TRAVEL SPECIAL...QUICK GETAWAY

QUICK GETAWAY

FROM MUMBAI: KAAS PLATEAU, 301 KMS, 5 HRS, 27 DEGREES
    A weekend break to Kaas promises to be a relaxed tete-a-tete with nature. This area in Satara district is popular for its plateau region, which blooms with beautiful flowers through September and October. The otherwise dry rock, quenched by the rains brings forth a carpet of small flowers in shades of pink, yellow and white. Lie among the blossoms and watch the clouds roll by or picnic against the backdrop of these natural colours. Kaas is a unique place for flora researchers, nature lovers and photographers. In June 2012, UNESCO had announced this location as a Biodiversity World Heritage Site. Visit nearby Kaas Lake and take a dip in the shallow waters or soak under the shower of Thoseghar waterfalls before heading out to the various Maharashtrian restaurants in the area that serve delicious local fare. Add in a bit of history with a visit to Sajjangad, a fort nearby.
By Train: Nearest station is Satara. By Road: Drive to Satara and then head out towards Sajjangad.
FROM DELHI: SAMODE, 243 KMS, 3 HRS, 20 MINS, 29 DEGREES
    Samode is a large town in Rajasthan that is steeped in history. Popular for being owned by the zamindars of the state of Amber, today the town still holds strong traces of its feudal past. Samode Palace, along with Samode Haveli and Samode Bagh are some of the area’s most popular sites. These monuments and structures are a fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani art and architecture. Situated in the Aravalli mountain range, the area offers a panoramic view of the flat lands below. One is required to pay an entry fee of 500 to visit the the palace, haveli and bagh. The heritage monuments are currently being used as a luxury hotel and one can book their weekend stay here itself to get a taste of living royally.
    Spend time trekking through the hillside of Samode or visit the villages around and try picking up some knick-knacks made by the locals.
By Train: Nearest railhead is in Jaipur. By Road: Drive from Delhi to Jaipur and then head to Samode.
FROM BANGALORE: SHIMOGA, 359 KMS, 7 HRS, 27 DEGREES
    Along the Tunga River lies the city of Shimoga in Karnataka. Called the ‘Rice Bowl of Karnataka’, Shimoga is also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. It is a modern, progressive city with strong cultural roots and warmhearted people. Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Shimoga as it is near a number of well-known waterfalls and forest trails. Visit Jogg Falls, which will be at their most lively, now that the monsoons are just over or trek to Hidlumane Falls near Nittur. Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari lies 12 km away and safaris are conducted on a regular basis. Heritage spaces abound in and around Shimoga. Visit Shivappa Nayaka’s palace in the city area which has a number of art works. Koodli, Rameshwara Temple in Keladi, Kavishaila, Aghoreshwara Temple in Ikkeri and Kedareshwara in Temple Balligavi are visit worthy places around.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is in Shimoga Town. By Road: Shimoga can be reached by road on NH-206.

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