ಕುಮಾರ ಪರ್ವತಕ್ಕೆ ಚಾರಣ - 15-16 ಅಕ್ಟೋಬರ್ ೨೦೧೧

ಕುಮಾರ ಪರ್ವತಕ್ಕೆ ಚಾರಣ ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ಹೊಸ ಹುರುಪು ಉತ್ಸಾಹ ತುಂಬುತ್ತದೆ....

ಪ್ರತಿಬಾರಿಯೂ ಹೊಸ ಹೊಸ ಅನುಭವ ತನ್ನ ಉದರದಲ್ಲಿ ಹುದುಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿರುತ್ತೆ..

ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಪ್ರತಿಬಾರಿಯೂ...ಇದು ನನ್ನ ಮೊದಲ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಅನ್ನುವ ಹೊಸತನ ತುಂಬುತ್ತದೆ..

ಈ ಬಾರಿ ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಕ್ಕೆ ಯಥಾ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಸಂದೀಪ್ ಕೈ ಜೋಡಿಸಿದರು...ಅವರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ್, ಕಿಶೋರ್, ಸೋಮು ಶೇಖರ್ ಕೂಡ ಮುಂದೆ ಬಂದರು

ನಮ್ಮ ಸುವರ್ಣ ಸಾರಿಗೆ ವಾಹನ ಅನೇಕ ಹಳ್ಳ ಕೊಳ್ಳ ತುಂಬಿದ ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಘಟ್ಟ ಧಾಟಿ ಕುಕ್ಕೆಗೆ ಬಂದು ನಿಂತಾಗ ಘಂಟೆ ಸುಮಾರು ಮುಂಜಾನೆ ೫.೩೦. ಬೆಳಗಿನ ಲಘು ಉಪಹಾರ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಜಾಸ್ತಿನೆ ಮುಗಿಸಿ ಚಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಮನಸನ್ನು, ಹಾಗು ದೇಹವನ್ನು ಸಜ್ಜುಗೊಳಿಸಿಕೊಂಡೆವು..

ಮೊದಲ ಸುಮಾರು ೫.೦೦ ಕಿ.ಮಿ.ಗಳು ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಸಾಗುತ್ತ, ಒಬ್ಬರಿಗೊಬ್ಬರು ಆಸರೆ ಕೊಡುತ್ತ ಸಾಗಿದೆವು...ಹುಲ್ಲುಗಾವಲು ಬರುವಷ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ದೇಹವು ದಣಿದಿದ್ದ ಕಾರಣ...ಅಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಕುಳಿತು ಉಪಹಾರ ಮುಗಿಸಿದೆವು...ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಮಾರು ಹೊತ್ತು ಕಳೆದ ಕಾರಣ ನಮ್ಮ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕಾಗಿ ಬಂತು.

ಭಟ್ಟರ ಮನೆಗೆ ಬಂದು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಊಟ ಬಾರಿಸಿದ  ಮೇಲೆ, ಮನಸು ಹಾಗು ದೇಹ ಒಂದು ತಹಬದಿಗೆ ಬಂತು..ಮತ್ತೆ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ಬದಲಾಗಿ, ಬೇಡದ ಪದಾರ್ಥಗಳನ್ನು ಭಟ್ಟರ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಬಿಟ್ಟು, ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆಯ ಕಚೇರಿ ತಲುಪಿದೆವು...ಅಷ್ಟೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ಕಾರ್ಮೋಡಗಳು ಕುಮಾರ ಪರ್ವತವನ್ನು ಆಕ್ರಮಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತ ಇದ್ದವು..ಕಚೇರಿ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂಧಿ...ಚಾರಣ ಮುಂದುವರಿಸುವುದಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಇಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಉಳಿದು..ಮರು ದಿನ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಸುಮಾರು ೫-೫.೩೦ಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಬಹುದು ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದು ಎಂದರು.  ನಮಗೂ ಅದೇ ಸರಿ ಅನ್ನಿಸಿತು.

ಅಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಸುಂದರವಾದ ವೀಕ್ಷಣ ತಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಗುಡಾರವನ್ನು ಹಾಕಿ, ಬೆಂಕಿ ಪುಟ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ನಮ್ಮ ಸಿದ್ದ ಪಡಿಸಿದ ಎಂ. ಟಿ. ಆರ್. ಪೊಟ್ಟಣವನ್ನು ತಿಂದು ಮುಗಿಸಿದೆವು...ಮಳೆ ಶುರುವಾದ ಕಾರಣ...ಮೂರು ಮಂದಿ ಗುಡಾರದಲ್ಲಿಯು ಮತ್ತು ಉಳಿದ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಕಚೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಲಗುವುದೆಂದು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದೆವು..

