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Nandi Hills – The name itself is enough to conjure up images of misty surroundings and breathtaking sunrises; A name familiar to almost every Bangalorean. But more than anything, Nandi Hills is the sylvan sanctuary of calm that urban souls like us run off to unwind.
Being at a get-at-able distance from the city (approx. 60 Kms), Nandi Hills has always been our go-to destination from Bangalore on weekends. But it was always for a few hours during the morning or evening. And every single time we left, our hearts craved for more. So this time we opted for a staycation at Nandi Hills and it turned out to be one of our best offbeat experiences so far. Staycation at Nandi Hills – Who this is meant for When we planned this staycation, we wondered what we were going to do for 3 days at Nandi Hills. Then on the day of coming back, Sush literally had to drag a reluctant me to the car. And that too with the promise that we would come back soon. That’s how much I loved being at that place. So if you are someone like ME or you said YES to any of the following, then this staycation is for you. People looking for a scenic getaway, not too far from the city or too expensive. Couples looking for an escape to spend quality time and rekindle that romance. Tell me about those misty morning walks hand in hand or watching sunset sitting next to each other. You are too worn out due to work (or other reasons) and looking for a good place to loosen up and rejuvenate. Nature and bird photography enthusiasts Where to Stay at Nandi Hills There are a handful of resorts, campsites and home stays at the foothill of Nandi Hills. But the only option on top of the hill is Hotel Mayura Pine Top managed by KSTDC. This is where we chose to stay. The hotel is a decent property set amidst a lush surrounding and with great views all around. It has rooms in various price ranges – cottages, suite rooms and deluxe double rooms. We stayed in a room in the Gandhi Nilaya side which is relatively newer. These rooms come with a balcony that offers amazing views of the hills and the city. Especially at night, the twinkling city lights make for a very romantic view. These rooms come at approximately INR 4000 per night. There are rooms in the Nehru Nilaya side which is the older part of the property. These rooms are priced relatively lower than Gandhi Nilaya. But they do not have hill or city view. Things to do or experience on your staycation at Nandi Hills A staycation at Nandi Hills is all about unwinding and spending time in the lap of nature. So here are a few things/experiences to make the best use of your time during this staycation. Start your morning with a gorgeous sunrise The famed sunrise of Nandi Hills has forever seduced nature lovers. So start the day a little early to witness the beautiful sunrise. If you are lucky, then you will be able to see the sun rising above a thick layer of cotton candy clouds during the winter months. It feels like a little piece of heaven with the changing colour of the sky separated by the veil of clouds from the valley below. But cloud or no cloud, sunrise is always a freshening sight at Nandi Hills. Read More….
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Valentine day was nearing and this time we wanted to spend it somewhere quiet and romantic, yet offbeat. In short, an outlying place with creature comforts was all our hearts craved for. No attraction hopping, no schedules just ensconce in an idyllic setting and indulge in luscious experiences. So after some research and consideration, we decided on Anantya Resorts in Kanyakumari district. The resort with its distinct experiences and gorgeous location seemed perfect for a romantic escapade.
About Anantya Resorts Anantya Resorts is located by the gorgeous Chittar Lake in Kaliel Village of Kanyakumari district. Around 65 kms away from the main Kanyakumari town, the resort is a verdant oasis enwreathed with lush greenery and quietude. With an infinity pool overlooking the lake and hills, cycling paths flanked by towering trees and undulating views all around – this place makes for the perfect getaway for the experiential traveller. The resort has become quite popular on social media recently due to their creatively crafted experiences. The most popular ones being the floating breakfast or a beautifully designed Love Nest overlooking the stunning lake which are one of their kind in India. Getting to Anantya Resorts By Air: Trivandrum is the nearest airport located approx. 45-50 Kms away from the resort. By cab, it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the resort from airport. By Train: The nearest Railway station is Kuzhutarai/Kulitturai which is approx. 20 Kms from the resort. You can also take a train to Trivandrum or Nagercoil Railway Stations which are a little farther, but better connected with other cities. By Road: The resort is also well connected by Road and driving through the district is a lovely experience. Things to do / experience at Anantya Resorts Floating Breakfast Floating Breakfast had forever been in my bucket list. But I knew it was a thing only in Bali or Maldives. So when a random scroll though Instagram brought up a floating breakfast by lakeside in India, I was super ecstatic. And that is how Anantya Resorts made to my wish list. You can also opt for this sui generis experience when you stay at one of their private pool villas. This was part of our package and let me tell you the experience totally lived up to the hype. Relishing a sumptuous breakfast in the pool while the vast lake stretched in front of us glimmering under the morning sun – this I will say was the best part of our stay. Rubber Plantation Tour and Love