So, get your bag packing for head off to these top 5 treks around Bangalore.

1. Bheemeshwari

Being a very popular tourist destination for trekking, Bheemeshwari is indeed an ideal place for those who want to enjoy unlimited trekking on unrestrained terrain.

Trekking at Bheemeshwari

There are lush green surroundings, many gurgling streams and different varieties of flora and fauna that make up the beautiful wildlife. One can even indulge in some perfect fishing in the many streams. There are many valleys and numerous rivers and streams. Thus, a lot of possibility for undertaking water sports like swimming, rafting etc. There are a lot of trekking routes in the area and the tourists and travelers can choose from their many options. There are dense surrounding forests and thus the place is a haven for wildlife photographers and bird watchers alike. One can spot a large number of animals like deer, elephants, wild monkeys, and even wild boars. Make sure to keep your binoculars handy to watch and gaze at these and the many varieties of rare birds.

2. Makalidurga

Picturesque Makalidurga is situated around 60 kms away from Bangalore.

Rappelling at Makalidurga

It is said that the place is an adventure enthusiasts’ and a wildlife explorer’s delight because it offers a lot of natural wonders like hills, dense forests, fort, and an immense landscape of lush flora and fauna for its visitors to come and explore at will. A ruined fort by the name of Makali Durga stands alone on top of a hill and looks down majestically on all the visitors.

Trekking is the best way to explore this place and thus there are many who plan weekend trekking trips to the place and come back a much happier and cheerful person. Makalidurga has something for everyone, but go in groups to enjoy the trek more. There is no fixed path that one needs to follow. The trek route can be as simple or as treacherous as one wishes. The hill top is the major destination and one can trek all the way to it at one’s own sweet pace. The route is lush with greenery and thus one can enjoy the breeze on the way leading to the top of Makalidurga hill.

3. Savandurga

Savandurga is known as one of the largest monoliths in the whole of Asia. Trekking to Savandurga is an enjoyable experience mainly due to its trek route.

Trekking in Sawandurga

The route is strewn with a lot of greenery that really soothe the souls as one is driving by or walking by. Trekking is one of the major modes of exploring the places and sites in and around Savandurga. The famous Savandurga hills are located almost at an altitude of 1226 meters above sea level. Thus, one can imagine what a view the place has to offer from the top! There are amazing rock formations and placements that can be seen at Savandurga. These are huge rocks that are naturally placed at strategic positions and which look amazingly beautiful from a distance. Such huge rocks at Savandurga are a treat for the kids and other youthful trekkers who find an amazing thrill and fun in climbing these with a group. Rock climbing is just one of the many simple adventure activities that can be indulged in at Savandurga. One can even indulge in a lot of other allied activities like rappelling, river rafting and river crossing and cave exploration.

4. Kanakpura

Kanakapura is a small town in Karnataka and the headquarters of Kanakapura Taluka. It is located in the Ramnagar district. Placed very near to the city of Bangalore, one finds a good crowd of bangaloreans heading towards Kanakapura for an adventurous weekend of trekking and camping.

Trekking in Kanakpura

The town is famous for the ample production of silk and granite and so the crowd of sight seers and traders is huge too over the weekend. Kanakapura has a lot of scope for adventure and thrilling treks. Thus most people who have an adventurous inclination head for trekking at Kanakapura. The place is located in the lap of greenery and nature and thus the whole of the trek route is strewn with lush greenery. The trekkers can thus enjoy immense pleasure while walking and exploring in Kanakapura. The eco friendly trial offers a much needed change from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city of Bangalore.

5. Ramnagar

Ramnagar is another favorite destination for trekking and one which is located in close proximity of Bangalore.

Ramanagaram Adventure

The place is majorly composed of many rocky outcrops. Thus the place is ideal for rock climbing and such similar adventurous activities. Cliff climbing enthusiasts can find a lot to explore in Ramnagar. There is always a crowd of enthusiasts who visit Ramnagar regularly to indulge in rock climbing and rappelling. The granite cliffs have a steep height of almost 70 to 80 feet and thus offer the adventure enthusiasts and rock climbers the much needed adrenaline rush.

Ramadevara Betta, SRS Betta and Thenginkalbetta are the famous regions which are popular for technical rock climbing. People from all over India come to Ramnagar annually to get a taste of amateur as well as professional rock climbing.

Besides this there are various other places to trek like Madhugiri fort, SkandGiri and Nandi Hills.

