HEALTH

EMBRACE WELLNESS

Health clubs, gyms, beauty salons, spas...

The city heals you from sole to soul with its eclectic mix of health and wellness centres. From helplines to help you in emergencies to state-of-the-art health clubs and spas, it’s a health freak’s paradise. While you are in the city, don’t forget to drop by the many nail bars, tattoo parlours, herbal saloons, skin clinics, fish and fruit spas, among others. Not to mention, the many yoga clinics and centres of alternative medicine. In other words, you are in good hands. And that’s what counts when you are in a new city.

HEALTH CLUB/GYMS

ONEUP FITNESS

2012, Shreyas Plaza, 100 Feet Road, 12th Main, Indiranagar, Tel: 99000-67511.

FIGURINE FITNESS

l 3167, ESI Hospital Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar Tel: 2529-4019, 98450-32994 l 3rd Floor, 319, 7th Main ,2nd Block, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar Tel: 72596-33777

OZONE CLUB

6291, Prestige Ozone, Varthur Kodi, Whitefield Main Road Tel: 96111-12415.

CHISEL

l 36, NR Chambers, Richmond Road Tel: 91640-28998.

CONTOURS

126, KHB Colony, Koramangala Layout Tel: 97315-32676.

A3 PERFORMANCE

Level 3,#620, 2nd Main Road, Indiranagar 1st Stage, Tel:4151 4378 .

ICONIC FITNESS

43, Safa Corner, 5th A Main, Koramangala 1st Block,Tel:4374 2626,94800-00248.

METABOLIX FITNESS STUDIO

Ksha Premises, Rhenius Street, Langford Town Tel:79472-47511.

BEAUTY SALONS

BODYCRAFT

•1/3, Civil Station, Frazer Town Tel:4157-3044 •653, 100 Feet Rd, Defence Colony, Indiranagar Tel:99002-48358 •414A, 7th Main, 1st Block, HRBR Layout Tel: 4890-3412 •52 & 53, Lavelle Road Tel:4890-3312 •118, Ganapathi Temple Road, Koramangala 7th Block Tel:4092-6544•10/1, Mariappa Road, Jayanagar 1st Block, Tel:4095-1444 •403, 13th Cross, 8th Main, Sadashivanagar Tel:4206-0004•1778, 1st Floor,19th Main, 13th Cross, HSR Layout Sector 1, Tel:99024-99522•42, 2nd & 3rd Floor, 100 Feet Road, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Tel:4111-0585

PLAY SALON

l Mantri Square, 17-18, 1, Malleswaram Tel: 2266-7070/ 71 l 2A,2B Lower Ground Floor, Phoenix Market City: Tel: 4962-6363

NATURALS

• 1306, 10th Main Road, Hal 3rd Stage, Jeevan Bima Nagar Tel:96322-03594 • 24, Surya Chambers, Old Airport Road, Murugeshpalya Tel: 2522-1234 • 4, C 329, 1st Floor, 4th Cross, HRBR Layout, Tel: 4098-8935• 11/22A, Cunningham Road,Tel:88610-06543 • 148, 60feet Road 5th Block Koramangala,Tel: 4149-4494

HAKIM AALIM

l 4/1, Brunton Road 1st Cross, Off MG Road Tel: 4175-8278/79 l 4/1, Lavelle Heights, Vittal Mallaya Junction, Lavelle Road, Tel: 4211-0380/81/82.

MIRRORS AND WITHIN

l The Leela Collonade, The Leela Palace, Old Airport Road, Kodihalli; Tel: 4210-5086 l UB City, 24 Vittal Mallya Road Tel: 4173-8023.

LIMELITE UNISEX SALON

•22/11, Park West Building, Ground Floor, Vittal Mallya Road,Tel:4372-3188 •126, 33rd Cross, 11th Main Road, Jayanagar 4th Block,Tel:4372-6588

JEAN CLAUDE BIGUINE

lGround Floor, 25/, 3, Lavelle Road, 1st Stage, Ashok Nagar, Tel: 4151-4000, 4099-4401. l1214, 100 Feet Road, Near, Domlur Flyover, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Tel: 2520-2520. l2nd Floor, 115, Koramangala 7th block, Tel: 2570-2222

POSH STYLING ZONE

64, 13 Cross, West Park Road, Opp Seva Sadan, Malleswaram, Tel: 2346-4643.