Nest The resort offers guided rubber plantation tour in the evening. And the guide Mr Anand makes this tour fun as well as informative. You get to know how rubber is produced, the lifecycle of the trees and the products created from it. Did you know the new leaves of the rubber trees contain honey? And this rubber honey is a product harvested during April-May time? The walk through the plantation is also very refreshing with a shading canopy overhead and nothing but luxuriant foliage all around. The highlight of the tour is the Love Nest which is set beautifully overlooking the lake. The place exudes all kind of Bali Vibes and is perfect for some photographs. Smitten by the unadulterated views and the calmness of the place, we visited again the next morning. And it felt like a little piece of paradise with no one else around, just the birds and butterflies. Romantic Dinner Do opt for the intimate private dinner if you are celebrating a special occasion. The pool or lakeside gazebo is decked up in fairy lights, rose petals and flickering lanterns manifesting the ideal ambience. A butler is assigned to take care of your every need, yet providing the much needed privacy. This was a very immersive experience and definitely uplifted the mood on the Valentines Eve. The dinner comes included if you are opting for the couples package. Read More…. Looking for other destinations in South India? Check our other blogs here. Koh Samui with its finest white sand beaches, lush tropical surroundings and luxury accommodations makes for an ideal romantic getaway. It is the third largest island in Thailand with plentiful beaches of every kind. Some beaches are the hub of activities and nightlife whereas some provide the much needed quiet and solitude. The island is also home to some of the most stunning Buddhist temples. So you see, Koh Samui provides the best of both worlds irrespective of what kind of traveller you are. We chose Samui for celebrating our 9th Wedding anniversary and loved our time there. Here is our guide to this romantic tropical paradise. How to Reach Koh Samui Samui has a small airport (but the cutest one and well equipped too) with a number of flights operating to/from Bangkok. The flying time is just about an hour. Even in the shoulder season, we had to pay a hefty amount for our return air tickets. But it is definitely the quickest and the easiest option to reach the island. Another cheaper yet longer option is to take an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat thani. Then a bus to the Surat thani Pier to catch the ferry to Koh Samui. You can also reach Surat Thani by flight from Bangkok and the rates are much cheaper than the ones to Samui. Things to do or experience in Koh SamuiThere are a lot of things to do and see in Koh Samui. Choose depending on your liking and available time. The Majestic Temples Thailand has some amazing temples and Koh Samui is no different. There are many temples scattered throughout the island. But when you have limited time, we recommend visiting at least the 2 prominent ones. Both these temples are hardly 5 mins drive away from each other. Wat Phra Yai or the Big Buddha Statue A huge 12 meter high golden Buddha statue sitting on an elevated platform and rimmed by the sea – this is a must see in Samui. The place has a very unique and calming vibe. And the view of the ocean from the mesa is breathtaking. This is my personal favourite from Samui. Because even with tourists around, as I sat down and closed my eyes, I felt exceptionally calm inside. Read More…. A historical district just 185 kilometres from Bangalore, Hassan has been on our list ever since we passed through it on our trip to Chikkamangaluru. The windmill dotted mountains, the architecturally elaborate temples and the sprawling farmlands were just too enticing to resist. So on a cool January weekend when we had a hankering to visit something offbeat, we decided to take a trip to Hassan- an Offbeat Weekend Getaway from Bangalore. Though people mostly use Hassan for day trips or as a gateway to other popular destinations like Sakaleshpur or Chikkamangaluru, we decided to stay there overnight and explore the place leisurely. Reaching Hassan There are regular trains and buses that ply from Bangalore to Hassan. Once you reach Hassan, hire a local taxi to visit places of interest. But hiring a car for the whole trip is the best option if you love road trips like us. The road condition to Hassan is excellent and it took us around 3.5 hours to reach Hassan from Bangalore. Best time to Visit Hassan
This one is a hidden gem that no one would tell you about. Neither will you find it anywhere in the list of places to visit in Hassan. But that is what makes this place so special and a must visit in Hassan if you are looking for an offbeat experience. The name of the temple is Mavanuru Malleswara temple though we fondly call it as the Windmill temple. The location of the temple is very picturesque being atop a hill and surrounded by mountains, lush greenery and lots of windmills. If you don’t mind getting up a bit early, then we definitely recommend a sunrise trip to this place when it feels the most peaceful. Read More... Ghandruk is a remote mountain village in Nepal that comes in the Annapurna Circuit range and is mostly inhabited by Gurung people. Most of the trekkers who go for the Annapurna Circuit Trek spend a night here before moving further. But if you are not a typical trekker and yet do not want to miss a tryst with the majestic snow capped mountains, then you can always plan a short trek to Ghandruk. The village is insanely beautiful and you can enjoy close views of Annapurna, Himchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains from here.
