Traverse To Nandi Hills

A beautiful place to visit in early morning (5.30-6.00) that too on bike. Nature lovers must go place. Free from Pollution but not quiet as we saw nearly more than 500 people were there. Morning breakfast is available at the top as well as on the way. Those who want to go for cycling it is a suitable place again in the morning. Government buses are available from majestic not sure of timings,definitely not in early morning. Buses will drop you till the top.Lodges are available not sure it is private or Govt. Trekking is also a option  because you have all other means to reach the top. Best place for Photographers as well.

United Pune

The Pune trip was totally planned and collective effort put by all my friends! Not an easy task of putting people together and planning for destinations which is unknown for most of them

But ultimately it was one more successful tour. It took whole lot of perseverance to travel all the way from Bangalore to Pune in train. The journey started with buying playing cards and unexpectedly train was late for one hour. Pune trip was totally like UPA alliance 4 guys from started from Bangalore, 5 amigos started from Hyderabad, 1 from Mumbai and 1more in Pune itself.

Kamshet Tunnel

Day -1:  As planned we all reached at different timings. But freshed up very soon as always. We had booked TT well in advance for 2 days. The first destination is MATHERAN. The National Highway safar was really awesome with Hills, Rocks, Kamshet Tunnels and even good weather. Via Lonavala we reached matheran basement.  The road was very narrow from the basement so we was forced to take a rented Car. It costed Rs.60  per/head. After that we had 3 option to reach matheran Horse ride, Toy train,Walking. All of us choose to walk by taking aid of kooli for luggage carrying. As we were heading we were having pitstop for rest as well as for clicks.

Amigos

Since it was an extended weekend it was crowded and almost all hotels were full! Luckily we got a cottage but not so good. Few had some issues but no other go. We couldn’t go anywhere 1^st day as it was dark and no power and it was drizzling! We freshen up and went for dinner and walk as well!

Camp Fire

Day2:  Matheran is very calm and quiet, cold, But definitely its not honeymoon destination. Personally speaking I dint find anything more special in matheran except a ropeway which we dint get chance.  There were many places to see but we decided to see only few which we thought it is good to visit!

Places to see in Matheran:

The following is a list of some major places of interest -

1. Mount Berry

2. Luisa Point

3. Echo Point

4. Panorama Point (Sunrise Point)      

5. Porcupine Point (Sunset Point)

6. One tree Hill

7. Garbut Point

8. Chowk Point

9. Olympia Racecourse

10. Monkey Point

11. Hart point

12. Rambaug Point

13. Charlotte Lake

14. Alexandria Point

15. Malet Spring

Sanyasi's

Soon after visiting places we headed towards Murud Kashid almost 3.30 we reached plan was to see a fort in the middle of the sea but we were in the shore People who have gone there just before us gave a bad feedback so we dint turn up. Because it would have taken 2 hours totally to and fro. So returned back to kashid beach and had a very good time in the beach. We had booked a homestay in OMKAR LODGE.

Beach Kabadi

The rooms were very good Must say hospitality was tremendous whatever needed they had provided us with very good manner. Night we had dinner in good at decent hotel. Since we had to get up very early morning and head to River Rafting which 3 hrs away from the place we stayed. The day ended very soon.

Day-3: The excitement, expectation, creepy was too much about Kundalika White Water River Rafting, since it was first time ever we all were trying for River Rafting. Let the adrenaline rush with the increasing rapids at the white water rafting, Our Batch was first to come to the base of river rafting.

Rafting Begins

River was very calm and our raft moved slowly. All of us were quietly enjoying the calmness of river and beautiful valleys around Kundalika except me who was shivering and my teeth were creating small noise for me like stain gun. Sitting side and behind watching each and every moment of water was an experience to count. 

End of Rafting

We crossed few rapids and then our guides allowed us to jump off the raft.The rafting ended unexpectedly at a strange place. But we thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Since it was a package we had a very good lunch in Pooja Resorts.

Zip Line

We had to rush because it was drizzling and we had to go for Kayaking, River Crossing, Zip Line. Heading back to Pune in a hurry fashion since we had not booked hotels for staying.I wish such trips come again and again wherein I overcame the fear, encountered new things and above all I made new friends.

