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I have been focusing on circuit trips in most posts, which also comes across as just that. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, famous all over India, is a great place except for the heat. There’s boating too, but it depends on the number of tourists. I couldn’t do it because of the lack of tourists willing to boat. The 1000-pillared temple in Warangal is a mark of architecture, though pretty silent and in a small area.

Reasons why you must visit the 1000-pillar temple:

  • A Thousand Pillar Temple is a top-rated pilgrimage center and thousands of devotees from all over India visit it every year for its unique architecture.
Thousand Pillar Temple,Warangal
Thousand Pillar Temple,Warangal
  • Nagarjuna Konda, known for ancient Buddhist excavations, can be reached by boat in the middle of Nagarjuna Sagar. It’s a must-visit if you are here. Check the visiting hours, morning or late afternoon should be the right time.
  • The site, known as Undavalli Caves, is 8 kilometers from there and dates to the 7th century BC.
  • The 5-meter-long statue of Lord Buddha in a reclining position, carved from a single granite block, is the centerpiece. The villages, the sunset, and the views from the top of the park are breathtaking.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
  • Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural areas are irrigated in part by the Prakasam Barrage on the River Krishna.
  • It is a well-liked tourist destination and works as a traffic bridge as well.
  • The first memorial to Gandhi was constructed on top of the hill in Vijayawada in 1968.

Location: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is 200 km from Vijayawada, A thousand Pillar temples are 400 km from there,

Undavalli Caves,Guntur,Vijayawada
Undavalli Caves,Guntur,Vijayawada

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Some popular tourist destinations include the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam,, A Thousand Pillar Temples, and Bhavani Island.

Tourist Attractions in the Vicinity:

You can visit Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Hyderabad, Kakinada, and Srikakulam which will fall in the vicinity.

Bhavani Island,Vijayawada
Bhavani Island,Vijayawada

Distance Charts:

Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada
Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada

How to reach

Road Routes:

Vijayawada – Guntur – Nagarjuna Dam – Warangal – thousand pillar temples – Hyderabad

Travelling over Prakasam Barrage on River Krishna
Travelling over Prakasam Barrage on River Krishna

An important note from my experience:

1. If you visit the Thousand Pillar Temple in the morning, this dam can be completed the same day, but if you want some time to go boating, consider going to the dam site in the morning or late afternoon.

2. Visits to Sagar require chilly weather. I went there in March

3. Spend some time visiting Bhavani Island and Caves while you’re in Vijayawada. If you’re in the middle, all three are worthwhile stops.

Inside Bhavani Island
Inside Bhavani Island

Rail: Macherla and Vijawada are the nearest railway stations. for these tourist places.

AIR: Vijayawada and Hyderabad have their airports.

The road network is pretty good, and I would say well-connected by public transport (APS RTC / Telangana Road transport). The stretch from Warangal to Sagar is a bit patchy and bumpy, but the public transport does the rest for you!

Map:

Vijayawada-Nagarjuna Dam-thousand pillar dam road map
Vijayawada-Nagarjuna Dam-thousand pillar Temple road map

Time to Visit:

September to March is a good time to be here.

Inside thousand pillar Temple
Inside thousand pillar Temple

Spend Time With:

Friends, groups, solo, families, couples

Food and Lodging:

Hotels are there in good numbers in Vijayawada, but for Sagar Dam. It should be a transit point and stay is either be made for Vijayawada or Warangal, which has decent stay options as well. Have snacks and a bottle of water for the whole journey, especially the Vijayawada – Nagarjuna Sagar – Warangal section, as the roads look deserted and lackluster with very few food options!.

Expense:

A 2-day trip to these 3 places will cost:

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam


Food:INR 100/person/day (3 times a day) X2
Transport: The bus charge from Vijayawada to Warangal via Dam will be INR 500 one way. Local public transport will help you reach all tourist places in these 3 tourist destinations. Adding a total cost of 250 for local transport.
Entry fees: INR 250 in all.

