Weekend exploring Karnataka - May 2018

A weekend exploring Karnataka – May 2018
Socha tha khya – Khya ho gaya? Planned for Singapore travel with friend. Ended up in Karnataka with family. Amazing time with Sis and family – Special Thanks to Brother In Law for making this happen.

Left Kochi at 5 am on the 22nd of May and via Coimbatore crossing 27 hairpin bends set on for the trip. Had scrumptious lunch at Poojari’s Fish Land and off we drew to Chikmagalur with stay at ‘The Orkut’. As we were reaching, we thought treaking would be something like Malayatoor as we could not find the place like Munaar or could not see many hills around.

Next day proved me wrong. Off we went to the highest peak in Karnataka at Chikmagalur, called the Mullayanagiri. Enroute there was a statue of a pretty lady lying down. The height of this peak is close to 2000 metres. This peak is supposed to resemble a trekker’s backyard. There is no doubt that trekking in this place is a memorable experience, on acres and acres of land – it was only four of us – and at places with 60 degree bend – in case we would fall backwards – that is it. Indeed a Knife’s edge. On top of the peak, there is a small temple. Felt Thankful for having reached there, having lost the way in between.

The hills and the waterfalls are plenty located at regular intervals. Sightseeing and trekking have a prominent place in the tourism sector of this tiny town which is highly blessed by the mighty Western Ghats.

- Mullayanagiri: Famous for Trekking
- Hebbe Falls: Waterfall Visit
- Baba Budangiri: Famous for trekking
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous for Wildlife
- Kemmangundi: Famous for Trekking
- Kudremukh National Park: Famous for Trekking
- Sharadamba Temple: Sightseeing
- Kalhatti Falls: Waterfall Visit

We also had a jeep ride to Baba Budan Giri range. The day began with Neil feeling unwell and Sajeev’s 40th Birthday about to go for a toss, but ended as a memorable day. The amazing video with wishes from everyone was truly emotional.

With mist in front the jeep drive was amazing. Next day enroute to Mysore we stopped at Belur to have a view of the Majestic Hoysala temple. The architecture of ancient times are indeed Aweamazing….so many years before, such an amazing work.

Reached Mysore and checked into Hotel Sandesh, The Palace – especially given that Neil wanted to enjoy the pool. So guys were in the pool and me and Tara went to Nandi Hills, how could we be in Mysore and miss it? Evening went to Vrindavan gardens.

Next day having done shopping from Mysore Silks, went to Mysore Zoo. Indeed well kept and clean. Neil enjoyed to the core, with map in his hand, he was the guide. We spend around 3 hours there, and then began our return journey, accompanied with rains – showers of blessings. Four days just flew away, given memories. Neil was excited learning Districts in Kerala, and states in India, along with viewing the site and being the guide enroute – especially looking for Power grids, and comparing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.