There are atleast a dozen forests around Bangalore.
MAKALI DURGA
It is around 60kms from the city.As you reach Yelahanka on Bellary Raod, take a deviation to left from the Yelahanka city towards Doddaballapur which is 35kms away. Once you reach Doddaballapur the locals will guide you towards Makali Durga which is 15kms.
Fort in the Forest
The picturesque Makali Durga near Doddaballapur offers a whole range of thrills from bird watching to adventure activities like rappelling. A ride down the lake at the foothills could be possible depending on the availability of coracles among the local fishermen.
Adjacent to the well known religious center Ghati Subramanya, Makali Durga (fort) stands atop a huge granite hillock, which can be scaled in one to two hours. Once you reach the summit, 1,350mts above sea level, you come to the ruins of the fort that has history written all over it. You could just gaze at it or breathe in the fresh air infused with the invigorating flavour of lemon grass.
DEVARA BETTA
Situated at a distance of 70kms from Bangalore, it is around 17-20 kms from Doddaballpur.Here again, off the Yelahanka town take a deviation towards right and reach Doddaballapur.Further, take a right turn and travel for about 10kms, you are at the entrance of the Devara Betta region.
DODDARAGI HALLI BETTA & CHICKKARAGI HALLI BETTA
SUVARNA MUKHI
THOTTIKAL FALLS
NANDHI HILLS
SKANDAGIRI
MUTHYALA MADU
SAVANADURGA
A visit to a mojority of these places would need special permission from the State Forest Department,but it is worth the trouble.
Not very far from Makali Durga, Devara Betta region is known for its thick green forest cover and shrubs and is home to a variety of animals and birds.This area is also home to the Subramanya temple known for Nagaradhane (snake worship). According to forest department officials, the area has different varieties of reptiles besides sloth bears, jackals and mongoose.
Laze by the Stream
Yet anothe spot in the heart of Bannerghatta National Park is Suvarna Mukhi. The park stretches out to a huge rock at this point and the Suvarnamukhi stream meandering through the verdant green pastures beckons you to take a plunge. Apart from the few humans, elephants flock to the area in large numbers.
Walking with Elephants and Leopards
Even though the trekking routes inside the Bannerghatta National Park-- Doddaragi Halli Betta and Chickkaragi Halli Betta were thrown open to the public last year, not many know about it. While the Doddaragi Halli Betta covers a distance of 15kms, the Chikkaragi trek route measures around 9kms.
As the area is under the jurisdiction of the national park, special permission from the forest department is required to undertake any adventure activities.
The dense forests are home to elephants, leopards and bears besides around 100 species of birds. A small check dam on the route and watch towers at regular intervals will lead you to all the 10 reserve forest areas of the Anekal Forest range.
Under a Waterfall
The surroundings of Bangalore are not just known for the green cover but also the water bodies that provide the welcome cool break. Geographically falling under the Deccan plateau region, the smallhillocks have led to the formation of waterfalls at a few places. The Thottikal falls off the Suvarnamukhi valley attracts you in all its majesty, which canbe believe it or not, "manually operated!".
This just means that the channel atop the hill through which the water falls can easily be blocked and water can be stored for a few minutes. The forest around the stream is the most sought after by trekkers interested in spotting water birds.
UP the Hill
Besides ite beautiful gardens, nurseries and breathtaking views from the infamous 'Tipu Drop', Nandi Hills has enough to offer nature enthusiasts. The slopes of the hills are either covered with thorny shrubs or boulders that give you a mixed bag while rock - climbing or trekking. The originating pointsof 3 rivers are in different directions of the hill and the forest around these water bodies offers you an evergreen ambience.
Trekker's Paradise
At around 60kms from the city, off Bellary Road and between Chikkaballapur and Nandi hills, Skandagiri or Kandavarahalli Betta is popular among techie backpakers especially after the famous photo mail that dropped into many an inbox.
Located at an altitude of 1,750mt, Skandagiri is every adventurer's paradise and an ideal place for night trekking, high altitude camping and of course, watching the sun rise.
Go with the Flow
Muthyala Madu or the Pearl Valley could be an easy option for those staying close to the Electronic City. Less than 50kms away from the city and close to Anekal, the beautiful waterfalls area along the fringes of the Bannerghatta National Park is often called as Pearl Valley.
Even though it is steep at few places, the steps leading to the bottom of the valley makes it easier for anybody to get down to the abyss. Trek along the flowing water and it will connect you with the Cauvery Basin, yet another hub of wildlife.
Take a Dip Though it is known among the rockclimbers, the surroinding areas of Savanadurga have been attracting good numbers of trekkers. Adding to the beauty, backwaters of Manchanabele dam keeps the surrounding area cool enough to trek at anytime of the day even in summer. If you are tired after a trek, you can plunge into the backwaters and get refreshed.
