All about my travel experiences

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Trip to Masinagudi

Megha, Ram and Bhadra were suppose to come to our house this weekend (18-Aug-2018) but she called last Thursday to check whether we want to go to Masinagudi / Bandipur and our reply as usual was yes. So she quickly booked a place in Masinagudi.

Saturday, we woke up at 3:45 am and got ready and started from our house at 4:45 am. We reached Megha's house at 6:00 am. Ram told that they have bought some items to donate for Kerala flood. Btw it is scary there in Kerala and some part of Karnataka due to flood and land slides. I read in news paper that this kind of flood didn't have in last 100 years in Kerala. We were also worried if we can reach Masinagudi because we have to cross Kaveri river which too is flooded.

Anyway we 4.5 of us were ready and started from there place at 6:30 am with all relief material. I started to drive, Bhadra was with Ram and Megha and Runai were in back seat with relief material. We reached Kengeri and handed over the materials and started at 7:30 am from there. Our next stop was at mcdonalds in Mysore road for breakfast. Had breakfast, checked tyre pressure because it was behind a petrol pump and from there Ram started to drive. We crossed Mysore and was en route Bandipur and the trouble started. Because of Kaveri flooding, road was closed in Kabini area. We were asked to go through some village and some road which google doesn't know. But luckily all vehicles were moving in that direction and we followed them. Found out that 5 km drive in highway was 15 km now and took an hour. We were very hungry too. Runai took some biscuit from home which we all finished. Anyway we crossed that area and crossed Bandipur without sighting any animals except few spotted deer. Reached our place (Home Stay) in Masinagudi around 1:30 pm. The very first thing we asked Rakesh (owner of the place) "lunch please" which Megha already informed earlier to the owner about what we want to eat for lunch.

We were served lunch at 2:30 pm with rice, sambar, rasam, curd, pickle, poriyal and chicken fry. Food was simply awesome. We took some rest and also some photos. The place has some varity of birds. Around 4:30 pm we went to see a dam which is in 15th hair-pin bend in Ooty road. It is raining crazy here so mostly dam will be full and there are endless waterfall that we could see while driving. Once we reached the place we saw a waterfall with huge force coming down. There was a police check-post and the policeman told that the road is closed because they opened the dam and it is dangerous for anyone to go there. So we took a U turn and then on our way we took some photos of the waterfall and the valley and hills and returned back. We had some bajji and back to our place. Evening around 6:30 pm again we started to go towards Singara in a hope to see animals. We filled petrol which is the only petrol pump there. We went in for 5-10 km and couldn't find anything. Leave alone animals not even a single person. We saw some place that bamboos were broken, so thought we would see some elephants but none. The road was pitch dark in jungle and no lights with rain but road was very good, we thought to return back. We were back by 8:30 pm. In town we bought some banana and guava. Had our dinner where they cooked chapati, egg curry and veg curry which we requested them in afternoon.

Next Sunday we woke up around 5:30 am and got ready by 6:30 am and headed toward Bandipur in hope to see animals. It was raining heavily but we could see peacocks, Mommy elephants with its kid, variety of deer, wild boar and mongoose. We didn't go to Bandipur rather took a U-turn from Tamil Nadu checkpost and way back to hotel. We freshedup and again started and this time headed toward Moyar. On our way we again saw lots of peacock and one was about to fan out its feather due to I guess cloud or rain, but couldn't get good picture because it went inside jungle. We went till the dam and came back hotel. Around 10:30 am, we had puri with aloo masiyal. Then we took bath, packed our bags, paid hotel and started from there at 12:30 pm. I started to drive and this time we saw lots of animals in Bandipur. A full family of elephants and other animals. They old thing left was bison and tigers. Bison, we have seen in previous trip where they were grazing and tiger never ever. On our way back we were allowed to go through highway but very slowly in Kabini area. We could see that one side of the place was flooded. Shops, house, temples, lands everything were under water. Bridge in the road we crossed were about to be under water. But luckily we could pass the place and reached Mysore. We stopped there and had lunch. We started again from there at 3;30 pm and took Kanakpura road instead of Mysore road to avoid traffic. We reached Megha's house around 7:30 pm and Megha gave us a curry leaf plant and from there we took our car and reached home at 9:00 pm.

Saturday, August 04, 2018

Trip to Kurnool

It's 04-Aug-2018, we (wife and myself) ready to head toward Kurnool. We decided this 2 days back we wanted to visit Orvakal Rock Garden.

We wanted to book hotel in aptdc inside rock garden but unfortunately their site was not working. So we booked dvr mansion for Saturday and Sunday which is right in the middle of Kurnool. This hotel is one of the best that I ever visited compare with price, amenities and cleanliness.

Anyway we packed our travel bags which in someway are always pre-packed. We have our breakfast and water packed and started from Bangalore in morning 4:50 am. We crossed Devanahalli toll and straight toward Kurnool. There are 4 to 5 tolls and it cost approx. Rs. 500 one way but road is good and well maintained. Anyway we reached hotel at 10:15 am and we parked our car in basement. I am always scared of steep slope while driving and specially basement to ground floor which are always sharp steep. But thought let me give it a try and parked in basement. Went to the reception and they were kind enough to allow me to check-in though the check-in time was 12:00 pm.