Lodging at Vijayawada:INR 800 -one night

Total: 2400 INR

Nearby Attractions

Flowers at Undavalli Caves
Flowers at Undavalli Caves
  • Warangal(260 km)
  • Nagarjuna Sagar(200 km)
  • Hyderabad(280 km)
  • Cochin(650 km)
Top views from Cave
Top views from Cave

BISLE GHAT

 Bible Ghat-The side view of Bisle(shot on iPhone)
Bible Ghat-The side view of Bisle(shot on iPhone)

What is so special about Bisle Ghat makes it my first post!Reasons why you must visit Bisle Ghat:

  1. Proximity to Bengaluru and Mysuru
  2. It takes 6 hours to reach two big cities in Karnataka. So you have a day say, a holiday or Saturday or Sunday. What are you waiting for? Head out in the early morning or a night before and reach back the same night to Bangalore/Mysore
  3. Trekking Proximity: Five peaks are waiting for you to trek over them. (description below)
  4. All-season destination—especially after monsoon months, feels romantic and nostalgic, too, with a pleasant climate.
  5. A forest trail -trust me, walking solo or alone is crazy here. No one is far and wide, but sunlight keeps peeping in, and a road leads to Kukke Subramanya Temple, so enjoy fun trails and views. Along with it!…

Location: Bisle Ghat comes on the way between Sakaleshpura and Kukke Subrahmanya. (30 km span)

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

The viewpoint-Bisle Ghat viewpoint lets you get a panorama of the five peaks amidst dense greenery, valley, and forests: Kumara Parvatha (1319 m), Pushpagiri(1712 m), and Dodda Betta (1119 m), Patta Betta (1112 m) and Enni Kallu (900 m) Giri River flows by and a waterfall are visible as well. The viewpoint is well distinguished as there are railings and a concrete shade, and concrete chairs facing the viewpoint.

   The side view of the viewpoint
The side view of the viewpoint

Distance Charts:

How to Reach Bisle Ghat:

Road Routes:

The possible routes are:

From Bangalore: Bangalore -Channarayanapatana – Hassan – Sakaleshpura – Sukravarasanthe – Hethur – Vanganoor Kudurasthe – Bisle-Bisle Ghat(2-3 KM from Bisle Bus stop)

Mangalore Side: via Adyar-Bantwal-Uppinangadi-kulkunda(close to kukke subrhamanya temple)-Bisle

Rainy days and mondays
Rainy days and mondays

RED ALERT/VERY IMPORTANT:

The road to the kukke Subhramanya does not have the viewpoint. For viewpoint, you need to take a deviation to the left of the Bus stop/nearby shop at Bisle Village. The Forest trail is the Bisle-Kukke Subramanya road, where you may encounter 1-2 waterfalls and greenery. Better ask the bus driver/shopkeeper if you are specific about the viewpoint. Otherwise, you’ll wonder like me in the jungle for the viewpoint that doesn’t exist! I later discovered the viewpoint by asking the passersby. The below images of waterfalls were from the jungle trek while searching for a non-existent viewpoint.

RAIL: You can reach Sakleshpur directly with limited connectivity from Bangalore. If you go to Hassan by train, you have more options, but after that, you must use bus services. From Sakaleshpuru only bus is public transport at 8 am and 2.30 pm to Bisle Ghat. You’ll get 3-4 trains from Mangalore as well to Sakleshpura. From Mysuru, it’s better to come to Hassan by train as it is more regular in terms of connectivity.

Below is the attached screenshot:

 Mangalore-Sakleshpur Train Timings(Towards Bangalore)
Bangalore-Sakleshpur Train Timings(Towards Bangalore)

AIR: Bangalore is the nearest airport, and you need to opt for a rail or road network.

ROAD: If you have your bike or car, 5-6 hrs is all you need.But what if you want to opt for public transport! In that case, go for KSRTC Bus Services.