ರಾತ್ರಿ ಇಡಿ ಸೋಮು ಗಾಳಿಯಿಂದ ಗುಡಾರ ಅಲುಗಾಡುವುದು ಗಮನಿಸಿ ..ಯಾವುದೋ ಪ್ರಾಣಿ ಇರಬಹುದು...ಅಥವಾ ಜೋರಾದ ಗಾಳಿ ಗುಡಾರವನ್ನು ಕಿತ್ತು ಹಾಕಬಹುದು ಎನ್ನುವ ಭಯದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿದ್ದೆ  ಮಾಡಲು ಆಗಲಿಲ್ಲ...ಆದ್ರೆ ನಾನು ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ್ ಪ್ರಪಂಚದಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಿವು ಹಾಗು ಪರಿವೆ ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ನಿದ್ದೆ ಮಾಡಿದೆವು...

ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಬೇಗ ಇದ್ದು ಶಿಖರದತ್ತ ದಾಪುಗಾಲು ಇಡುತ್ತ..ಹೊರಟೆವು...ನಡುವೆ ಸುಮಾರು ಛಾಯಾಚಿತ್ರಗಳು, ವಿರಾಮಗಳು, ತಮಾಷೆಗಳು ನಡೆಯುತ್ತ ಹೋದವು..

ತುದಿ ತಲುಪಿದಾಗ..ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲವು ಶ್ವೇತಮಯಾ...ಎಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಿದರು ಬರಿ ಬಿಳಿ, ಬಿಳಿ...ಮುಂದೆ ಏನು ಇದೆ, ಹಿಂದೆ ಏನು ಬರ್ತಾ ಇದೆ ಏನ್ ಕಾಣುತಿಲ್ಲ..ಹೀಗೆ ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದು ಘಂಟೆ ನಿಸರ್ಗದ ಮಡಿಲಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಲ ಕಳೆದೆವು...ದಣಿದ ದೇಹ ಆ ತಂಪು ತಂಗಾಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸ ಹುರುಪು ಪಡೆದುಕೊಂಡಿತು...

ಕಣ್ಣು, ಮನಸನ್ನು ತುಂಬಿಕೊಂಡು ಹಗುರವಾದ ದೇಹ ಹಾಗು ಭಾರವಾದ ಮನಸಿನಿಂದ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಇಳಿಯಲು ಶುರು ಮಾಡಿದೆವು...ಭಟ್ಟರ ಮನೆ ತಲುಪುವಷ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ  ನಮ್ಮ ಮರ್ಕಟ ಮನಸು ಕೆಲವು ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಪ್ರಸಂಗಗಳನ್ನೂ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿ ಮಾಡಿತು.

ಭಟ್ಟ ಮನೆಗೆ ಬಂದು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಊಟ ಮಾಡಿ ಹೊರಡಲು ಸಿದ್ದವಾದೆವು ಆಗ ಸಮಯ ಸುಮಾರು ಸಂಜೆ ೪.೩೦..ಭಟ್ಟರು ಹೊರಡಲೇ ಬೇಕಾ..ಅಂಥಹ ತುರ್ತು ಕೆಲಸ ಇದೆಯಾ ಅಂತ ಕೇಳಿದರು...ಕಾರಣ ಆಗಲೇ "ತುಂತುರು ಅಲ್ಲಿ ನೀರ ಹಾಡು" ಅಂತ ಶುರುವಾಗಿತ್ತು...ಕೆಲವೇ ನಿಮಿಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂಬರ ತೂತು ಬಿದ್ದ ಹಾಗೆ..ಮುಸಲಧಾರೆ ಶುರುವಾಯಿತು..."ಏನು ಮಾಡಲಿ ನಾನು ಏನು ಹೇಳಲಿ" ಅನ್ನುವ ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ ಹಾಡು ನನಗೆ ನೆನಪಿಗೆ ಬಂತು..ಯಾಕೆ ಅಂದ್ರೆ...ಗುಂಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂರು ಜನ ಮಳೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ಹೋಗಿ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಇಳಿಯೋಣ ಅಂತ ಇದ್ದರು..ಯಾಕೆ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಮರುದಿನ ಕೆಲಸಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಲೇಬೇಕಾದ ತುರ್ತು ಇತ್ತು...ಆದ್ರೆ ಈ ಮಳೆಯಲ್ಲಿ...ಜಾರುವ ನೆಲದಲ್ಲಿ,  ಸಂಜೆಗತ್ತಲಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಡಿನ ೫.೦೦ ಕಿ.ಮಿ. ನಡೆಯುವುದು ಸಾಹಸ ಅಂತ ಮನಸು ಹೇಳುತಿತ್ತು...ಆದ್ರೆ ಭಟ್ಟರು ಹೇಳಿದರು ಒಂದು ಮಳೆಯಿಂದ ನೆಲ ಅಷ್ಟು ಜಾರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ...ಸುಮಾರು ಐದು ಆರು ಮಳೆಬಿದ್ದರೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಹೋಗಲು ಕಷ್ಟ-ಸಾಧ್ಯ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದರು...ಅವರ ಈ ವಾಣಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಉತ್ಸಾಹವನ್ನು ನೂರ್ಮಡಿಗೊಳಿಸಿತು...

ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಆ ಕತ್ತಲಲ್ಲಿ ಮಿಣುಕು ದೀಪ (ಟಾರ್ಚ್) ಸಹಾಯದಿಂದ ಒಬ್ಬರಾಗಿ ಒಬ್ಬರನ್ನು ಅನುಸರಿಸುತ್ತ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ ಹಾಕುತ್ತ ಸಾಗಿದೆವು..ಸೋಮು ನಮ್ಮ ಮುಂದಾಳತ್ವ ವಹಿಸಿದರು...ನಂತರ ಸಂದೀಪ್ ಕೆಲವು ದೂರ ಮುಂದಾಳತ್ವ ವಹಿಸಿದರು...ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ್..ನಂತರ ಕಿಶೋರ್ ಕಡೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಬೆಂಗಾವಲಾಗಿ ಕುಕ್ಕೆ ಸುಬ್ರಮಣ್ಯ ತಲುಪಿದಾಗ ರಾತ್ರಿ ೮.೪೫..ಲಗುಬಗೆಯಿಂದ ಸ್ನಾನ ಮುಗಿಸಿ ಹೊರಟೆವು...ಆದ್ರೆ ಅಷ್ಟು ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ದೇವಸ್ತಾನ ಬಾಗಿಲು ಮುಚ್ಚುವ ಸಮಯವಾಗಿತ್ತು ಹಾಗು ನಮ್ಮ ಬಸ್ ೧೦.೦೦ ಕ್ಕೆ ಇದ್ದಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸಮಯ ಕಳೆಯಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ..

ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಸುರಕ್ಷಿತವಾಗಿ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಇಳಿಯಲು ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡಿದ ದೇವ ಸುಬ್ರಮಣ್ಯನಿಗೆ ಕಣ್ಣಲ್ಲೇ ನಮನ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ಮತ್ತೆ ಬರುವ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸ ಕೊಟ್ಟು...ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಬಂದು ತಲುಪಿದೆವು.

Mission Kumara Parvatha october 15th-16th - 2011

The condition were cloudy, clouds were hovering over the green carpets all around.  The sun took time off from his duty to relax behind the dark clouds.  Just before that, he switched on lights in his house using lightening, and rock music was playing in the form of thunders.  At this time, clouds decided to operate showers from their sweet home - The Sky. 

Lightening, Thundering, and Action...the Rain started, and started washing away all in its path.  We were waiting, and watching the beauty of rains from Bhattara Mane (Bhatta's House). It was already 17.00 Hrs, we were in confusion, whether to tread in the path of rain hit descent to reach Kukke Subramanya in the dark with torches on or stay back, and start the next day. 

Three guys wanted to go down, irrespective of the weather condition to full fill their professional commitments, and the other two thought problems would be calling if we start in that pitch dark condition, as all of us were dead tired.  The Bhat, who never say a negative thing, and always positive notes, said, you can start once rain stops, with torches on, you can reach down, but go slowly he advised.  Finally we decided, either we stay together or go together...and were against splitting the group in to two.  This decision accepted by everyone, so the feeling of "We" filled the courage, energy, enthusiasm to walk down close to 7Kms reach the temple town Subramanya.  

It was a memorable trek in the night, we helped each other, stood by the member, whenever wanted to rest his tired body.  

