When in Mysore there is no dearth of picnic places whenever you are in the mood for one. There are so many picnic spots all within a 100-kilometre distance that choosing one can more challenging than the trip! Some fun-to-be picnic spots are listed here.

Balmuri Falls:

Around 15 kilometres from Mysore, Balmuri falls is a small but beautiful waterfall. When the water flow is slow, you can wade in the water. But you can always splash about in the many pools and streams that wind their way through the lovely rocks and shrubs. Local boat rides are also enjoyable. You can feast on your picnic basket on the shady and cool banks but be sure to leave no garbage behind.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:

Just about 18 kilometres from Mysore is Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary, which is one among India’s largest bird sanctuaries. Home to a colossal variety of birds, the sanctuary is a bird lover’s and photographer’s delight. The River Cauvery and a group of islets, some lush with greenery, are a visual treat. You can even watch the flocks of birds from a boat.

Kokkrebellur:

Another delightful place for ornithologists, Kokkrebellur is a birding destination for many species of birds like spot-billed pelicans and painted storks. They are all perfectly at home with the locals who treat the birds as important visitors and care for the nests and young ones of the birds as well. The sight of these birds quietly resting on all the tree tops is an incredible scene.

Channapatna:

Turn your picnic into a shopping spree at Channapatna located around 85 kilometres from Mysore. Famous for uniquely crafted wooden toys and silk filatures, tourists find it really interesting to see products of both the industries with a walk in the village.

Ramanagara:

Made famous by the movie, Sholay, Ramanagara is as dramatic in real as shown on the reel. Located around 100 kilometres from Mysore, there are many attractions here like rock climbing, caves and the popular Ram temple that make it an ideal picnic spot.

Just pack that picnic hamper, throw in a few sheets, collect your friends and set out on your picnic. Destination is the least of your problems when you are heading from Mysore.

In India coffee plantations are mainly found in the southern states and partially in the north eastern region. Typically grown on higher altitudes, coffee plantations need shade more than direct sunlight. In total, 13 different types of coffee are grown in India. Considered to produce one of the finest coffee in the world, Indian coffee plantations are popular for their strong coffee with deep aroma and colour. Some of these coffee plantations are:

6 Best Coffee Destinations in India

Chikmagalur:

Coffee in India was introduced first in Chikmagalur. Known as the coffee land of Karnataka, the geography and climate of Chikmagalur favours coffee growth. Consequently Chikmagalur coffee is in great demand.

Coorg:

Coorg is India’s largest coffee producing district. The region boasts rich varieties of coffee like Robustas and Arabicas. Coorg is famous for intercropping as well as the coffee plantations also have spices like black pepper and ginger growing along.

Wayanad:

Wayanad is situated between the mountains of the magnificent Western Ghats. It is the green paradise of the Malabar region and known as the coffee county of Kerala. With its cool climate and hilly regions, Wayanad is best suited for the Robusta and Arabica varieties of coffee.

Yercaud:

Located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is relatively a small hill but has the best coffee forests of India. The other places with coffee plantations in Tamil Nadu areKodaikanal and Coonoor.

Araku:

From the Eastern Ghats in Vishakapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, we have the coffee plantations of Araku valley. Distinct for organic coffee brands, coffee here is grown by the tribal people of these hills. Surrounded by a number of mountains and reserved forests, Araku valley is amazingly scenic. The entire area from Vishakapatnam to East Godavari districts is known for coffee plantations. Other areas growing coffee in Andhra Pradesh are Maredumilli, Paderu and Chintapalli.

Daringbadi:

One of the untouched hill stations, Daringbadi of Orissa is infamously called the Kashmir of Orissa.Blessed with pine jungles, lovely valleys and impressive mountains, Daringbadi has long coffee gardens. The cool climate and forest areas of this place make it compatible for coffee growth.

Espresso, latte, cappuccino or filter coffee; have it any way you like. Coffee lovers are hooked from their very first sip.