Dates: March 3rd to 4th, 2012

Itinerary

Day 1

- Till 10.30am – Arrival, freshen up, breakfast and rest before the session begins.
- 10.30am to 12pm and 12.15pm to 1.30pm:

Indoor Session

1. Introduction to Photography
2. Technical aspects of making a photograph
– 1.30pm to 3.15pm – Lunch Break
– 3.30pm to 7pm – Field outing – drive to Irpu Falls and other places along the way to the falls
– 7.30pm to 8.30pm – Review of Images taken during the field trip.
– 8.30pm – Dinner and End of Day

Day 2
– 7am to 8.30am - Field outing
– 8.30am to 11am – Breakfast, freshen up and rest
– 11.30am to 1.30pm

1. Post-processing the images in the computer
2. Understanding photography equipment – cameras, lenses, tele converters, tripods, bags and other gears.
3. Camera Gears – What to buy? 4. Q & A

– 3.30pm to 6pm – Field outing
– After 6pm – Dinner and checkout

For Registration, contact – info@hummingbirdindia.com
or call Dinesh – 9742264034 / Suman – 9742264276

HummingBird & Darter Photography provide unique photography experiences in exciting destinations in India. Coorg being one such destination, chosen for its diverse ecology.

The workshop is designed to address beginners who have an interest in photography. No prior experience or expertise is required to attend this course. The participants need not own a digital SLR or any advanced photography equipment. However, participants can benefit by bringing a camera of any kind to the workshop.

We help beginners and amateur photographers view the world from behind the camera to take back memories for a lifetime, both in their minds as well as their memory cards. Arun Bhat, The Darter Photography Expert on the tour guides photographers on opportunities and techniques of photography. The overall experience of the tour is a key determinant of our success and we go all out to ensure that the photographers have the time of their life.

The heritage town of Melukote is located 120km from Bangalore. It became a center of Vaishnavaites when Sri Ramanujacharya took shelter in the town during 12th century. The town hosts two ancient temples and several smaller heritage structures. The everyday life and culture of Melukote retains a feel of its past and heritage.

Darter Photography takes you on a photography outing to Melukote, to capture these ancient structures, heritage sites, its traditions, its people, its celebrated puliogres that can be relished by the street. Join the Darter Day Out on Saturday, 4th February armed with your cameras and guided by expert travel photographers.

Who can join?

Any one! If you want to see and make beautiful photographs of the heritage town of Melukote, hop in with us. It doesn’t matter if you are shooting with your phone camera or carrying the world’s most expensive photography equipment. We take you through the places and guide you in making good images along the way.

The Day’s Program Includes

* A brief session on Melukote with photography in mind.
* Photography of places in Melukote, with guidance from Darter Photography Experts.
* Image Reviews and critiques.
* Visit to ancient temples, heritage sites, Kalyanis and other interestig sites and to see and capture everyday activities in Melukote.

The Itinerary

* Start from MG Road at 6.45am. Pickup from Jayanagar at 7am.
* Stop for breakfast on the way at 8am
* Reach Melukote at 10am
* Head to the Kalyani, begin with a brief session
* Start photography with on planned route from 11am to 1pm
* Lunch and Image Reviews from the morning shoot from 1pm to 3pm
* Start photography with a planned route from 3pm to 6.15pm
* Depart for Bangalore at 6.45pm with a snack-stop along the way. Image reviews from evening shoot on the way back. We are back in Bangalore approximately by 9pm.

The itinerary is tentative and timings are only indicative, except for a fixed time of departure from Bangalore. Delays and changes are possible with progress in the day and shooting conditions.

Cost

This trip is priced at Rs.2,350 per person.

The cost includes
* Transport from Bangalore and back in an air conditioned vehicle. Pickup and drop from specific locations.
* Breakfast, lunch and evening snacks
* Guidance of Darter Photography Expert through the day

The cost doesn’t include
* Mineral water and additional food and beverages beyond what is mentioned above.

Register for this tour

To register for the tour or for more details, please email us at register@darter.in or call us at 9880006460 (Arun Bhat) / 9341229807 (Pradeep MR)

Visit www.darter.in and facebook.com/darterphoto to know more about Darter Photography.

Wanna experience the art of Rock Climbing?

Wanna experience the real sense of Adventure?

