Beauty under and overneath

On the Eve of Independence day. The planning of bike ride had taken a very good progress. Actually it was my first bike ride of my life but as a pillion. Since it was one day ride we had decided to  visit Gaganachukkki and Barachukki falls and Talakad. The map was clear to us since it was 300 km to plus fro!

Riders r Ready!

But as always initially we struggled for the exact road. Planned to start at 5 AM but we managed to start before 6AM. While going we choose mysore road and took kankapura high way while coming back. Mysore road as we all know traffic also wondered whether “Road main gadda hain or Gadda main Road hain”!!. We stopped at bidadi for breakfast, we  were served bidadi special tatte idli with butter vow vow. Resuming our journey very soon as we had not reached planned distance for time taken. After maddur we had to take a left diversion for shivanasamudra. 

Bidadi Tatte Idli

 After a diversion there was a good greenery around with atmosphere was very pleasant. Reached shvanasamudra paused for some time. Later went to Barachukki falls. The magical scene of river Cauvery made us to feel a worth visit.  We had some trouble to carry our riding gears. But we had to manage all those. At Barachukki we had to descend around 150 – 200 steps to reach the falls in the midst of woods. After reaching the base area, one has to be careful as our pre – historic friends will be waiting to pounce on your bag. Then, we went on a coracle boat (teppa) ride on the pool of water in front of the waterfall. 

Barachukki Falls

The boat charges are something like 50rs per head for a 20 minutes ride. it was most startling experience could feel the force of the water and scary though none of knew how to swim. We rested in piece for some time in the banks of falls. Resumed our journey to Gaganachukki falls. The speciality of these falls is due to the Kaveri river itself splitting a few kilometers to the south into western and eastern branches. The western branch results in the twin waterfalls of Gaganachukki, whereas the eastern branch results in the Bharachukki falls.

Gaganachukki Falls

The sparkling blue waters of the Cauvery River wind through rocks and ravines and fall 75m off the Deccan Plateau to form the twin falls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki. Monsoon season makes this waterfall swell to enormous proportion, creating a waterfall perhaps a thousand feet wide. When the Cauvery is in madness, watching the river crash into a cloud of foaming spray can be an awesome and unforgetful experience. Gaganachukki especially is a steep fall where water gushes down with great velocity. Actually, it is believed to host first hydroelectric project in India.

Teppa Ride

The next destination was to “Buried Beauty” The Talakadu (Talakad). It is the classical Indian story. A tale told by gods and demons, filled with kings and queens, replete with curses and boons. There is a little bit of history here, blended with some geology and topped with legends and myths. Set on the banks of the river Cauvery, this saga dates back to the 4th century and has certain intriguing elements, defying the very laws of nature. Talakadu is famous for the Panchalingas – the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva called Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaidyanatheeshwara and Mallikarjuna .Of these, the first two are the oldest, built by the Ganga kings. We paused to give our feet a bit of rest and heard the story of Tala and Kada, the two hunters, after whom the town is named as per guide information. The detailed stories is interesting but I don’t want to reveal because there should be curiousity once anybody will visit.

Talakadu

A curse of a woman he says is the cause of this sand blown town, an erstwhile fertile capital of several dynasties that ruled over Karnataka. A tale filled with greed and lust for power. It was the time when Talakadu and Srirangapatna were under the Vijayanagar empire. The death of the last Viceroy, Srirangaraya provoked the Wodeyars of Mysore to declare war. As Srirangapatna fell, the Wodeyar ruler sent his soldiers to covet the jewels of the late Viceroy’s widow, Alamelamma. As she fled from her pursuers, she is supposed to have jumped into the Cauvery, uttering the curses. My guide gets all dramatic as he proclaims the curse…

             

              “Talkādu Maralaāgi, Mālingi maduvaāgi, Mysuru dhorege Makkalagade hōgali”

We had walked for more than a hour, deeply engrossed in the continuous banter of our guide. Our feet caved in many a time, as we scaled the steep sand dunes. In the last two hours, we had traveled back to several centuries. We paused for a moment, taking in the sight. The silence was devastating. The voices of the past were buried under the layers of sand. We sat there, trying to build castles, but the wings gently swept them down. This, we realized was the destiny of Talakadu -the confluence of the historic and the holy spirit, where myths and legends merged, but were all completely swept away by the blasts from the past.