Somu, our new member to the group, lead us in the dark path, followed by Sandeep, Then Prashanth, and Kishore, and myself in the last backing all the guys. It was a journey of our life, now am more confident to trek back in the dimmed light condition.  "We" reached the temple town by 20.30, and refreshed by taking bath to avoid our passengers in the bus to get suffocated due to high odor which can keep the "AXE EFFECT" head down.  Safely reached Bangalore by 5.30 in the next morning. 

When all of us sent SMS to each other appreciating the fevicol bond happened in the previous two days, our mind and body just went back to the journey where we started.

This time again five of us ganged up in KSRTC bus stand to greet each other.  There was Prashanth, Somu Shekar, Sandeep, Kishore and myself hugging and wishing all the best to each other to start a trek of our life.

Sandeep, Kishore, Somu, Prashanth in order...and me behind the Camera :-)

We reached Kukke Subramanya around 5.00 in the early morning, refreshed ourselves in the temple refreshing complex, and a had nice a breakfast in our favorite Cafe Neo Mysore, then started.  With out any photo-shoot in the first five 5Kms in the dense forest, we hit the grass land by 11.00.  Since some of us were tired, we had breakfast and relaxed for some time, then slowly reached Bhattara mane after a marathon photo-shoot just before his house.

Here team decided to stay back and then start to the peak next morning, but after a heavy meal, again we pressed Ctrl+Z button, and changed the decision to start to the peak, but forest officer gave a valuable advise as the sky was getting filled with dark clouds, and no sign of viewing the peak, he asked us to stay back, and start early in the morning with no luggage except water bottles on.  This idea seemed to be a convincing to all of us, and decided to camp near the view point near the forest office.

Tent is getting ready!!!!!

What a place to pitch our memories and the tent!!!!!

The tent was pitched near the view point, and with camp fire on, had nice ready to eat sharing each and every bit of food by all.  When we found nothing else is there to eat, decided to head back to the tent.  Since it could accommodate only three with the baggage, Sandeep, and Kishore slept in the forest officer's house. Somu could not sleep properly as winds, and rain disturbed him too much, but Prashanth, and myself were sleeping as if we were the only souls available in this whole world. 

Nature Cap!!!!

The Leech, the mist, and dense forest in the last stretch of the  the trek!!!

Next day morning we started, and with rest in between, and photo shoot to capture the nature and our funny moments, we easily made up to the peak.  But with mist and clouds covered everywhere, it seems like a multiplex screen all around us.  There was no difference between whether we are on the top of the cloud or clouds were sheltering us.  Since the morning, and evening were fully cloudy, Sun just winked at us, and said am happy that you folks are visiting again and again to see Kumara Parvatha, and took a promise from me that next time i have to get Latesh, and Yashdeep to the summit.

And finally a Trek to Kumara parvatha made me to jump like this in the snap below :-)

Aaj me upar.....aasman neeche!!!!!!!

The lights at the top (Highlights)

1. Superb team spirit.

2. The mountains every where clad with green carpet

3. The tiny pink, white, blue flowers in the valley

4. More confident on the treks to keep the energy level high.

ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾ ಎಸ್ಟೊಂದು ಸುಂದರ

ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾ ಎಸ್ಟೊಂದು ಸುಂದರ ಅಂತ ಕರುಳಿನ ಕರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪಿ.ಬಿ.ಎಸ್ ಧ್ವನಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರು ಹಾದಿ ಕುಣಿದಿದ್ದರು.

ಆ ಜಾಗವೇ ಹಂಗೆ..ಆ ಸಂಭ್ರಮವೇ ಹಂಗೆ...ನಾವು ಮೈಸೂರಿಗೆ ೧೨.೩೦ಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದು ಇಳಿದಾಗ...ಅರಮನೆ ಮುಂದೆ...ದೊಡ್ಡ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಲಾರಿಗಳು ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಕುರ್ಚಿ, ಮೇಜುಗಳನ್ನೂ ತುಂಬಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾ ಇದ್ದವು...ಅದು ಒಂದು ಭವ್ಯ ಸಮಾರಂಭ ಮುಗಿಸಿದ ಕ್ಷಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸಾಕ್ಷಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದವು...