PEACHES

12, Off Ulsoor Road, Aga Abbas Ali Road Tel: 4113-1234, 2532-3922.

LAKME BEAUTY SALON

•36, Coles Road, Frazer Town, Tel:98458-40251 •95/3, Gowrasri Arcade, Outer Ring Road, Marathahalli, Tel: 6569-0800 •396, 13th Cross Road, Upper Palace Orchards, Sadashivanagar, Tel:6565-1120 •1446/A, 1st Floor, 30th F Cross, 4th T Block, Jayanagar,Tel:4582-7048

SHAHNAZ HUSAINS HERBAL

18/3, Ali Asker Road, 1st Floor, Cunningham Road Tel: 2220-1549.

YLG

•720, Cmh Road, Indira Nagar 1st Stage, Tel:4115-7550 •43, 2nd Cross, Saibaba Temple Road, Cambridge Layout,Tel:4099-3035 •6, 2nd Floor, Gopalan Signature Mall, CV Raman Nagar,Tel:6714-2150 •37, 2nd Floor, Adams Corner, Coles Road, Frazer Town Tel:4125-1403 •503, 2nd Block, 4th Cross, Kalyan Nagar, HRBR Layout, Tel:4209-4040 •54, Ground Floor, City Mansion Appartment, Langford Town, Tel:480-2302 •13, 1st Floor, Kalyanamantap Road, Koramangala 6th Block,Tel:4092-2004 •30/1, Ground Floor, 13th Cross Road, Upper Palace Orchards,TeL:4153-0500

GREEN TRENDS

•488, 1st Floor, Cmh Road, Indira Nagar 1st Stage,Tel:4123-3372•5/1, Kaggadasapura Main Road, C V Raman Nagar,Tel:78991-13001 •152, 1st Floor, RK Complex, 5th Block, Koramangala,Tel:4162-8777•1/1, 1st Floor, RT Nagar Tel:2343-3660 •764/44, 1st Floor, 37th Cross, Jayanagar 4th Block,Tel:78991-07909 •123, 13th Cross, 3rd Main, Margosa Road, Malleswaram,Tel:2331-1111

SALON MOUSSE

1153, 12th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar: Tel: 4148-1267/8

LIPS STITCH

579, 20th Main, Opp Bethany School, 8th Block, Koramangala; Tel: 2571-0653.

BOUNCE

•36, 1st Floor Magnolia, Vittal Mallya Road; Tel: 4132-9100/9200. •511, 2nd Floor, Kammanahalli Main Rd, HRBR Layout 3rd Block, Tel:90360-03742 • 610, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar,Tel:88809-03903 •580, I Floor, 20th Main Rd, Koramangala 8th Block, Tel:90195-92902

SPAS

REJUVE – THE SPA

The LaliT Ashok, Kumara Krupa High Grounds; Tel:6817-7777 Redefining and recreating a holistic experience for the mind, body and soul.

SOHUM SPA

La Marvella, 1, 14th Cross, South-End Circle,2nd Block, Jayanagar; Tel : 4333-5333

MAYA SPA

The Zuri Whitefield Bengaluru, Whitefield Road, Whitefield; Tel: 6665-7272.

ELAN

Lakeview Farm, Near Shell Petrol Pump, Varthur Main Road, Ramagondanahalli, Whitefield; Tel: 99451-55889.

ANGSANA OASIS SPA

l UB City, 24, Vittal Mallya Road; Tel: 2234-5678 l Main Doddaballapur Road, Addevishwanathapura Village, Rajanukunte; Tel: 2500-1153, 5.30am-9pm

CHI – THE SPA

Shangri-La Hotel, 56-6B, Palace Road; Tel: 4512-6385

CHARISHMA SPA & SALON

107, Art Arcade, 2nd Floor, 80 Feet Road, 4th Block, Koramangala; Tel: 4131-3530.

SPA.CE THE SPA

l 70, Embassy Woods, Cunningham Road; Tel: 83107-66993, 9am-9pm l 3627/A, 1st Main, 7th Cross, Domlur Service Lane, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar; Tel: 83107-26944.

SPA – ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS

Hyatt Bangalore, 1/1 Swami Vivekananda Road, Ulsoor; Tel: 4936-1234.

JIVA SPA

l Vivanta by Taj – Whitefield, ITPB, Whitefield; Tel: 6693-3333 l Taj – MG Road, 41/3, MG Road; Tel: 6660-4444. l Taj – Yeshwantpur, 2275, Tumkur Road, Yeshwantpur; Tel: 6690-0111.

