Quick Getaway Destinations

Indiatimes
Indiatimes
Updated on May 18, 2014, 16:16 IST
Quick Getaway Destinations from Mumbai, Bangalore & Delhi

FROM BANGALORE: KARANJI LAKE, MYSORE 

Quick Getaway Destinations from Mumbai, Bangalore & Delhi

Bird watching is sheer delight for kids and summers is perhaps the ideal time to go spot the avian species. Get your kids a set of binoculors and a kiddie camera and ask them to form a birdwatchers group. 

Decide on a chilled-out day and head to Karanji Lake. Located in the city of Mysore, this beautiful lake is surrounded by a nature park that boasts of butterfly park and a walk-through aviary. You can also take a guided walk inside the Regional Museum of Natural History, which is located on the banks of this lake.

Dedicate a full day here as the entire area of Karanji Lake is about 90 hectares. While water-spread area is about 55 hectares, the foreshore area measures about 35 hectares. 

Karanji Lake falls under the Mysore Zoo Authority and is well-maintained. Many enthusiasts come here for a day excursion. Considered a favoured stopover by migratory birds like herons and egrets, the sunset time is just spectacular here nearthe water body.

Must-visit: Check out the butterfly park and Aviary at the Karanji Lake. Must-carry: A sun cap and a pair of binoculors. A small notepad to write about the colourful birds spotted on the branches. 

FROM DELHI: NAUKUCHIATAL, UTTARAKHAND 

This month, if you are keen on enjoying a music fest amidst lush hills and lakes then head to Naukuchiatal or the 'Lake of nine corners' in Uttarakhand.

'Escape Festival' - a popular music fest takes place here during the month of May. Naukuchiatal is a picturesque tiny hill station in Nainital district. The lake is 175 feet deep and has a canopy effect with hills covered in trees and shrubs, surrounding the lake. 

In fact, this is the deepest of all the lakes in the Nainital region. Take some time out to go angling (that's fishing for you) and also bird watching near the valley.

During sunset, try your hands at rowing, paddling or yachting. It is said that this lake is directly fed by an underground perennial spring. If you are planning to visit Nainital, then getting here wouldn't take much time by road. 

This lake is situated just 26 kms from Nainital; 4 kms from Bhimtal and about 320 kms from Delhi. Nearest railway station is Kathgodam. Legend has it that this lake was created upon worshipping Lord Brahma.

And indeed, a small temple dedicated to Lord Brahma exists near the KMVN guesthouse. According to locals anyone performing a parikrama (taking a circumferential round) of the lake can be blessed by the presiding deity here. 

MUST-VISIT: Every local will request you to say a prayer at the popular Hanuman Temple, which is situated on the main road to Naukuchiatal. It boasts of a 52 feet high statue of Lord Hanuman.

The Temple has an artificial cave design on the lines of the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine. There are three temples in the main premises, the resting or stay place for devotees, the meditation room, Ram Darbar Temple, and the Shani Temple. 

FROM MUMBAI: KALSUBAI, MAHARASHTRA

Most trekkers from Mumbai will swear by the beauty atop the Kalsubai Peak. If you too are looking for beating the summer humidity and heat, it's time to trek up the Sahyadris in Akole Taluka, of Ahmednagar district. Kalsubai Temple is located at the topmost peak. Kalsubai is the local presiding deity here.

If you are lucky, you can catch a traditional prayer service, held every Tuesday and Thursday by a local priest. Once here, go ahead and buy flower garlands from the village vendors and say your prayers at the temple. Locals will tell you how eagerly they await the Navratri time as they set up attractive stalls at the summit.

During the nine days of Navratri, special pujas are carried out and idol is beautifully decorated. A local fair is also put up. You can take the services of a local guide who can accompany you for an easy climb.

To reach the summit, there are scenic routes and animal tracks. If you plan to set foot from Mumbai, then the best way is to travel by a local train and alight at Kasara station. From Kasara one can get buses and share taxis to get down at Bari. The main route to the temple is at small climbing slope. 

It usually takes three hours to reach the top from Bari. Soon after leaving Bari, a small stream is crossed followed soon after by a Hanuman Temple. The route from behind this temple takes the hiker straight to the summit.

There are three iron ladders along this route. We suggest, you carry your water bottles, energy bars and towels handy in your backpack.