastery situated in Bylakuppe, Karnataka. Bylakuppe is the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India after Dharamshala and is among the most popular places to visit in Coorg.

History of Golden Temple

Bylakuppe is a Tibetan refugee settlement area established by Lugsum Samdupling in 1961 and Dickyi Larson in 1969. It was an amalgamation of about twenty villages that came together to be called the town of Bylakuppe. The main tourist attraction here is the magnificent Namdroling Monastery. Popularly called as Golden Temple, the Namdroling Monastery was established by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche in 1963. This is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa, a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, in the world and is home to a sangha community of over 5000 monks and nuns.

The architecture of the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple complex is huge and it houses 40 feet high-gilded images of Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), Buddha Sakyamuni, and Amitayus. The temple tower is highly ornate. The outer walls flanking the doorway are decorated with huge colorful murals. The doors, red in color, have huge gold knockers and a thick plaited ...

...read more

About Talakaveri

At a distance of 9 km from Bhagamandala & 44 km from Madikeri, Talacauvery is the origin of the Cauvery River in Karnataka. It is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges near Bhagamandala at an altitude of 1276 m. It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg and is among prime place to visit on a Coorg trip.

At Talacauvery, there is a square tank called Cauvery Kundike or Brahma Kundike, which is considered to be the birth place of River Cauvery. Here, River Cauvery emerges as a perennial spring and disappears underground. River Cauvery again emerges at Nagathirtha near Bhagamandala and joins with Kannike and Sujyoti at Triveni Sangam. Bhagamandala is the meeting of three rivers and is also referred to as Triveni Sangam.

History of Talakaveri

According to legend, Cauvery was held captive by sage Agasthya in a Kamandala, a pot carrying sacred water. Lord Ganesha in the form of a crow made the Kamandala to topple at this hill when Sage Agasthya was meditating. There is a shrine dedicated to Kaveri Amman near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. The temple was renovated by the state government in 2007.

Talacauvery also consists of shrines dedicated to Lord Agastheeshwara and ...

...read more

At a distance of 3 km from Srirangapatna, and 16 km from Mysore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a small sanctuary situated in Srirangapatna, Karnataka. It is one of the must include places in wildlife tours in India and among the must visit Mysore tourist places.

Spread across 67 sq. km, the sanctuary comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri River. It was declared in 1940 as a result of many requests from Dr. Salim Ali who surveyed the birds in this area. Since then, the sanctuary has become a paradise for bird watchers. The sanctuary is a breeding ground for many migratory birds from all over the world. It is home to a wide species of birds including cormorants, darters, white ibis, spoon billed storks, open-billed storks, painted storks, white-necked storks, egrets, herons, terns, swallows, kingfishers, sandpiper, etc.

A boat ride takes you to the six islets crowded with many species of birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between June & October.

Timings: 9 AM to 5.30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 60 for Indians, Rs. 30 for Indian Children, & Rs. 200 for Foreigners

Boating Charges: Rs. 60 for Adults & Rs. 200 for Foreigners

Parking: Rs. 30 for Four wheeler & Rs. 20 for Two wheeler

...read more

At a distance of 10 km from Chikmagalur & 50 km from Kemmanagundi, Hirekolale Lake is a beautiful manmade lake situated in Chikmagalur. It is one of the well-known tourist places in Chikmagalur.

Surrounded by high mountains, this beautiful lake is awe-striking for every spectator, and mustinclude places in Chikmagalur Tour Packages. This lake was built to supply water to Chikmagalur town and assist in the irrigation of lands in all the villages situated nearby.

The lake is encompassed by gorgeous surroundings and offers a serene retreat for people coming along with friends and family wishing to have a great time. It also offers the most fascinating views of the landscape during sunset and is a delight for photography lovers who are looking to add an idyllic sunset shot to their travel albums. The famous hills of Mullayanagiri can be viewed from here.

This place can be easily accessed from the town of Chikmagalur. It can be visited throughout the year. There is no boating facility at the lake.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

...read more

At a distance of 100 km from Mangalore, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Kukke near Mangalore. It is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of Mangalore holiday packages.

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is one of the important temples of Lord Subrahmanya (Lord Murugan), and among the famous pilgrimage places to visit near Mangalore. This temple is famous for Sarpa Dosha. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as the protector of all serpents. The epics mention that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found refugee under Lord Subrahmanya when attacked by Garuda.

Pilgrims visiting the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in it before entering the temple. According to Mythology, Lord Kumaraswamy killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura in a war; and washed his Shakti Ayudha in this river (hence the river is named Kumaradhara). This is also one of the famous places of trekking in Karnataka.

Sarpa Samskara/Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed at this temple by devotees to get rid of the sarpa dosha. Kukke Subramanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and Bangalore.

Timings: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM

...read more

At a distance of 5 km from Sakharayapatna, 63 km from Chikmagalur and 25 km from Chikmagalur, Ayyanakere Lake is an ancient lake situated at the eastern base of Baba Budan Range hills. This is the biggest lake in the Chikmagalur district and the second largest lake in Karnataka. Ayyanakere is also called as Dodda Magoda Kere and it is surrounded by beautiful hills. It is one of the prime places to visit in Chikmagalur.

Ayyanakere Lake is one of the important places to visit during your Chikmagalur Tour. This lake believed to have been constructed by Rukmangada Raya, a ruler of Sakharayapatna. It was renovated in 1156 AD during Hoysala's rule. The sprawling lake was built to supply water for was agriculture. It supplies water for irrigating 21,560 hectares of land in the region.

Ayyanakere Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides. There is a beautiful mountain called Shakunagiri. The 4,600 ft conical shaped Shakunagiri forms a picturesque backdrop for the lake. Positioned in the Malnad region, tourists visit the lake to witness beautiful sunrise and sunset. Tourists can also engage in recreational activities at the lake such as fishing and camping at the lakeside.

Sakharayapatna is also famous for Prasanna Balleshwara shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva built during Hoysala's ...

...read more

About Cauvery Nisargadhama

At a distance of 3 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Bylakuppe, 12 km from Dubare Elephant Camp, and 29 km from Madikeri, Cauvery Nisargadhama is an island formed by the River Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is one of the most scenic Coorg tourist places and also a famous picnic spot for the people of Coorg.

This island was developed as a tourist spot in 1988 by the Forest Department. Spread over a sprawling 64-acre land, the island is filled with thick bamboo groves, sandalwood, and teak trees. The island is accessible through a hanging rope bridge. This island also features a deer park, Rabbit Park, Peacock Park, and Orchidarium. The Island is perfect for a picnic with the children. It is also an ideal destination for those who love nature and spend time by themselves. It is a very good site for seeing parakeets, bee-eaters and woodpeckers, and a variety of butterflies.

Things to do at Kaveri Nisargadhama

Elephant rides and boating in the Kaveri river are the major attractions here. Tourists are also allowed to get into the water at a few safe points along the river. People can also look at the rabbits at the lovely Rabbit Park, the elegant deers at the Deer Park, and the Peacocks at the popular Peacock Park.

Stay at Kaveri Nisargadhama

There ...

...read more

At a distance of 50 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore, Melkote / Melukote is a historical town located in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, it is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit as part of Mysore Tour.

Melkote can also be included in your Mysore holiday packages. The town is built on rocky hills known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Cauvery valley. The town derives its name from two words, Melu means top and Kote means fort. According to the history, the great Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya lived here for about 14 years in 12th century AD and thus it became a prominent center of the Srivaishnava sect of Brahmins.

There are two popular temples reside in this town, one is Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the other one is Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. These temples existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya came to this place. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Thirunarayana or Cheluvaraya installed by Lord Krishna. The utsavamurthy or procession idol of the deity is referred as Cheluvapille Raya whose original name appears to have been Ramapriya. This utsavamurthy was lost when the Moghuls invaded the place and it was recovered by Ramanujacharya from Bibi Nachiyaar the daughter of Mohammed Shah.

The temple has been under the patronage of the Mysore royal family and is ...

...read more

About Mallali Falls

At a distance of 54 km from Madikeri & 23 km from Somvarpet, Mallali Falls is a magnificent waterfall situated in the foothills of the Pushpagiri Mountains in the Coorg district of Karnataka. It is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Karnataka and also one of the popular Coorg tourist places.

Height of Mallali Falls

Formed by the Kumaradhara River, Mallali Falls drops down from a height of 200 feet and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Coorg. The Kumaradhara River later flows through Kukke Subrahmanya and merges with the Netravati River at Uppinangadi, which then empties into the Arabian Sea at Mangalore. The surroundings of the waterfall provide a spectacular view of green forests, valleys, and mountain ranges.

Best Time to Visit Mallali Falls

The ideal time to visit Mallalli Falls is during the monsoons, from June to September when the water level is at its peak and flows at full speed. Even the greenery around is at its best during this time. During the summer season, the water of the fall almost dries down.

Mallali Falls Timings

Monday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Sunday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM

Mallali Falls Entry Fee

Entry: Free

How to Reach Mallali ...

...read more

At a distance of 61 km from Gundlupete, 66 km from Mysore, 68 km from Kutta, 128 km from Ooty, and 209 km from Bangalore, Kabini is one of the most popular haunts for those who love to explore the wildlife sanctuaries in India and enjoy getting up close with nature. Kabini can be visited along with Mysore Tour.