Now coming back from history to real world, it was 3.30PM we had our lunch than we went to history. The fervor to say about the history I had forgotten about our lunch!!. Starting our journey towards kaveri river which is point of tourist attraction, nowadays crowded as it is a low water level.

As planed while coming back we too highway which was very neat and less traffic had to fight closely with rain other than it was easy ride and we reached back home by 8.30pm.

Destination Unknown

Unplanned journey was a reverie because I felt it will thrill me and I always felt “Life is nothing but facing expected and unexpected challenges”.

One fine Saturday evening at 4.30PM, Gathered in Bangalore railway station with 2 other college friends, with full of energy to do something new and interesting. Directly we saw the train list and selected a place “Marikuppam”. We din had any idea about the place; In the present world it would be very easy to get the sound information about the place because we had GPRS, GPS etc. But we dint want to know the information. Knowing everything is unnecessary — Discovery is a better teacher than a guidebook. Where you actually end up — and when, and how — is usually irrelevant to the experience you have on the way. We took the ticket for 3 of us and the cost was Rs 45. We could envisage that place will be around 3 hrs away. We took a Marikuppam passenger train which was at 6PM and it took around two and half hours to reach the destination. Once we reached we realized that it was in Kolar district. We saw a beautiful line inviting us saying “No Trains available on Sunday “. We asked the people in Marikuppam station what is places to visit nearby, they told KGF gold mines and kotilingeshwara temple. Since it was night 8.30PM we dint take a chance because both the places will be closed. We travelled back on the same train with ticket price Rs3 per head and reached the place “Bangarupet”.

In deep discussion!!!

Again it’s time to decide our next destination we checked train list, we were open minded to go any palce and reach by Sunday night 8. We had option to go to Kanyakumari , Mysore ,Chennai, and the final decision was to travel chennai and took the tickets for Chennai.

Tower Clock, Bangarupet

The train time was 11:45 pm and we had 2 more hours to be spent in Bangarupet and to have our dinner. Had a very tasty hot parota roll.  We decided to go to Marina beach as well once we reach Chennai.

Party Time

It is bittersweet experience and we were ready for that also, Indian Railways arrived Punctually in time but general compartment was so fully crowded and couldn’t get in, I tried hanging on the door step ,and 2 of my friends were standing in platform and staring at me, one of my  friend shouted at me, because it is not short distance and risky . Later I was thankful to him for saving my life. Also made an attempt to get on to sleeper, TT was waiting for us in sleeper within seconds he kicked us out of train.

But with lots of optimism, that we should go to Chennai we waited for next train with bashing cold but we had blankets as well as jackets also cup of Chai Chai. The train was at 1.45AM it was a time for train for our second attempt, and again general compartment was packed heavily, but this time were successful in getting into sleeper compartment. Had slight fear about getting caught by TC for some time.

Long Nap

Next to stinking toilet we were on the dirty floor still kind of god feeling like we have achieved something, as expected TT came and caught us, as decided we all made innocent face and told him  story about interview(The BluffMasters) , he asked us to get  down of train initially later asked us to move to next compartment. We moved to other compartments and found there is one more TT waiting for us, so after some discussion we went back and occupied the same old place.

Madras University Senate House

 Couldn’t have a sound sleep but still myself managed to take a nap. Finally 7:15AM after almost 8 hours of journey we were in chennai !!!  “Not all those who wander are lost” YEAH!! Booked return tickets to Bangalore, the train was at 1:30PM which gave us around 6 hours of time in Chennai. Started our safari in Chennai looking for sastha hotel for bath and etc, we had lip-smacking Kalai(breakfast) Masaladosa, Pongal, Idlyvada and coffee.

Marina Beach

Resuming our journey heading straight away to Marina beach by auto, beaches reminds me about the homely feeling because I have grown up and have a bonding towards the sea, spent some time and we started walking around the streets of Chennai, Looking at the beautiful classical and colonial European styled buildings, lining the city’s thoroughfares. Madras University, Anna Square, Victory war Memorial, Senate House etc was in our view.