THAI REFRESH SPA

383, 3rd Floor, 12th Main,100 Feet Road, Indiranagar; Tel: 99023-65365, 11am-9pm.

CLOUD 9 SPA

Fortune Select JP Cosmos, 49, Cunningham Crescent Road; Tel: 4243-4243. Oryza rejuvenation Spa l 19, Lavelle Road; Tel: 4132-8321

THE FOUR FOUNTAINS

l 22/1, First Floor, 5th Cross, 5th Block, Koramangala; Tel: 96061-75533. l Signature Square, 1st Floor, 484, Binnamangala 1st Stage, CMH Road, Near KFC Circle, Indiranagar; Tel: 4142-5848 l 664, 1st Floor, 11th A Main Bangalore Central Road, 5th Block, Jayanagar; Tel: 4205-6666• 30, 1st Floor, 13th Cross, Upper Palace Orchards, Sadashivanagar,Tel:2361-3344 8am-9pm.

BODY RAAGA

l 1096, 12th A Main Rd, Indiranagar Tel: 80500-02828 l 93, Richmond Rd, Langford Gardens,Tel:78299 95050 l 381, 11th Main Rd, Jayanagar East, 4th T Block East Jayanagar; Tel: 74060-42999, 10.30am-9pm.

AYURVEDIC CENTRES

AYUSH AYURVEDIC THERAPY & REJUVENATION CENTRE

37, 3rd Cross, Judicial Officer’s Layout, (Next to ISRO) RMV 2nd Stage, (Off New BEL Road) Sanjaynagar; Tel: 4174-8384, 4174-8385. Web: www.ayushayurvedic.com

AYUSHMAN AYURVEDIC THERAPY CENTRE

603 5th Main OMBR Layout Kasthurinagar ,Banaswadi; Tel: 4235-1313

ARTH - AN AYURVEDA HEALTH CENTRE

3367/8, 8th Cross, 13th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar; Tel: 96112-24123

PRANAVAM AYURVEDIC CENTRE

l 3776, 12th Cross, 13th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar Tel: 4099-0666 l 20/2, Cambridge Cross Rd, Cambridge Layout, Ulsoor, Tel:93419 53910. 8am-8pm.

SHATHAYU

l 111, 2nd Cross, 4th Main, 3rd Stage, New Tippasandra; Tel: 90083-07344 l 77, 7th A Cross Road, 4th ‘B’ Block,KHB Block Koramangala,Tel:98861 61618 l 620, 1st Main Rd, AECS Layout – C Block, AECS Layout, Marathahalli; Tel: 88848-88919

KERALA AYURVEDA LIMITED

400, 18th Main , 6th Block, Kormangala; Tel: 4169-9699. 7am-7pm

TATTOO PARLOURS

INKPRIK TATTOO STUDIO

3A,3rd Floor Gouthami Nest, 1st Cross Cambridge Layout Indiranagar; Tel:97317-56903

MAYAN TATTOOS

12, 28th C Cross, Jayanagar 4th Block; Tel: 78990-30803.

ETERNAL EXPRESSION

14/1, Wood Street, Richmond Road; Tel: 2530-9090.

OM TATTOOS

50, Oil Mill Road, Kammanahalli; Tel: 99455-68655, 99003-15546.

BRAMHA TATTOO

50, Church St, Haridevpur, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar,Tel:94482-00155

IREZUMI TATTOO

805, 7th Main Road, 1st Cross Road, Indiranagar:Tel:98407-98487

SPIRITUAL / GUIDANCE CENTRES

ISHA FOUNDATION

33, 10th Main Rd, Jayanagar East, Jaya Nagar 1st Block, Bairasandra Extension; Tel: 80951-63111

ART OF LIVING

l2nd Floor, Ashirwad Building, Above health & glow, Near Saibaba temple, Cambridge Layout; Tel: 96635-77699 l2137, 1st B Cross, 16 B Main, Near Liitle Flower School and Rotary Club, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar; Tel: 96635-77699

INDIAN HERITAGE ACADEMY

20th Main, 6th Block, Near Police Station, Koramangala; Tel: 2553-0121.

YOGA

ASHTANGA YOGA KENDRA

677, 27th Main, 13th Cross Road, Sector 1, HSR Layout; Tel: 87622-84207, 5.30am-10am & 5pm-8.30pm.

