Weekend Getaways from Bangalore 🌄– Your Perfect Escape!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Bangalore’s city life? Looking for a refreshing escape from the never-ending traffic and pollution? 🌿Bangalore is surrounded by scenic weekend destinations perfect for a short break. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, or just want a peaceful staycation, there are plenty of amazing places near Bangalore for a quick weekend getaway.

In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best weekend trips from Bangalore — from misty hills and tranquil lakes to ancient temples and wildlife sanctuaries — all within a few hours' drive. Get ready to explore hidden gems, rejuvenate your soul, and create unforgettable memories!

🏞️🏹 Hills, Fort Treks 🕉️🏰& Viewpoints🏹

Destination	Distance	Type
Omkar Hills & Turahalli Forest	13 km	Temple, Sightseeing
Mini Blue Waters BBGW	17 km	Trek, Rockclimbing, Lake
Savandurga	50 km	Trek
Shivaganga Hill	50 km	Temple, Trek
Nijagal Betta	52 km	Trek
Antara Gange Caves	52 km	Trek, Temple (~1 hr 15 min) Must Visit
Makalidurga, Doddaballapura	55 km	Trek
Mandaragiri Hills	60 km	Jain Temple, Hill
SRS Hills, Ramnagar	60 km	Temple, Trek
Nandi Hills	60 km	Sightseeing
Skandagiri Hills	60 km	Sunrise Trek
Kailasagiri Hill	60 km	Temple/Trek(~1.15 hrs hrs)
Devarayanadurga	70 km	Temple, Short Trek
Vrushabadri Nature Campsite	75 km	Camping, Night walk, Bird watch (For more details contact - Ramesh - +91 99868 57171 & Rahul - +91 8884184541)
Hutridurga Trek	80 km	Hill Fort
Avalabetta	90 km	Hilltop, Trek (~2 hrs)
Huthridurga	90 km	Fort, Trek (~2.30 hrs)
Revanasiddeshwara Betta	90 km	Trek, Temple (~2.30 hrs)
Gudibande Fort	90 km	Fort Trek
Muthathi	127 km	Forest, River, Nature (~3 hrs)
Kabbaladurga Trek	105 km	Trek (~2.30 hrs)
Sri Narayanagiri Gudi	101 km	Trek (~2.30 hrs, Sunrise)
Mandharagiri Hill	114 km	Jain Temple (~1.45 hrs)
Malleshwara Swamy Betta	107 km	Lord Shiva (~2.15 hrs)
Madhugiri Fort	122 km	Fort, Trek (~2 hr 24 min)
Channarayana Durga	143 km	Hill Fort Trek (~2.30 hrs)
Chitra Durga	246 km	Fort (~3 hr 45 min)

🏞️🌊 🏞️Waterfalls🏞️🌊 🏞️

Destination	Distance🛣️	Type
Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley)	60 km	Waterfall, Nature
Poshettihalli Falls	75 km	Waterfall, Trek
Chunchi Falls	100 km	Waterfall
Kaigal Waterfalls (Andhra)	102 km	Waterfall, Trek
Hogenekkal (Tamil Nadu)	129 km	Waterfall
Shivanasamudra (Gaganachukki / Barachukki)	135 km	Majestic Waterfalls
Balmuri Falls	157 km	Small Falls, Leisure (~3.30 hrs)

**TK Falls /Thottikallu Falls(Closed Permentately)

⛺🌳Grassland 🌳🟩

Destination	Distance 🛣️	Type
Hesaragatta Grassland, Nrithyagram	47 kms	Grassland (1 Hour 20 Min)

🧭🚙Adventure🧭🚙

Destination	Distance 🛣️	Type
Extreme Karts & Adventures	43 kms	GoKarting- Off Road Riding (50 Mins)
BigRock Dirt Park	71 kms	Biking - Off Road Riding (1 Hour 20 Min)

🏕️ Lakes, Dam, Reservoirs & Forests

Destination	Distance 🛣️	Type
Manchinbele reservoir	75 km	Dam (~2 Hours)
Nelligudde Kere (N.G Lake)	75 km	Dam (~2 Hours)
Thippa Gondana Halli, T.G. Lake	60 km	Man-Made Lake (~2 Hours) (Chamarajsagar)
Kanva Reservoir(backwaters) Vine Adventure Camp Triquetra (Aqua escape Resort) Kanva sunrise viewpoint	90 km	Dam (~2 Hours 30 Minutes)
Markonahalli Dam	111 km	Dam (~2 Hours 30 Minutes)
Mekedatu and Sangama	120 km	River (~3 Hours)
Talakadu Kaveri River	160 km	River, Famous Shiva Temple (~3.30 Hours)
Tonnuru Kere	170 km	Beautiful Oldest Dam (~3 hr 33 min)
Vani Vilas Dam / Vani Vilasapura Dam	225 km	Dam (~3 Hours 30 Minutes)

*N.G Lake, Manchinbele Dam, and Nelligudde Kere Viewpoint can be clubbed.

*Kanva Reservoir - Must Visit - A man came and informed us that there's a ₹100 entry fee per person, as the place is his private property. Kayaking available - 250 per person)

🎢🎡🎠Theme & Entertainment Park🎢🎡🎠

Destination	Distance🛣️	Type
Fun World and Water World	17 km	Amusement Park (~45 mins)
S.A.R Fantasy Water Park, Kolar	80 km	Amusement Park (~1 hr)
Wonderla	45 km	Amusement Park (~2 hrs)
Lumbini Gardens	48 km	Amusement Park (~1 hr)
Vels Innovative Film City	70 km	Amusement Park (~2 hrs)
GRS Fantasy Park (Mysore)	160 km	Amusement Park (~3 hrs)

                         

    🛕 Devotional Spots & Spiritual Retreats

Destination	Distance 🛣️	Type
Art of Living Ashram	50 km	Ashram (~1 Hour)
Adiyogi Chikkaballapur	65 km	Shiva Statue (~1 Hour 20 Minutes)
Pyramid Valley	66 km	Meditation (~2 Hours)
Shri, Kotilingeshwara, Kolar	75 km	Temple (~1 Hour 15 Minutes)
Lepakshi	128 km	Temple (~2 Hours)
Srirangapatna	144 km	Temple (~3 Hours)
Talakadu Shiva/ShriVaidhyanatheshwara	150 km	Temple (~3.30 Hours) Banks of Kaveri River
Melkote- Cheluvanarayana Swamy	162 km	Temple (~3 Hours 30 Minutes)
Kukke Subramanya	170 km	Pilgrimage (~3.30 Hours)
Chamundi Hills, Mysore	190 km	Temple (~3.30 Hours)
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)	252 km	Famous Temple (~4 Hours)
Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills)	220 km	Temple, Nature (~4.30 Hours)

🗺️ Most Popular Weekend Getaways (Overnight or 2 Days)

Destination	Distance 🛣️	Type
Bheemeshwari	114 km	Adventure, Nature River Rafting
Mysore	162 km	Palace, Zoo, Culture
Yelagiri	180 km	Hill Station
B.R.Hills	181 km	Hill Station (KSDTC Hotel Mayura BiligiriRanga)
Belur	220 km	Hoysala Temples
Sakleshpur	220 km	Sightseeing, Trek
Bandipur National Park	236 km	Wildlife (~5 hr)
Mudumalai Sanctuary	250 km	Wildlife (~5 hrs)
Masinagudi, Bandipur and Mudumalai are nearby. *Visit Himavad Gopalaswami Hills when you visit Bandipur/Mudumalai
Yercaud	250 km	Hill Station
Tiruvannamalai	240 km	Temple (~4 hr 25 min)
Gingee Fort	258 km	Fort (~5 hr)
*Tiruvannamalai and Gingee Fort are nearby
Madikeri (Coorg)	270 km	Hills, Coffee Estates
Chikmagalur	290 km	Coffee Hills
Pondicherry	320 km	Beach & Culture
Bhadra Tiger Reserve- Muthodi	308 Km	Tiger Reserve, Boating
Shimoga	340 km	Waterfalls, Nature (River Raaga Nature Stay ~2500 Per person)
Dandeli	460 km	Water Sports
Dudhsagar	546 km	Huge Falls, Trek, Railway Trek
Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey, Kerala	565 km (12 Hours)	Boat House
Goa	560 km	Beach, Culture

