Kalavaarahalli Betta - A Place above the clouds near Bangalore

This place is called Kalavaara Halli and the mountain is called Kalavaarahalli Betta (also called as Skanda Giri).  It is located near Chikkaballapura - a small town under Bangalore rural district. It is about 1750m from sea level. Distance from Bangalore is 70+ kms and Nearest Town/Medical Help is Chikkaballapura.

There are 2 routes to kalawara betta. One is take a turn towards Nandi Hills and go further to kalawaraVillage crossing Muddenahalli. This is shorter route than the one from Chikaballapur. Second one is to go to chikaballapur and then to kalawaraVillage. From KalawaraVillage ask for Omkara Jyoti Ashrama / Papagni Mutt. There is a shiva temple and vehicles can be parked there. This is at the base of the Hills.

Ganapatipule - A virgin beach of Maharashtra

On the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra's almost virgin beaches where you can have Sparkling blue waters, Sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, Endless stretches of golden or silver sand, Waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothing in your ear.

Ganapatipule lies along the Konkan coast, approximately 375 kms south of Mumbai. S. T. Buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri to Ganapatipule. On Konkan Railway Bhoke is 35 Kms. However the convenient railhead Ratnagiri is 45 Kms.

Nestled in the greenery is an almost 4000 year old land mark - the Swayambhu Ganapati temple. Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast "Konkan" stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama.

The MTDC resort lies on the slope of a green hillock, facing the sea. Alphonso mango trees and coconut palms dot the 45 acre grounds. Sea view cottages, Tents and Konkani houses are also available.

If you want to a relaxing holiday or a lazy holiday where you want to be away from crowd this is the place you must visit. Lazy holiday means tea at the beach, breakfast at the beach, lunch at the beach and evening at the beach sitting under the umbrella with shadows of coconut trees. Whole resort is having a plenty of coconut trees. Also if you take a 5 min walk on the beach you will small market and shack around the beach.

Jog Falls - The highest untiered waterfall in India

Jog Falls, created by the River Sharavati, is the highest waterfalls in India and is situated in the Shimoga district, of Karnataka. It is about 375 km from Bangalore and 30 km from Sagara and situated in a pristine and scenic location. Roads are in good condition at most of the places and the beauty is scenic throughout. As the river plunges 829 feet down, it separates into four distinct waterfalls popularly named Raja, Rocket, Rani and Roarer. During the monsoons, the falls are hidden behind a thin veil of mist, surrounded by lush green vegetation, giving the place a mystical atmosphere.

The falls when seen from the top might seem small. Only when you focus hard and look down the valley, you can make out little human figures bathing. The height of the waterfall is appalling approximately equivalent to a 25 story building. Reaching Jog is the simplest part. Only the actual thing starts-1400

Bhandardara - Weekend Package for Mumbaians......

Bhandardara is a little known hill station in Maharashtra. Bhandardara is only around 185 kms away from the Mumbai. The nearest railroad to Bhandardara is at igatpuri which is around 45 kms away from this picturesque hill station. Maharastra state road transport bus services are available up to the downhill. Most of the major cities in the state including Mumbai are connected to Bhandardara by bus.

The gorgeous Wilson dam is almost 150 meters high above the sea level. This place is the point of attraction for many tourists all across the country. Even the umbrella falls is nearby the dam. However these falls can only be enjoyed in the rainy season when the water in the lake is very high. Kalsubai can see the highest peak of the sahyadri range from here. In the bygone era this mountain peak served as the watching tower. Kalsubai with its height and view is ideal for trekking and so are the hills that are nearby kalsubai. On top of the kalsubai there is a temple which has a well. It is said that the water from the well of the temple never goes down below 3 feet. Ratnagad fort was captured by chhatrapati shivaji maharaj was one of his most favorite forts and he loved to spend his leisure time here in the realms of the nature. The fort lies in a near distance to the Maharashtra tourism resort and has ample of grounds to interest the trekkers. The view from this fort is simply spectacular and breathtaking. Amriteshwar temple is very ancient and old. The temple was made in around the 1100 AD. The style of architecture used in this temple is hemadpanti. The exquisitely crafted temple still stands tall.