You can reach Sakaleshpura, after which you’ll get two buses at 8 am and 2.30 pm. I suggest you leave from Bangalore at night, reach Sakaleshpura before 8 am, and catch the morning bus to Bisle Ghat. After that, catch the 2.30 pm bus from Bisle, which will be at around 4-4.30 pm, and you can hit Banglore by 11 pm. Reaching Mysuru or Mangalore is more accessible as the distance is less. This is the method I opted for, making Bangalore as a base.

Map:

Time to Visit:

Mid-Sept to Mid Feb(you’ll sweat less to negligible)

  VIEW 4 FROM BISLE VIEWPOINT
VIEW 3 FROM BISLE VIEWPOINT

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple

Food and Lodging:

Sakaleshpura is the nearest spot for good food and lodging facilities. There is a small shop near the Bisle Ghat bus stop. You can have refreshments like cold drinks, tea, and biscuits. The shopkeeper will guide you on the way to View Point.

Expense:

Bus both ways by KSRTC:{240(Bangalore to sakaleshpura)+60(to the bible)}X2=Rs. 600

Food: 200 approx(INR)

VIEW 4 FROM BISLE VIEWPOINT
VIEW 4 FROM BISLE VIEWPOINT

NOTE: Auto took 350 INR(one way) to take me to kukke Subramanya from Bisle Ghat(for 30 km)-I went to Kukke Subramanya for Darshan. I reached back to bisle ghat by hitchhiking!!!

Note 2:Ksrtc Karnataka Sarige charges INR 1 per km approx. So google the distance, and that’s the cost of travel.

Total: 1150 INR(includes Temple Visit).

Nearby Attractions:

One of the least visited places by outsiders-yet one of the most beautiful forested stream clad regions of India is Jagdalpur in Dantewada district of Chhatisgarh which we all know is sensitive but when visited is one of the most memorable journey. Come in late monsoon period that is August end, and you’ll see flowing streams, heavy waterfalls, green paddy fields and dense forests-you’ll love being so close to nature with more residential homes rather than apartments and less of commercialism. If you want to see Kailash-Kotumsar Caves, and Kanger Valley national park, late September will be a better month..Chitrakoot and Tirathgarh Falls are prime attractions here. Danteshwari temple and several other temples make up to the list of places to visit as well, more so because of scenic drives.

Reasons why you must visit Jagdalpur:

  • The 2 km long 35 m underground Kailash and Kotumsar caves consisting mainly of stalactites and stalagmites, are a must-visit at Jagdalpur; it’s close to Tirathgarh falls, so you can’t miss it out post monsoon. S
Chitrakoot falls
Chitrakoot falls
  • Chitrakoot or Chitrakote falls of width 980 feet known as the Niagara of India over Indravati river is why you’ll mainly be at Jagdalpur. And you’ll have to be here in July and August to see falls in full glory -you’ll love it!
  • Tirathgarh waterfall is another one you won’t like to miss out on because it’s pretty scenic with dense forests and ideal for taking many selfies and getting wet under the falls. Monsoon anytime is the best time to be here!
  • Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada is a religious place you shouldn’t miss if you have time to spare and want to give some time to the Dantewada region. The surroundings are scenic, with a river flowing by and forests in the vicinity. It’s mainly known for the Dusshera 
Paddy fields are treat to watch in rains in Jagdalpur
Paddy fields are treat to watch in rains in Jagdalpur
  • Eh! In Bastar district, and you miss Kanger Valley National Park? How come…you cannot as it’s one heck of tourist’s prime attraction but yeah, be sure you keep checking their site to know about bookings and best time to visit-not monsoon time of course. Kutumbasar, Kailash and Dandak caves are also worth a watch, along with booming flora and fauna.
  • Dalpat Sagar, Chitradhara falls, Zonal Anthropological Museum and Bastar palace are some other exciting places you must set your eyes on! I need a day extra!!! 

