I find the internet bombarded with travel reels on things to see and do in and around Bengaluru. One scroll, one clip, and suddenly you’re dreaming of zipping on the open roads to an exotic destination not too far from home.
The choice is endless- you can pick from tranquil lakes, hiking trails, hilly getaways, nature resorts, ancient temples, and serene ashrams.
With Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp flooded with clips and forwards, travel looks effortless and inviting.
Travel content creators are doing a fabulous job influencing people, sharing valuable information, and making spontaneous getaways easier than ever to plan.
Inspired by all of this, I planned a day trip to the ancient temple of Lepakshi, 120 km from Bengaluru, on the border with Andhra Pradesh.
Day trips are hassle-free; there’s no need to book hotels, pack suitcases, or check in—just hop in and go.
An Early Start Calls For A Relaxing Tea Break
Though starting from home at 6:30 am isn’t usually my thing, once in a while it’s okay. And it turned out to be a wise decision — the early morning traffic was sparse, the drive smooth and quick, and the journey comfortable.
Soon, the road stretched ahead, and the outskirts of the city came into view. It felt refreshing to leave the cacophony of urban existence behind, to enjoy the fresh morning air.
We stopped for what was supposed to be a quick tea break, but ended up indulging in a piping-hot, scrumptious South Indian breakfast, which is my favorite comfort food. Re-energised, resumed our journey.
A Scenic Detour For The Hidden Gem
I had earlier watched a travel reel showing a pristine lake en route to Lepakshi, and we were keen to stop there. However, there were no signboards or clear directions in sight.
Thankfully, life is simpler these days — you no longer need to stop at random crossings to ask people in a language they don’t understand. Google Maps came to our rescue, guiding us. A short detour and a couple of kilometers later, our familiar GPS voice prompt announced, “You’ve arrived at your destination.”
It was the perfect photo spot, where we took pictures before moving on. Perhaps a path less trodden, the picture-postcard water body, surrounded by hills, was untouched, its serenity intact.
It was disappointing to see such a beautiful lake with no signs leading to it and neglected. With a little care and maintenance, it could easily become an attractive tourist destination, but sadly, it has been left as it is.
As we continued, the landscape slowly transformed. Serene countryside, rugged hills, and emerald palm groves surrounded us, signalling that we were close. And before we knew it, the majestic Lepakshi temple stood before us. Arriving early was unexpected and felt welcome.
Stepping Into Timelessness At Lepakshi
This protected ancient site is absolutely amazing—its stone-carved traditional architecture, intricate designs, ceiling paintings, and sacred, peaceful atmosphere feel as though they belong to another era altogether.
Historically significant are the temple of Veerbhadra (a form of Lord Shiva), the famous hanging pillar, and the murals.
This trip turned out to be more than just a visit to an ancient temple in Lepakshi. It was about slowing down!
Sometimes, the best trips are the simplest ones — the open road leading you to somewhere meaningful, a quaint town, the countryside, and a touch of spirituality.
Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss
