Quick getaway: Visit Rishikesh or the Chikmagalur hills near Bengaluru

From Mumbai: Bhandardara
Bhandardara, which is about 190km from Mumbai, remains a lesser-known weekend destination. With some exquisite natural sights and a quiet ambience, the place is home to some unique flora and fauna. Cascading knolls with free-flow of greens adds a unique symphony to the whole atmosphere. A dam, waterfalls, forts and more promise an exhilarating adventurous trip.
Igatpuri remains the nearest railway station, which is about 45kms. Igatpuri station is located on the Mumbai-Nashik rail route. If travelling in a car, then take a right turn after passing the Ghoti toll-post on the NH3 from Mumbai.



Travel tip: During winters, the days are pleasantly cool but the nights can be particularly cold, make sure to pack warm clothes.

From Delhi: Rishikesh
When the spiritual quest awakens or the desire to experience high adrenaline rush arises, then head for Rishikesh. About 231km from Delhi, it extends a plethora of exciting activities; including river-rafting, rappelling, cliff-jumping, kayaking, just to list a few. It is equally a spiritual place for the dedicated pilgrims. Wellconnected by NH58, driving up to Rishikesh can be a spectacular experience. A mild hitch in the form of a short stretch of hilly terrain may be experienced, apart from that it’s a smooth journey. The drive from Delhi to Rishikesh would take about six to seven hours.

Travel tip: Carry dry bags to safely store personal items. Avoid carrying things like wallet, car-keys and mobile phones on a rafting expedition.

From Bangalore: Chikmagalur
Sprawling hills, stunning valleys and snow-white coffee blossoms, Chikmagalur in Karnataka has it all. A calm, serene town full of scenic surprises, Chikmagalur is nestled in the Baba Budan hills and a trekker’s delight. The distance between Bangalore and Chikmagalur is 242.9km. Chikmagalur can be reached from the IT hub of India via three routes. The time for the entire journey could vary from 3.5-5hours, depending on the route. The shortest route includes driving through NH48. An alternate route goes via Bangalore-Honavar Road and NH206. One can also opt to drive through NH48 and SH57, too.



Travel tip: Avoid visiting during the monsoons, meandering through the road approaching the Western Ghats can be a painful experience.