ನಮ್ಮ ಛಾಯಾಚಿತ್ರ ಪೆಟ್ಟಿಗೆಯನ್ನು ಅರಮನೆ ಕಾವಲು ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಸಿ ಅರಮನೆ ಒಳಗೆ ನಾನು ಮತ್ತು ನನ್ನ ಸಹಪಾಟಿ ಸಂದೀಪ್ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ ಹಾಕಿದೆವು.  ಮುಂದಿನ ಕೆಲವು ಘಂಟೆಗಳು ನಮ್ಮ ಕಣ್ಣಿನ ರೆಪ್ಪೆಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಕೆಲಸವನ್ನೇ ಮರೆತು ಬಿಟ್ಟವು...ಅಂಥಹ ಸೊಬಗು, ಸೌಂದರ್ಯ, ಕಲಾತ್ಮಕತೆ, ವೈಭವ ಇಂತಹವುದನೆಲ್ಲ ನೋಡ್ಬೇಕು ಅಂತ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳು ತೆರೆದೇ ಇದ್ದವು...

ಚಿನ್ನದ ಅಂಬಾರಿ, ಚಿನ್ನದ ಸಿಂಹಾಸನ, ಕುಸುರಿ ಕಲೆಗಳು, ದೊಡ್ಡ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಪರದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂಡಿಸಿರುವ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳು ಅರಮನೆ ಅರಸರ ಜೀವನ ಶೈಲಿ, ಆಡಳಿತ ಶೈಲಿಯನ್ನು ಎತ್ತಿ ಹಿಡಿದಿದ್ದವು...ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ವಸ್ತು, ಕ್ಷಣಗಳು, ತಮ್ಮ ಭವ್ಯ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಸಾರಲು ತುದಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದವು...

ದರ್ಭಾರ್ ಹಾಲು ನೋಡಿದಾಗ ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ ಮಯೂರ ಚಿತ್ರ ನೆನಪಿಗೆ ಬಂತು...ಈ ಅರಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿತ್ರೀಕರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಅನುಮತಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟ ಕೆಲವೇ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇದು ಮೊದಲನೆಯದು...

ಅರಮನೆಯ ಹೊರಗೆ ನಾಕು ದಿಕ್ಕಿನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಹುಲಿರಾಯ, ಸುತ್ತಲು ದೊಡ್ಡ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗೋಡೆಗಳು, ಮನಸನ್ನು ಸೂರೆ ಮಾಡಿತು..ಇಂಥಹ ನಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ ನಾವೇ ಧನ್ಯ ಅಂತ ಮನಸಿನಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ನಮ್ಮ ಅಜ್ಜಿ ಭಾರತಾಂಬೆ ಹಾಗು ಅವ್ವ ಕರುನಾಡಿನ ಭುವನೇಶ್ವರಿಗೆ ನಮಿಸಿತ್ತು.

ರಾತ್ರಿ ಕತ್ತಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ದೇವಲೋಕದ ಸ್ವರ್ಗವನ್ನೇ ಇಳಿಸಿದಾ ಹಾಗೆ ಹೊನಲು ಬೆಳಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಮನೆ ಸುಂದರ ಯುವತಿಯಂತೆ ಮಾರ್ಪಾಡಗಿತ್ತು.  ಅತಿ ಸುಂದರ, ಅತಿ ಸುಂದರ...

ಮೈಸೂರಿನ  ಅದ್ದೂರಿತನ ಯಾವಾಗ ಬೇಕಾದರು ಕಾಣ ಸಿಗುತ್ತೆ...ಆದ್ರೆ ದಸರಾ ಸಂಧರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಅದರ ಮೋಹಕತೆ ಪದಗಳ ಎಣಿಕೆಗೆ ಸಿಗೋಲ್ಲ..ಫಲ ಪುಷ್ಪ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ, ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಡಿಯಾರ, ದಸರಾ ವಸ್ತು ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ, ಚಾಮುಂಡಿಬೆಟ್ಟ, ಬೃಂದಾವನ ಇವೆಲ್ಲ ಸದಾ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರನ್ನ ಕೈ ಬೀಸಿ ಕರಿತ ಇರುತ್ತೆ...ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಬನ್ನಿ...

ಅಂದ ಹಾಗೆ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತನ ಮದುವೆ ಆಮಂತ್ರಣ ಒಂದು ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಮೈಸೂರ್ ಪ್ರವಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಮನಸನ್ನು ಸಿದ್ದ ಪಡಿಸಿತ್ತು.. 

After effect of Dasara - A trip to Mysore Palace - 8th October 11

Dasara was, is, and will be world famous all the time...