Location  : Jagdalpur is about 300 km south of Raipur and 300 km west of Visakhapatnam, with Visakhapatnam route being more safe and well-connected.

Rambha falls in August-A treat to watch
Rambha falls in August-A treat to watch

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Chitrakoot Falls, Kotumsar Cave(not in monsoons), Danteshwari Temple, Museum, Teerathgarh falls, Bastar Palace, Kanger Valley National Park

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Araku Valley, Srikakulam and Chilika lake which will fall in vicinity.

Indravati River,Dantewada
Indravati River,Dantewada

Distance Charts:(Jagdalpur)

Danteshwari Temple at Dantewada
Danteshwari Temple at Dantewada

How to Reach Jagdalpur:

Road Routes:

Visakhapatnam-Araku-Koraput-Jeypore-Jagdalpur-Dantewada

The Araku Valley on way to Jagdalpur
The Araku Valley on way to Jagdalpur

An important note from my experience:

1) To see caves and national parks, avoid the rainy season, come here after September month.

2)If forests, greenery and waterfalls are what you prefer, drop in July to September. You’ll love the greenery of paddy fields and dense forests.

3)Carry snacks and water with you as shops on the roads are few, and it takes time to reach another city.

4)Carefully study the news and the situation before arriving here. Otherwise, you can be in real trouble. Watch the news for yourself, and you’ll get to know the region’s sensitivity. Not making you fear, though!

5)Araku Valley is something you can easily cover by adding a day extra, and it’s worth it-its the best hill station of Eastern ghats in India-fact!

6)Booking a car is way better than public transport, but come in group-solo travel is not for the faint-hearted and, God’s sake-avoid venturing into forests-stay in city limits!

A temple on my way to Rambha Falls
A temple on my way to Rambha Falls

RAIL:Jagdalpur is well connected by daily rail service from Visakhapatnam.

AIR: Visakhapatnam is nearest airport for Jagdalpur.Raipur also can be the other one.

ROAD: You can approach Jagdalpur from Durg/Raipur or Nagpur side as well as from Visakhapatnam end as well.Roads are in good state but please check the local civil issues and aggressions before approaching roadways. This area is critical and sensitive so please be where public is-don’t try to be a lion in unknown black-hole…

Map:

Visakhapatnam to Jagdalpur via Araku map
Visakhapatnam to Jagdalpur via Araku map

Time to Visit:

August to March is a good time to be here.

A Ganesh Temple
A Ganesh Temple

Spend Time With:

Friends,Groups

Food and Lodging:

Hotels are there in Jagdalpur and you should make your stay here only as this is a safe call.No advance bookings needed as per my experience.Fooding will be available in major cities of Chhattisgarh so better have snacks and water with you all the way!

Expense:

A 2 day trip to Jagdalpur costs:

How close can I get to Chitrakote falls in rains
How close can I get to Chitrakote falls in rains


Food:INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport:To do local sight seeing ,get some friends and make a group and go for car sharing-will cost around 3500 INR per day but its safer.May cost 6000 INR for days.If you manage to get public transport here,won’t cost more than 1000 bucks all inclusive.
Lodging:INR 700/day X2
Entry Fees includes various places (varies):Assuming INR 300 including entry fees at national park.90 % of places are rid of entry fees.

The beautiful eastern ghats in late august
The beautiful eastern ghats in late august

Total: 3300 INR(8300 INR in case you opt for safer transport!!!I am stressing this for some valid reason :-))

Nearby Attractions(Jagdalpur)

Some fishing timesss
Some fishing timesss
Kotumsar Cave
Kotumsar Cave

Munnar Tourist Places 

The city of Munnar
The city of Munnar

South India and Munnar have a romantic connection. So why do people visiting South India miss out on Munnar?

