2 Days Trip from Bangalore by Train

Known For : Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India. Ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history, it is called as the 'Lotus City' as it was planned and built in the shape of a lotus. Madurai is known for Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar.

Nearest Railway Station: Madurai Junction

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

Known For : River Rafting in Dandeli Kali Tiger Reserve Magod Falls

Located on the Western Ghats of Uttara Karnataka, Dandeli is bestowed with the lush green forests and lies on the banks of the Kali river. Known for its many fantastic adventure opportunities, Dandeli is a hub for river rafting on river kali . Adventure seekers have many options such as mountain biking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and canoeing. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is another exciting element that Dandeli has to offer.  This is perfect for nature lovers too as they can spot Bisons and Black Panthers here as well as be amidst beautiful flora as well.

Nearest Railway Station: Take a train to Hubli or Alnavar and then a short bus ride to Dandeli.

Best Time: October to May

25 Dandeli Attractions

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is a charming coastal town and one of the Union Territories of India, located on the southeastern coast, about 160 kilometers south of Chennai. Famous for its unique blend of French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry offers visitors a taste of its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and picturesque beaches. The key reason to visit Pondicherry is its distinct ambiance, characterized by colorful colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, and a relaxed coastal vibe. 

The French Quarter, also known as White Town, is the heart of Pondicherry, adorned with picturesque mustard-yellow colonial buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. Lined with cozy cafes and stylish boutiques offering delectable French cuisine and beverages, a leisurely stroll through these streets immerses travelers in Pondicherry's enchanting charm.

Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry railway station

Best Time: October to March

48 Pondicherry Attractions

Covering a vast area of over 490 sq.kms, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over the districts of Shimoga and Chikmagalur, 38 km west of the Chikmagalur town in Karnataka. Surrounded by hills of the Western Ghats on all sides, the view of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary looks like a scene right out of a movie!

Why Visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary :

• There is one property of jungle lodges River Tern Lodges, located on the edge of hillock of Bhadra reservoir that provides a great view of the river from all side
• Over 250 species of birds can be spotted, most of them endemic to the Western Ghats
• The reserve also provides an opportunity for a 3.5-km long nature trail at Muthod
• Since it is a Tiger Reserve, there are 30 Tigers and 20 leopards that can be spotted in Doddahadlu and Chandanahadlu
  Boating safari is offered in Bhadra reservoir
• Talbidrekere is the place nearby where you can locate a watering hole where one can see plenty of wildlife. Melgiri and Kesarhalla too offer excellent sightings

Known For : Fort Kochi Mattancherry Palace Santa Cruz Basilica

Lying on the Malabar coast in the southwest of India, Kochi or Cochin is a port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Known popularly as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is also Kerala's financial, commercial, and industrial capital. Exuding an old-world charm with diverse linguistics, such as the Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis, and ethnic communities like the anglo-indians, Kochi has an indiscriminate mix of backwaters, beaches, islands, coasts, and plain terrains.

Nearest Railway Station: Aluva and Ernakulam

Best Time: July to April

57 Kochi Attractions

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaikanal means 'the gift of the forests'.

Nearest railway station: Kodaikanal Road

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Manjarabad Fort Sakleshwara Temple Bisle Reserve Forest

Sakleshpur is a popular yet offbeat hill station in Karnataka flanked by the Western Ghats. There is something for everyone, from the dense rainforest, hiking trails, historical temples and an old fort, mountain peaks and waterfalls. Whether its the significant agricultural products or the discovery of a jyotirlinga by the Hoysalas, the quaint town of Sakleshpur earned its name rightly as it is no less verdant than Ooty.

Nearest Railway Station: Sakleshpur Railway Station

Best Time: October to March, May-June

14 Sakleshpur Attractions

Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore, currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. The highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a must-visit.

Nearest Railway Station: Mysore

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Mysore Attractions

Known For : Bekal Fort Bekal Beach Kappil Beach

Located on the west of the Malabar coastline, Bekal is a small town in the Kasargod district of Kerala. It is famous for its beaches, backwaters, forts and some tourists spots. Bekal is home to the largest fortress in Kerala. It's one of the primary landmarks of Kasargod district.

Nearest Railway Station: Board a train to Kasaragod and then travel to Bekal by local transport.

Best Time: October to March

12 Bekal Attractions

Known For : Marina Beach Government Museum, Chennai MGR Film City

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India. Located on the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition. This 'capital of the south', is one among the four metropolitan siblings of India, having a rich cultural history which it perfectly balances with its metropolis lifestyle.

Best Time: October to March

91 Chennai Attractions

Mulki is nestled between the Arabian sea and the Shambhavi River in this paradise of water sports lovers and for ones who want to lear surfing. An esoteric town for surfers, Kayakers, Rafters and wakeboarders, Mulki is based 30 kms from Mangalore. Snorkeling trips to nearby islands are also possible from Mulki beach.

Nearest Railway Station: Mulki, Udupi and Mangalore

Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna

With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies. Situated on the coast of Karwar, every year Gokarna welcomes hordes of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation. The out-of-town beaches like Kudle beach and Om Beach are a different contrast to life inside the town.

Nearest Railway Station: Gokarna Road

Best Time: Throughout the year

20 Gokarna Attractions

The second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka and is the highest waterfall in the state. Second, to the Nohkalikai Falls of Meghalaya, Jog falls drops about a huge 253 m (850 ft. ) in a single fall. However, due to the construction of Linganamakki Dam which is a hydroelectricity plant closeby, the flow in the falls is hugely restricted before monsoons. So, it is best to go during the Monsoon season to see the falls in its full form.

Nearest Railway Stations: Shimoga and Talaguppa

Best Time: July to December

9 Jog Falls Attractions