Kabini is a region situated around the banks of the Kabini River. It is a part of Nagarhole National Park, famous for its spectacular wildlife and birdlife. It is the starting point of wildlife safari in the south-eastern part of Nagarhole. There is a dam built on Kabini River near Sargur which spread over an area of 55 hectares covering forests, rivers, lakes, and valleys. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows. During summer, animals in large numbers gather near the lake.

There are different kinds of accommodation facilities available near Kabini which include Orange County Resort, Kabini River Lodge, The Bison, Red Earth Resort, Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts, Kabini Lake View Resort, and The Serai. Besides accommodation, the resorts also offer several facilities to its guests like Wildlife Safari, Coracle Ride, Boat ...

...read more

At a distance of 85 km from Mysore, 40 km from Chamarajanagar and 170 km from Bangalore, the Biligiri Ranga Hills popularly known as the BR Hills is a lofty hill range in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects Eastern Ghats to Western Ghats. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Mysore and is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages.

BR Hills is famous for BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary). The sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 5091 feet and is spread across an area of 540 km. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2010 by the Karnataka State Government. The highest peak within the sanctuary is the Kattari Betta. The wildlife sanctuary is inhabited by a number of animals including elephants, sloth bears, bison, deer, porcupines and a number of other wild animals. It is said that the sanctuary has more than 250 species of birds like the Paradise Flycatcher, Racquet Trailed Drongo and the Crested Hawk Eagle, etc.

Another attraction of the BR Hills is the 500 years old famous Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple which is situated on the highest peak of the hill range, on the white cliff (biligiri) which gives the hill its name. The local form of the deity is called Ranganath, another form of Lord Vishnu and is depicted in a unique standing position. ...

...read more

At a distance of 135 km from Mysore, 89 km from Hogenakkal, 72 km from Kollegal & 209 km from Bangalore, Male Mahadeshwara Betta, also known as MM Hills is a sacred place situated in the eastern parts of Kollegal taluk in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 feet. This is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages.

Male Mahadeshwara Hills is surrounded by dense forest and is famous for Malai Mahadeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara is a very popular Shaiva pilgrim center and one of the most powerful Shiva temples in the region. The temple is surrounded by 77 hills of the Eastern Ghats. The temple draws large number of pilgrims from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The Mahadeshwara Temple was built by Junje Gowda Rich Kuruba Gowda Landlord. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Historical evidences suggest that the Saint Mahadeshwara came here in 15th century to perform penance and it is believed that he is still performing penance in the temple's garbha gudi in the form of a linga. The linga, worshipped now in the garbha gudi, is a self-manifested one. Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy was moving on a tiger known as Puli Vahana (Tiger as a vehicle) and performed a number of miracles around the Betta ...

...read more

At a distance of 71 Kms from Mysore, 85 Kms from Bangalore City Junction, Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 20 km from Mandya. The name of the village is derived from Kokkare meaning stork and Bellur meaning village of jaggery. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore & Mysore.

The Mandya district is famous for sugarcane fields and this village is famous for having large colonies of Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans nesting in trees within the village. It is home to cranes, painted storks and pelicans.

The best season to visit the migratory birds is October to March.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

...read more

At a distance of 55 Kms from Mysore, Chunchanakatte Falls is a famous waterfall formed by Cauvery River. The river flows into Chunchanakatte forming a 60 feet tall and about 350 feet wide waterfall. It is one of the top Mysore tourist places to visit in monsoon and another popular attraction not to miss in a Mysore tour package.

Legend describes that Lord Rama during his tenure in the forests stayed in this place on the behest of the tribal couple Chuncha and Chunchi. There is a belief that Goddess Sita took holy bath in this place and till now the water colour in that area looks like mixed with turmeric and other holy powders used for pooja. The place is very scenic surrounded by waterfalls and greenery. Lord Kodanda Rama temple is situated just beside the waterfalls.

There is a hydraulic power generating station installed.

...read more

At a distance of 75 km from Bangalore City Junction, 16 km from Kanakapura & 112 km from Mysore, Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is a hill near Kanakapura town. It is one of the highest hills in the area, and also one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore.

Situated at an altitude of 3780 ft, Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is also called Bilikal Betta that means white rocks. It is one of the popular places for trekking around Bangalore. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rangaswamy at the peak of Bilikal Betta. This temple is located underneath a huge, white-colored rock. The temple priest lives near to the temple and the only person living at the peak. Every year, pilgrims from the surrounding area climb this hill to celebrate a festival at the Rangaswamy temple at the top.

The Trekking Trail starts from Konala Doddi (which is about 58 kms from Bangalore City Junction - Bilikal Betta is 6 kms from here). Bilikal Rangaswamy Trek is a moderate one with a well marked path up till the peak. The trekking takes 2.5 hrs uphill and about 1.5 hr downhill. The trail begins with a half kilometer walk on a relatively level path, after which the forest becomes denser and the gradient of slope increases drastically. The trail constantly winds uphill at an incline and includes slightly steep ...

...read more

At a distance of 23 km from Bangalore City Railway Station, Bannerghatta National Park is a wildlife park spread in reserve forests of Anekal Range in Karnataka. At an altitude of 1245 - 1634 m, this one of the most famous wildlife parks in Karnataka and among the top tourist places in Bangalore. This park is part of a wildlife corridor for elephants which connects the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forest. Bannerghatta is one of the popular national parks in India and among the must include place in Bangalore packages.

Bannerghatta National Park was founded in 1971 and declared as a national park in 1974. Spread over an area of 25,000 acre and a portion of the park became a biological reserve called the Bannerghatta Biological Park in 2002. The park consists of the main Nature Reserve, a zoo, a children's park, an aquarium, a crocodile park, a museum, a butterfly park, a snake park and a safari park. The forest consists of deciduous trees and thorny scrubs.

This is a very prominent destination that attracts people from different parts of the country. The park is home to tigers, lions, leopards, bison, deer, bears, birds and butterflies. One of the main attractions of this park is lion and tiger safari or Grand Safari. The one-hour long ...

...read more

At a distance of 52 Kms from Bangalore City Railway Station, the Folk Art Museum or Janapada Loka is situated on the Bangalore - Mysore highway near Ramanagaram. This is one of the popular places of interest in Bangalore.

Numerous collections of masks, artifacts, costumes, collection of folk music and videos of folk dances are exhibited in the museum. Spread over 15 acres, the artifacts in the museum are kept in three buildings namely Lokamahal, Lokamatha Mandira and Chitrakuteera. In Lokamahal the visitors can find interesting folk puppets, utensils, instruments, weapons and masks. In Lokamatha Mandira a wide variety of baskets, utensils and earthen jars are featured which were used to store & grain pickles. In the Chitrakuteera a number of photographs covering different aspects of folk life is displayed.

The other attraction of the museum is a huge elegantly carved temple chariot. The museum also has an amazing amphitheatre. There is a lake at the rear end of the museum with boating facility.

Timings: 10.30 AM to 5 PM.

...read more

At a distance of 93 Kms from Bangalore (via Kanakapura), 107 Kms from Mysore, Sangama and Mekedatu are two lovely places situated nearby. This is one of the famous weekend getaways from Bangalore. Sangama is the place where Arakavathi river merges with River Kaveri. From this point, about 3.5 kilometers downstream, Mekedatu is a place where river Kaveri flows through a deep and narrow gorge. These two are the must visit places for those people who want to relax amidst pristine nature as part of Bangalore trip.

Mekedatu means goat's leap in Kannada. River Kaveri flows into a deep and narrow gorge, so narrow that a goat could leap over it and that is how it got its name. It is said that a goat being chased by a tiger saved its life by jumping over the gorge whereas the tiger did not attempt to take the risk and abandoned the chase. When reaching the gorge the river flows ferociously onto the rocks sculpting them into some amazing shapes. The river Kaveri flows through a deep ravine of just 5-10 meter wide. The water flow is very fierce at this place during monsoons making it very dangerous to swim here. The rocks are also very steep and slippery, and visitors need to be careful while descending the rocks. Several tourists downed here due to water force and slippery rocks.

Sangama, 3.5 kms ahead of Mekedatu, is the confluence of Kaveri and Arakavathi. ...

...read more

At a distance of 50 Kms from Bangalore (close to NH4 towards Tumkur), Shivaganga Hill lies at an altitude of 4599 ft and it is a good short trekking destination near Bangalore and a popular tourist place to visit near Bangalore.

There are also two Shiva temples, one very close to the foot of the hill, called Shivaganga Temple and another one at top of the hill, called Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple. The unique feature of the hill is that it looks like a bull from the East, a Ganesha from the West, a Linga from the South and a cobra from the North. A set of well laid steps will lead you to the top of hill where the shrine of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave temple is situated. There is a ruined fort at the bottom of the hill near Shivaganga Temple.

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple is believed to be very ancient, built in 13th century by Hoysala's. The current structure was built during 18th century. There is a huge rock with a large Nandi statue which offers a panoramic view of the plains below the hill.

There is a fresh water spring called Pathala Ganga on the way to hilltop past Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple. The water here is considered to be as holy. The trek to hilltop takes around 30-40 minutes one way.