Jai Kundalika

Kayaking Kings

Group Of Kayakar's

Day-4:  Day started very late as usual as it was a planned rest day and Pune darshan as well for some time. Visted Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati temple and Chaturshringi Temple in the 1^st half and Initial 2^nd half and Packed our bags from lodge and went straight away to bus stand to board a bus to Bangalore. The journey ended in the morning 6.30 AM at Bangalore.

Kotilingeshwara Ride

Since from 2010 shivarathri festival I was thinking to visit Kotilingeshwara temple after watching sandalwood movie SRI MANJUNATHA. Earlier also I have seen that movie but I was not aware that it is a place near Kolar.  We planned a short bike ride only to Kotilingeshwara temple not nearby places.

Click Random

How to Reach Kotilingeshwara Temple 

Kolar is about 68 km from Bangalore. Buses ply on regularly from Bangalore. Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport. Bangarapet Railway Station and Marikuppam Railway Station are the nearest railheads to reach Kotilingeshwara Temple. Passenger trains are available from Bangalore to Marikuppam.

Way to Temple

How we Reached Kotilingeshwara Temple

Jayanagar 9^th Block  à Old Madras Road àBangarupet à Kotilengeshwara Temple 

Kotilingeshwara Temple Features

A huge Nandi (Nandishwara – the Vahana of Shiv) which is 35 feet (11 m) tall lies in front of this huge Shiva Linga. The Nandi stands on a platform which is about 4 feet in height. About eleven small temples of various deities are constructed within the premises of the Koti Lingeshwara Swamy Temple. There are temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, followed by the main deity temple Lord Kotilingeshwara. Other important temples are Lord Venkataramani Swamy Temple, Goddess Annapoorneshwari Temple, Lord Panduranga Swamy Temple, Lord Panchamukha Ganapathy temple, Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita Temple, Lord Anjaneya Temple, Goddess Kannika Parameshwari Temple and Goddess Karumaari Amma Temple.

Sacred Tree

Huge ShivaLinga

Nandi & Shiva

Till date as per sources 90 Lakhs Shiva Lingas is been installed. Hope to hear 1 Crore. The cost of installing a linga is 5000Rs including everything.

Ride to Vellore

Starting at 2PM from Bangalore via Electronic city, Hosur, Ambur to Vellore. Awesome road condition because of Chennai –Bangalore Highway which our riders enjoyed biking and I too enjoyed as pillion as usual!! A complete rest with SAND PIPERS made more energetic for the next day. Must say Chennai has only 3 seasons Hot, Hotter, Hottest!!

View on the Way

The fort city of Tamil Nadu, Vellore is one that boasts of a rich history and has witnessed the rise and fall of several important dynasties such as the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Rashtrakutaas, the Sambuvarayars, the Marathas, even the Nawabs! Some such attractions include the Golden temple,Vellore Fort, Jalakanteswarar Temple. Vellore a city is on the banks of the Palar River, one that at first glance can surely have all wondering why it means a ‘City of Spears’!

Sathiya

The Jalakanteshwara Temple is the other marvel of the Vellore Fort. Built by the Vijayanagar king in 1550 A.D. the Jalakanteshwara Temple is nothing short of an architectural wonder! Complete with exquisite carvings on its gopuram (tower). It is said the reason why the temple is named Jalakandeswar “Lord Siva residing in the water” is because the temple is situated below the temple moat.

Vellore Fort Map

 However on going through its glorious history, one finds that this beautiful city known for its stunning Dravidian architecture has been witness to many wars and battles and has even often been described as … the strongest fortress in the Carnatic War!.

:)

The vellore golden temple is the Mahalakshmi temple called ‘Sripuram Golden Temple’…something that will definitely catch your eye!!!  Made out of more than a tonne of pure gold it is the only temple in the world that is fully covered with gold. Located around 6 km from Vellore, the temple structure is known for engravings, and while the deity of Mahalakshmi is caved of granite stone, it is covered with gold ornaments! Importantly more than the mahalakshmi photos we could see swamiji photos all around which is nothing but self advertisement!! We had taken tickets of VIP darshana which costed 250/- per head.

