Feast on the frost

It is the season to officially chill, with winter slowly creeping up on the city. But if you have been missing putting on those warm knits, considering the city sees flashes of hot and cold, then here are some destinations you could try going to, to catch the nip in the air.

The Scotland of India
Only 252km from Bangalore, Kodagu or Coorg is high enough from the sea level to let you experience winter.

With misty hills, lush forests and acres of tea and coffee plantation, great mountain views, this could well be your unforgettable holiday destination. You could give the usual tourist spots a miss and go hiking in the small hills scattered all over. Around December, Coorg also celebrates Puttari, a traditional harvest festival with lots of folk music and dances and contests among local villages, which are fun to be a part of. Oh and didn’t we also say, it’s called the Scotland of India? So, make sure to pack those warmers in!

Trek it up!
Just 70km from Bangalore, the rocky hills at Anthargange are a trekker’s delight! Day trips are the best option with an excellent road network to Kolar and the scenic drive is worth the visit. The volcanic rock formations, caves keep one busy with exploration. For the daring traveller, there’s rappelling and high-rope traversing available too. The weather generally is pleasant, but don’t forget to pack some warm jackets and blankets if you want to explore night-time camping as fires cannot be lit in the wooded area.

For some rustic fun
Just a three-hour drive from the city, the Yelagiri hill station is not as developed as the other hill stations in Tamil Nadu like Ooty or Kodaikanal. But it is a great place to enjoy the charms of a traditional life as the hill destination offers a quiet getaway from the urban life. You could either just laze around in a hammock while soaking the winter sun or go for a trek in the nearby hilly areas. The place also has a lot of temples and the sound of temple bells add a special touch to the air, as you can hear them in the background of the silent and placid hills.

Horsing around
Though the place is popular as a great summer getaway, it can be the perfect destination to catch up on some winter chill. Located just 160km from Bangalore, Horsely Hills offers pristine climate and is rich with a variety of flora and fauna. Among things to see are Mallamma Temple, Gali Bandalu, a windy rock and a small fort known as Mahal. There’s also a 150-year old eucalyptus tree named Kalyani, which is worth a dekko! The area is famous for Pungannur, a breed of cattle that has a high yield of milk.

Away from the mad crowds
A five-hour drive from Bangalore, Yercaud boasts of scenic beauty great climate. As you drive to the place, you will cross coffee plantations and orange groves, which add a fragrance to the air. Spend some days, away from other bustling hill stations catching up on some ‘me time’. Also, try the auto trips in the place that take you around to see the local tourist attractions.