While driving from Bangalore, a diversion is required at Dobbaspet (before Tumkur) towards left and Shivaganga Hill is about 7 Kms from here.

...read more

At a distance of 72 Kms from Bangalore (near Tumkur), Devarayanadurga is a rocky hill situated in the midst of picturesque locality at an altitude of 3940 ft. The main attraction of Devarayanadurga is the temples of Yoga Narasimha & Bhoga Narasimha. The Bhoga Narasimha temple is located at the foothills while the Yoga Narasimha shrine is located at the top of the hill. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore.

This is also an ideal place for trekking. Motorable road is available till the hill top. Many people trek the hill from the Bhoga Narasimha temple at foothill. One can driver further from Yoga Narasimha temple to the peak of the hill to capture a nice view of the valley and surrounding places.

Devarayanadurga is famous for the natural water spring called Namada Chilume which is considered as the source of Jayamangali River. There are two other springs known as Ramatirtha and Dhanushtirtha. There is a large cave nearby with figures of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The car festival of Sri Bhoga Narasimha Swamy is held during the month of March/April here.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi, an annual celebration of Narasimha avathara day takes place here during the month of Chaitra (around May).

A diversion is required on NH4 before Tumkur at Kyathsandra to reach Devarayanadurga.

...read more

At a distance of 43 Kms from Bangalore (towards Hosur on NH7, diversion at Chandapura after Electronic City via Anekal), Muthyala Maduvu is a small & cute waterfall. Also known as Pearl Valley, this is one of the popular Bangalore tourist places to visit for halfday.

Muthyalu means Pearls and Maduvu means Pond or Pool in Kannada. Situated in the midst of hills, nestled deep down in a valley, this secluded place makes a fascinating picnic spot. It is known for its verdant surroundings with water falling from a height of over 100 ft. Take a dive in this crystal clear water and feel one with nature. There are a couple of waterfalls in a small narrow valley. Overlooking these falls is a small shrine dedicated to Shiva, adding a religious touch to the place.

Monsoons (Aug to Nov) is the best time to visit this place. A little walk over around 100 well laid steps from the parking place takes you to the falls. There is a restaurant and restrooms are available near parking place.

...read more

At a distance of 83 km from Bangalore, and 101 km from Mysore, Chunchi Falls is a serene waterfall situated near Harro Shivanahalli near Bangalore. It is one of the popular waterfalls near Bangalore, and among the must include places in Bangalore Tour Packages.

Lies en route to Mekedatu and Sangama, Chunchi Falls is formed over River Arkavathi and is one of the most visited tourist places near Bangalore. It drops down from a height of about 50 feet through multiple tiers into a small pool. It is an ideal place to swim, play & relax in water amidst naturally formed rock formations.

Located on the edge of the Western Ghats, the waterfall is surrounded by rocky hills and lush vegetation, which make the scene quite picturesque. On the way to Chunchi Falls, travellers also come across a watchtower from where one can get a panoramic 360-degree view of the rocky terrain adorned with deciduous forest. There is a power station ahead of Chunchi Falls. After the installation of the power station, the amount of water has reduced significantly in the Chunchi falls.

This place is usually crowded on weekends. A little walk is required from the nearest road point to reach the falls. The place is a little dangerous due to the slippery rocks and deep gorge on the way to the falls. It is advised ...

...read more

At a distance of 42 km from Hassan, 44 km from Halebidu, 71 km from Chikmagalur, the Ishvara Temple, also known as Chandramouleshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Arasikere town of the Hassan district in Karnataka state, India. It is one of the stunning Hoysala temples in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Hassan.

Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, the Chandramouleshwara Temple at Arasikere was built in the 12th century by the Hoysalas. Though modest in size and figure sculpture, the temple is considered the most complex one in architecture among surviving Hoysala monuments because of its ground plan - a 16-pointed star-shaped mantapa (hall), along with an asymmetrical star-shaped shrine, whose star points are of three different types.

Like all Hoysala constructions, this east-facing temple was built with soapstone and is an ekakuta shrine (single shrine or cella) with two mandapas, one open and one closed. The sanctum (garbhagriha) enshrines a Shivalinga. The ceiling in the closed mantapa is divided into nine compartments or 'bays' by the four lathe-turned pillars. Unlike other temples, to have a darshan of Lord Shiva inside the garbhagriha, there is no direct straight access, since this particular mantapa is star-shaped. Instead, there are two lateral entrances at north and south of the mantapa.

The temple has a shikhara or tower with a decorated water pot like sculpture called kalasha on the top. The vestibule, which connects ...

...read more

At a distance of 29 km from Shravanbelagola, and 52 km from Hassan, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is an ancient temple located at Nuggehalli in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Shravanabelagola Packages.

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Nuggehalli was built in 1246 CE by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a commander in the Hoysala Empire during the rule of King Vira Someshwara. The town of Nuggehalli was called Vijaya Somanathapura in ancient times and gained importance as an agrahara (place of learning) during the time of Bommanna Dandanayaka. The temple is maintained by the people who reside around the temple area called Agrahara, an area donated to Brahmins by the ruling people in view of maintaining and performing poojas in the temples that they built.

Built with soapstone, the temple is a good example of 13th-century Hoysala architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Like other Hoysala temples, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Nuggehalli is also built on an elevated platform called the jagati. The temple is constructed as a trikutachala i.e. it has three sanctums. The three shrines are located around a central closed mantapa with 9 bays. The ceiling of the closed mantapa is supported by four lathe-turned pillars which are deeply domed in the center.

The main temple is raised with a statue of Lord Narasimha in ...

...read more

At a distance of 5 km from Kikkeri, 19 km from Shravanabelagola, and 56 km from Hassan, the Panchlingeshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Govindanahalli village in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one lesser-known Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top Hassan tourist places.

Panchalingeshwara Temple was constructed around 1238 AD during the reign of the Hoysala King Vira Someshwara. This temple is constructed in Pancha-kuta style and is probably the only surviving example of its kind built during the Hoysala period. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. The famous sculptor of Hoysala times, Ruvari Mallitamma, is known to have made contributions to the temple.

The whole structure faces east and the entrance is provided via two porches facing each other. Each entrance is guarded by its own set of dwarpalas (guardians). The temple consists of five sanctums connected with a common navaranga (hall). All the garbhagrihas are provided with their own shikhara and are connected with the navaranga via suknasi. These five garbhagrihas houses five different manifestations of Shiva which are Sadyojata, Tatpurusha, Vamadeva, Aghora, and Ishana. The shikhara of all the five shrines are richly decorated in Dravidian style.

An intriguing feature of this temple is that though the temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva, the outer walls of the temple carry images of various forms of ...

...read more

At a distance of 16 km from Kikkeri, 25 km from Melukote, 26 km from Shravanabelagola, 55 km from Mysore, and 69 km from Hassan, the Lakshminarayana Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Hosaholalu in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one lesser-known Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Hassan.

Lakshminarayana Temple in Hosaholalu was built by King Vira Someshwara of the Hoysala Empire in 1250 CE. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple may not be as famous as the other temples of Karnataka but it is a mystifying place. The beautifully carved sculptures, grand temple interiors, and the overall design of this shrine are the most attractive features.

Built out of Soapstone, Sri Lakshminaryana Temple at Hosaholalu is a splendid example of a trikuta vimana (three shrines) temple though only the central shrine exhibits a tower on top. The lateral shrines are square in construction with five projections and no special features. The temple is built on a jagati (platform) that resembles a star. This platform is raised and has a pillared hall or navaranga in the center and the three shrines around it.

The interior of the temple consists of a closed hall (navaranga) of modest size with four polished lathe-turned pillars supporting the roof. The four central pillars divide the hall into nine equal 'bays' (compartments) and nine decorated ceilings. Each pillar is beautifully carved with sculptures of young dancing girls in various ...

...read more

At a distance of 32 km from Melukote, 53 km from Shravanabelagola, 65 km from Mysore, and 108 km from Hassan, the Mallikarjuna Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Basaralu in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Hassan.

The Mallikarjuna Temple in Basaralu is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and was built by Harihara-dandanayaka in 1234 CE during the rule of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. Harihara and his two brothers consecrated god Mallikarjuna in the name of their father. They also constructed a tank nearby, in the name of their mother. This temple is protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Stands on a jagati or the raised platform, the Mallikarjuna temple is a highly ornate example of Hoysala architecture. Built-in the trikuta style (3 shrines), the temple faces east and consists of a Nandi-mandapa, navaranga, and antarala or sukanasi. The entry to the 3 shrines is through a common mandapa (hall). The sanctum sanctorum houses the Shivlinga representing god Mallikarjuna and the other two shrines have Surya and Nagas. The temple has only one shikhara built upon the sanctum sanctorum and is elaborately embellished with sculptures.

This temple has various distinctive features of the mature Hoysala period architecture. The base, like all Hoysala temples, has six layers of decorative moldings that comprise elephants, horse riders, lions, ...

...read more

At a distance of 10 km from KR Pete, 14 km from Kikkeri, 32 km from Melukote, 63 km from Mysore, and 67 km from Hassan, Hemagiri Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located at Bandihole village in Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit near Hassan while holidaying in Karnataka.