🌍 Long 3-Day Trips from Bangalore

Destination	Distance🛣️	Type
Lonavala & Rajmachi Fort (Maharashtra)	930 km	Trek, Scenic
Amboli Ghat (Belgaum)	600 km	Waterfalls
Varkala Beach (Kerala)	630 km	Relaxing Beach Getaway
Madurai + Rameswaram + Kanyakumari	600–700 km	Pilgrimage, Beach, History

🛖🌳Jungle Resorts 🦁🐒

Destination	Distance🛣️
🟢 Within 100 km
Bannerghatta Nature Camp	~25 km
Galibore Nature Camp	~100 km
Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp	~100 km
🟡 100–200 km
K Gudi Wilderness Camp	180 km (~4.30 Hrs)
JLR Kings Sanctuary	196 km
Bandipur Safari Lodge	220 km
Kabini River Lodge	225 km
🟠 200–300 km
Kemmannugundi Hill Resort	~246 km  (Must Visit)
River Tern Lodge	~275 km (~ 6 Hrs) (~17K for 2 Person) (Must Visit)
🔴 300–500 km
Blackbuck Resort	350 km
Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort	350 km
Sharavathi Adventure Camp	400 km
Old Magazine House	400 km
Bhimgad Adventure Camp	400 km
🔵 Over 500 km
Kali Adventure Camp	473 km
Sterling Athirappilly	510 km (~11 Hrs) - Riverside resort near the waterfalls)
Devbagh Beach Resort	527 km
Sadashivgad Sea View Resort	530 km
Om Beach Resort	550 km

✨ Hidden Gems to Explore

Spot	Distance🛣️	Type
Revanasiddeshwara Betta	50 km	Trek, Temple
Mandaragiri Hills	60 km	Jain Temple, Hill
Hutridurga Trek	80 km	Hill Fort
Panchapalli Dam	135 km	Picnic Spot
Somnathpura	135 km	Hoysala Temple
Markonahalli Dam	120 km	Reservoir

You may also like - Trekking around Bangalore. 

These are just a few of the many weekend trip options that you can take from Bangalore. All these places are easily accessible and offer a perfect getaway from the city's hustle and bustle. So, pack your bags and head out to one of these beautiful destinations this weekend!

35+ and Feeling Like a Midlife Upgrade... or a Software Crash

At 19, you want to try everything — be a pilot, an air hostess, an athlete, or a fashion designer. You believe it can happen. There’s no fear then. The world, your energy, it's all exciting. You believe you're built to chase dreams that don’t always make sense but feel right. 

By 25, something changes. The world starts programming you. You're told to “settle down,” “be practical,” “grow up.” And somehow, you’re pushed into that life. Maybe not all at once, but slowly, piece by piece, your dreams are traded and broken.  You get a job, marry, have kids, and then you can think you can follow your passion — eventually. 

At 30, you turn back and realize half of your life is gone. Oh, wait… by now, you've faced a hell of a lot of struggles, and you feel relaxed and grateful to have a bed to sleep in peacefully because life has taught you the hard way. 

Then 35 hits.It’s a breaking point. You look in the mirror, and you feel nothing. You don’t feel like the person you once were — the dreamer, the adventurer. Now, you feel tired, detached, and honestly, a little lost. 

You wake up some days, and you can’t find the energy to face the world. The thought of starting another day, going through the motions, is exhausting. You don’t feel motivated, and the thought of taking on another task seems overwhelming. The world feels like it’s moving without you, and you’re just stuck in place. 

