Unique yens

For that long weekend, it’s about time to tread the road less travelled. Add a bit of zest to your holiday as city life can be such a stressor. There’s no need of doing that same old weekend getaway especially when you can add doses of fun, rest and relaxation with unique activities.

We have also customised a day trip you can plan on your own… to add manna to that ordinary “check-in to a resort” option that most of us do, for the lack of something better in mind!

Go laser tagging!
Here’s an exciting indoor option that’s also sure to raise your adrenaline. Gather your closest buddies for a game of Lazer Tag, the more the merrier. There are various hubs in Kammanahalli, Jayanagar, Indiranagar and on the outskirts of town, all popular gaming centres that host these games. Sarayu Sudhindra, a final year undergraduate student from Mount Carmel College says, “Over the weekend, me and my friends were looking at interesting stuff that we hadn’t done before in the city. This game is thrilling, and the high-tech equipment makes it fun while you strategise your moves to target the opposite team. A game of 25-30 minutes costs each person '300, and the adrenaline rush is well worth it. Essentially, your team scores points by tagging targets with a gun-like lazer emitting targeting device that you hold in your hands. We won that day!” These gaming centres also have other consoles, games like foosball etc to add to the fun!

Get loco about local!
A short road trip to the outskirts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will rejuvenate you, as you stop by some of the smaller villages between Bengaluru and Madurai — Krishnagiri, Dindigul etc along with some local foodie experiences. “There are some old forts and temples worth visiting. That aside, we wish to stroll around farms, paddy fields and teach our six year old a thing or two about how the greens on her plate are grown (Or so we'd like to believe). If the rivers are full, we might just stop by. The food culture in these places is something we relish. Waiting to get our hands on some local flavours... jigar thanda, madurai idli and in case we drive further south, some parotta!” shares Janani Murali, a Bharatanatyam dancer. There are also various temple food trails one can do, if interested.

The call of the wildernest
Try Wishbone, among others, offers an exclusive dose of wildlife. Camp under the stars at its pet friendly, green Backyard Camp, just two hours from the city. Embrace the life of a happy camper only 66 km from the city, where both you and your pooch are welcome. Sleep under the stars and avid trekkers or bird watchers can also have a slew of experiences walking the green trail, spotting wildlife. Alternatively, take a trip to any organic farm and revel in the local produce, some offer night stays as well.

Wine and dine!
There are various vineyards around the city that offer getaways, where one can stay over for the night, and taste the bouquet of different grapes. Some offer wine and dine evenings, brunches and pack it in with some high spirits. Sign up for a wine tour, and revel in nature, as you learn about wine-making and sample different varieties of wines.

BIKE it
First off, you can hire a cycle from any of the bike boutiques in the city (ProCycle, Rentomo or ONN Bikes). Prices are from '150 onwards. Then sit down to plan your ride, and map your whole trip. Get biking gear in place, a helmet, windcheater, gloves, knee pads etc, all available at Decathalon.

Choose your destination
It could be in the wild, near a village or a river. We can suggest Cauvery lake surrounds, Ramnagaram, Nandi Hills, Bannerghatta National Park, Big Banyan Tree (incase you aren’t feeling too adventurous), Thattekere, Devarayanadurga, Savadurga or Skandagiri for the more adventurous.

Map your route
You could choose to take a car with a cycle rack or just ride to the destination. Depending on your comfort level. Take a rug sack with water, fruits, nuts, a cap, a scarf, and get your friends together to ride to your destination. Stop along the way, take a breather. While riding, always ensure you are on the extreme left, and always give way to traffic. Once you reach, explore the area, walk and eat local food, most villages in and around Bengaluru have ambur biryani places, mudde and chop joints and idli and dosa stalls as well. Have a sumptuous lunch, or better still, if you are queasy about eating out, pack a lunch in your knapsack. Don’t forget to carry a lock for your bike, so that you can also explore the area on foot.

Get in some yoga
Carry a yoga mat, for a short and refreshing yoga and meditation session with your friends, with the help of youtube videos and apps. Start with a basic beginner’s session and then practice some meditation in the midst of nature. Or you can get the Cure.fit app and click on the mind.fit tab to learn to mediate. There is nothing like sitting in the wildernest and being at peace with yourself. It will surely rejuvenate you.

Explore, plan, and enjoy
Explore the villages nearby on your cycle, stop at places that interest you, walk around the area, and find out about near by sites from the local chai stall. Ensure you head back to the city before it gets too dark… about 4.30 pm is good. If you are feeling more adventurous, then you can plan a camping vacay next… near the riverside or at Big Banyan. Hire some tents, camp out in the open, and revel in the green trail, the break from gadgets and chores will do you a world of good.