Hemagiri Falls is formed due to a weir or a low dam built across the Hemavati River to supply water to the surrounding villages and their farmlands. And when the river has good flow during the monsoon season, this weir overflows and forms the Hemagiri Falls across the entire width of the river, and is a treat to watch. When the flow is low, one can safely go under the falls and take a shower, but when the flow is heavy, all you can do is find a nice spot near it, admire the lush nature around and lose yourself in the roar of the waterfall.

The lush green farmlands and serene hillocks are an enticing feature of this spot. This spot seems to be a film shooting locale for some of the Kannada movies. People frequent this place for relaxation and recuperation. Not only do you get to enjoy this panoramic waterfall, but also visit many ancient temples located in the vicinity. And the best part is that there are hardly any crowds so, it is a perfect hidden weekend getaway.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

...read more

At a distance of 53 km from Shravanabelagola, 90 km from Hassan, and 94 km from Bangalore, Yediyuru Siddhalingeshwara Temple is a pilgrimage center situated in Yedeyuru Village in Karnataka. It is one of the famous temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Shravanabelagola.

Situated on Bangalore-Hassan-Mangalore road, Sri Siddalingeshwara Swami Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of the state as it is the tomb i.e., Nirvikalpa Shivayoga Samadhi of Tontada Siddhalinga a great Vireshaiva teacher and author who flourished at the end of the 15th century. He traveled far and wide preaching Sharana faith which is predominantly praying with ISHTA LINGA (Atma linga) as envisaged by Basavanna, Allamaprabhu, and a vast group of learned men and women from all walks of life. He performed 12 years of penance at a garden belongs to Vokkaligara Nambiyana (Thota) and hence came to be known as Thontada Siddalingeshwara Swamy.

The Siddlingeshwara temple faces north and is a fairly large Dravidian structure. An inscription near the entrance says about the spiritual greatness of the teacher while scenes from the life of Sidhalingha are depicted on the Gopura. There is a small shrine for Veerabhadra Swamy in the basement. Sri Siddhalingeshwara Swamy is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is known to perform miracles on a large number of people belonging to different caste and creed. Many sick and suffering people are believed to be cured ...

...read more

At a distance of 54 km from Mysore, Chikkadevvamma Hill is a sacred place situated at Kundur Village in the Mysore district of Karnataka State. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage near Mysore and among the prominent trekking places in Karnataka.

There is a temple on the hilltop and is dedicated to Goddess Chikka Devamma, believed to be the sister of goddess Chamundeshwari. This old temple was constructed by Mysore Wodeyars. The hill derived its name from the goddess Chikka Devamma, who came from Kerala and settled in Chikkabetta. Devotees have a strong belief that the Goddess has fulfilled all their genuine demands.

Besides, Chikka Devammana Hill is well known for its mesmerizing surroundings. From the top, one can have a panoramic view of agricultural fields, villages & Nugu Reservoir. The hill is also surrounded by forest so one can find elephants, leopards deers and other animals here.

The journey to the hilltop is also a wonderful experience as there are many hairpin bends. Especially, in the last stretch, from the foothills to the top, one needs to climb around 200 m vertical height, in a length of 4 km. But interestingly, the condition of the hilly road is very good and within 15 minutes, one can climb the hill without much difficulty.

Temple Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

...read more

At a distance of 12 km from Srirangapatna Railway Station & 15 km from Mysore, Balmuri Falls & Edumuri Falls are man-made waterfalls on the way to KRS dam in Karnataka. Situated near Brindavan Gardens, it is one of the must include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages.

Balmuri Falls is famous of the two and is a favorite film shooting spot. Balmuri Falls is actually a small waterfall created by a check-dam constructed on river Cauvery. The water flow is not heavy during the dry season and it is safe to enjoy & play in the waters here. It is a good picnic spot and is typically visited in the winter.

Edumuri Falls is about 500 m east of Balmuri Falls and is a good spot to swim and play in the water. There is also an ancient Ganesha temple in the vicinity.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

...read more

At a distance of 15 km from Kukke Subramanya, 30 km from Somwarpet, 65 km from Madikeri, 115 km from Mangalore, 260 km from Bangalore, Kumara Parvatha, also known as Pushpagiri, is a beautiful mountain peak located in Pushpagiri reserve forest near Kukke Subramanya town in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Situated at an elevation of 1712 m above sea level, Kumara Parvatha trek is one of the toughest treks and most popular trekking destinations in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The trek distance is around 25 km (with return) and usually done in 2 days.

Kumara Parvatha is the third tallest peak in Karnataka, Mulliyangiri in Chikmagalur being the tallest and Thadiyandamol in Coorg being the second tallest. Kumara Parvatha trek is one among the most popular trekking trails in Karnataka. This peak has numerous white stones that are known as 'Saligramams'. The Shivalingas with six faces, also known as the 'Kumaralingas', can also be seen here.

There are two routes to trek Kumara Parvatha. First route starts from Kukke Subramanya Temple and goes through Girigadde (Bhattare Mane) & Mantapa. This route is moderate difficulty. Bhattare Mane is the only point along the trek where you can get food, water and rest­rooms. Camping can be done at Girigadde (Bhattare Mane) or Mantapa.

Second trek route is little hard and starts from Heggade Mane, which is about 5 km from Bidahalli (which is 15 km from ...

...read more

At a distance of 100 Kms from Mangalore, 30 Kms from Kukke Subramanya, 65 Kms from Hassan & 80 Kms from Chikmagalur, Yedakumeri is a beautiful place in the Western Ghats & a wonderful trekking destination.

A trekking along the abandoned meter gauge railway line between Donigal and Yedukumeri (17 Kms - 8 Hrs) is a unique experience and is popularly referred to as 'Yedakumeri Railway Trek' or 'Green Route Trek'. This route is nature lovers & photographers paradise.

The trek route has several curves, tunnels and bridges. The mountains stretch with more than 25 waterfalls and several small streams. Trekking usually starts from the Dhonigal (on Bangalore - Mangalore route) and run along the tracks to Yedakumeri. Camping can be done at Dhonigal & Yedakumeri stations. Trek can be extended till Kukke Subramanya (16 Kms extra).

Donigal can be reached by Bus/Cab from Sakleshpura (which is connected by Bus with Bangalore via Hassan) - 10 Kms away.

Pre & post monsoon is the best time.

...read more

At a distance of 34 Kms from Madikeri & 10 Kms from Kushalnagar, Harangi Dam is built against a small stream, a tributary of river Cauvery at Hadgur village. The dam is 846 meters long with a height of 47 meters. The dam attracts large crowd during the monsoon season when the gates are opened and the water is released. It is one of the popular sightseeing places in Coorg. The backwaters are spread across several acres with small islands in the middle and thick forest on the banks.

There is a small garden near the dam and a stone statue of Goddess Cauvery. Just around the reservoir there is Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi.

August to October is the best time to visit the dam. Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM.

...read more

At a distance of 7 km from Nalaknad Palace and 41 km from Madikeri, Tadiyandamol Peak near Kakkabe is a tallest mountain peak in Kodagu. Tadiyandamol is one of the top things to do in Coorg and also a well-known destination for trekking in Karnataka. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg package

Lies at an altitude of 5730 feet, Tadiyandamol is the second highest peak in Karnataka after Mulliyangiri in the Baba Budan Range. The name Tadiyandamol literally means tallest mount in Kodava. With gentle, velvety green slopes, Tadiyandamol is one of the most exquisite treks in Karnataka and one which is also known to a few.

It is a 14 km trek both ways, takes you through the vast expanse of the Shola forests, endless lush green grasslands and streams. The peak can be approached from the Nalakand Palace (7 km) which is at the base of the hill. It is of historic importance as it was built by Dodda Veerarajendra in 1792 to shelter his army against the British. It is a day trek which makes it even more doable for city folks- whether avid trekkers or beginners. The trek from Nalaknad Palace to top of the peak is moderate and takes around 3 - 4 hours one way.

September to May is the best time to trek Tadiyandamol. It is advisable to hire a guide to trek the ...

...read more

At a distance of 43 km from Madikeri, 23 km from Virajpet & 13 km from Kakkabe, Chelavara Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Cheyyandane village on Virajpet - Talacauvery road in Coorg. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit in Coorg.

Chelvara Falls is a natural waterfall formed by small stream, a tributary of Kaveri River. It drops from a height of about 150 feet into a big pool. The pool has a depth of more than 50 feet. The waterfall is locally known as Embepare, which means tortoise in local Kodava language. The rock over which the water cascades is shaped like a tortoise and hence the name Embepare.

The water fall is really a wonderful site as the water gushes from the rocks amidst the green coffee plantations. The enchanting natural beauty and the tranquility of the place attract tourists and nature lovers. This waterfall is seasonal and it offer wonderful views in rainy season. Entering the water is very dangerous and has proven to be fatal for many over the past few years. The tourists are advised not to get into the water.

The waterfall is close to the motor able road (autos can be hired at Cheyyandane) and needs 10 minutes' walk to reach the falls. Chomakund Hill is another renowned tourist spot which is about 2 km away from the falls. Tourists visiting Chelavara Falls will also visit Chomakund hill. Chomakund is an awesome place surrounding with lush green shrubs and trees and ...