Maturity taught you to keep everything inside because your friends are busy with their own lives, leaving you feeling isolated with your thoughts. You’ve tried so many things, but nothing sparks interest anymore, and now you’re left wondering, 

Help me, universe, show me a way out of this fog.

Romance with Robots? Sorry, I Prefer Human Touch 🤖💔👫

I was standing at the bus stop, fully glued to my phone, waiting for my sleeper bus to arrive—no stress, no fear of missing it, thanks to live bus tracking right on my mobile screen — bus number, driver’s number, live location, even the poor guy’s blood group (okay, maybe not, but we are not yet there). The live tracking app showed it was 0 meters away — I looked up, and boom, bus was there. 

But I couldn’t help smiling at a memory from a decade ago—back when travel meant playing "Bus Varuma? Varadha? 🙉" (When’s the bus going to arrive?) at dusty roadside stops. No app, no GPS, just pure faith, sweaty anxiety, and endless staring down the road in hope.

While waiting, you would glance at another traveler. Few minutes later, a smile gets exchanged. Then comes the classic icebreaker: “Enga Porigna? Where are you going?” If they happened to say the same destination—BANG, instant connection. We would swap numbers, talk non-stop like old friends, and ride along as if we would know each other for years.

As I settled into my window seat on the bus, I couldn’t help but wonder—why did the internet take over everything? 

Yes, Internet is amazing. It makes life smooth, efficient, and a little too convenient. But honestly, Dont we miss connection?

The past few months, all I have been hearing is “AI, AI, AI...Aeeeeeeeee!” At first, I was curious, but as I learned more about it and the things it could change, I couldn’t help but feel less excited and more...WORRIED. 

I miss power cuts. Yes, you read that right. Those unexpected blackouts were childhood festivals. My sister and I would have an Olympic-level fight over who got to light the candle and then we would sit outside under the stars, pretending we were deep philosophers while actually dong nothing. Now? Even if the power dares to blink, Wi-Fi backup kicks in faster than our old inverter and everyone stays glued to their screens like AI-powered zombies.

A decade ago, I went to a waterfall and camped next to a railway line—no network, no Instagram tags, no influencer reels shouting “Hidden Gem!” We fell asleep to the soothing sounds of the train passing by and woke up to the calming roar of the waterfall. And guess what? It was pure bliss. Maybe because I hadn’t seen it a thousand times already on my screen.

Fast forward ten years, and I returned to the same place, this time with my husband. But his excitement? Barely there. Why? Because his Instagram reels had a better view, and we were more focused on taking selfies and Googling "best spots nearby" than actually soaking in the moment. The world has changed what once felt magical now seems like just another photo

That’s when it hit me, will my son ever feel that kind of joy? The kind that comes from discovering something with wide eyes instead of Screens? Or will he just pull up a 4D version of a forest and call it a day outing?

My dad used to say that he never actually saw my mother before marriage. My sister, back in the days when a one-minute phone call cost 3.50 rupees, just to talk to her fiancé. And those calls? They were short, but full of excitement. They had that raw energy, that anticipation.

When my husband and I were in a relationship, we didn’t have WhatsApp video calls or constant chats. There was a real thrill in seeing each other after weeks of waiting, a kind of pure excitement that’s hard to explain.

But now, with AI and all the technology we have, I sometimes wonder—will my son and the next generation ever experience that raw, unfiltered excitement? Or will it all just be a blur of notifications and screens?

I’m not anti-AI. I’m grateful for it. But in our rush to optimize every second, are we forgetting how fun it was to waste time? To get lost? To be surprised?

Maybe the real AI challenge isn’t about jobs or robots taking over. Maybe it’s about making sure we don’t forget how to be human.

So light a candle, lose the map, take a detour. And if you don’t have a power cut, just switch off the router. 

The Instant Delivery : Convenience or Addiction?

I was cooking. Yes, Really I was. Then I realized—no ginger!

