3½ hours by Road. Also known as the City of Palaces, the Mysore district has played a significant role in the history of South India. It is a popular tourist destination with several attractions from splendid royal palaces, unique temples and pilgrim centres. Every year it attracts thousands of yoga practitioners and spiritual seekers as it is home to the Ashtanga Institute of K. Pattabhi Jois. It is also home to the famous Mysore Silk and there are many shopping outlets where you can purchase shawls and clothing made from this exquisite material. A visit to the Mysore Silk Factory is well worth a visit.
Best Travel Option: bus or car
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4 hours by Road. Frozen in time, the holy hill of Arunachal and ancient templses reside majestically in Thiruvannamalai. A whole town which has now sprouted up around the hill gives new meaning to devotion. A Holy Spirit is said to permeate every inch of the town and can be felt with each step in every direction. A sleepless town where people from all over the world come to experience ancient architecture and the locals. It is said that the people you meet at Thiruvannamalai are connected to your soul in some way. Some places to see: Sri Ramana Maharishi Ashram on Bangalore Road, Arunachaleshwara temple, and the 14 km walk around the temple. A meeting place for pilgrims, peace-lovers and tourists from all parts of the world.
Best Travel Option : bus or car
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4 Hours by Road. This popular hill station which is 1500 meters above sea level is known for its coffee plantations and orange groves. A summer festival is held in May each year which includes a flower show, boat races and a fair which add to the atmosphere of Yercaud. Trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to spend time. Places to see are the lake, textile town of Salem, Lady’s Seat, Bear’s Cave, and Green House.
Best Travel Option : bus or car |  |  |
8 Hours by Road. This World Heritage site located north of Bangalore is home to over 500 monuments each with a unique history. A relaxing town with amazing natural structures like enormous boulders that blend in with ancient ruins. According to the folklore, a number of mythical events are associated with Hampi. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Not to miss are the Virupraksha temple tower, old elephant stables, underground temple, lotus temple, stone chariot, Sanapura lake, and Hampi Bazaar. Cute hippy restaurants dot the town, especially Mango Tree.
Best Travel Option: train to Hospet then auto-rickshaw to Hampi
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8 Hours by Road. Another popular hill station that is part of the Nilgiris. A lush, green area covered with valleys, forests and numerous tea plantations. The mountain toy train is breathtaking and decadent as it wends its way through many curves and tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The famous summer festival boasts of cultural programs, fashion parades, flower and fruit shows, boat pageantry, dog shows and more.
Best Travel Option : bus or car
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8 Hours by Road. Formally a French province which was handed back to India as recently as 1960s. A quaint town with a very French flavour from the buildings, the food, the street names and more. Pondi as it is known to the locals is also a great staging point for those seeking spiritual enlightenment in nearby Auroville. Tourists love to walk along the Promenade, visit the Sacred Heart Church and eat at the Seaside Guest House by the Lighthouse.
Best Travel Option : car
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8 hours by Road. Also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ this beautiful and untouched hill station is known for its aromatic coffee and pepper plantations. A welcome retreat from city life, you can enjoy trekking, fishing and swimming. Places to see are Bylakuppe, a Tibetan settlement, Irrupu Falls, Raja’s Seat, Kakkabe, Dubare Forest and Nagarhole National Park.
Best Travel Option : bus
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4 ½ hours by Road. Known for its world famous temples and carved statues, these twin towns were ruled by the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. . The Belur and Halebid temples are cut from soft stone giving the artisans the ability to carve very intricate works of art. People visit for the architecture, the dance festival, and the nearby Jain statue which is the tallest monolithic statue in the world.
Best Travel Option : bus
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9 ½ hours by Road. Goa is famous for it's wonderful beaches, seafood and vibrant night life. Goa can be explored by local buses and motor scooters which are cheap to hire. Great for any budget you can stay in a beach hut or go on a luxury cruise. More than just beautiful beaches, you can also participate in wildlife watching or shop in its lively flea markets. Extremely laid back, you can visit traditional Portuguese churches and forts by day and party on the beach by night.
Best Travel Option: train
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10 hours by Road.
Kerala with its diverse scenery from breathtaking mountains of the Western Ghats, tea plantations and coastal beaches is worthtaking a few days to explore. There are numerous little villages both in the hinterland and coast to wet your appetite. The most popular thing to do is stay overnight on a houseboat through the Kerala backwaters.
Best Travel Option: train
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Weekend Trips