Anna Square

   Returned early to station just to get a seat on return journey. Meantime I realized one thing from the journeys, “Language is the powerful tool”. We had railway pantry food for sapad(Lunch) and everybody fell asleep for quiet a sometime and finally reached Bangalore cantonment station than headed to respective planned destination this time ;);).

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”- Lao Tzu

Srisailam

Day-1, Morning 7.00AM. Started from Hyderabad for a long drive to Srisailam .All set for srisailam, Some few new faces as well, all of us got into spanking tata winger with a singh is king(Car Pilot). As we had done our home work about the roads we had some idea where and how to reach, but the journey to the place is awesome. Considering this we were all ready to have as many pit stops as we would want but we dint take many pit stops. First pit-stop was for refueling, not for the taxi, but for its occupants. We had gossiping amongst us and some namakarans as well like batmanbehenji, cockroach , crocodile,in our journey.

Mallelatheertham Waterfalls

 Next stop was the best part of the trip – Mallelatheertham Waterfalls, Paused our journey for hours in waterfalls. The falls is about 50-60 kms before Srisailam and only a board announces that you need to take a left and drive for around 8-9 kms on a kachcha road to reach the Mallela Theertham Waterfalls. The back-breaking 8 km drive and the 350 steps descent is totally worth the effort. This is not the best falls I have seen, since it was a long time I saw the falls so it was good but not really best  for me because I am from coastal belt of Karnataka. But the water was cold enough to make us chillax!!. At the waterfalls please be careful about belongings since we have lots of ancestors( Monkeys) around.

River Krsihna- Patal Ganga

 After Spending 2-3 hrs in waterfalls we resumed our journey towards srisailam, but tiredness and hungriness made us fall asleep automatically for sometime. By the time we reached srisailam it was around 3.30pm “Paet Main Khide Khelne Lage the”. Finally we found a restaurant for lunch and luckily it was a full meal which is good for people like me who eat more. After that we booked rooms for staying there and freshen up and relaxed also. Evening we headed to temple, had very good darshana as well since it was Saturday as well as some auspicious day we had to wait in long “Q” but “kuch pane ke liye kuch khona padtha hai”. The gang was totally tired and again we headed to hotel for dinner. After that we headed directly towards room but plan was to go to dam since in night it will be mesmerizing.

Srisailam Bhramarambha Mallikharjuna Swami Devasthanam

 Day-2, Next day morning we thought that at least we should leave room by 7.30AM but couldn’t by avoidable reasonz!! ;). Straight Away after having breakfast we headed to Akkamahadevi caves to reach we had to take Rope Way to Patal Ganga as well as Boating in Krishna River. After more than 1hr approx in boat with lots of photo sessions and fun we reached banks of Krishna River. Must say the sceneries while boating was damn good with cool breeze, clean water and tress around.  From the banks of river we had to walk for 10 mins to reach the doors of caves. We did stomach loading with water which was available from the shop available in the caves doorstep. 

Akkamahadevi Caves

 Initially we were told about history of the caves and its existence from the guide there and were given candles because of darkness inside. It’s around 80 meter walk inside the caves and after few meters it was really suffocating. But we managed to offer our prayer at Shiva Lingam there and came back to our boat. Frankly I was tired because of dehydration, Dint mingle too much while coming back in boat, dumb shall act made people to show their talents. After having lunch at srisailam we rushed into room since we had to leave to Hyderabad and again I had to travel back to Bangalore after long vacation as well. Faces were dull not because they are tired but next day is Monday;).  The Journey to the srisailam ends but not the journey of life.

