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35 km from Bangalore, at Hesaraghatta, is the famous Nritya Gram, a centre for dance that imparts extensive training in seven dance disciplines and two martial art forms, to residential students. The village is rustic in design, and blends with the bucolic surroundings. The Hesaraghatta Lake, a man - made lake, near the village is also a popular tourist spot. Just 21 km from the city, and easily accessible by road is the Bannerghatta National Park. A part of the Bannerghatta forest, the Park houses a mini zoo, a crocodile farm, lion and tiger safari parks. Situated 60 km from Bangalore, at a height of 1478 m above sea level, is the Nandi Hills resort. What used to be the favourite summer getaway of Tipu Sultan, is now a popular picnic spot with its awesome fort, sprawling lawns and two ancient temples. A little away from the city is Ramohali, a picturesque picnic spot, that boasts of a 400 year old banyan tree, that spreads for over 4 acres. It is believed to be the site of sage Muneshwara's penance. The region around Bangalore is dotted with gigantic rock formations, the two notable amongst them being Shivaganga (4599 ft.high) and Savandurga. The latter used to be a fortress and the hideout of Kempe Gowda. Mysore is just 139 km by road from the city. It was the capital city of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and the entire Wodeyar clan. Mysore's prime attractions are the Mysore Palace, the Chamundi Hills, the famous Brindavan Gardens, the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery which is located in the Jaganmohan Palace, the Mysore Zoo and St. Philomena's Church. 15 km from Mysore is the old capital of Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna . Its fort bears witness to the Tiger of Mysore's last battle against the British. His mausoleum, the Gumbaz, which sports ivory inlaid doors and the famous tiger - striped emblem is also nearby. Near Srirangapatna is the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. 40 km away from Mysore is the Somnathpur Temple, a star - shaped structure built in 1260 A.D, an outstanding example of Hoysala architecture.
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