1000 YOGA

l No.42, Sumeru, 4th Floor. HAL III Stage, 80 ft Road, Indiranagar; Tel: 90191-01000 •167, Whitefield, Opposite To Neev School, Tel:90365-31000 •74, 3rd Floor, MASS Complex, 15th Cross Road, JP Nagar 3rd Phase,Tel:4126-9555

AKSHAR POWER YOGA ACADEMY

l 4004, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar; Tel: 4166-6317 l Krishna Wellness Centre, 20, 9th Cross, 6th Main, Malleswaram; Tel: 4151-1933 l 3, 18th Main Road, 35th Cross, 4th T Block, Jayanagar; Tel: 4091-5504 •4/1, 1st Cross, Brunton Road, Tel:4175-8275 •23, Confident Aquila, 1st Main Road, 4th Block, Koramangala,Tel:4116-2479

BHARAT THAKUR ARTISTIC YOGA

Rotary Club Indiranagar, 2143, 16th E Main Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Kodihalli, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar; Tel: 1-800-102-1000.

NEW AGE WELLNESS

THE OSTARA SHOP

10, Sai Baba Temple Road, Cambridge Layout, Ulsoor; Tel: 4203-6012, 10am-8pm.

PRITHVI NATURAL HEALING & YOGA CLINIC

841, 10th Main, 5th Cross, 2nd Stage, Near Cauvery School, Indiranagar; Tel: 4116-1666.

24 HOUR PHARMACY

MALLIGE PHARMACY

31/32, Crescent Road, Madhavanagar, Gandhinagar; Tel: 2226-7662.

APOLLO PHARMACY

l 504 Floor, 17th A Main Rd, Koramangala 1A Block, 6th Block, Koramangala; Tel: 1860 500 0101 •24th Main, Jayanagar 9th Block, Tel:4612-4444•68, Dr DVG Road, Basavanagudi,Tel: 98502-33628

MAHAVEER MEDICAL & SURGICALS.

25/3, Lady Curzon Road; Tel: 96868-96313, 2558-6444.

MS RAMAIAH COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

MSR Nagar, MSR IT Post; Tel: 4536-6666.

COSMETOLOGY

SKINLAB BY DR JAMUNA PAI

7/1, 2nd Floor, The Rack, Vittal Mallya Road; Tel: 72592-00200. India’s premier skincare destination. At SkinLab, we’ll see you through your first pimple right up to your first wrinkle and beyond. This is probably why we enjoy the distinction of being called India’s foremost skincare providers.

COSMETIC STUDIO

373/2, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar; Tel: 97390-50020, 89043-22770, 10am-7pm.

VLCC

l Indiranagar Tel: 4214-1726 l Jayanagar Tel: 4120-4700/ 766 l Cunningham Road Tel: 4113-1761 l Whitefield Tel: 4171-4880/ 81/ 82.

CURLS & CURVES

49, 1st Floor, 6th Phase, Mahaganapathi Nagar, West of Chord Road, Rajajinagar; Tel: 90080-31216, 94485-71216.

DR GVG AESTHETIC CLINICS

647, 5th Main, RBI Layout, 6th Phase, JP Nagar; Tel: 4174-4222, 8123-600-600

DR SHETTYS AESTHETICS

Prestige Delta, St Marks Road Tel: 4911-9000/ 4112-5227/4112-5228

KOSMODERMA

l 67/2, Lavelle Road l 268, 3rd Cross, 2nd Stage, Domlur–Indiranagar l 6, Varthur Main Road, Whitefield l Vinyas Tower, 41, Ring Road, 4th Phase, JP Nagar; Tel: 76767-57575, 9.30am-7pm

COSMODERMACARE

474, 1st Floor, 1st Cross, 5th Block, KHB Colony, Koramangala; Tel: 98457 16926

FOR ADVERTISMENTS CALL: 080 2521-6588/89 | 98450-56103

ExErcisE & Vitamin B dEficiEncy

Perfect Bounce, helmed by Dr. Richa Singh throws light on the function of Vitamin B12 in the body.

By Smiti Jain Narayan

Perfect Bounce, the renowned physiotherapy centre in Bangalore, has been playing a key role in the wellness segment.

Now its Founder, leading physiotherapy exponent Dr Richa Singh explains the significance of Vitamin B12 and the role it plays in a number of different processes in the body, including energy production, amino acid and DNA synthesis, blood cell formation, and brain and nerve cell function.

“A lifestyle that consists of physical activity and proper nutrition is important to your overall quality of life, more than just the benefit of weight loss. The truth is that physical activity and nutrition are essential to a healthy body and a healthy mind,” explains Dr. Richa.

She further details, “Food gives you energy, and you need energy to exercise. After you exercise you need food to restore your energy. The best energy comes from glucose, which your body extracts from carbohydrates. The body requires several nutrients to function properly and respond well to your exertion in the gym or the outdoors.”

Feeling unmotivated to work out? You might be exhausted, but there’s also a chance that a deficiency in the different forms of vitamin B makes exercise especially difficult for you.

Symptoms of Vit B deficiency:

When you exercise with a Vitamin B deficiency, you might feel fatigued or weak. In especially bad scenarios, you could injure yourself or not recover properly.

The relationship between Vitamin B9 (Folate) or Vitamin B12 deficiency and exercise is an especially important one to consider if you’re someone who is prone to being deficient, such as vegans or people with digestive problems. Symptoms of anemia that could negatively affect your exercise routine include fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, trouble walking, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, trouble balancing and an irregular heartbeat.

When you’re not getting enough Vitamin B and you exercise, weak muscles or dizziness could increase your chance of injury, and lack of oxygen to your cells means a longer recovery time between workouts. In addition, Vitamin B12 deficiency can increase your chances of having skin numbness and tingling, poor mental health, as well as decreased cognitive function, and poor coordination.

Food sources of Vitamin B:

Most adults need about 400 micrograms of folate a day. Foods that are rich in Folate/ Vitamin B9 include: • Dark leafy greens • Liver • Rice • Barley • Sprouts • Wheat Germ • Nuts & Fruits • Fruit Juice, esp Orange Juice.

Foods rich in Vitamin B12 include:

Eggs, milk, meat, shellfish and fortified breakfast cereals.

Dr. Richa Singh Leading physiotherapy exponent

One of the reason vegans and strict vegetarians run the risk of being deficient in vitamin B12 is that most of its sources are animal-based foods. Adults need approximately 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day.

Why should older adults pay more attention to vitamin B12? The physiology of vitamin B12 is complex. In order for your body to absorb naturally occurring vitamin B12, digestive processes in the stomach and small intestine must break down the proteins that bind the vitamin. Gastric acid releases vitamin B12 from the food that you consume, which becomes a problem for some older adults because they produce less stomach acid as they age, thereby increasing their risk for B12 deficiencies. Specifically, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 3.2% of adults over age 50 have seriously low levels of B12, and up to 20% may have a borderline deficiency.

PERFECT BOUNCE HEALTHCARE PVT LTD Landmark, JR Magnum, 1st Floor, 184/A, 22nd Cross Club Road, Opp. HSR Club, Sector 3, HSR Layout, Bengaluru. Mob: +91 95134-15111 / +91 95135-15111 Email: contact@perfectbounce.in Website: www.perfectbounce.in

Mysuru Palace

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

Discover places, explore destinations...

Bangalore has some great places for a quick getaway, whether you’re a local Bangalorean or a visitor passing through the city. From Bannerghatta National Park with its zoo, butterfly park, safari and biological reserve; to

Shivanasamudram for its cascading waterfalls. From hill station

Devarayanadurga; to Ramohalli with its historic big banyan tree spread over 4 acres. From Shivaganga hill for trekking and mountain climbing; to Channapatna for its colourful native wooden toys. From Mekedatu with the scenic river Cauvery; to Kolar Gold Fields, the famed erstwhile gold mines of India. Explore, experience, enrich!

PEARL VALLEY

A tranquil picnic spot with waterfall, rocks and a pool. Distance: 44 km Location: Anekal Best time to visit: Aug-Nov

RAMANAGARAM

Famed for its rock formations where the cult film Sholay was shot. Great for rock climbing. Also a silk centre. Distance: 50 km Location: BangaloreMysore Highway Best time to visit: Oct-Mar

CHANNAPATNA

Crafts village hub for indigenous wooden toys, lacquerware and silk. Distance: 60 km Location: Bangalore-Mysore Highway Best time to visit: Oct-May

MEKEDATU

A narrow gorge through which River Cauvery passes. Enjoy trekking, coracle rides and waterfalls. Distance: 90 km Location: Kanakapura (towards Sangama) Best time to visit: Aug-Jan SHIVANASAMUDRAM

Picturesque waterfalls cascading 90 meters down. Source of Asia’s Second Hydro Electric Power Station called Shimsa. Distance: 129 km Location: Skirts Cauvery wildlife sanctuary Best time to visit: Jul-Sept

KOTILINGESHWARA

Temple with one of the largest Shivalingas in the world. Peaceful and green retreat with huge Shivalinga of 108 ft, 35 ft tall Basava, surrounded by lakhs of small shivalingas spread over 15 acres. Special festival Maha Shivaratri. Distance: 94 km Location: Kammasandra Village, Kolar Best time to visit: All year

YERCAUD

Popular hill station 4920 feet above sea level. Coffee plantations, orange groves, and orchidarium run by Botanical Survey of India. Botanica gardens, boating and trekking. Distance: 227 km Location: Sheveroy Hills, Tamil Nadu Best time to visit: Feb-Jun & Sept-Nov

MYSORE

City steeped in history with world famous Mysore Palace, other palaces, Mysore zoo, Karanji and Kukkarahallu lakes, Krishnarajasagar Dam and adjoining Brindavan Gardens with musical fountain. Distance: 139 km Location: 12 km from Srirangapatna Best time to visit: Oct-Mar

YELAGIRI HILLS

Ideal for a relaxed weekend with trekking, nature walks, boating. Punganoor artificial lakecum-park, Jalagamparai waterfalls, Swamimalai (the highest peak in the area), Murugan Koil temple and Telescope House. Distance: 170 km Location: Near Jolarpet station, Tamil Nadu Best time to visit: Nov-Feb THIRUVANNAMALAI

Sacred temple town in Tamil Nadu, significant for pilgrims, peace-seekers and tourists from around the world. Frozen in time, and abound with legends of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Distance: 206 km Location: Beyond Krishnagiri Best time to visit: Oct-Mar

BHEEMESHWARI

Fishing camp with jungle lodge in the forests of Karnataka, nestled along the Cauvery, sacred river of South India. Distance: 100 km Location: Banks of Cauvery Best time to visit: Dec-Mar

KABINI

One of the most popular wildlife destinations, with a large scenic lake, elephant and bird sightings, spread over 55 acres of forestland. Distance: 208km Location: Backwaters of Kabini River Best time to visit: Oct-May

OOTY

Short for Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam, it South India’s best known hill station, set among the Nilgiris, with green forests, valleys, tea plantations, streams and mountains. Tea plantation visit, trekking, botanical gardens, sightseeing in scenic natural beauty. Distance: 297 km Location: Niligiris, at a height of 7440 feet Best time to visit: Apr-Jun & Sept-Nov

MUDUMALAI

Mudumalai National Park lies on northwest of Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District. Elephant Feeding Camp, Moyar river, Kallatty falls, Pykara lake, Elephant Safari. Distance: 220 km Location: Northern Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu Best time to visit: Feb-Jun

BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

One of India’s best known sanctuaries at Western Ghats foothills. It is home to tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, dholes, gaur and sloth bears. Distance: 218 km Location: Forests of Mudumalai Best time to visit: All year, but preferably in monsoon with wildlife and greenery in abundance.

COORG

Dubbed as Scotland of India, one of the most beautiful hill stations with verdant trekking routes amidst lush forests and hills. Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Nagarahole National Park, Iruppu Falls, Abbey Falls, Brahmagri hills, Dubare forest, Elephant Camp and white water rafting. Distance: 252 km Location: Heart of Coorg’s coffee country Best time to visit: Oct-May NAGARHOLE

Enchanting 247 square-mile park in coffee land of Coorg, with Asian elephants, marsh crocodiles, monitor lizards, rock pythons, aquatic and terrestrial tortoises, frogs, toads, tree frogs, a myriad insects and butterflies. Distance: 222 km Location: Part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve Best time to visit: Oct-May

BELUR AND HALEBID

Twin temple towns, world famous for their historical sculptures, Hoysala architecture and very intricate carvings cut from soft stone. They are comparable to Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh. Distance: 226 km Location: Foothills of Western Ghats Best time to visit: Oct-Feb

PONDICHERRY

Union Territory of Pudhucherry (earlier Pondicherry), with quaint French charm, cobbled streets, elegant restaurants and houses, statues of Dupleix and Joan of Arc. Famous for Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville with its pretty native crafts. Distance: 296 km Location: Bay of Bengal, south of Chennai Best time to visit: Oct-Mar