Jalakanteshwara Temple

Had a peaceful and blessed darshana as we had given nearly 20 min in front of Goddess. Had good lunch in temple as it was 12.30PM and started way back to Bangalore. Reached Bangalore around 7.30PM as expected.

The Magic of Monsoon

Walking in the middle of the forest, taking perfidious winding roads with excitement and fear at every step, hearing the chirping of birds and watching few others fly around, feeling submerged in the passing clouds at the higher altitudes, experiencing the kiss of the breeze as the legs struggled to walk on the railway tracks. The greatest pleasures of trekking won't come without risk or struggle. 

Starting Point

Yes “You have to get lost before you can be found”.  Dudhsagar is one of the world's most exquisite falls that lies in India.The falls lies high up in the Mandovi River watershed and so are not particularly spectacular during the dry season. During the monsoon season however, the falls are transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India. Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's 5th tallest waterfalls, and is 227th in the world at 310 m. The water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes during the monsoon season, forming one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Goa.  It was a most awaited adventure of monsoon.

On the Way

Since it was a 14km railway track trek!!. Initial plan was with larger group say something about 20!! But finally ended up with 4!!!!!. Direct train tickets to from Bangalore to castle rock (Chennai –Vasco train) was not available before 2 months. So we had to take a connecting trains. Bangalore to Hubli by Sholapur Express. We had 2 option one by bus as well as train. Since it was 4.30 AM we could not find any bus from hubli to Londa Junction. We decided to go in Chennai –Vasco train in general with the tickets!!. Hubli to Londa Junction is around 2-3 hrs in train. We had breakfast and packed food for trekking in londa junction as we were waiting for other train to board from londa junction to castle rock. 

The Boys

Londa junction to castle rock is half an hour journey.
Starting our journey from londa junction to dudhsagar falls. Initially it was very good experience as the time runs we had been troubled by rains as expected! We had prepared for everything meanwhile but we had to take a pause in the tunnel. We had many pit stops forcefully and also physically. The tiny waterfalls made us to re-gain our spirit saying don’t be happy with me “Mera baap aghe hain”. Totall 11 tunnels on the pathway from Castle rock to falls. It took around 4 to 5hrs to reach waterfalls. 

Tunnel No-1 Train Heading!

Starting distance it took us quiet more hours than expected so we increased our speed in the middle so that we can reach as expected. We had calculated dresses in our bags so that it will not be the burden for trekking. The tunnel trekking experience and railway track experience is worth to feel rather to explain more. The beautiful scenes, weather condition, drizzling was all time beautiful trekking experience. All our eatables and drinking water were empty in 75% of trekking. Hoping that we get food near the falls. 

But it went in vain as there was no food and drinking water in the banks of falls. That particular moment was really horrible because I came to know what is starving literally. God has given me enough so that I don’t have to starve. Thank you. 

That moment what I thought is how people in Somalia or any other African countries starve for days and months. Coming back to reality “Dudhsagar Waterfall”. 

The Beautiful DudhSagar Falls

  “The beauty of nature unites everyone”. We spent 3 hrs in waterfalls, few minutes we all were bewildered by. At around 5.45 PM expected train from Goa to belgaum. In which we were waiting to go to belgaum for staying as planned. Actually we were waiting for train not to go to belgaum but to have food!!!!!! Which we had in train. 

Catching train was more challenging as falls was crowded and all were waiting for the same train and the train has no dedicated stop there. As planned we could have returned in same train to belgaum  but we did not want to take risk of travelling without ticket. It was a last train which will go from londa junction so we had to take a tempo trax which we got luckily, which dropped us till……..  From there we went to belgaum and paused our journey of the day. 

Gokak Falls, Belgaum

Next day started little early as planned packed belgaum special kundha( Sweet) and resumed our journey to gokak falls. Which is 2 hrs from belgaum, The falls was little dreary because of less water force!! The hanging bridge view was a good with sound of breeze, Surroundings is the well maintained place which attracts lots of tourists. As planned we boarded our train from nearby stop of gokak falls.

                                       Travel teaches toleration. Benjamin Disraeli

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.