Most accommodation in Bhandardara is very basic. No resorts or luxury hotels. Till a few years ago the MTDC Resort was the only real accommodation in the area. There are now a few others, though MTDC still commands the best location.

There are very few options for eating out in Bhandardara. The local staple of varan bhat (dal-rice) is easily available but can be spicy. Some tandoori and non-veg food is available but should be ordered in advance or you can expect a long wait while it is prepared for you.

Silvassa - An ideal weekend spot near Surat and Mumbai

The nearest railway station Vapi is about 14 km away where road transport is easily available. road: from Mumbai - Ahmedabad N.H. No. 8, Silvassa, the capital town of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, is about 180 km from Mumbai, about 120 km from Surat and about 10 km from Bhilad & 14 km from Vapi.

Vanvihar Tourist Complex, Chauda at Khanvel and water sports and Tentage Complex at Dudhni are popular picnic spots of the territory besides the Island Gardens. There is a lion safari on road of Dudhni. And there is also Luheri Traking Senter & big garden and Tourist Complex also.

Government Rest Houses at Silvassa, Forest Rest House and Vanvihar Tourist Complex at Khanvel and government Rest Houses at Madhuban Dam offer comfortable accommodation. Besides, beautiful cottages with all modern comforts are also available.

Morni - An ideal place for picnic and short trips

Morni Hills are an offshoot of Shivalik range. The village of Morni lies on the mountainside, at 3600 feet above sea level. Just five hours drive away from Delhi and 45 km from Chandigarh. Morni in Panchkula district Haryana combines the best of an idyllic retreat with action, adventure and fun. The road to Morni has breathtaking scenery as it goes past sleepy hamlets, cultivated terraces and hill forest.

There are two small lakes called Tikkar Taal, which seem to be mysteriously interconnected, even though they are separated by a hillock. The water level in both the Tals always remains the same, as there is a hidden channel under the hill connecting them. The larger is about 550 meters long and 460 meters broad and

Dhudhsagar Waterfall – A splendid place near Madgao, Goa

Dudhsagar Falls, 60 km from Panaji. It was as unpredictable as it could be – riding along railway tracks, crossing streams…. The fall's surrounding area form a good picnic spot. While visiting Dudhsagar falls, one should ensure that at least entire day is spent near the falls. By visiting this place one can say it’s definitely one of the crazier trips.

The Dudhsagar Falls are amongst the top 100 highest waterfalls in world. Situated on the border of Goa and Karnataka, the Dudhsagar Waterfalls takes a steep plunge 2000 feet down in the wooded mountains of the Western Ghats. Believed to be amongst the highest falls in the country. The view from the top of the falls is breathtaking.

The fall is generally calm during summers. But during monsoon due to incessant downpour, the falls become active and attract a huge chunk of tourists. Swimming is a good

Hogenakkal Falls – A Thrilling experience near Bangalore

There are many local points to see in Bangalore like ISKCON temple, Nandi bull, Assembly hall, Banargatta zoo, Vishweshwara Museum, HAL museum etc… But all these are OK.  Plan one extra day to stay Bangalore and visit Hogenakkal falls. This can be really a memorable one day picnic from Bangalore.

It is 150 KMs from Bangalore. You can hire a taxi for a day and can follow following route to reach the destination.

Route : -Bangalore-Bannerghatta-Jigani-Attibele-Hosur-Krishnagiri-Dharampuri-Hogenakkal

Then started the collection part. First at entrance you shelled out Rs.20 as entry fee into hogenakal, then entry into book of forest range Rs.10 (for forest guard, you feel it is bribe), then after entering Hogenakkal, parking fee Rs.20. This parking fee is for parking on roads. Then again a parking fee of Rs.15 in TNTDC compound. Again fee for ride in coracle Rs.15 to be paid to some agent. But you’ll give a receipt. This is for the charges of coracle. Then you have to negotiate with coracle. The rate can be fixing