Back in the day, my mom had a method to tackle this kitchen crisis situation. She would hand me 1 rupee 25 paise—1 rupee for ginger and 25 paise as a bribe for some chocolate. I would go to the local “Annachi shop” (a small neighborhood store), highly motivated by the sweet reward. 

Of course, the journey involved more than just buying ginger. I washed my face, combed my hair—after all, I must look presentable while stepping out. Along the way, I exchanged greetings with at least two aunties. 

Fast forward to today. I don’t have the privilege of requesting my kid to run, he would just roll his eyes and say, “Boomer mother.” Well, I would have stepped out myself? But instead of grabbing my keys, I reached for my smartphone.

Four different instant delivery apps stared back at me—Instamart, Blinkit, Zepto, bigbasket you name it. Some promised delivery in 10 minutes, others in 5. Before I could even place my order, the doorbell rang. My ginger was already here.  

Wow! I felt like I had discovered a life savior. One tap, and everything was at my doorstep. And just like that, ordering became an addiction.

Morning coffee? Order milk.

Feeling sugary? Order biscuits.

Delivery fees? No problem—just add three more useless things to avoid it!

And now going to the store became just like a Goa trip—always planned, never executed. 

Years later, I released the impact of instant delivery – You open the app for something, and next thing you know, your cart has chips, ice cream, and a buy-one-get-one-free packet of something you didn’t even know existed. Oops.

Today,  I looked at my phone, then at my own laziness, and made a bold decision—NO MORE INSTANT DELIVERY.

Why? Because it doesn’t just bring convenience. It brings addiction. It makes you lazy. It makes you spend on things you don’t really need.

So, Step out, walk to the store, hold that purchase in your hands, and come back home with a sense of accomplishment. Trust me, it feels better than tapping a screen.

🌄 Unexplored Places to Visit Near Coimbatore

🗺️ Unexplored Places Near Coimbatore 

Place	Distance from Coimbatore	Highlights	Details
Kovai Kutralam	~35 km	Scenic waterfall, serene forest surroundings	Kovai Kutralam, waterfalls near Coimbatore, Siruvani Hills
Velliangiri Hills	~40 km	Spiritual trek, peaceful mountain vibes	Velliangiri Hills, trekking near Coimbatore, spiritual spots
Dhoni Hills	~45 km	Hidden trekking spot, waterfalls, greenery	Dhoni Hills trek, hidden tourist spots near Coimbatore
Vaidehi Falls	~30 km	Quiet waterfall, clear water, less crowded	Vaidehi Falls, offbeat waterfalls near Coimbatore
Topslip	~90 km	Wildlife spotting, forest walks, nature escape	Topslip Coimbatore, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, forest retreat
Aliyar Dam	~65 km	Peaceful dam, park, boating, forest backdrop	Aliyar Dam, Aliyar Park, peaceful places near Coimbatore
TK Colony River,Pookkottumpadam, Nilambur, Kerala (Must Visit, too Good)/Kottappuza Check Dam *Check before you go	~65 km	Peaceful dam, park, boating, forest backdrop	Aliyar Dam, Aliyar Park, peaceful places near Coimbatore
Thathengalam Beach View Point + Mannarkkad River	~95 km (2 Hours)	Feels like a private island	ideal for a picnic

• Kovai Kutralam Waterfalls – A Serene Escape: Just 35 km from Coimbatore, Kovai Kutralam is a quiet, clean waterfall nestled in the Siruvani Hills. Surrounded by thick forests, this spot is perfect for nature lovers and photographers. It’s not as crowded as other waterfalls, making it one of the best unexplored places near Coimbatore.

           Kovai Kutralam, waterfalls near Coimbatore, Siruvani Hills

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• Velliangiri Hills – The Kailash of the South: Often referred to as the “Kailash of the South,” Velliangiri Hills is a spiritual and trekking destination. Located around 40 km from Coimbatore, it’s an adventurous spot with a peaceful vibe. Not many tourists visit here, so it’s perfect for a weekend getaway.