“Jogimatti” is one of the highest peaks at a height of 1323m above the sea level & surrounded by the reserved forest with huge rocks all around. Jogimatti is rich in bio diversity & it’s a paradise for bird watchers. It offers great challenge to adventure enthusiasts with various rock hills & hidden caves. Kondajji Lake is a vast lake surrounded by beautiful forest. The lake offers many water sport activities like still water rafting, kayaking & water fun.

Join us for the long weekend of Sat 13th August 2011 to Monday 15th August 2011 if you love adventure, camping out and trekking.

Activities – Trekking, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Cave Exp, Water Sports.

Difficulty Level – Easy

Accommodation – Camping Tents / Guest House (toilets available)

Food – Simple Veg

Transport – Hired Vehicle

Cost – Rs.2750/- per head

Departure on FRIDAY 12th August 2011 at 10:30pm

Day – 01 (Sat 13th Aug 2011):
07:00am – Breakfast.
08:00am – Rock Climbing.
11:00am – Cave Exploration.
12:30pm - Lunch.
01:30pm - Peak Climb.
03:00pm – Trek to Camp.
05:30pm – Tea / Biscuits.
06:00pm - Cooking.
07:30pm – Campfire.
08:30pm - Dinner.

Day – 02 (Sun 14th Aug 2011):
06:30am – Bird watching.
08:30am - Breakfast.
09:00am – Rappelling.
11:00am – Climbing.
12:30pm - Lunch.
02:30pm - Trek to falls.
03:00pm – Water Fall.
05:30pm – Tea / Biscuits.
06:00pm - Cooking.
07:30pm – Campfire.
08:30pm - Dinner.

Day – 03 (Mon 15th Aug 2011):
06:00am – Departure.
08:00am – Breakfast.
09:00am – Water Sports.
12:30pm - Lunch.
01:30pm - Depart to Bangalore.
07:00pm – Reach Bangalore.

• Trekkers will be provided with Sleeping bags, Tents & Instructor.
• The program is a self sustained & trekkers have to carry their own backpack.
• Trekkers will be experiencing the Tent pitching, Cooking & also other Camping techniques.

For more details & booking Contact us:
SMS JOGI / Call @ +91 9980017105
Email – nisargaindia@gmail.com

All Bangalore based foodies and foodies across India, check out our friends’ site:

Zomato.com – India’s biggest online food & lifestyle guide

On 24th April, Sunday, we’re taking a group of underprivileged kids
on Picnic in Bangalore!

Participation fee: Rs. 400 – FULLY towards charity.
Alternatively, opt to pay in kind (directly for transport, food etc)
Contact us to know more!

Inviting those with kind heart & hearty smile

For more details check: www.WeekendNuts.com

So, join us in spreading smiles & love!!!
These needy kids would love to spend time with you!

BOOK your participation now!
Ruu,
Founder, Weekend Nuts

WeekendNuts@Gmail.com
(M) 9379058236

Weekend Nuts "Smiley Day"

“Smiley Day” is a community service drive of Weekend Nuts, a day to spread lots of contagious Smiles.

This time, hop on to your vehicles with a bag full of goodies & join us in distributing these goodies with the less-fortunated folks. Such as road-side-vendors, BBMP workers, poor kids playing on streets, Traffic cops working hard … and anyone alike!More than the goodies, they’re surprised and touched by your smile & your kind-heart! But yes, you need to experience it to believe it!
Read NEWS coverage of  “Smiley Day” Click here
& Click here to view photo album of last Smiley Day

So, save the date – 30th Jan, Sunday, Bangalore (Just an hour or two)

*** REGISTER- NOW for Free ***

Once registered, we’ll reach out to you with specific details
To know more, visit: www.WeekendNuts.com
Or write to us: WeekendNuts@gmail.com

Weekend Nuts "Photography Excursion"

Got an eye for Photography? Do you have a Camera, any Camera & unbeatable passion for photography? Wanna spend some quality time photographying? Then, join us for a Photography Excursion!

WEEKEND NUTS welcomes all the Passionate Photographers … Amateurs & Hobbyists, for a fun day of PHOTOGRAPHY-EXCURSION! 

WHEN? 19th September 2010, Sunday, 8am onwards; WHERE? Around Bangalore (Details will be emailed to participants) 

AGENDA: Leave from Bangalore, Photographers Networking, A briefing by the Photography-Experts, Q & A, Photography session 1, Break, Feedback, Tips & tricks, Photography Session 2, Open-house, Back to home! 