Permit The most important part of Ghandruk trek is obtaining the required permits. As Ghandruk lies in the Annapurna Conservation area, you need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entry permit in order to be able to enter the region. Apart from the entry permit, you also need a TIMS (Trekkers Information management System) card which is used to keep track of all the trekkers entering the area. A part of this fee is also maintained to help and rescue trekkers in any adverse situation. Both the permit and TIMS card can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Office in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Where to start Depending on available time and fitness level, you can decide from which point you want to start the trek to Ghandruk. Starting from Ghnadruk Bus/Jeep stop: This is the last point till which bus, jeeps or any vehicles can go and from here you have to trek for around 30 minutes to reach Ghandruk village. The trekking path is a set of uneven steps in stone and is steep. If you decide to stay in any of the lodges high up in the village, then your trek time may vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Starting from Kimche: If you want to enjoy the trek a little longer, then we recommend starting from Kimche village. We did our trek from here and it took us around one and half hours to reach the entrance of Ghandruk village. From Kimche, you can keep walking on the main road or be a little adventurous and take down the road just below the dusty main road. You will come across herds of sheep, beautiful uninterrupted views of villages and mountains and a beautiful hanging bridge on this route. Starting from Nayapul: If you are a regular trekker, then you may start from Nayapul and make your way to Ghandruk in a 5-6 hours trek. Shared/Reserved Jeep There are shared jeeps available from Pokhara to Ghandruk. Total charge for the jeep comes to 6000 NPR and depending on the number of people, the per head cost is decided. For example if there are 10 people sharing the jeep, per head cost would come to 600 NPR. If you are a bigger group or can accommodate the cost in your budget, then you can also reserve a jeep for your trip which is a faster option. Car Hire Car is also available for hire, but it will take you only till Nayapul. They charge around 2500 NPR from Pokhara to Nayapul by car and from there you have to go by shared/reserved jeep as the roads are in very bad condition and not suitable for cars. Accommodation Ghandruk being quite popular among trekkers has many lodge and hotels set up for accommodation. If you look at the board listing all the accommodations at the entrance of the village, there are around 50 of them. So even if you do not book and reach there directly, you can easily get some place to stay in. We stayed in Gurung Cottage and definitely recommend it. The best part of the stay is the gorgeous views all around and the delicious food prepared from organic home grown vegetables. You can contact them on the following numbers for a booking. What to do Nothing! Yes, you read it right. Do nothing. Just sit back, relax, soak in the views, enjoy authentic Nepali food, have lots of coffee and may be read a book in the warmth of the sun. In case you get bored from all this, you can also visit a small museum in the area called Gurung Museum to know about the history of Gurung people and their practices. Read More…. Madhya Pradesh (MP) offers a perfect admixture of Architecture, Nature and Wildlife. Think of regal forts, ancient temples, gushing waterfalls or lush forests – the state has it all. Fondly called the heart of India, it is still less explored and provides fresh views at every corner. And this is exactly why we enjoyed our trip to MP so much. It took us a fair bit of research to come up with an itinerary for MP. Because it is the 2nd largest state in India and every part of it lures with a different kind of beauty. So here it is, an itinerary for your next trip to Madhya Pradesh including Gwalior, Jabalpur and Bandhavgarh National park. Detailed Itinerary and other tips Day 1 Reach Gwalior. Explore Gwalior Fort This is the day you reach Gwalior. If you reach early, then check into the hotel, freshen up and get ready to explore Gwalior Fort. As we had an afternoon flight from Bangalore, we reached late and spent the evening in the resort. If that is the case with you, you need to add another day to the itinerary. Rest on the day of arrival at your hotel and visit Gwalior Fort the next morning. Now coming to the Fort, it is sprawled on top of a hill and needs at least half a day to cover. Majority of Gwalior attractions you may find over the internet are actually part of the fort itself. Since it could get tiring exploring this huge fort, we recommend not keeping any other attractions in the list for this day. Here is a list of all the key points you can visit inside Gwalior Fort. Maan Singh Mahal The most striking part of the fort is this almond coloured palace with dashing blue paintings all over. The interiors are as pretty with exquisite courtyards and corridors made of ornate walls and pillars. Enjoy the light and sound show that happens every evening at the amphitheatre near this Mahal and get to know the glorious history of Gwalior. Other Mahals in the premises (Karan Mahal, Vikram Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Shahjahan mahal etc.) Close to the Maan Singh Mahal, there are many other mahals built inside Gwalior Fort. These mahals have a very different charm with their rustic look and are named after the rulers who built them. You can cover all of these mahals in an hour or so. Saas Bahu Temple The name of the temple was interesting enough to pique our interest. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was originally named Sahastrabahu, signifying Lord Vishnu in his 1000 arms form. But with time, the name was finally altered as Saas Bahu, meaning mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. The temple has a grand architecture and is full of intricate carvings that take you back in time. There is also a smaller temple in the compound that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is equally beautiful. Teli Ka Mandir A towering 9th century temple with impressive carvings, Teli Ka Mandir has a very unique architectural design. There is nothing to see inside and also the interior has a very strong smell of bats. But the exterior of this 100 feet tall temple is definitely a visual delight. Read More…… Love exploring India? Check our other articles here. Standing under the warm morning sun while the gentle winter breeze flirted with my hair, I looked at the surreal landscape in front my eyes. Verdant mountains dotted with a myriad of windmills stood proudly under an azure sky. There was no rush of people or vehicles around or no vendor trying to sell souvenirs to tourists. The soothing silence was cut through by occasional chatters from a few people around. I said to myself exultantly – “Finally I am here”. This is my story about how a small temple tucked away in a village in Hassan stole our hearts and made it to our list of all time favourites. Here is a complete guide to visit this little heaven which we fondly call as the “Windmill Temple of Hassan”.
Being close to Bangalore and with excellent road conditions, this can even be done as a half day trip if started early in the morning. It takes around 3-3.5 hours from Bangalore by car. We decided to visit this place as part of our Hassan Trip. This gave us the opportunity to visit it twice, once during the day and then the next day during sunrise. So where is this windmill temple? Though we call it the Windmill Temple, the actual name of the place is Mavanuru Malleshwara Temple. It is located in Hassan district of Karnataka. This place is ~30 kilometres away from Hassan main town and ~170 kilometres from Bangalore. The temple is perched on top of a hill with beautiful views of the town, mountains and windmills all around. Though a small one, it looks stunning in bright golden colour and houses Lord Shiva as the deity. How to Reach the Windmill Temple? There is no public transport available to the temple. So the only way to reach is by your own transport. The road to the temple is in good condition and is suitable for both cars and bikes. The route is well marked on Google Maps and you can directly follow it to reach the temple. After taking the diversion from the main road, it takes around 20 minutes to reach the temple through a slender path passing through small villages and empty fields. And the view all through is awesome with greenery and windmills for company. Our Experience Around 10 am we stopped at the windmill temple on our way to Hassan. It was a crisp winter morning and the golden painted temple shone bright under the clear blue sky. The windmills looked so close from the temple that we could hear the sound of their blades cutting through air. There were hardly people around except for some volunteers who were cleaning up the premises and a few local visitors. The panoramic views from the temple were simply breathtaking. We wondered how such a gem existed for so long away from the touristy eyes being not so far from the main town. But then would not we all want it to stay the same forever, peaceful and unspoilt? We were really excited for the sunrise the next morning and got ready by 5am to start for the temple. It was still dark and the drive through the deserted town under a sky full of stars was absolutely thrilling. The last part of the drive was a bit adventurous as we passed through the narrow road flanked by trees and bushes only in the headlight of our vehicle. It took us around 35-40 minutes to reach the temple from our hotel in Hassan town. The surrounding area of the temple was scarcely lit and the sound of the windmills in the dark felt a little eerie. To top it all, there was no one else in the vicinity except the two of us and our driver. The town below was still asleep and the stars above were shining bright. From somewhere not very far, came the call of a peacock flowing with the wind. Read More…. It was a regular Friday night in January and as usual we were up late binge-watching a tv series while savouring some pizza. This is when Sush casually suggested visiting Mandaragiri the next day. It seemed like a good idea as it was something offbeat and not frequented by many. So cab was booked for Saturday afternoon and just like that an impromptu trip was planned to Mandaragiri Hills. About Mandaragiri Hills Mandaragiri Betta or Mandargiri Hills is a small hillock in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. This place is gradually gaining popularity due to its uniquely shaped Jain temple. Apart from the Jain temple, Mandaragiri also has a smaller version of the Bahubali statue and offers gorgeous views of sunset from the hill top. Things to see at Mandaragiri Jain temple at the base of the hill This Jain temple (also known as the Guru Mandir) at the base of the hill is the main attraction at Mandaragiri and has played a significant role in making this place popular. The temple shaped as a typical peacock feather broom used by Jain saints looks very colourful and is one of its kind. The 81 feet tall temple spread across an area of 2400 sq feet holds the Unique World Record for being the most unique Jain structure. Inside the temple, there is a statue of the Jain saint with the side walls depicting his life in the form of colourful 3D paintings. It is so peaceful inside that you can simply sit there and meditate for a while without any distractions. Mukha Mantapa As you enter the gates of the temple complex at the base of the hill, the first things that comes into view is the Mukha mantapa. The mantapa has a big statue of Chandranatha Tirthankara with a small temple below it. Mandaragiri hill top The round hillock has oddly 450 well carved steps and is a moderate climb. On top of the hill, there is a group of few other Jain temples. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the village and Mydala lake from the top of the hill. But nothing beats the view of the sun sliding down behind the mountain painting everything in a glowing orange hue. Stay a little longer after sunset and the place looks even dreamier with the after sunset colours spread across the horizon. Read More…. If there is one place we could go back in a heartbeat, it will always be Wayanad. With long stretches of luxuriant plantations, verdant hills, magnificent waterfalls hidden inside lush forests and pristine lakes – Wayanad serves as a perfect escape from the humdrum of city life. Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family wanting to spend time amidst nature or a group looking for some adventure, Wayanad has something for everyone. This was our 3rd visit to Wayanad and we decided to explore it a bit differently this time by staying at the Banasura Hill Resort. Our intention was to check out the more offbeat places rather than the famous tourist attractions. The Stay – Banasura Hill Resort Set against the backdrop of mist-clad Banasura hill amidst the lush green surroundings, Banasura Hill Resort caught our attention instantly when I was browsing for resorts in Wayanad. And now since we have stayed here, I can surely say this place is much more than what catches the eye. With all its rooms made of mud, bamboo and coconut palm leaf roofs, this eco-resort is one of it’s kind in India. Apart from its scenic location, the resort offers unrivalled privacy, great dining experience overlooking the plantations, guided nature trails and much more. Our three days at the resort were absolute fun visiting plantations, view points and hidden streams and waterfalls. Read our full review of the resort here. Things to do around Banasura Hill Resort There are tons of things to keep you occupied at the resort. You can explore the huge resort premises, have fun in the swimming pool, checkout the art gallery or go for the walking tours. The walking tours are organised by the resort to the nearby points of interest most of which are the property of the resort itself. If you like certain places, you can always revisit them later at your own time. Visit the little stream inside the forest This one is our favourite among all the places we visited. It took us around 15 minutes to reach the stream from the resort as the path was a bit slippery due to rain. Walking by tea plantations and then a narrow road through the forest we finally reached the stream. The gurgling stream briskly flowing past the rocks and boulders and surrounded by lush greenery was such a lovely sight. The best part was we were the only people there along with another family and our guide from the hotel. Sitting on a boulder with our feet dipped in the cold stream water, we could not realise when time floated away. Check out the view points There are a few viewpoints in and around the resort area. One point is inside the resort compound where you need to climb a long set of steps. But the whole path is very scenic passing through plantations and shade of trees. The view point is surrounded by lush greenery and verdant mountains and is ideal for a small picnic or spending some time in total serenity. Another such view point is just beside the resort and provides lovely views of the Banasura hill as well as the valley. Stop by the Tea and Coffee plantations Wayanad has a vast expanse of tea, coffee and spice plantations and almost all resort or home stays have their own properties. Banasura hill resort also has a tea garden just steps away from the resort and its a perfect place for a stroll or some beautiful pictures. Hike to the secret waterfall Whenever we came out of our room to the outer area of the resort we heard the roaring sound of a waterfall. It felt close, yet was nowhere in the view. So we decided to take help from the resort staff and visit this secret waterfall on a rainy day. Walking on a narrow path edged by towering trees, we finally stepped in to a plantation area where the path ceased to exist. It was muddy and slippery and every step had to be carefully taken. On top of that, there were leeches everywhere. After around 20-25 minutes, When I was on the verge of giving up, the waterfall finally came in to view. The sight of a huge waterfall camouflaged with thick cover of trees and plummeting down from a great height was simply breathtaking. Since it was raining and there were a lot of leeches in the area, we could not stay there very long. But we will always be glad that we finally made it to the waterfall irrespective of all the obstacles. What an adventure it was! Read More… |
AuthorWe are Ava and Sush - two avid travellers who love exploring new places, cultures and cuisines. ArchivesCategories |