          Velliangiri Hills trekking, spiritual places near Coimbatore

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• Dhoni Hills – Hidden Trekking Trail Dhoni Hills, near Palakkad and about 45 km from Coimbatore, is a lush green hill area with waterfalls and trekking paths. It’s a lesser-known destination, ideal for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

            Dhoni Hills trek, hidden tourist spots near Coimbatore

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• Vaidehi Falls – Nature’s Quiet Corner Located around 30 km from Coimbatore, Vaidehi Falls is a small but beautiful waterfall with clear water and scenic surroundings. Since it’s not on the usual tourist radar, you can enjoy some peaceful moments here.

        Vaidehi Falls, offbeat waterfalls near Coimbatore

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• Topslip – Wildlife and Forest Retreat

Just over 90 km away, Topslip is a quiet hill station inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. You can spot elephants, deer, and even tigers if you're lucky! The fresh air, forest trails, and minimal crowd make it one of the best hidden places to visit near Coimbatore.

Topslip Coimbatore, wildlife near Coimbatore, hidden hill stations

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• Aliyar Dam and Forest Area

This scenic spot is about 65 km from Coimbatore and offers boating, picnic areas, and forest walks. It’s calm, less crowded, and surrounded by greenery. Don’t miss the peaceful Aliyar Park!

Aliyar Dam, peaceful places near Coimbatore, Aliyar forest

#UnexploredPlacesNearCoimbatore #HiddenGemsCoimbatore #WeekendGetaways #NatureNearCoimbatore #OffbeatTravelSouthIndia

The One Thing Women Shouldn’t Ignore

In my mom’s time, just saying the word period was taboo. We had to hide those whisper packets like they were our browsing history—stuffed into bags, slipped under books. 

Fast forward to 2025, and now I order them online. The delivery person hands them over without even bothering to wrap them in a black plastic bag. Progress, right?

!*Red Alert**! – Now, I can openly tell my friends, "I'm on a romantic date with my MENses today—so no swimming, no running, no white pants, and definitely no patience—just me and my ever-so-toxic red-flag partner, P.E.R.I.O.D.S!"

No shame, no secrecy. Wow, we have broken those barriers and talk about cramps, mood swings, and cravings like they are just another Friday. But just when I thought we had won the battle against period taboos, life threw me a curveball: P.M.D.D.

What’s PMDD? Honestly, I thought it was some new government scheme—Prime Minister’s Mortgage Discount Day?—and I even hoped my housing loan would be waived!

Turns out, no. It’s Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. And when the doctor explained it to me, I was more shocked.

For months, I was going through extreme emotional highs and lows and my partner response? "Why did I even marry you?" Instead of thinking, "Wait, is something wrong with her? Should I check on her?" Oh well, he’s a product manager, not a doctor. Can’t blame him for treating emotions like feature updates.

Then came the real horror: hopelessness and worthlessness. People said, "You earn, you are independent—why the hell do you feel hopeless?" But PMDD doesn’t care how strong or successful you are. It makes you question everything.

Severe bloating, sudden weight gain—okay, fine, I can deal with that. But then came the suicidal thoughts. Yes, you read that right. PMDD isn’t just bad PMS. It’s a storm that wrecks your mental and emotional stability. And guess what? Most people don’t even know it exists.

So here I am, breaking the silence. PMDD is real. It’s not just hormones. It’s a serious medical condition that needs awareness, support, and—most importantly—understanding. Women in their 30s and beyond go through many changes during their menstrual cycle, especially a week before their period, as their hormones start shifting toward perimenopause. Well, I had to Googled it when the doctor told me—because, honestly, it sounded like a new peri-peri chicken item on the restaurant menu 😐

If you feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster every month, don’t just brush it off. Talk to a doctor. Educate your partner. Demand support. And every man should be aware of these changes and support the women in their lives during this time. Because no one should suffer in silence.