If you start writing it up, you will lose words, and time to explain the magnificent history attached to it.

Our Sarathi "Sunil" wedding invitation just pulled our heart strings to make a visit to the historical palace city - The Mysore.

I was in a dilemma whether to sit on the wheels of Victor, Ritz or Suvarna Saarige (KSTRC Bus), finally Sandeep and myself decided for the third option, and were on the bus by 9.00 AM

It was a smooth drive, the bus dropped us at the Mysore Bus Stand by 12.30. Straight away we headed towards our destination the Majestic Mysore Palace.

The entry ticket Rs.20/- per head was never a costly affair keeping in the mind the extra ordinary architectural wonders it holds in its belly.  As happens in any government or archerological sites, Photography was a restricted and prohibited activity, hence we safely deposited in the cloak room, which was surprisingly a free service.  

With heavy heart..and light mind, we stepped in to the palace.  Next 1 - 1.5 Hours rarely we could speak, as one after the other floor, wall, pillar, light lamps, canvas paintings made us to visit www.mouthshut.com, and captured all the freezing moments in our heart, and we scolded ourselves on the rule of photography prohibition.  But strangely, and surprisingly there were enough people with hot and hot Digi Gadgets in their hand keeping the freezing memories from the palace.  But we wanted to stick to the law of the land and were happy to capture the captivating moments in our heart.

When we entered to the Darbaar haal...we could feel the goose bumps...as the famous kannada movie "Mayura" was picturised. The great Rajkumar spitting the fire-cracking dialouges a worth to remember.

http://youtu.be/q84G6RrHWbI

Since the groom has not at reached the mantapa, we again came to see the illuminated palace standing, and calling each and every one.  This time, there is no entry fee, so people were thronged to see the gigantic palace decked with flashes all over her body. The lighting during Dasara will be from 19.00 to 19.30 in the evenings, otherwise it is weekly four days, a light and sound show every alternate days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday will end on illuminated palace.  

We entered wedding mantapa, had a chat with the groom, and quitely vacated the place to reach back home in the mid night at 1.00 Hrs.

The high-rise lights.

1. Pakka planned trip

2. Very very economical hardly we spent 397.00 per head.

3. Illuminated palace a worth of gold to watch in the pitch dark 

    setting

4. Interesting to see the People who are enthusiastic about our culture, heritage, and never mind to come in the long long que.

Drenching in Western Ghats - A fabulous experience

An unconventional call to organise a trip of motion and emotion to western ghat from my cousin brother deepu spurred the idea of mixing nature, sentiments, emotions, pilgrimage all in one to blend a perfect get away during drenching western ghats in rain.

A cab had been hired from the gate way of Malanaadu - Shivamoga to take us to unwinding journey in to the scenic beauty.

The next three days we had put our imprints in the mother nature's lap.

13th Aug 2011
Tyavare Koppa : A good 10Kms from the heart of shivamoga, it is a breeding centre for Tiger.  You can feel the Tiger presence in the close ranges.  And the tigers also used to human habitation, so it gives pose just like how we give in our marriage reception.  A wonder treat to go inside the forest captivity to see the giant sized tigers who walks majestically all the way in their own yard.  If you want to see the real tiger, please visit this place.

Entry fee, and for camera on charged basis, and also the safari ride.  Altogether you need to shell our around Rs.100/-  per head, but i feel it is paisa vasool.

Hara Kere - Harana Kere : A good 8Kms from Shivamoga on Old Teerthahalli road.  This is a unique place where in you can find Rameshwara Temple which is close to 600-700 years old, and also Cluster of Idols depicting Kailasa.  A giant statue of Shiva sorrounded by Saptha Rishis, Lord Shiva's family, and also his disciple. When river is not swollen you can cross the river to find our n number of shiva linga in the river stream.  A great place to spend in the evenings between 4PM to 6PM.

Gajanur Dam: A 11Kms from heart of Shivamoga on Old Teertahalli Road A dam had been constructed to hold back Tunga River water to cater the needs for the fields in and around this place.  A water in full, this dam gives you to spectacular view of water body.

Sakkare Bayalu : A good 12 Kms from Shivamoga. The elephants
 are trained in this place.  You can see elephants being taken to bath, feeding, and also a boat ride if river is not swollen.  You have to be in this place before 11Am in the mornings, the best would be between 8.30 to 11.00 in the morning hours.

Manda Gadde : Just a throw away distance from Sakkare Bayalu. A clusters of great white birds perching on each and every leaf, branch, tree makes the whole tree painted in white. A picture perfect place for birds photography, and also birds voice recordings people.

