The misty hills of Chikmagalur

One free weekend, colleagues turned friends decided to head to chickmaglur. Having had over a month of hectic work, we were all totally in the need for a quick breather. Being a few hours drive from Bangalore we started early morning – slightly over midnight, with an expectation of being able to reach by the time breakfast would be served at the homestay that we had booked. Music turned up high, swaying our bodies to the beats, lip syncing to the songs, stopping every now and then to grab cups of teas and snacks, we drove at considerable speeds through the dimly lit, deserted roads. The whole drive was pretty thrilling as we had enjoyed each others company.

The sun slowly rose as we drove on, creeping over the leaves of the trees, making its way through the thick fog onto the roads making them glimmer like a gold dust had been laid out in front of us. Unable to resist, we stepped out – taking in the sudden burst of the chill breeze, looking out to the empty fields stretching to the farthest point that our eyes could cast their glance on, as we could hear the distant melodious chirping of the birds. Being surrounded by nature away from the hustle bustle of the city, with silence and peace was an absolute bliss.

Our little homestay stood in the lap of nature, giving us a picturesque view of the incredible scenery around. We headed out after having our breakfasts and freshening up.

Hirekolale lake

This was our first stop for the day and it happened to be around 8km from our homestay. Much to our dismay, we found that the lake had almost dried out. But the stunning view of the grassy lands, cattle,  and the rustic cottages made the drive worth it. Scrabbling along the little rocky hillocks, we made our way down to the patches of greenery, closer to the whatever little water was left. A little exploring and few shots later, we headed back climbing over the rough edges of the stones that initially got us there.

Lunch was at an adorable little place, having wooden cottages, lovely flowering creepers along the walls, a comfy corner having books stacked in numerous racks, broken cycles which posed as figurines fixed on the walls, graffiti on some windows and little pots lined around the cottages. Though the menu was limited, the food served was absolutely delicious and oddly satisfying.

Mullayanagiri peak

Having driven 20 odd kms from the cafe we had had stopped for lunch, we got to the Mullayanagiri peak. We settled down on one of the boulders of the cliff which gave us quite a mesmerising view. We spent some quality time gazing at the beautiful landscapes, enjoying the tranquility and absorbing the peace. It was already near around 5pm when we decided to quickly head to Baba Budangiri as well, which was expected to shut down around 6-6.30 pm.

Baba Budangiri hills

About quarter the distance, our car ran out of fuel and we were told by locals that a little shop a few meters ahead would be selling petrol. We refuelled, and that shop was such a saviour! Had we not found the place at the right time, we’d have to stay there up until we’d be able to get the fuel from the nearest petrol bunk. We continued driving through the crazy narrow bends of the overly slushy roads owing to a recent downpour. We reached a viewpoint where the setting sun and the cotton candy clouds made it an irresistible sight!

The locals suggested us to drive a few meters ahead, as we’d find waterfalls. True to what was said, we found Jhari falls on the precipice of the hills. It was a thin silvery strip of clear water pouring down from in between the creases of the cliff, guarded with railings and gates. We took a peek at it from a distance before leaving the location.

We drove through the empty roads, enjoying the calm of the moment. The people at the homestay were pretty hospitable and served us yummy dinner once we got back. Once our hunger was satisfied and all had freshened up, we chose one corner of the homestay, setting ourselves on the swings and in and around the veranda.  People who’d got their instruments played music, while a few tapped their feet, and many others sung at the top of their lungs to the music and karaoke tracks, merrily, up until the middle of the night, until sleep began tugging at our eyes.

We chose to see a few other places on our way back to Bangalore, which included Belur and Shravanabelagola.

Chennakeshava temple of Belur

This temple is one of the oldest and is considered to be an architectural wonder. Said to be built with soapstone, the temple portrays a very fine detailing. The outer walls are adorned with dancing girls in various postures. The wall sculptures depict references from the important events of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple complex has around 48 pillars all uniquely carved and decorated. A person visiting this place would roughly get an idea of the Hoysala era of construction .

When we reached here, the place was sprawling with people and was a little too crowded. Intricate patterns and sculptures demanded more focus. The weather made it difficult for us to ease our way through the place. The sun was scorching and the ground felt like a heated plate in a microwave oven. Nevertheless we tried to make the best of our visit, wandering through the temples, jumping our way over the carpets laid out, finding places relatively cooler and shade to capture a few good shots.

Gomateshwara statue of Shravanabelagola

On the way to Shravanabelagola, we noticed a boat jetty offering water sports and we decided to give it a try. We went kayaking in pairs of two, rowing through the chilled icy waters with strength, effort and trying to match the rhythm to maintain the coordination.  After having dried ourselves, we headed further to the Gomateshwara statue.

The Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola stands  57 feet tall on the Vindyagiri hill. Amazingly this is said to be one among the seven wonders of India. The hill top gave us a breathtaking panoramic view of the Chandragiri hills. We lay on the rocks staring at the sky, cooling off from the sweaty climb, admiring the giant structure and the calmness that surrounded the area. We then raced our way down, hopping and skipping over the steps, deliriously laughing like naughty little kids.

We then sped back as we wanted to get back to Bangalore before nightfall. On our way we noticed an alluring patch of greenery with a lot of storks flying around, and it made a wonderful sight.

Our little vacation gave us the necessary diversion from work that we all wished for, helping us entangle ourselves and coming back feeling livelier, happier and much energetic at the end of it all.

The small breaks we take from work pay us back in multiple folds when we return, because we come back with a much renewed mind, newer thinking and a better perspective. The best ideas strike when we are on a vacation, when our minds are calmer.