Historical places near by Bangalore
Bangalore some really great historical places, which are worth visiting. Read more about the historically important places in and within driving distance from Bangalore.
MYSORE 140 kms. The old capital of the Mysore Maharaja during an era of splendour and riches. Visit the Palace, Zoo and Chamundi Hills. Base camp for trips to Bandipur / Nagarhole.
Sravanabelagola 170 kms from Bangalore, is a famous Jain Pilgrim centre. There is a 17 metre statue of Lord Bahubali, said to be the world's tallest monolithic statue.
HAMPI 353 kms. Former capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. 12 Kms from Hospet. Vast relics of the empire can be seen. Best to travel by train.
BELUR/HALEBID 220 kms. Old temple in soapstone with extraordinary carvings on outer walls, pillars and doorways. Dates back to the Hoysala Kingdom.
Wildlife
BANDIPUR/NAGARHOLE : 240 kms. Natural forest. Excellent overnight/weekend stays. Touring inside jungle arranged. Check with tour operators. Best visited Oct-May. KOKREBELLUR Between Channapatna & Maddur on Mysore Rd. Natural bird sanctuary. Painted storks and pelicans. Excellent picnic spot. Best between Jan-Jun. Kabini River Lodge Karapur, Mysore District. Cauvery Fishing Camp Bhimeshwari, Mandya District. Leisure
NILGIRIS : About 7 hrs from Bangalore. 2240 metres above sea level. Means ‘blue mountains'. Ooty, Coonoor and Wellington are hill stations. Travel by the miniature train with its toothed central rail.
KODAIKANAL : About 14 hrs from Bangalore. 2100 metres above sea level. Boating, horse riding and long walks. COORG 300 kms from Bangalore. Called ‘Scotland of India', a picturesque hill station famous for its coffee estates and hospitable people. Uncrowded, suitable for long walks, jogging, trekking and camping. GOA 625 kms. A former Portuguese colony situated in the West Coast of India. Famous for its beaches to suit all tastes, and magnificent temples and churches. Full of festivities, dancing and music. You'll encounter the last of the hippies here. Best time to visit is October to May. If you like rains, go between June and August. It's less costly and less crowded in the monsoons.
MAHABALIPURAM : 410 Kms. Travel via Chennai. Famous for its shore temple. Temples here are dedicated to either Shiva or Vishnu. It was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Provides an excellent combination of cheap accommodation, good food, a good beach and handicrafts. Popular dance festival in the month of January
MANGALORE/UDUPI : 347 Kms. Mangalore has idyllic beaches and is a major sea port for the export of coffee and cashew nuts. Udupi is famous for the temple of Lord Krishna and beach resorts.