Kavishaila : The birth place of Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu.  This is a wonderful place to step your presence in.  A wonderfully maintained place of Kuvempu.  The guides, and the exhibited things easily take you to 200-300 years back.  While coming out of the three storied palace like house you will feel enlightened and also you feel  proud to know that we have a rich cultural collection of Kuvempu.  The scenic rocky spot behind this house where the famed poet used to get inspiration to write many legendary collections takes your breath away.  A must visit place for all irrespective of language barrier. The entry ticket itself a piece of information to preserve for life time.

Chibbalu Gudda Ganapa : Very close to Kuvempu's birthplace, there is a temple dedicated to lord ganesha which says this Ganapa is Swayambu meaning it came from the ground zero. Beyond the religious belief's this temple has a nice atmosphere, ambiance.  A flowing river in the back drop where fishes just jumps in air to feed them gives the relaxation required.

14th August 2011

Varadahalli - Sridhar Ashrama 

A 70kms driver from Shivamoga on Sagara Route, and a left deviation for about 6Kms takes you to this silent place.  It is an Ashrama where Sridhar Gurugalu meditated, served the needy people, and also attained moksha.  This place has a calm presence, the religious believer can take a dive here, and the non-religious people can walk through this place for a great scene at the top of this Ashrama.  A glimpse can be seen in this following video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt4h19QXi40

Jog Falls
If i write a more line, people will trash me. Coz, there are million, and trillions had been written about this majestic falls, but one last thing would want to say is this is my 7th trip to this place, but i could see more water than in all my previous visits.  Since mad people who does not follow lane discipline, we could not go near the guest house to see the other side of the falls.

Ikkeri - A Shiva Temple

It is a classic temple in Dravidian style, you can not expect Belur Halebeedu style of sculptures, but the frame itself is big enough to mesmarise the viwer.  A Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a monolith Nandi, and well maintained garden just pleases your eyes.The beauty of the temple can seen in this clip from the movie Amrutha Ghalige

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0W1U0GaUSU

Naada Kalasi - A Dravidian - Hoysala Temple

This is a twin temple, wonderful constructed, and well maintained too.  Dravidian temple, later completed by Hoysala Kings steals the show.  The pillars of the temple had been polished to retain the glorious past are worth effort.  This temple is on the Soraba Road, a good 8Kms from the Sagara main road really a worth visit.

On the way to temple, we found a interesting coconut tree, which made a U-turn on the way to reach its top, an unusual bend as for as city dwellers like me.

15th August 2011

Shringeri
This is the temple established by Shankaracharya the founder of Dwaitha Siddantha - Aham Brahmasmi. We had Darshan of Sharadaamba in Shringeri, Vidhya Shankara Temple, and then left to Horanaadu, Kalasa on Kudremukha Road.  What a journey it was, wherever you see, only greenery, greenery all the way.

Kadaambi Falls
On the way to Horanaadu on Kudremukha high way, you can see the majestic water falls, even though you can not touch the water, the falls gives you a great view from the road itself.  Monkey's will make your life miserable if you are carrying any food packets in your hand.

Hanumana Gundi Falls.
Due to time constaint we could not go to this falls, which is just a throw away distance from Kadambi falls, but nevertheless i will come back with my team to this place.  This was my promise to Hanumana Gundi Falls

Kalasa Temple:
A old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the famous movie of Annavaru Shravana Banthu had been picturised here.  You can see in this clip below


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-OfPi3K8yI

Horanaadu Temple :
This is a temple dedicated to Matha Annapoorneshwari.  You will not blink your eyes when you see the goddess, such a bhakthi, feeling you get when you get in to the shrine.  A Great place to conclude the long weekend.

Highlights
1. In every turn on the ghats changing climate.  You will tend to scratch your heard whats happening, one curve you will get heavy rains with poor visibility, other curve no rains, so on.
2. A peacock in a house on the way to Teertha Halli, it will play with you, we could see the beautiful feathers from the close ranges

3. Finally my long companion shoot at sight Digi Camera finally feeling tired, and its hands are rising up.

Z Point+Hebbe Falls+Mullayana Giri + Belavadi - 09-07-2011 to 10-07-2011

Z point was feeling very low.  I had promised to summit last year,  when I missed my trekking guru Rohit's call.  

When I saw the misty snap of Z-point, was just speech less, and i cursed myself enough times so that, 

Z point itself came in the dream, and tapped my shoulder and said, 

"don't worry Sri, always there is next chance....."

