A trip to take!

If you are looking for a break from your hectic work schedule and want to make a quick getaway over the weekend there are tons of destinations within a 300 km radius of the city. Don’t worry we won’t be talking about the cliché tourist attractions that most people are now tired of going to. Instead we bring to you the most off beat places which have not been taken over by the tourist destination label.

Want to explore an old town with a history and had a beautiful gorge? Gandikota is the place that you must visit. At a distance of 280km for Bangalore, the town of Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh is on the banks of the Pennar River. The gorge located here is often known as India’s Grand Canyon. Since the weather in the region is really hot travelers can find rest in the Harita resort that has been set up by the APTDC. The Gandikota fort has been built on the edge of the gorge and offers a mesmerizing view. Anju P Abraham a student of Economics from Bengaluru says, “It truly is the Grand Canyon of India. Despite the scorching sun you get to enjoy the scenic view, the fort at Gandikota does have a few vendors who sell snacks and drinks that suit the weather. It is definitely a trip worth taking to.”

If you are looking for an adventurous trip Skandagiri is definitely a place for you. This mountain fortress also popularly known as Kalvara Durga is at a distance of only 62 km from the city. Located off Bellari road the fortress looks over Nandi hills. It is a perfect destination for trekkers and you get a phenomenal view from the peak which is at a height of 1450 meters. The best time to make this trip would be early in the morning as you get to see a view that is entirely covered with clouds. Tanya George a student of Literature from nammooru says, “When you go to Sikandagiri you get the most beautiful view of the clouds. The perfect time to go there would be at night so that you can trek up the mountain and reach on time for the sunrise.”

If you want to see a stark contrast in culture and heritage then the town of Bylakuppe is the place to see. This town is home to several Tibetan establishments and is the second largest Tibetan settlement after Dharmashala. It has several monasteries and is a highly photogenic place making it ideal for photographers.

For all the shopaholic’s out there the area also has a complex that is filled with authentic Tibetan handicrafts and antique items. The food served in the region is also great; you get the authentic Tibetan momo’s and many other dishes such as Thupkas. Rahul Balaji a student at Christ (Deemed to be University) said, “The serenity of the place and the way the residents have maintained their cultural heritage is one of a kind. The food was brilliant and overall the place is quite while exhilarating.”

Looking forward to surfing at a beach then think no further than Gokarna. The beautiful clear water beaches there are the perfect place to relax and get away from the hectic city life. Unlike the beaches of other coastal areas such as Goa the beaches of Gokarna are far less crowded and much cleaner. One of the most sought out after things in Gokarna are the treks that people make over the beaches. The nirvana beach is most acclaimed for the glowing phytoplankton’s that you can see in the sea water at night. Shivansh Tiwari a student of psychology said, “It’s a paradise, the beaches are calm, localities are friendly and the food is exceptional. There is also good connectivity and accommodation. This is the place to visit for a relaxing trip with your friends. “

—Arjun Singh