Bangalore - Little Known Offbeat Attractions

1: Puthige Mutt

The Govardhanagiri Temple is an entirely man-made cave, crafted to appear natural and ancient. The temple has been constructed as a replica of Govardhana Hill, built around an existing hill. In place of the traditional sanctum sanctorum, residing in the cave's interior is Sri Krsna holding Govardhana hill. As you enter and proceed, you find the small cave temple beautifully ornamented with carvings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. Most beautiful is the statue of Sri Krishna lifting Govardhana, for which the temple is named. Dim lights and lifelike colors and textures very successfully replicate a natural ancient cave temple.

It is located very close to the Dodda Basavana Gudi, or 'Big Bull' temple in Basavangudi. This temple is managed by the Puthige matha of Udupi and hence it is also known by that name, Puthige Mutt.


5.3 km, 18 mins drive


2: NIMHANS Brain Museum

The Brain Museum showcases the human brain and its functions. It is located at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and is run by its department of neuropathology. The Museum seeks to help visitors see the brain, understand how it works and get an insight into the kinds of diseases that can affect it. The museum has a diverse collection of over 600 brain samples and is the result of over 30 years of research. The Museum is open to the public for guided tours on Saturdays between 9 AM to 4:30 PM and on Wednesdays between 2 PM and 5 PM. On remaining days, the museum is open between 9 AM and 4.30 PM. The Museum remains closed on Sundays and other public holidays.

Over 300 brain specimens are preserved in jars at the brain museum managed by the Department of Neuropathology. And each brain has a story to tell — whether chilling, tragic or fascinating — which you discover during a guided tour of the museum with its conceptualiser, S.K. Shankar, who has been a professor at the Department for the past 32 years.


6.8 km, 22 mins drive


3: Maha Bodhi Society

Snuggled away in a quiet corner of Gandhinagar is the Maha Bodhi Society that teaches about Lord Buddha, and provides inspiration and facilities for bringing that teaching into action through spiritual, social and educational activities. Established in 1956 for the purpose of resuscitation of Buddhism the temple at Maha Bodhi Society is visited by a very diverse mix of people from diverse backgrounds and interests.

Stepping inside the temple feels like walking into another world, and the noisy streets suddenly seem to be very far away. The temple reflects oriental charm and spiritual ambiance. The architecture is very traditional with lots of dragon motifs, and lions guarding the gates. The structure radiates a calming sensation and the central altar has a giant statue of Lord Buddha.


14.0 km, 31 mins drive


4: Microlight Flying

Adrenaline junkies interested in having adventures up in the air can take to flying microlight aircraft to get their dose of thrill. Microlight is a kind of aircraft which is of light weight and can be easily flown with basic flight controls. It is mostly used for recreational and adventure activities. There are multiple flying clubs in the city and there has been a surge of enthusiasm among people of all age groups to try their hand at microlight flying.


24.4 km, 46 mins drive


5: Nrithyagram

Diversity spices life and if anyone is looking for it, Nrityagram is the place to be. Nrityagram is India's first modern Gurukul for Indian classical dances and a community in the form of a dance village, set up by Odissi dancer Protima Gauri in 1990. Nrityagram will definitely enrich you with vibrant colours of Indian dance forms. Designed by famous Indian architect Gerard da Cunha, Nrityagram is situated near Hesaraghatta Lake 30 km away from Bangalore.

It is located at a distance of around 30 KMs from Bangalore. Explore the modern Gurukul set up and try to value the classical bonding of Guru and Sishya (teacher and disciple). You can also visit Hesaraghatta Lake, which is nearby.


38.5 km, 1 hour 6 mins drive


The peak point of Bangalore is surprisingly among the lesser known places in the city. A cool breeze touches you softly as you reach Omkar Hills to see the what is claimed to be the world's second biggest clock tower. Situated in the south of Bangalore, Omkar Hills is both a tourist spot and a multi-religious forum amid enthralling forest environs. At each hour, the clock, made by HMT, makes a unique loud sound of conch followed by the "Omkar" sound five times and rings the bell that many times, matching the hour it indicates.

The recently built Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple attracts thousands during the festival of Mahashivaratri. The banyan tree atop the hillock, appears like an umbrella. There is a pavilion under the banyan tree, situated on the highest elevated hillock from where many parts of Bangalore are visible.


16.5 km, 41 mins drive


7: Thottikallu Falls

Not many people know that there is a beautiful waterfalls just 35 KMs from Bangalore. The name of this surprise attraction is Thottikallu. Thottikallu is a place near Bangalore off the Kanakapura road which is famous for a falls called Thottikallu falls more popularly known as TK falls.


18.6 km, 36 mins drive


Pyramid Valley is an international meditation centre that houses the world’s largest meditational pyramid. It is a centre dedicated to the quest for self-realization among individuals, societies and organizations and in their journey for attainment of spiritual wisdom. The Pyramid Valley is located in a village called Kebbedoddi, around 30 km from Bangalore. Nestled in the middle of a serene and lush green valley and surrounded by rocky hills on all sides the Pyramid Valley is an ideal place for meditation and relaxation. It is considered to be one of the seven wonders of Bangalore. The meditation centre is also known as "Maitreya-Buddha Vishwalayam".

The campus of the meditation centre is a splendid sight to behold. The mystical valley is situated in the lap of nature, in an environment that is completely devoid of pollution and noise. The pristine beauty of the campus is enhanced by various elements of nature such as natural rocks, water bodies, hills and a pleasant weather. The main attraction of the amazing campus is the magnanimous Maitreya- Buddha Pyramid.


42.8 km, 1 hour 5 mins drive


9: Janapada Loka

On Mysore Road, a few kilometers after the town of Ramanagara, you can find this place on your right. The word 'Janapada' in Kannada means folklore, and this place is a folk museum and is the brainchild of Sri. H. L. Nagegowda, a famous folklorist and a civil servant.

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