We quickly freshened up and headed straight toward Konda Reddy Fort which is 1 km away.

We took our car and while trying to go straight in the steep slope my car stopped which I expected. But somehow I managed and landed in the road. We searched of the fort in maps and there we saw a gate. We thought that it is the parking place for the fort. We went in and saw a police man with gun. We were like why a fort has such security. So we ask the policeman where is the parking for this fort and he tells us that it is police head office and we need to return and go in-front of the fort. So we do and park in the road in-front of fort. The fort is well maintained by ASI team and does not have any entry ticket. We go around the place and take some photos. Next we went to a nearby church

very beautiful Church which is been renovated for its 100th year. Its been an hour or so that we are walking and its already 32 degree. We started feeling giddiness. So back into car.

Next we went straight to KURNOOL City Summer storage tank.

It is a man made reservoir. Cool breeze will energize you. It was 12:50 pm and we headed toward Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary. On our way we say greenko solar power plant which runs for many kilometers. We have to cross two villages and literally drove in between someone's balcony or possibly someone sitting room too. It was 3:30 pm when we reached there and found that it is closed. Season starts from October when they offer ride and one can see birds. There is also a small museum which is very informative about birds and their voice. They also offer rooms to stay but as per one of the forest personnel, it seems you have to get permission from some district officer from somewhere and then they will provide you room inside sanctuary. This totally doesn't work for people like us. So that is not possible. They mentioned to come Oct or Nov early morning and we can take a safari which is the best time to watch various birds. On our way back we drove in lovely rain and after that everything looked like HD quality fresh and clear. From there we came back to hotel and was very hungry and was about 4:40 pm. So we went to their restaurant. Food was very nice and tasty at least much better than what we get in Bangalore in terms of money, quantity and taste. Usually what they say as one plate is in Bangalore equivalent to 2.5 plate. BTW this time I parked in front of the hotel so that I don't have to climb steep slope next time. Rest of the day we parked ourselves in the hotel.

Next morning, we got ready by 8:30 am, finished breakfast and checked-out of the room. We went straight to Oravakallu Rock Gardens

and reached around 10:30 am. It is the most interesting place in Kurnool. One can easily spend hours and admire natural beauty and creation.

From there we headed toward Bangalore. Had our lunch in Anantapur and back home at 5:30 pm.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Trip to Somnathpur

One Friday I was thinking where can we go and suddenly thought why don't we go to Keshava Temple, Somnathpur. Last time we went to Somnathpur with our friend Somnath, it was late at 5:00 pm. So it was about to be closed and it was raining too. So couldn't see the temple well. We made breakfast and lunch for next day and went to sleep early.

Its 23-Mar-2015, we got up at 3:00 am and after getting ready we started from home at 4:30 am. This time we went through Kanakpura road. Road was good and just before reaching the temple, we had our breakfast in the car and then we reached the place early morning at 7:30 am. Found that the temple opens at 8:30 am. So Runai suggested to go to Talakadu

Talakadu

which is near to that place. We first went to Shri Mahalakshmigunja Narasimha Swamy Temple along the bank for Kaveri River.

Shri Mahalakshmigunja Narasimha Swamy Temple

We went to rest room too there and then we started to head toward Talakadu. We were going as per the navigation map, but at-last we couldn't find the place. We asked local people and they showed the same direction but it was too late for us to realize and we headed toward temple again. By the time we reached it was 9:30 am and there were very few people inside the temple.

Keshava Temple

We started taking photos and watching magnificent temple, one person comes to us and tells us whether we want a guide. We were ok and he started explaining about the temple and its significance plus other details and crafts. After spending 1/2 an hour with him, we paid him and we were taking phits and watching the places in more details. After we were satisfied we came out of the temple at 11:30 am and on our back had lunch in approximately same place where we had breakfast and then we started to head back. Reached our home at 3:30 pm.

Keshava Temple

Friday, May 01, 2015

Trip to Valparai

Its been some weeks that we are discussing where can we go for this 01-May-2015 long weekend in done family. After lots of discussion, it was decided Megha and Ram with their not 2 years old daughter Bhadra and Runai and Me will visit Valparai. Akshi and Ashwin backed out. We booked the hotel rather a home stay and all set to move.

It's 01-May-2015, we got up at 3:00 am and started from home at 4:00 am. We reached Megha's house in Ejipura at 4:30 am and finially we started at 5:00 am. It took us till 10:00 am to cross Krishnagiri. Each toll gate had heavy traffic. Anyway we stopped for breakfast and the place was crowded like anything. To get our table and finish breakfast it took 1 1/4 hour. Anyway we started again and reached Avinashi and took the diversion. Just in the corner we stopped for lunch. It was normal home food there. We started again at 2:30 pm and with all twisty turn road and on our way, we passed Aaliyar Dam. We didn't stop here because it was over crowded and continued. There is a toll gate and after crossing it, next we went to Monkey Falls.