Reasons why you must visit Munnar:

  • The tea plantation and Coffee plantation are so extensive. Any season you go, it’s green throughout the year. And Greenery is what is South India hill stations are famous for.
  • The panoramic view of the hills around is a delight to watch. It’s tough to keep a DSLR camera or GoPro inside your bag!
  • Anaimudi Peak!!! Oh yeah, the peak is nestled within Munnar, and you can view the rocky peak amid Greenery from various places in Munnar.      
  • All season destination-you’ll love this place any day around.
View Of Mattupetty Dam
View Of Mattupetty Dam
  • It’s a honeymooner’s paradise.
  • It’s a place which brings different flavours if you travel solo or in a group or family or as a couple!
  • Eravikulam National Park, which houses Anaimudi Peak, is one of the destinations worth going to to have a beautiful misty view of the hills around!
  • Last but not least, It’s a place which takes just a night journey from Chennai and Bangalore. From Cochin/Eranakulam, it hardly takes 3 hours or so.

Location: Munnar is somewhere located in the heart of Kerala. It is around 130 km from cochin and some 450 km from Bangalore. Theni is also an option to enter from Madurai / Tamil Nadu Side.

View of Anaimudi Peak from the highway
View of Anaimudi Peak from the highway

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Tourist spots are plenty in Munnar, but anywhere you are in Munnar feels like a viewpoint.

Echo Point @ Munnar
Echo Point @ Munnar

Distance Charts:

Bangalore: 434 Km
Mysore: 145 Km
Coimbatore:156 km
Chennai: 111 Km
Madurai: 50 Km

Marayoor near Munnar
Marayoor near Munnar

How to Reach Munnar:

Road Routes:

The possible routes are:

From Bangalore: Banaglore-Hosur-Krishnagiri-Dharmapuri-salem-Namakkal-Dharapuram-Gundimangalm-Udumalpet-Marayoor-Munnar

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Please avoid monsoon season as Kerala witnesses maximum rainfall and havoc during monsoons

2) Buses can cover most places cheaply, especially for solo travellers if you can manage time. For family, cars and autos are available but please take help from locals before taking a ride.

AIR: Cochin is the nearest airport, after which you need to opt for a rail or road network.

ROAD: If you have your bike or car, 9-10 hrs are needed for one day.But what if you want to opt for public transport! In that case, go for KSRTC Bus Services.   

You’ll get buses every 1-2 hours from Aluva/Ernakulam starting at 4 or 5 am. A bus even starts at 1 am from the Ernakulam Bus stand. Most of them are ordinary and unreserved. For reservation, you need to find Trivandrum-bound buses that may suffice.

Map:

Munnar Google map

Time to Visit:

Antime around the year except monsoons(June-Sept)

Nayamakad waterfall
Nayamakad waterfall

Spend Time With:

Family,Friends,Solo,Couple,Honeymoon lovers

Food and Lodging:

For hotels, you never need to worry. There’s plenty, but beware that the rates are at their peak from March to May. I usually do booking on the spot, whatever happens. Booking from apps like Goibibo.com,Yatra.com,Makemytrip.com might help in peak seasons; otherwise, go, bargain, and the book is my advice.

Even Private autos are available along with city buses. City buses tend to be far cheaper. Autos tend to loot you, so ask/verify locals or shopkeepers before enquiring about the auto wallas. Food is available aplenty. Street food is cheap, but restaurants tend to be a bit costly—lots of Tea stalls and chocolate shops. Don’t forget to buy plenty of chocolates from here. 🙂

Expense:

I made three trips to cover various places so I ll give a rough estimate about an expense in general

Food: INR 250/person/day(3 times a day)X2

Transport: INR 1500 for booking an auto for local sightseeing. You can get by bus everywhere. Even if you can, you should take one day extra or at least a few hours of 3rd day extra to cover all the places. Cochin To and fro: INR 300(approx). Bangalore -Cochin: INR 450×2(Two ways)

Pambar River
Pambar River

Lodging: INR 700/day(tends to be 1200INR in peak season)X2

Entry Fees include various places (varies): INR 250/head

Total: 4850 INR

Nearby Attractions:

Nilgiri
Nilgiri