FEE: Rs. 2500 per person, Includes: A fun- day of Photography Excursion with Photography-Experts, Photography-Tips-&-Tricks, Networking, Freestyle photography, Transport & Lunch. 

REGISTER NOW! Limited seats! Click here to fill the Participation form. LAST DATE: 5th September 2010! HURRY! 

Cheers!
Ruu & Ben
WeekendNuts@Gmail.com
http://www.weekendnuts.com/photographyexcursion.html 

TERMS & CONDITIONS:·       

•  This is a ‘Casual Day out’ for a limited sized group of Photography-lovers, so hurry up!
•  Anyone interested in Photography, even with a basic camera is welcome. 
• Click here to fill participation form; Payment details will be emailed to you. 
• Only AFTER your complete participation fee is credited to us, your Participation will be confirmed over email.
• Special offer on group booking (4 or more). Contact us for more details.
• Participation Fee is non-refundable

Wine-Tasting, Ghazals & Poetries! 

27th February, 2010; 5pm-7pm

Do you fancy Wines? Do you wish to savor the velvety taste of hand-picked Wines?
Do you have a talent of writing soulful Ghazals & Poetries; or interested in singing one?

Wines – a passion of the Western countries; Ghazals – a trance to the Eastern countries.
WeekendNuts presents a fusion of West & East - The Best of both worlds!

Weekend Nuts welcomes you to an enchanting evening of… Wine-Tasting, Ghazals & Poetry!

 Event Objective: Wine-Tasting for Amateurs, Ghazals/Poetries recitation for working professionals and Business networking for all… by Weekend Nuts !

Our Wine Partners: Chateau d Banyan (Big Banyan Wines)

Talent-Showcase: Stage-present your Ghazal/Poetry or sing a famous one! Limited Seats, Hurry!

When? 27th February 2010, Saturday, 5pm to 7pm 
Where? “The Paul”, Domlur, Bangalore 
Fee?  Rs. 500 per person; Rs.850 per couple!
Includes? Entry to Wine-tasting, Entry to Ghazal & Poetry and Chef-Special Snacks
(If we get enough registration for Ghazals & Poetry recitation, this session will be hosted right after wine tasting; else a fresh event will be planned on March 12th 2010 with entry FREE to participants of the Wine-Tasting event!)

For Invitation Passes, Register yourself!  

On: http://www.weekendnuts.com/Events_2010.html

Or email us: WeekendNuts@Gmail.com

Or talk to Ben or Ruu on +91 93790 58236

Hurry, Limited Invites!

Tour – The Less Known Hoysala Kingdom

From Bangalore – July 4th 2009, 6.30am

Do you long for the feel of the rain brushing against you? Do you relish being out when it rains? And would you enjoy a dose of history to go with the freshness of the monsoon?

doddagaddavalli
Then come and join us for the rainy-season edition of the tour of ‘Less Known Hoysala Kingdom’. We are heading to the fringes of Malnad. See the only Hoysala Temple that has not one but four shrines. Visit the beautiful tank with small shrines all around the water, surrounded by coconut trees in a quiet village. See the remains of the ancient town of Dwarasamudra strewn with carved rocks in a large open space.

hulikerebelavadi

Join us on the trip to see the heritage of Hoysalas beyond the tourist map. Learn about the history, evolution and end of the dynasty as you travel.

In addition, stay in the verdant surroundings of a coffee estate. Spend a pleasant morning in the countryside before continuing on another serving of history.

Tariff

* 2 days and 1 night

* Rs.3,850 per person, all inclusive on twin sharing basis

Tariff includes all meals, transportation from Bangalore in AC vehicle, stay at a spacious and comfortable resort inside a coffee estate and guided tour at all destinations.

To register for the tour contact

Lakshmi – 9902070689
Arun – 9880006460

Email: arunchs@yahoo.com

Itinerary

* Pickup from MG Road on Saturday morning at 6.30am
* Stay at a resort near Belur
* Return to Bangalore by Sunday night (Drop off at home)

Places Covered

* The temple with four shrines at Doddagaddavelli
* Belur
* Halebeedu
* Ancient town of Dwarasamudra spread around Halebeedu
* Hulikere Tank
* Belavadi Temple

Testimonials from participants

* “very informative, and a wonderful experience… “
* “The places chosen to visit were too good. I have been there several times before but had seen only the main temples both at belur and Halebeed.”
* “the trip was fantastic”
* “Didnt have to bother about anything. Everything was taken care of well”

More information and pictures