Mumbai Meri Jaan

My living with Mumbai is really diminutive but the experience and learning is very gigantic. Mumbai or Bombay as it was known earlier is really a fast paced city. Wasn't as easy as I had thought! Got to tell you, people in it are unsurpassed in terms nature, culture etc. Travelled from Bangalore in Udhyan express at 8.10PM with a friend half a way of journey after that I was all alone as usual. I was panic because the plan of staying was changing constantly and also where and how to reach destination from kalyan junction, place in Mumbai. But a guy in train guided me very nicely to reach the place from his experience.  Finally reached Vashi from Kalyan junction alone in local train Vaaah what a feeling!! First time local train experience was really good. Dint find so crowded as it was a holiday because of Gudi Padwa(Ugadi).From vashi I met my college friend who was waiting in station and from there we went to koparkhairane were my friend lived. Had a good party, dinner in his room and went to sleep. Already I had a scheduled plan for next day. 

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

Day-1, My friend accompanied me to Gateway of India. I was overwhelmed to see the immense sea of human population everywhere; on stations, local trains, best buses even double deccars. A must watch (Gateway of India) which was built to commemorate the landing of King George V in 1920. On November 28, 2008 it was the target of terrorist attack along with Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, which are the superlative, hotels in Mumbai. Walking in pavement of streets made to sense more subterranean of Aamchi Mumbai.

Taj Hotel

 Shopping in fashion Street was amazing with lots of colorful fashionable wears which evidently have influence of BOLLYWOOD!! Bargaining is the best policy if at all you want to shop :):). It was almost 3.30PM and we were very hungry had a zevan (lunch).Since I had plans in evening to go to Marine Drive. I had to receive my new best friend at that time in CST my friend dropped me there. 

Marine Drive

Later on I had a very good time in life in marine drive with my friend till late evening. Crave for authentic Maharastrian dish made us to walk for kilometers which I personally liked and enjoyed. Meantime Mumbai does look great in the night with lovely twinkling lights along with the Queens necklace. Had supper in a restaurant and Ice cream too!! The 1^st day safar came to an end @11.45PM. I could see people running all the time, be it at 5 in the morning or 11 in the night. I was shocked to see ladies running in to catch a local train elegantly even at midnight. Felt Gandhji ‘s dream came true in Mumbai  but not in other places that’s what I personally feel!!! But “Mumbai never sleeps” which I heard in movies, papers etc which is true;). At least some things are true in media!!!!!!  

Bandra Worli Sea Link

Day-2, Morning had a meet up with engineering friends after long time which was like planned get together which wasn’t planned in my actual plan!!! But then, I chose to go with the flow and not fight the current. Together with all the friends headed to Bandstand which is km away from the sea. Got a chance to see bandra worli sea link. I was not occupied fully on that day but still had very good time pass. Went back to room at 11.30PM after roaming.

Mahalaxmi Temple

Day-3, As planned earlier I had only half day and running short of time because time is not enough to see vibrant Akka Mumbai!!! Early morning @ 7.30 I hit the railway lines and @ 8-830AM had a darshan of famous and powerful Siddivinayak temple next headed towards Goddess of wealth (Mahalaxmi) with a friend in taxi with lots devotion and had breakfast as well in hotel. Next plan was to Mosque cum Durgah of Haji Ali, is a unique structure off the coast of Worli, Mumbai. The place is situated on an islet and is one of the landmarks of Bombay. Full name of Haji Ali is Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.

Haji Ali Durgah

The Haji Ali Durgah building is influenced by both Indian and Islamic style of architecture.  Not to forget outside dargah me and friend had a very costly mango juice which cost not less than Rs 150 per juice!!!

As a scheduled plan I had to say alvida to Mumbai :(:( and had to rush to pune to say hi to my sister and to catch bus to Namma Bangalore!!! Before that met another new friend in CST and spent some time with them and got a train to pune!! Met sister in pune had dinner with her and boarded bus!!

Bombay is peerless in its own sense, for there are sights and experiences one possibly wouldn't be treated to any place which I have seen.Thus the city popularly known as Maya Nagari obliges a stranger to revisit the place again and again. Up till last twenty five years, I hadn't been to Mumbai even once. Mumbai has bada heart which will make anybody to fall in love!! It’s a world within the world. Thus I can say DREAMS-SEE IT-FEEL IT-ACHIEVE IT! Hope Mumbai will accept me once again in life!!.

                                   

                                     “To travel is to live.”- Hans Christian Andersen