Quick getaway destinations from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore

FROM MUMBAI: MANGI-TUNGI, MAHARASHTRA, 288 KMS, 5 HRS

Mangi-Tungi, a twin pinnacled peak is known for the number of temples, especially Jain temples that surround it. Located about 125 kms away from Nashik, Mangi is more than 1,300 m above sea level and is the western pinnacle. On the other hand, Tungi is the eastern pinnacle and is about 1,300 m high as well. Often described as Siddha Kshetra or the gateway to enlightenment, it has images of Tirthankaras in various postures such as the padmasana and kayotsarga. If you are in an adventurous mood, there are around 4,500 steps that lead to the foot of the peak, which is full of monuments of historical and religious prominence. You’ll find old temples on the Mangi Giri hill. Make time to visit the pond, Krishna Kund. Legend has it that Lord Krishna’s elder brother pursued his quest to achieve salvation here. Tungi Giri hill has five temples on it and two caves, Bhagwan Chanraprachu and Ram Chandra Cave.

By Rail:

Nearest railhead is Navapur.

By Road:

Get on to Eastern Express Highway. Continue onto NH 3 and then SH 7 to get to Mangi Tungi.

FROM DELHI: SIKAR, RAJASTHAN, 301 KMS, 4 HRS, 20 MINS

Sikar was once the largest Thikana in Jaipur and has a lot to offer eager tourists. One can visit the village of Khatu Shyamji in Sikar district. It has the Khatu Shyamji temple devoted to Lord Krishna in its midst. The temple finds a mention in the Mahabharata and hence finds many religiously inclined visitors attracted to it. Another speciality of the temple is that it is built with white marble. You must visit the Ganeshwar village, which is known for its hot sulphur springs. In fact, it is believed that a dip in these springs will cure you of most skin ailments. Ganeshwar is surrounded by ruins of a 4,000 year old civilisation while Baleshwar city, located nearby Ganeshwar is home to an ancient Shiva temple.

By Rail:

Sikar has a railway station in its midst.

By Road:

Get on to NH 8. Cross Behror and Kotputli on SH 13. Switch to Khandela on NH 20 to reach Sikar.

FROM BANGALORE: TIRUPATI, ANDHRA PRADESH, 266 KMS, 4 HRS 33 MINS

Located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh is Tirupati, a popular temple town. Tirupati is known for its deity Venkateswara Swamy. Pilgrims visit Tirupati to experience spiritual divinity and pray for good fortune in life. Visitors have the option of paying their respects by doing social service or seva (helping out). The seva time begins early in the morning, even before the break of dawn and closes at midnight. One must try the famous prasadam served in the form of a giant laddoo, at a minimal cost. If you have time on hand, visit the Deer Park, located toward the suburbs of the main city of Kandaleru. The region is known for scenic landscapes and many animals in its midst, but the deer is one of the commonly spotted ones. This park is also known for varied bird species.

By Rail:

Tirupati railway station is wellconnected by trains from Bangalore.

By Road:

Take Old Madras Road via Hosakote. Continue on NH 4 via to reach Kolar. Switch to NH 18 after Chittoor and drive towards Putalapattu.