Monkey Falls

We stopped there and went to the fall. It was over crowded and we saw it took some photos and returned back. Of course saw a snake in water. Next we found nilgiri tahr climbing a steep rocky mountain and eating grass. We stopped in Loam's view point but couldn't find any goat except people and tea stalls.

Loam's view point

We started again and reached Valparai at 4:30 pm. After some back and forth we found our home stay which was right in the junction. The guy told me that all rooms were booked, so made some arrangement for us in another place. We went there and found a new building meant for dormitory but gave us 2 rooms for 2 families. He then asked for extra charges which we were not comfortable with. Anyway after freshen up we decided to go for a walk and see what is available in nearby place. We also asked for nice place for dinner and everybody told that Hotel plaza is a good place. We walked there and on our way Megha found some good veggies in the market. It's a usualy eat out and the staff told us that most of the items are over. Anyway we got porota and dhosa and biryani, etc. It was late at 10:00 pm when we returned home and decided we will start next day at 7:00 am.

It's 02-May-2015, I got up at 5:30 am and was googling all places that we can cover in a day. Suddenly Megha comes and knocks in our door. She did her morning puja in nearby temple and came to see whether we got up. We chatted for sometime and then we all started to get ready. Runai and I finished little early and wanted to walk around to see what is there nearby. Found the bus stop, government food storage and Bharathiar University. After we all got ready we walked for 100 m and went to a place for breakfast. We had appam, iddli, egg masala, etc. Then we started to drive and got down in first curve for some photos. Next we went to Sholayar Dam.

Sholayar Dam

We spent some time there and also an ice cream for each. From there we went further down from where we can see the dam gate right in front of us.

Lion Tailed Macaque

From there we went to Nirar Dam.

Nirar Dam

Nirar Dam - Inside Dam Tunnel

Nirar Dam

There is a toll gate which gives you option for 2 different ticket to visit different places. In this dam you can climb down. There was a care taker who told us if we want to go inside the dam and we were ready. He told to pay him Rs. 300 and we will let us in. It was a life time experience. The length of the dam is huge and a narrow wet tunnel goes across the length with a small bulb in some interval and it goes ups and downs. First I was little scared to go in. But then saw that there was another group who were already in. I can hear their voice echoing but can see them. So Ram and I went in slowly and then suddenly we were half way in and I was thinking we are deep down tons and tons of lake water separated by concrete tunnel in the dam. After we went till the other end of the tunnel we returned back and then Megha and Runai came with me because Ram was taking care of Bhadra outside. Looks like water needs to come inside the tunnel in slow stream. This will help engineers to find if there are any cracks or defects in the dam. Once we are outside the dam, we figured out that we have to climb all the way up till the dam. We did that slowly and the care taker on top of the dam was kind enough to let us in and walk across the dam. We spent some good time there and the view was magnificent. After we came out of the place, there was a stall selling bajji, tea etc. We had those at 4 pm as our lunch. It was hot and fresh which made it even tastier. Next from there Nallamudi Poonjolai view point at 5:30 pm.

Nallamudi Poonjolai

They told that it is closed and to come tomorrow. After some talk they were again kind enough to let us in. We had to walk for a km to reach the point inside the tea estate. The view is awesome. We spent a good amount of time there and while returning back we saw bison grazing.

Bison

It was late in the evening and Megha and Ram drank tea and we had biscuit. It was dark, so we drove slowly and came to town. We headed straight to hotel plaza but couldn't find parking place. So Ram, Megha and Bhadra got down and we went back to our place and parked there. We then walked down to hotel plaza and on our way inquired about when the petrol bunk opens in morning and where is an ATM. the ATM place was crowded and after 15 min our turn came and we got cash. Then we went to hotel plaza and Ram and Megha were waiting for us there. We had good dinner and while we 5 of us started to walk back at night 9:30 pm, Megha bought some veggies and next day we planned to start by 7 am,

Its 03-May-2015, we started to pack and gave the hotel guy extra Rs. 500 and the moved on. On our way we parked to the bakery next to hotel plazza and had our breakfast. Had tea, vada, puffs. We liked it so much that we parceled few other items. The shopkeeper was very happy that early morning we bought so many things. On our way back we saw nilgiri tahr right on the road eating grasses.

Nilgiri Tahr

We took so many photos. Next we got down till the foothill where there is a checkpost. We went for the restroom and Megha and Ram wanted to freshen up Bhadra. We also went to the souvenir shop and got a T-shirt plus some items to grow plants. After we meet Megha and Ram, we found that the place is beautiful and we also saw nilgiri giant squirrel.

Malabar Squirrel

It was sleeping right in the tree branch waiting for us to take picture of it. After spending good amount of time, we started again and stopped in Salem for lunch right in the junction. From there we are back to Bangalore. First we dropped Megha and Ram at 8:00 pm and then we reached home at 9:30 pm.