...read more

At a distance of 85 km from Madikeri and 10 km from Irupu Falls, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary situated in Kodagu district of Karnataka state and is part of the Western Ghats. It is situated on the border of Wayanad district of Kerala and Kodagu district in Karnataka. It is one of the famous sites for trekking in Karnataka and also one of the popular places of trekking in Coorg.

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1974. Situated at an altitude of 5357 feet, the sanctuary is spread across 181 Sq. km. The sanctuary derives its name from the highest point, the Brahmagiri Peak, which lies at an altitude of about 1607 m. The vegetation in the low-lying areas is predominantly evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, while shola grasslands cover the higher altitudes. The undulating terrain is dotted with several steep valleys and hillocks.

Elephant, gaur, tiger, jungle cat, leopard cat, wild dog, sloth bear, wild pig, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel, Nilgiri marten, common otter, brown mongoose, civet, porcupine, and pangolin are the common wildlife spotted at the sanctuary. Python, cobra, king cobra, malabar pit viper are some of the reptiles found in the sanctuary. Birds in the sanctuary include emerald dove, black bulbul and Malabar trogon.

Brahmagiri Peak, towers over the sanctuary, is a major tourist attraction and is also ...

...read more

At a distance of 70 km from Madikeri, and 33 km from Somvarpet, Pushpagiri is a mountain peak situated in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Pushpagiri is one of the best places for trekking in Coorg and among the top Karnataka trekking places.

Pushpagiri is the highest peak in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 5626 feet, Pushpagiri is the 6th highest peak in Karnataka and also 2nd highest peak in Coorg after Thadiyandamol. The Harangi River originates from the top of this hill. Covered by lush green forests, valleys, and hills, the area is perfect for hiking expeditions and it is one of the best places for trekking.

The trekking starts from the forest checkpoint at the base of Pushpagiri Hills, after Heggadamane village. The Pushpagiri peak is about 7 km from the Check Post and takes about 3-4 hours one way (moderate to difficult level) through thick forest, wet grasslands & some rocky terrain. There is a small temple at the peak dedicated to Kumara Swamy. It is possible to return on the same day if you wish to visit only Pushpagiri peak. But most of the trekkers continue to exit through the Kumara Parvatha (to Kukke) and camp at Girigadde which is 14 km from Pushpagiri Check Post (takes about 7 hours). There is very basic private accommodation available in Girigadde called Bhattara Mane and food is also served (need to carry sleeping bags).

Kukke is about ...

...read more

At a distance of 30 kms from Bangalore & 5.5 Kms from Hesaraghatta, Nrityagram is a famous dance village on the outskirts of Bangalore.

The village was established in 1990 by the well-known Odissi dancer Protima Bedi. The idea behind Nrityagram was to develop a traditional Gurukul to teach Indian classical dance. The school offers training in Indian classical dance forms, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Manipuri.

One of the best times to visit Nrityagram would be during the Vasanthahabba festival held to celebrate the arrival of spring. Artists from all over the world perform at the Nrityagram amphitheater during this festival.

A temple was built in 1998, which depicts the image of Kelucharan Mohapatra, guru of founder Protima Bedi in a dancing pose. Hesaraghatta Lake is very close (about 4 kms) to Nrityagram and can be visited together.

Casual tours and guided tours are allowed in Nrityagram. Guided tours need to be booked in advance.

...read more

At a distance of 25 kms from Bangalore City Junction and 32.6 km from Ramanagara, The Dodda Alada Mara literally translated to Big Banyan Tree is a giant Banyan tree located in the village of Kethohalli in the Bangalore Urban district of Karnataka. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore.

Dodda Alada Mara is a single Banyan tree that is 400 years old and has spread over 3 acres of land. This tree is said to be the largest tree in Karnataka and the second largest in India. It has a circumference of more than 250 m and has more than a thousand aerial roots. In last 10-15 years the main root of the tree succumbed to natural disease, and thus the tree now looks like many different trees. The area is fenced and well-maintained with pathways, bright cement seats and handy dustbins.

There is small temple dedicated to Lord Muneshwara (Lord Shiva). It is believed that the Big Banyan Tree symbolizes the holy trinity of Hindu Gods. The root, stem and branches represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva respectively. The big banyan tree is also a well-liked outing for quite some time as well as a preferred location for several film shootings.

Manchinabele dam which is 8 km and Mukti Naga Temple, which is 3 km from Dodda Alada Mara are the nearby attractions. Mukti Naga temple houses the world's largest monolithic statue of Lord Naaga about 16 feet ...

...read more

At a distance of 103 km from Bangalore City Junction and 58 km from Mandya and 84 km from Mysore Junction, Bheemeshwari is a small town in Mandya district of Karnataka. It is located between the Shivanasamudra Falls and Mekedatu on River Cauvery. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore and a well known place for the activities of trekking and adventure near Bangalore city, apart from being a famous Bangalore weekend getaway for one day trip.

Bheemeshwari is a great spot for eco-tourism and is a natural habitat for the Mahseer fish found in the waters of the Cauvery River. Mahseer is considered as one of the finest game fish in the world. A number of fishing camps have been developed here where professional and amateur anglers can catch mahseer. The surrounding lush forest cover is home to many animas like elephants, wild boars, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, otters and leopards; as well as a variety of water birds like herons, ibis, cormorants and kingfisher.

Bheemeshwari is also a great place for trekking and boating. Tourists can participate in adventure activities like river rafting on the Cauvery, enjoy a coracle ride, take a nature walk to just sit back and indulge in bird watching.

Bheemeshwari is surrounded by lush green forests and lies in the midst of steep valleys, this place is ideal for trekking ...

...read more

At a distance of 48 km from Bangalore City Junction, 31 km from Ramanagara and 13 km from Magadi, The Savandurga hill is considered to be among the largest monolith hills in Asia. Savandurga hills are located at an altitude of 1226 m above the sea level and are also considered to be a part of the Deccan Plateau. This is one of the popular one day trip from Bangalore for trekking and also one of the ideal weekend getaways from Bangalore.

Savandurga consists of two hills, the Billigudda and the Karigudda. They serve as the base for pilgrims who come to visit the Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy temple and Narasimha Swamy temple, situated at the base of the hills. The paths leading to these temples are quite uneven and thrilling. Thus, they make it to the wish-list of the rock-climbers, cave-explorers and adventurers.

Savandurga was a prominent place during the Hoysala rule. The hill fort on the top of the hill was erected in 1543 by Samanta Raya. It came under control of Kempe Gowda until 1728 when it was captured by the Raja of Mysore from whom it passed to Haider Ali. In 1791 Lord Cornwallis captured Savandurga from Tipu Sultan's army in the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

Trekking in Savandurga is an extremely popular activity. There are actually two main trekking trails that run up towards Savanadurga. One is the Karigudda and the other is the Billigudda trail. Both Karigudda and Billigudda are tough ...

...read more

About Banasura Sagar Dam

At a distance of 21 km from Mananthavady, 22 km from Kalpetta, and 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar Dam is an earthen dam situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The dam was built across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini, and is one of the most popular Wayanad tourist places.

Ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, it is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam got its name from Banasura, the son of King Mahabali, the famous ruler of Kerala. It is said that Banasura undertook severe penance on the top of the hills. Banasura hill is the third-largest peak in the Western Ghats.

History of Banasura Sagar Dam

The dam was built in 1979 under the Indian Banasura Sagar Project which was started to support the Kakkayam Hydro Electric Power Project. This project also aimed at contributing to the drinking water and irrigation requirements of the locals during the hot summer season. Banasura Sagar Dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders. The reservoir is marked with a cluster of small islands which were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas during monsoon season. These islands with the background of Banasura hill provide a mesmerizing sight to the tourists as part of Wayanad packages.

Boating at Banasura Sagar ...

...read more

About Soochipara Waterfalls

At a distance of 13 km from Meppadi, 24 km from Kalpetta & 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Soochipara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a beautiful waterfall situated in the Vellarimala mountain range of Wayanad. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Kerala, and among the must-visit places as part of Wayanad holiday packages.

Height of Soochipara Waterfall

Soochipara Waterfalls is a 3 tiered waterfall, dropping from a height of about 200 meters. The waterfall cascades down into a large pool, which is a good place for swimming and bathing. The water from Soochipara Falls later joins the Chaliyar River after Vellarimala Hills near Cherambadi in Tamil Nadu. The waterfall got its name from a needle-shaped rock situated here where soochi means rock and para means needle. It is regarded as one of the prominent Wayanad tourist attractions.

Things to do at Soochipara Waterfalls

Since the water falling from the waterfall forms a large pool, one can enjoy swimming and bathing in it. Sentinel Rock, a huge rock that is about 200 meters in height, is an ideal place for rock climbing. The drive to Soochipara itself is a wonderful experience as it is lined up with beautiful tea estates with a breathtaking backdrop of Chembra Peak. There are few tree-top accommodation facilities ...

...read more

About Pykara Falls

At a distance of 2 km from Pykara Lake and 23 km from Ooty Bus Stand, Pykara Falls is a majestic waterfall located in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Ooty - Mysore road, this is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore, and among the most popular Ooty places to visit. Pykara Falls is formed by the Pykara River and is situated downstream of the Pykara Dam.

