Bangalore Weekend Destinations - Part I

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Tired of Bangalore's traffic snarls, hectic duty schedules and the late night movies with the same old story line? Are you seeking some tranquility and adventure. Then just drive in to the nearest Bangalore destinations, that promises a green paradise, soft stream, secluded areas and fresh air. Living .Oneindia presents 'Weekend Mania', for the Bangaloreans who want to explore more than shopping malls and the same old crowded parks.

Shivasamudram (Shimsha Falls)
For a day-long outing, Shivanasamudram is an ideal location from Bangalore. Tranquil flow of water falls surrounded by hills and green lush trees would fantasies anyone. The depth of its beauty and the joy of being with nature for few hours will surely keep you enticed for the forthcoming week.

The river Cavery splits here and creates a stunning display of gaganchukki and barachukki falls. Gaganchukki fall lays adjacent to a dargah. It is quite risky to climb down and reach waters because of un-predictable depth and slippery rocks. A short trip from the dargah leads you to the barachukki falls. A steep staircase is carved out of rocks here, and unlike gaganchukki falls, the waterfall here has created a deep pool.

Make sure you go for a coracle ride here, for just Rs.10 per person. The coracle ride man takes you across the pool and while returning he spins coracle near a small sub-branch of the fall, leaving you thrilled, dazzled and filled with joy. Pack in some eatables and crunch the yummy food amidst the nature's paradise.

Talakad or Talkakadu:
After spending some happy hours in the water make your way through he patches of barren land, farm and small hills, to a small village called Talakad. Any localite will help you with the route.

Talakad is a small town on the left bank of the Cauvery River. The main attraction at this place is the 4th century temple of Lord Kirti Narayana, also known as the Vaideshwara temple. The temple was sunken in the riverbed of Cauvery for years. The excavation and restoration led it to the present state. The deserted place is carpeted with sand dunes and according to locals, only once in 12 years, during the Panchalinga Darshana, the sleeping town awakes to festivities and fairs.

How to reach?
Many government buses and private buses board tourist to this place every weekend. However, to just feel the warmth of the nature it is better to buzz on the bikes.

Shivasamudram or Shivansamudram is a small town in the Mandya District in southern Karnataka near Mysore. Its just 140 Kms from Bangalore. You can reach the place by choosing any of these two routes.