And to my fellow warriors battling PMDD—you are not alone. It’s okay to seek medical support because your health, both mental and physical, matters. You deserve care, understanding, and a life not ruled by your hormones!

The Weight of Emptiness

I know people say life is complete  

When you have family—  

Parents, a sibling, a husband, a child.  

But what they don’t say  

Is how empty it feels  

When they are just... there, yet mean N.O.T.H.I.N.G  

My son, I protected you so fiercely  

When you were inside me,  

Filled with hope and purpose.  

But now, I am not that person.  

I am S.O.R.R.Y

Maybe in my next life,  

I wish to be an orphan—  

Not because I don’t want love,  

But because I don’t want to look up,  

Expecting hands to lift me,  

Only to find N.O.T.H.I.N.G  

At least then,  

I will march forward without hesitation,  

Without the weight of disappointment.

Teaching Independence to Kids

As a mother, I always believed in fostering independence in my child. It's not easy, and it was not understood by others. But in the end, I believe it's one of the important things I can do for them.

When my son was learning to walk, he fell countless times. Each time, I would clap, smile, and encourage him: "Come on, get up, nothing happened. Keep going!" 

I never rushed to pick him up or make a big deal out of it. I didn’t feel the need overreact. I simply wanted him to know that falling is a part of life—and it’s okay. 

But while I saw it as teaching resilience, others around me didn’t always agree. I remember the whispers from neighbors—some even called me a "****" for not rushing to my child’s side when he fell. They thought I was heartless, uncaring. 

As a mom, I know the difference between a simple fall and a serious injury. And I believe in giving my child the space to learn how to handle himself. It's not that I didn't care—it's that I trusted him to be okay, to learn that he could get up on his own, and that he didn’t need me to always fix things. 

Ah, the food phase—when I decided it was time for my son to learn to feed himself, despite the mess and the post-30-minute clean-ups, my close ones labeled me ruthless for not spoon-feeding, carrying him in my arms, or telling stories while he ate. 

"He will finish 3 idlis if you just distract him and feed him for an hour," my relative said and added, "Didn’t you carry him for 9 months? How can a mom NOT think about feeding him that one extra idli?"

Three idlis for a kid?!? Well, Dr. Pal, looks like I need your help 👶

But, I always treated my son like an adult and I ask for his opinions. He chooses his own clothes from his wadrobe. Even at a young age, I wanted him to feel in control of his own choices. I encouraged him to make his own decisions, trusting that each choice, big or small, would help him grow into a confident and an independent person. 

Yes, I received backlash for my parenting style. From strangers to family, it seemed like everyone had an opinion on how I should be raising my child. But today, as I watch my son make decisions on his own, I see the fruits of those decisions. He is independent, and though stubborn at times (like any child!), he knows what he wants and isn't afraid to stand up for himself. Since I always encouraged his independence, he grew confident in exploring the world around him, even striking up conversations with strangers without fear.

And let me tell you something: there’s no greater feeling than seeing your child learn to be self-reliant. In those moments, I know deep down that I am doing something right.

I won’t lie—it hasn’t always been easy. The criticisms, the doubts, the questions. I heard it all. There are nights when I go to bed feeling exhausted. But then, something happens that reminds me why I do this. 

One night, I had a headache and was completely drained. My 5-year-old son, seeing that I was not well, quietly came up to me with a glass of water and a cool cloth. He gently applied the balm, placed the cool cloth on my forehead with care, turned off the lights, and went off to play without making a fuss. He didn't need to be told to do that. He knew what I needed and cared enough to offer it.

In that moment, all the criticisms I faced, all the tiredness, and the doubts—they all melted away. My son had learned to be considerate, independent, and self-sufficient. He knew how to take care of someone else because I had trusted him to take care of himself first.

So yes, my parenting was right. Not because I am perfect, but I always believed in his ability to grow, learn, and take responsibility. It hasn’t always been the easy, but it has been the one that shaped him into the thoughtful, independent person he is becoming.