Height of Pykara Falls

The Pykara Waterfall drops down into two sections with a height of 55 m and 61 m through multiple layers on the rocky bed providing a unique beauty to the stream. The waterfall amidst the dense forest is a treat to watch. There are barricades along with the waterfall viewpoint for the safety of the tourists. It is one of the must-visit places for honeymoon couples and nature lovers as part of their Ooty tour. The surroundings of the Pykara are famous for the Toda settlements and these are one of the very few placements where you find the Todas in their natural habitat.

Swimming at Pykara Falls

Swimming is possible at upper cascades, but not recommended as the path is filled with sharp rocks and the depth of the water is very less. Swimming in the lower part of Pykara Falls is dangerous and is mostly closed in the monsoon season to avoid accidents.

Best Time to Visit Pykara Falls

The ...

...read more

At a distance of 20 Kms from Kozhikode Railway Station, Kappad beach is one of the most charming Kerala beaches and also one of the best Kerala tourist places. Vasco da Gama landed on Indian soil on 27th May 1498 at Kappad beach along with 170 men.

There is a monument on the beach that commemorates the landmark event of Vasco da Gama's arrival. This marked the beginning of a new era in the relationship between the Indians and the Portuguese which lasted for 4 to 5 centuries.

The beach is ideal for relaxing and playing around with sand. Devi Temple, which is believed to be 800 years old, is situated on top of a rock near the beach. Karappula River at Elathur close to the beach is a good place for boating. Sunset is a great site to watch here, in the combination of Sea and River.

This place is very close to NH17 towards Mangalore. It is connected by frequent buses from Kozhikode.

...read more

About Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

At a distance of 12 km from Bandipur National Park, 37 km from Ooty, and 92 km from Mysore, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, or Mudumalai National Park is located at the foothills of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Tamilnadu, and among the must-include places in the Ooty tour.

History of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The word Mudumalai is a Tamil word with 'mutu' meaning old, and ancient, and 'malai' means hill or mountain. The name 'Mudumalai forest' was already in use when the British Government rented the forest in 1857 for logging purposes from the Raja of Neelambur. An area of about 60 km2 was established as Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in 1940. This is the first wildlife sanctuary in South India and one of the best Ooty tourist places. The sanctuary was enlarged in 1977 and incorporated into Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986. It was declared as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 2007 and got the world heritage site tag under the Western Ghats of India in 2012.

Layout of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over 321 sq. km, Mudumalai National Park is the continuation of the Bandipur National Park in the neighboring state of Karnataka, and the Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The Ooty-Mysore highway passes through the ...

...read more

At a distance of 16 km from Kalpetta & 4 km from Pookote Lake, Lakkidi is small hill station situated at the highest point in the Wayanad district. Located at an altitude of about 700 m, Lakkidi gets about 600 cm rainfall annually, making it one of the highest rainfall regions in Kerala and also one of the prime Wayanad tourist places to visit.

Often referred as 'the gateway of Wayanad', Lakkidi is located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass, which features over 9 hairpin curves that start at Adivaram (downhill). The 12 km long ghat road from Adivaram to Lakkidi passing through thick forest leaves a wonderful experience. The lush green hills, gorges and streams on both sides of the passage up the hill are breathtaking sights to the visitors.

This beautiful hill town has a number of scenic locations and enchanting viewpoints. Lakkidi Viewpoint is a popular viewpoint which offers dazzling views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys. Apart from Lakkidi Viewpoint, Pookote Lake is another popular attraction in Lakkidi. This is a natural fresh water lake, spread across 13 acres.

Lakkidi is also famous for the Chain Tree, which is a large ficus tree bounded by a chain. According to the myth, a British engineer, after many attempts, failed to create a passage through the forests of Wayanad. Then a tribal youth, Karinthandan, guided ...

...read more

About Chembra Peak

At a distance of 17 km from Kalpetta, Chembra Peak is a mountain peak in the Western Ghats of the Wayanad district. This is one of the top places for trekking in Kerala, and another popular attraction not to miss as part of your Wayanad tour packages.

Located at an elevation of 2100 m above sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad & the third-highest peak in South India. The Chembra peak offers a panoramic view of not only the entire Wayanad district but also a large chunk of the Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Niligiri districts. The peak, its surrounding lush greenery, and the famed heart-shaped lake make it a paradise for travellers to explore.

Trekking to Chembra Peak

Trekking to Chembra Peak is one of the top things to do in Wayanad and is organized by Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS), a part of the forest department. Being nestled amidst the beautiful Wayanad hills and the adjoining Nilgiri hills, a trek to the peak is certainly a rejuvenating affair. The base of Chembra Peak is accessible by private vehicles from Meppadi town. Visitors can get permission from the entry gate itself. The peak is about 4 km one way and takes about 2 hours to trek (one way). The trek is a moderately difficult task and is recommended for trekkers with good physical fitness. There is a heart-shaped lake ...

...read more

At a distance of 9 km from Ooty Bus Station, Kamraj Sagar Dam, also known as the Sandynalla Reservoir, is a very quiet and scenic dam situated on the slopes of the Wenlock Downs in Ooty. It is one of the top Ooty tourist places and also a must include in every Ooty Tour Packages.

The dam, built on the Kamrajar Lake, is spread over 400 acres and is situated on the way to Wenlock Downs & Pykara. The dam is a monsoon fed water body and measures about 6 km in length. The dam and the serene location make it a heavenly place and a favorite haunt for the nature lovers. It is also a popular destination with honeymoon couples because of its picturesque natural beauty. It is a popular shooting location in Ooty.

There are several walking trails around the lake and visitors can also explore several tourist places in the area through these walking trails. The surroundings of the lake are home to variety of birds which include peacocks, storks, kingfishers, cranes, herons and sunbirds can easily be spotted in the area. The animals that are seen in this area include wild boars, Indian bison, barking deer, monkeys, mongooses and leopards.

There is a pine forest adjacent to the main road through which the reservoir is accessed. Pine trees spread across several acres is a nice place to take snaps & famous shooting spot as well. ...

...read more

About Meenmutty Waterfalls

At a distance of 5 km from Banasura Sagar Dam, 25 km from Kalpetta & 48 km from Sulthan Bathery, Meenmutty Waterfalls is a magnificent waterfall located near Banasura Sagar Dam in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and among the prominent Wayanad tourist places to visit.

Height of Meenmutty Waterfall

Cascading down through multiple tiers from a height of 984 feet, it is the second-highest waterfall in Kerala and is situated inside a thick forest flowing through a rocky platform. The falls has three tiers with varying height. The first tier can be reached by walking for about 500 m from the parking area / main entrance of the falls. This layer is smaller and has a low-depth pool that is ideal for swimming. The second tier can be reached by trekking about 500 m through steps built over boulders. The half km path runs along downstream of the river and offers wonderful views of the stream and thick vegetation.

The third tier is the toughest and needs some walking through the stream on slippery rocks with help of ropes. The ascend is steep at a few places and this half km stretch takes about 10-15 minutes. The peak on top of the third tier offers breathtaking views of Banasura Sagar Dam and surrounding valleys. Meenmutty Falls situated amidst a serene location offers a wonderful ...

...read more

About Pykara Dam

At a distance of 22 km from Ooty, Pykara Lake is a placid lake situated on Ooty - Mysore road in Tamilnadu. The dam amidst dense forest is a beautiful destination offering breathtaking scenery. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty and an ideal place to experience a beautiful boat ride.

Situated amidst a lush green shola forest, Pykara Lake is formed as a result of the construction of the Pykara Dam over the Pykara River, the largest river in the Nilgiris district. The Pykara Lake formed by the dam is a blessed lake for the Todas, the local tribe of Nilgiris. The dam also has a powerhouse which is one of the oldest power plants in South India and is generating about 60 megawatts of electricity. It was declared a heritage plant in 1997, triggering the establishment of more hydroelectric power stations in the state.A few hundred meters north of the lake, the river tumbles down the rocks to form the famous Pykara Falls.

The place is a popular picnic spot among locals as well as tourists. The lake is surrounded by the thick forest of Mukurthi National Park. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of wildlife like elephants roaming on the banks of the lake.

Boating at Pykara Dam

Organized by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, boating in Pykara Lake is a memorable experience. Visitors can hire a speed boat or motor boat from the boat house and enjoy ...

...read more

About Kuruva Island

At a distance of 13 km from Mananthavady, 26 km from Kalpetta, 35 km from Irupu Falls & 32 km from Sulthan Bathery, Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruva Dweep, is a protected river delta in Wayanad district of Kerala. Kuruva Dweep is being developed as an eco-tourism project and is one of the popular places to visit in Wayanad.

Kuruva Island is a cluster of small islands formed by the delta in the River Kabini and is spread over 950 acres of uninhabited area. These are true natural islands with no other activities. Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. Rare species of birds, orchids, and herbs are the main attraction of the island apart from its breathtaking natural beauty. Several migratory birds are also seen on the island. The main island contains two small freshwater lakes. Other unique features of these islands are the bridges made of bamboo and rare species of trees.