"typically NO means next opportunity, so do not worry, 

i will get decked myself when you summit me"

Z point

True to its words, when we reached in the wee hours of a beautiful mist fillled saturday morning on 9th July 2011, just it had brushed its teeth, and washed its face, and gave a beautiful hug with a cool breeze.

Yashdeep, Sunil, and myself were chasing the cool breeze, followed by new entrant to our gang Arvind.  The upward climb was very pleasant, no rest nor tiring.  The breathtaking scenic beauty just evaporated all our tiredness. In no time, we were there on the cliff, taking snaps with the mother nature.  

When we started from Kemmannu Gundi entrance, the team got split in two, the other team with Sandeep, Prashanth, Latesh visited Raj-Bhavan, and the rose garden, when we crosssed each other, they left to Z-point, and we left to Raj-Bhavan to explore, promising each other to meet for the break fast.

The Crazy drive to Hebbe Falls

The automobile giants would have committed suicide by looking at the vehicle condition, but still had enough power to zip on the treacherous path leading to Hebbe.  I just thanked the owners of the estate, and as usual our government apathy towards making it a promising tourist spot, because this is the only falls i visited in my life which is neatly maintained by everyone.  No unnecessary trash.  

The falls just takes your breath away.  Beautiful, Spectacular, marvelous...oh no!!!!..my key board is crying, it doesn't have any letter to get arranged itself to praise the beauty of the falls.  

Frost free route :-)

After a brief breathtaking cold bath, we started journey towards Chikkamagalur. The way from Hebbe Falls to Kemmannu gundi just takes your eye lid out, it refuses to close even for a brief moment.   This is one of the most memorable trip for "Many" reasons.

Majestic Hebbe Falls!!!!!!!!

We stayed back in chikkamagalur in a lodge accommodating all the seven guys.  

New Town Canteen and the forest life in Muthodi

Our great poets said, you should see Jog falls in a life time, the same way people who visited Chikkamagalur says, if you dont eat Butter Masala Dosa in New Town Canteen, your life is a waste.  So we decided not to waste our life, we ventured in to it, and we had nice two rounds of Dosa, and came back in the noon for one more round.  

Sandeep said, he will leave eating Dosa atleast for a month to keep the taste in the taste bud as it is!!!!!! (Am sure he will reply to this, and says am fed up with dosa").  Such was the power of New Town Canteen.  A personnel who is serving from the last 21st years of service in this hotel for taste buds said the quality was unaltered even after 51 years from inception. 

Upway to Mullayanagiri

Due to rainy season, the safari in the muthodi forest was banned, but  the forest personnel Mr. Lokeshappa took us to a virtual safari in a demo room.  His narration was very good, and pleasing.

He said, continue the journey from Muthodi to Mullayana Giri, you will get goose bumps.  

He was just right on.  The winding roads, the unfolded mountains with green carpet, you cant expect anything less nor more.  It was the right season to get engrossed with the nature.  

The team Prashanth, Arvind, Sunil, Sandeep, Yashdeep, Latesh, Srikanth & Tavera 

Mullayana Giri

The Sunil's driving skills was just amazing, when we are taking turn in every hairpin curve, we used to pray god, but he was effortlessly talking, and driving us to safety.  Amazing skills indeed. 

Mullayanagiri was just amazing, we were proud to be top of highest point in Karnataka.  The caves, the breeze, the mist, the fog was just excellent.  Whole mountain ranges were decked fresh from the "mist"erious bath.  

Belavadi Temple - Hoysala Architecture

Since the rain started, we abandoned the idea of Baba Budan Giri, instead we decided to head to Belavadi - A small hamlet near Chikkamagalur, famous for Udbava Ganesha Temple, and a temple in Hoysala style of architecture. 

Hoysala Architecture in Belavadi

All of us returned to Bangalore in the mid night of sunday with fat stomach after eating dinner in Kamath hotel, and with full memory in the Camera and the eyes with satisfaction.

With the priest!

The lights at the top (High-Lights)

1. Z point is just marvelous, would want to visit again

2. The drive to Hebbe, and the neat falls just marvelous

3. The winding curvey Mullyanagiri

4. My energy recharging point Belavadi Ganesha Temple, and the 

    Hoysala temple
5. More snaps in the following link
https://picasaweb.google.com/srmanjun/KemmannuGundiZpointHebbeMullayanaGiriBelavadi