November Wanderlust: Getaways Near Bengaluru, Karnataka

From being a town of boiled beans to becoming a bustling metropolis, Bengaluru has uncovered a rich and layered history that spans over a thousand years. The city, which is today the capital of Karnataka and one of India’s leading technology hubs, has evolved significantly from its origins as a small settlement, leaving behind a footprint of the rulers, saviors, stories, and sights.

Well, people travel here mostly for business purposes, but there are only a few who know what beautiful places this city holds to explore. Where every place holds a different sight, it’s also the month and season, sometimes, that make them more beautiful and attractive.

So, if you have a plan to explore this city, get yourself welcomed with the crisp November air—the perfect time in the year to discover. Whether it is a drive through scenic landscapes, ancient temples, or some peaceful getaways, there are plenty of options that can satiate your wanderlust. To guide you, we are here with some must-visits, each offering something special, just a short drive from the city.

Let’s begin-

Hosur

The dynasties of Chera, Chola, and Pandya are well known in the southern part of India. These dynasties ruled large parts of southern India and left behind traces of their influence in the region’s architecture, culture, and temples. Hosur, one such town, was ruled by these dynasties for a long period of time.

To describe it more,­ it is a seething industrial town in Tamil Nadu that has much more to offer than the factories. It consists of some wonderful temples and peaceful natural places, which we just find ideal for a spiritual retreat or nature getaway. For some examples, below we have mentioned a few places you can explore while visiting Hosur.

• Malai Kovil: A hilltop temple that provides a very wide view of Hosur and can be accessed by a scenic trail and also by motorbike.
• Walkers Path and Children Park: Suitable for family outings, it is found with tall trees, and small stalls and tanks of fish add to the activities meant for children.
• Muthanallur Lake: This covers 600 acres of water and is crystal-clear. It is an abode of birds, especially during peak times of migration.

Hoskote

From being ruled by the Ganga dynasty in the early centuries CE to colonial battles, Hoskote is a historically rich town in Bengaluru. This town is also an escape into nature and greenery.

Take a walk to calm lakes, visit ancient temples to relive peace, and enjoy some slow life in nature. Here are more places you can explore in Hoskote-

• Lord Shiva Temple: Kashi Vishwanath- Constructed during the regime of Rajendra Chola. Its name, Kadugodi, is a combination of two words, “Kadu” which means forest, and “Gudi” which means temple; hence, it is the one rooted in a forest.
• Hoskote Lake: The lake is surrounded by greenery and is also the abode for many birds.
  Saptamatha Temple: Old stone structure and modern temple art lend a perfect charm to this ancient edifice to create a peaceful escape outside Hoskote.
• Eshwara Temple: With great historical importance, it belongs to Hoysala architecture, but most are mutilated.

Tumkur/Tumkuru

Ganga Dynasty, Chola Dynasty, and Hoysala Dynasty were behind the emergence of this city, which has been under their rule for a long time. There came other rulers as well, including Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, followed by the British; however, some of the places of this city remained intact, holding the ancient stories and architecture. Tumkur is about 70 km from Bengaluru and is popularly known as “Coconut City” due to its existence of palm trees. This city blends industrial development with cultural heritage, which makes it a great travel destination.

Following are some of the destinations you can visit in Tumkur-

• Shivaganga Hills: The scenic beauty of Shivaganga Hills is also associated with some incarnations of Lord Vishnu, according to some ancient texts.
• Naamadha Chilume: It is from here the Naamadha River flows, said to be a resting place of Lord Ram on the way to Lanka. The river is a spring emanating from an arrow that Ram shot.
  Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve: Tumkur happens to be the only blackbuck reserve in the region, and quite a treat for the masses to witness the exotic wildlife of this region.
• Sri Chennakeshava Temple: This temple is 1150 years old and well-known for some of the finest stone carvings and inscriptions in the country.
• Siddara Betta: This rocky hill is apt for those who can seek adventures in the form of caving and hiking and also contains an ancient temple.
• Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple: The temple is dedicated to one avatar of Lord Vishnu, which offers a quiet and devotional atmosphere.

Kolar

Kolar, formerly known as Kolahala, Kuvalala, and Kolala, was Kolahalapura during the Middle Ages. Only 55 kilometers from Bengaluru, it is known for its gold mines as well as a great dairy industry, which makes it the world’s largest producer of milk. This historic town has also earned a good name in the religious field.

Here are some places you can enlist during your visit-

• Shri Kolaramma Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Parvathi, it is an L-shaped, fully typical Dravida Vimana-style temple.
• Temple of Vidurashwatha: A 10-kilometer distance from Gowribidanur Taluk, this temple is highly worshipped.
• Markandeya Hill: This hill is named after Sage Markandeya, and the location is quiet and serene for the devotees. They select this holy place in order to disassociate themselves from the concrete jungle for some spiritual relaxation.
• Kolar Betta: It is also known as Satasringa Hills or Hundred Peaked Mountain. Kolar Betta is a picturesque place. It is an ideal picnic spot.