The island has two entry points, Cheriyamala and Palvelicham. If you stay in places like Sulthan Bathery, Pulpally, and Kenichira area, you can consider reaching the Cheriyamala entry point for accessing the island. If you are staying at Kalpetta, Vythiri, Padinjarathara, Mananthavady, etc, you can consider reaching the Palvelicham entry point. The island is open to visitors from October to May and is closed during the peak rainy season which is ...

...read more

At a distance of 17 km from Ooty and 27 km from Coonoor, Emerald Lake, a serene lake with emerald blue waters, is located near Emerald village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst dense forests, it is one of the top Ooty tourist places. The lake is part of the Silent Valley National Park situated on the way to Avalanche village.

The blue waters of Emerald Lake surrounded by lush green meadows and forest is simply mesmerizing. The water is crystal clear and of course cold. This is a great place to enjoy the day with breathtaking views of the slopes of Nilgiris. Emerald Lake is also a haven for a variety of birds. It is a mini paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists as they get to see and study a number of native birds. It is also notable for the scenic sun rise and sun set views near the lake. The Tea gardens is a great spot to spend some time as it gives a memorable experience. Trekking is another activity visitors can indulge in.

Far from maddening crowds packed in the town, this place is untouched by regular tourists. There are no amenities around the place except The Red Hill Nature Resort which is a little further from the shore of the lake. The various facilities arranged by the resort for tourists include mountain biking, bird watching, fishing and trekking in the regions surrounding the lake.

The journey to Emerald Lake (from Ooty / Coonoor) offer ...

...read more

At a distance of 6 km from Kodencheri, 32 km from Kalpetta, & 48 km from Kozhikode, Thusharagiri Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Malabar region and among the most popular places of sightseeing in Wayanad.

Thusharagiri literally means 'snowcapped mountains'. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name - Thusharagiri. The highest of the three falls is the Thenpara Fall dropping from a height of 75 meters. The first waterfall can be reached easily while the remaining two falls can be reached from the first one by trekking through thick forest. A 5 km upstream trek will take one to the origin of the stream.

Widely known as the 'trekker's paradise', the place offers challenging trekking and rock-climbing opportunities. Surrounding the magical waterfalls are the evergreen forests and soothing streams adding to the pristine beauty. There is a trek path from Thusharagiri to Vythiri in Wayanad and it is not for the faint heart. Starting from Thusharagiri Falls in the morning, and reached Vythiri by evening. An ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, this Kerala waterfall is also a great picnic spot as well as a nice romantic retreat.

Considered among ...

...read more

At a distance of 20 km from Coonoor, 29 km from Ooty, and 72 km from Coimbatore, Kotagiri is a small hill station in the Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the lesser-known hill stations in tamilnadu, and among the top tourist places to visit near Ooty.

Situated at an altitude of 1793 m, Kotagiri is the oldest and the third largest hill station in the Nilgiris after Ooty, and Coonoor. The name Kotagiri literally means mountains of the Kotas that refers to the Kota tribe who lived here in the past. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Ooty tour.

Kotagiri was the first British settlement in the Nilgiris and preferred summer retreat, till a road was built from Mettupalayam to Coonoor. The region was discovered by two civil servants of the Madras government in pursuit of outlaws. They called the region Kotacherry. John Sullivan, the then collector of Coimbatore, visited Kotagiri and was so drawn to the place that he built a home here making him the first European to reside in Kotagiri.

Kotagiri is famous for its breathtaking scenic beauty. The first coffee plantation was planted here in 1843 which was followed by many more plantations. However, the first tea plantation in the late 19th century by the daughter of MD Cockburn, tea slowly started taking over coffee ...

...read more

At a distance of 14 km from Ooty, Kalhatty Falls is an attractive waterfall situated on the Ooty - Mysore Road or Sigur Ghat Road. Also known as the Kalahasti Falls, it is one of the top places to visit in Ooty and also one of the best waterfalls in Ooty.

Situated on the slopes of Kalhatti Mountain, the Kalhatty Falls cascades down from a height of 120+ feet and is considered to be an ideal destination for trekking. It is situated at an average height of around 400 feet in the Sigur Plateau of Tamil Nadu.

The Kalhatty-Masinagudi slope is rich in wildlife such as Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambars and different types of hill birds. The falls are accessible from main road through a private tea estate. There is a viewpoint that offers a far view of the falls. One can walk down through a narrow path for 15 minutes (one way) from viewpoint to take a closer view & reach bottom of the falls. The path is usually isolated and not suggested to take after 5 PM.

The falls offer best views during the monsoon season. The falls is mostly dried up in winter & summer seasons.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

...read more

At a distance of 12 km from Nagarhole National Park, 12 km from Irupu Falls, and 39 km from Kalpetta, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is a sanctuary and Elephant Reserve in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the must include places in India wildlife tours and among the best Wayanad tourist places.

Established in 1973, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was brought under the Project Elephant in the year 1991-92. The sanctuary is bordered with Nagarhole WLS & Bandipur WLS in Karnataka and Mudumalai WLS in Tamilnadu. Occupying an area of 345 sq. km, Wayanad WLS is the second largest WLS in Kerala and is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary was set up with an objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region with due consideration to the general life style of tribes and others whose lives are dependent on the forest. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster, including all of the sanctuary, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Among the best sanctuaries near Kozhikode, the sanctuary is divided into two separate parts, known as Upper Wayanad WLS ...

...read more

At a distance of 26 km from Kalpetta, 99 km from Kozhikode, 95 km from Ooty and 116 km from Mysore, Sulthan Bathery, previously known as Sulthans Battery, is a town and municipality in Wayanad district of Kerala. Situated at an altitude of 930 m it is a cute hill station in Kerala and also one of the popular tourist places in Kerala.

Earlier, Sulthan Bathery was known as Ganapativattom. It was also known as Kidanganadu, because the Kidangans lived here. It derives its present name from Tipu Sultan of Mysore who captured the Jain temple here and used it as his battery in the 18th century, hence the name Sultans Battery.

Sultan Bathery is known for its magnificent beauty and spice plantations. Lush green hills and cool climate make it an ideal holiday destination. The major attraction of the town is the Jain temple, which was built during the 13th century. This temple was used for storing ammunition (battery) by Tipu Sultan during his invasion of Kerala. Other attractions of the town are the Ganapati temple and Mariyamman temple. The Ganapati temple is an eight century old shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which is a place of worship for the tribal people. Other interesting places to visit near Sulthan Bathery include famous Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary at Muthanga and Ambalavayal Heritage Museum.

Chembra Peak, ...

...read more

At a distance of 7 km from Kotagiri, 21 km from Coonoor, and 36 km from Ooty, Catherine Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Kotagiri in Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is the second largest waterfalls in Nilgiris and one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore. It is also one of the best Coonoor places to visit.

Cascades down from a height of 250 feet, the stunning Catherine Falls is a double-cascaded waterfall located at Aravenu. The River Kallar descends down the rocks as Geddhehaada Halla stream, to form the Catherine Falls. Also known as Geddhehaada Halla by locals, this waterfall is named after Catherine Cocburn, the wife of M.D. Cocburn, who had introduced coffee plantation to the areas of Kotagiri and Yercaud.

Catherine Falls is surrounded by beautiful views of forest, tea plantations and the Mettupalayam plains. The falls is clearly visible from the top of Dolphin's Nose and this is the only place where you can get to full view of the falls as part of Coonoor holiday packages. Though it's not possible to reach the foot of this waterfall, one can go to top of the falls for a truly spectacular view. From a small town called Aravenu on the Kotagiri/Mettupalayam Road, one has to go via Moon Road to reach the falls. About 2-3 km trek is required from the nearest ...

...read more

At a distance of 57 Kms from Kozhikode Railway Station, Peruvannamuzhi Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with great natural beauty amidst hills. The reservoir meets the drinking water needs of Kozhikode, Quilandy and Vadakara.

Boating facilities are available at the reservoir of the dam with speedboats and rowboat. There is a small island in the reservoir of the dam with a bird sanctuary & crocodile farm. One can closely observe the giant crocodiles maintained by forest department here. There is a garden named 'Smaraka Thottam' created for the memory of the freedom fighters of the region.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM.

...read more

At a distance of 13 km from Muthappanpuzha, 63 km from Kozhikode Railway Station and 33 km from Thiruvambady, Vellarimala is a mountain range in Kerala, spread across Thiruvambady Panchayat in Kozhikode district and Meppadi Panchayat in Wayanad district. It lies at an altitude of 2200 m and is a popular hill resort around Kozhikode.

Vellari Mala is part of the popular Camel's Hump Mountains of the Western Ghats. The tallest peak in this range is called Vavul Mala and is situated an altitude of 2339 m. The meandering flow of the River Chaliyar through the rocky terrain of the hill range adds to the mystic beauty of the place by creating many waterfalls and cascades. Vellari Mala is a trekker's paradise but it is also a great picnic spot for a relaxing experience with family and friends.

Trekking to Vellari Mala starts from Muthappanpuzha, 3 km from Anakkampoyil, which is about 50 km from Kozhikode. KSRTC Bus Services are available from Thiruvambady to Anakkampoyil and Muthappanpuzha. There are jeeps available to Vellari Mala base from Muthappanpuzha. From the base visitors need to trek 9 km through thick forest and rocky terrains. It will take one full day to climb this peak and one could return only on the next day.

