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Karnataka
Places to visit
Brindavan Gardens
The splendidly planned ornamental gardens at the Krishnarajasagar Dam are a must-see for visitors.
Nandi Hills
This popular weekend getaway is just 60 km from Bangalore. The bracing air and serene environs of Nandi Hills, perched at a height of 1455 m above sea level, provided Tipu Sultan and the British with an idyllic summer retreat. Here, you can take leisurely strolls or experience the spine-chilling thrills of paragliding. Two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva grace the hill, one at the bottom and the other at the peak. Nandi Hills shot into prominence during the visits of Queen Elizabeth II in the sixties and the heads of SAARC countries in the eighties.
BR Hills
Lose yourself in these ancient hills, which take their name from the Ranganathaswamy Temple that sits at the edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000 ft into a dense forest. Find inner peace at the foot of the great champak tree, (Dodda Sampige) believed to be more than 2,000 years old and worshipped by the Soligas, the tribals of the area. Don't miss the coffee estates, the tribal hamlets and the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra, which has preserved tribal information and the biodiversity of the region. For trekkers there are many trails, including one up to Honnamati, the highest point.
Kudremukh
The Kudremukh, or Horse Face Range, gets its name from the unique shape of its peak. The broad hills 95 km south - west of Chikmagalur town overlook the Arabian Sea, and are chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. As yet 'undiscovered' by tourists, Kudremukh is a trekker's paradise. The best season to visit is after the monsoon when everything is lush green and the rivers, streams and waterfalls are at their best.
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