Vellarimala trek is one of the toughest treks in the South. Except for the initial 4 km stretch, the entire trek is through dense forest, frequented by ...

...read more

At a distance of 7 km from Thirunelly Temple, 29 km from Mananthavady, 35 km from Irupu Falls & 52 km from Kalpetta, Pakshipathalam is an eco-tourist spot situated in the Brahmagiri hills of Wayanad district. Situated at an altitude of 1740 m, Pakshipathalam is one of the popular Wayanad tourist places and also one of the best places for trekking in Wayanad.

Pakshipathalam is the abode of large population of several species of birds. It is an ornithologist's paradise. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. The hill station of Pakshipathalam was once the meditating area for countless rishis or saints of ancient India. There is also a cave called Munikal Cave, where birds take shelter during night and early morning. The cave is also famous for the endangered species of birds known as 'Edible Nest Swift' which makes its nest with the help of its saliva. There is a small eagle shaped projection where the Garuda, the sacred vehicle of Lord Vishnu, was believed to have been landed.

Pakshipathalam is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. This can be accessed only by trekking from Thirunelly Temple (about 8 km one way). The 3 hours trek to Pakshipathalam takes you through moist deciduous forests, rolling hillocks, open grasslands, slippery trails, and narrow rocky caves. There is also ...

...read more

At a distance of 12 km from Sulthan Bathery, & 37 km from Kalpetta, Chethalayam Waterfalls is a beautiful waterfall located near Kidangand, towards Pulpally from Sulthan Bathery. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Kerala and among the best places to visit during your Wayanad trip.

This is a seasonal waterfall in Wayanad region, but it is ideal for trekking. Chethalayam Waterfalls with its picturesque beauty, scenic slopes, and blue water bodies are worth the trek up. Its surroundings offer several vantage points for bird watching. This waterfall is situated close to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is inhabited by spotted deer, sambar, gaur, elephants, and sloth bear, amongst others.

One has to trek about 4 km from Kidangand to reach the falls. The Forest Range Office at Chethalayam issues visitor passes to the waterfall. Their permission is mandatory to get into the jungle surrounding the waterfall. One can avail of the services of a guide from the check post. Wild elephants, at times, pass through the area. For that reason, the Guide service becomes indispensable to this 4 km trek.

The falls may completely get dried in summer, so the post-monsoon season is the best time to visit the falls.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

...read more

At a distance of 17 km from Kalpetta, Karapuzha Dam is an earth dam situated near Vazhavatta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the biggest earth dams in India and also one of the major Wayanad tourist places.

Karapuzha Dam is built on Karapuzha River, a tributary of Kabini River. The construction of the dam began in 1977 and it was completed in 2004. The height of the dam is 28 meters and length is 625 meters. The purpose of the dam is irrigation and it left and right bank canals are still under construction.

The dam is located in the greenish and natural regions of Wayanad. It is an ideal place for watching aquatic birds that frequent the reservoir, which is surrounded by partially submerged hills and green islands. The Tourism Department has ambitious plans to develop the area around Karapuzha Dam. They plan to landscape the area, construct an aquarium and provide boating and canoeing facilities also.

Vazhavatta is connected by few buses with Kalpetta. But Meenangadi town (7 km from the Dam) on Kalpetta - Sulthan Bathery road has frequent bus facility. Private transportation can be availed from Meenangadi to reach the Karapuzha Dam. The road to Karapuzha Dam is very bad and the short distance takes about 30 minutes. There is not much to see near the dam except the view of the water and surrounding hills. The water level is very low in summer and not recommended to visit in summer.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

...read more

At a distance of 5 km from Lakkidi, 12 km from Kalpetta and 64 km from Kozhikode, Vythiri is a small hill station situated in Wayanad district of Kerala. Vythiri is one of the top tourist attractions in Wayanad and is among prime place to visit on a Wayanad tour.

Situated at an altitude ranging between 3750 to 4500 feet, Vythiri is a beautiful summer resort in Kerala state and among the best hill stations near Bangalore. Vythiri has a classic blend of old world charm, peaceful environs & modern amenities. Vythiri is famous for its evergreen rain forests and plantations of coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper. The forests of Vythiri are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The bird watchers can enjoy exploring this place and get a chance to look at a wide variety of migratory birds from close quarters. This is an ideal place for tourists to soak in the dense green covers and explore the breathtaking surroundings.

There are many places to visit in and around Vythiri, including Pookote Lake, which lies 3 km away. The Chembra Peak, Soochipara & Meenmutty Falls, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar dam and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary are the other major attractions of Vythiri. Karalad Lake is situated 8 km from Vythiri. It offers facilities for angling and boating as well as a recreational park. The trek to this ...

...read more

At a distance of 37 km from Kalpetta, 51 km from Kozhikode & 11 km from Kodencheri, Arippara Waterfalls on Iruvanjipuzha River is located near Nellipoyil in Thiruvambadi panchayat of Kozhikode district.

Not one of the most popular Waterfalls in Kerala, but absolutely one of the most beautiful river picnic spot. The waterfall is on one of the tributaries of Iruvanji River commonly known as Iruvanjipuzha. This place is surrounded by great natural beauty, with water flowing through huge flat rocks and dropping at different places (usually 10-20 feet high). Thick green forest on both shores of the river enhances the beauty of the place. A pool is formed at bottom layer of this long cascading falls which is a good place for swimming. Visitors can have lot of fun playing in the water and watching the surroundings.

This waterfall is about 1 km from Nellipoyil and should be trekked down from the road. The falls can be reached via Kodencheri or Nellipoyil. This place has little public transportation and it is recommended to hire private vehicle at Kodencheri.

The best time to visit Arippara is between November ­ May, it is not recommended to visit the falls during monsoon because there is a danger of floods. Always be cautious of the strength of the water, don't venture out too much into the water unless you are an expert swimmer. The undercurrents can be pretty strong even during summer.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry ...

...read more

At a distance of 22 km from Kannur, Thalassery Fort is a historical fort situated at Thalassery town in Kannur district of Kerala. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is one of the historical monuments in Kerala and among the must visit places as part of Kannur Packages.

Stands on a rocky cliff, right on the Thalasseri Beach, Thalassery Fort is a formidable historical monument established by the British as a testimony to the might of the imperial rulers. The East India Company authorities came to Thalassery in 1683 and opened a factory here to store spices and other items for trades. In order to safe guard their trade activities they build a fort around the factory on a small hill called Tiruvellapadkunnu in 1700 CE with the support of the Kolathiri Raja and was strengthened in 1708. The fort became a strategic center for the British military activities from 1776 AD to 1784 AD. The fort was used against the rebellion of Pazhassi Raja by Lord Wellesley. In 1781 CE, Hyder Ali, the King of Mysore tried to conquer the fort but was unsuccessful.

Also known as Thallicherry Fort, the square shaped fort has huge walls and intricately carved doors. The foundation of the fort comprises laterite blocks and loop holed walls that are supported by strong bastions. The huge entrance at the top of a giant wall is decorated with mural paintings that date back to the 18th century. The information gallery inside the fort exhibits pictures of burial caves, monuments, ...

...read more

At a distance of 18 km from Iritty and 58 km from Kannur, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Valayamchal village in the Kannur district of Kerala. This is the northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala and among the prime places to visit near Kannur as part of wildlife tour in India.

Established in 1984, the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northwest slopes of the Western Ghats contiguous with the forests of the Coorg district of Karnataka. It was formed by carving out areas from the Odanthode Malavaram of Thalassery special division and the Kottiyoor Reserve Forest of Wayanad Forest Division. The sanctuary covers 55 sq. km of tropical and semi-evergreen forests. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty. It is one of the best places of sightseeing in Kannur.

The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is among the finest places of wildlife in Kerala. The tropical forests of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary support diverse plant and animal life. About 23 species of mammals spotted here include Sloth Bear, Mouse Deer, Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, and Gaur. Leopards, Tigers, and other Wild Cats are also present though they are hard to be sighted on a typical sanctuary visit as part of Kannur sightseeing packages. Besides, the ...

...read more

At a distance of 20 km from Bandipur, 30 km from Ooty, and 98 km from Mysore, Masinagudi is a small beautiful hill station and a well-established tourist hotspot nestling amidst the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular places to visit near Ooty, and among the must include places in Mysore Tour Packages.

Situated on Mysore-Ooty Road, Masinagudi forms a part of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Lush green forest cover, stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers and rivulets, and picture-perfect landscapes make Masinagudi an ultimate weekend retreat for all those who love wildlife safaris. It is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Masinagudi is considered one of the most perfect jungle getaways near Bangalore as it is home to a large variety of flora and fauna.

The town boasts of the famous Mudumalai National Park, Moyar River, Pykara Falls, Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Maravakandy Dam, and more. Jeep Safari is the best way to explore endangered animals like leopards, elephants, Bengal Tiger, wild boar, and birds in Madumalai. One can also go for camping and trekking in the jungles of Masinagudi. Apart from Mudumalai, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve is also a popular hotspot here. Visit the Theppakadu Elephant Camp for an unforgettable experience amongst elephants as you go right into their abodes.

This place is home to an ...

...read more