28th March 2024, 13:13
| #1 |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Karnataka and Kerala in a Fiat Punto Hello Folks, After numerous years of spending time with TeamBHP's travelogue, here is one of my own, for the first time!  Finally did a much awaited summer trip last week with my family: wife, 2 kids & all-weather partner "Punto". The 5 day journey traversed through Bengaluru->Mysuru->Irpu Falls->Nagarahole->Thirunelli Temple(Wayanad, Kerala)->Kuruva Island(Wayanad, Kerala)->Talakaveri->Madikeri->Kushalnagar(Tibetan Golden Temple)->Mysuru->Bengaluru. Distance covered: 763 KMs Average speed: 44 KMPH including ghats, twisties & e-ways Fuel economy: 14.3 KMPL with AC ON only during the noon The itinerary went as below: Day 1 - 22nd March We were just waiting for our younger kid's last school day to get over at 12:30pm. No sooner he was out of the school with summer vacation following by, we started towards Mysuru after a quick lunch. We reached in 2 hrs with sedate but consistent 90KMPH cruise on the superb Benuguluru-Mysuru Expressway. Visited "Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo". Kids and we loved it. Its in the centre of the town with underwater transparent tunnels to showcase variety of aquatic animals. Followed it with a visit to "Mirror Maze" near by that can be reached by couple of minutes of walk situated within the campus of "Snow City". Day ended with a economical stay in Mysuru. Some pics of the places we visited:  Entrance to the aquarium.  Kids enjoying in the lap of Chimpanzee!  Inside the aquarium  One of the underwater tunnel  Another underwater tunnel  Baby fish and a giant fish!  Illuminated transparent fish enclosure  Another illuminated enclosure  Fish enclosures  Fish enclosures  Fish enclosures  Pose inside the tunnel  Snow City with Mirror maze at the right adjacent side  Some beautiful structure within the Snow City campus  Iconic Mysore "Taanga"  Inside mirror maze enclosure  Inside mirror maze enclosure  Inside mirror maze enclosure Last edited by red_hot_punto : 31st March 2024 at 15:30. Reason: Rule #11 |
|  (16)
Thanks
|
| |
|
28th March 2024, 19:46
| #2 |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Re: Coorg recommendations Day 2 - 23rd March As there was a plan to start early to enjoy the scenic route of Mysore->HD Kote->Nagarahole->Kutta->Irpu falls, woke up at 5am, got ready, indulged in brief photoshoot in front of palace & were at the doors of famous "Original Mylari Dosa" situated on the Nazarbad main road at sharp 6:30 am, the time it opens up in the morning. There are two buildings, both run by the same management and both serving same items. Since it was too early, old one was ready to cater to the customers and the new one was still getting cleaned up. It was just a matter of some time, it got fully occupied along with some more customers waiting outside for their turn to munch up crispy and delicious dosas. Quickly finished up the breakfast, adorned our Ganesha with GI tagged "Mysuru Mallige" famous for its fragrance and headed towards our next destination, Irpu falls via Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary. Kids & my wife were super excited as we stared the entrance to the sanctuary at 8:45am. For them it was their first visit to the core of the forest. For me it was 4th, earlier I had visited Bandipura twice and BRT once as a bachelor with my friends. I had made them understand that it has to be a complete silence once we enter the forest zone for any wildlife sightings to happen as well as to respect their exclusive territory. Forest guard at the entrance makes a entry of each vehicle that passes by with a tablet, looks quite modernised. A couple of Kms before and after the check post the road condition is completely patchy with lot of potholes, but thanks to our "Punto", we managed without much strain. After that the road is narrow but with good condition with speed breakers at regular intervals to keep the vehicle movement at low speed. Deers, peacocks, wild boars and plenty of fresh air soothed our eyes and soul. I have to appreciate that my better half and the kids understood and kept silent with occasional QA on the way.  Drove very sedately and reached other end of the forest around 10:30am. Forest guard informed us that we were late and cautioned not to repeat the same since it would have attracted a hefty fine, but he let us go without paying one! At the exit gate of the sanctuary there is a pickup point for the safari which we enquired for confirmation. We had booked next day's morning open Jeep safari via JLR site and we were told to report at 5:30am. With this clarity headed to Irpu falls. On the way, after the exit checkpost we suddenly noticed that there was fragrance all over the car and we stopped to check it out. Noticed that both sides of the road was covered with coffee plantations and it was the blooming coffee flowers that emitted this strong fragrance which covered entire area . We were so astonished and felt happy for the people living near by for their luck to live in such a beautiful location.Reached Irpu falls parking area around 11:00am. My wife was sceptical about the presence of water at the falls but convince her that even without water it would be a short and sweet trek amidst the nature. Its a short and easy trail of 1+ Kms and we were at the waterfalls in no time. To our surprise, there was plenty of water to get soaked in. Kids were ready to jump in for the bath with a clear instruction, no spitting and no use of soaps! There is a ramp made up of iron which locals told will be kept to reach the base of the falls safely and will be removed upon the onset of monsoon. Enjoyed for an hour with special natural water massaging with water gushing from the heights of Brahmagiri forest range. Drank the real natural & mineral water from the falls, filled it up in our bottles and headed for lunch towards our stay -> "Coorg Evergreen Homestay" located around 5kms aways from the safari point. It will be our home in the lap of coffee estate for next couple of days & its managed by a gentlemen: Arunkumar. Its a great and economical stay and very convenient for people opting for safari starting at Nanchi gate, Kutta. We upfront had informed that we are pure veggies and he got us prepared with delicious food adhering to the same with banana flower curry being the highlight. Finished off with the lunch with yummy butter milk and took rest before we could start in the late evening for the Thirunelly temple where lord Vishnu is the main deity. Thirunelly temple, located in the Brahmagiri range is just at the other side of the Irpu falls but comes under Kerala's Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, Wayanad region. Arunkumar(AK), our host, mentioned that more than anything else, guard at the checkpost at the Kerala entry checks PUC of the vehicle and on inspecting I found mine was due for renewal! "No worries, lets not take the risk, we will go in our car!", said AK. Though I hesitated, he said all is well and we visited Thirunelly temple in his car via one more wildlife sanctuary. AK, though had driven via that route innumerable times, was driving very sedately as if it was his first visit, both ways and was trying to show us wildlife on the way! Very generous of him! We mingled with him as if we knew him since long and my younger one broke all barriers of talks as if he was his friend! Visited the temple, relaxed for some time in the lap of the temple covered with forest on all four sides. It was a full moon, Poornima, giving us light chilling effect at the dusk. All the tiredness disappeared in the presence of the temple premises. I strongly believe and have experienced inner peace wherever I visited such old places of worship. It has to be the effect of positive energy that radiates in everyone coming from the all supreme "Purushottama"! Headed back to the stay, had sumptuous & healthy meal and called it EOD. It was a long day but memorable and relaxing! Pics of the day:  Grand East gate of the Mysore palace  Punto posing before the palace  The original Vinayaka Mylari Hotel serving tasty dosas since 1938 - Old hotel  The delicacy for which people come searching  One more from the same Vinayaka Mylari Hotel - New one just next the old one  Ganesha adorned with GI tagged Mysuru Mallige  Entrance to the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve from HD Kote side  Deer giving warning call for a probable predator near by  Me trying my luck for a better click  Nice tarmac inside the forest  Other end of the NTR - Nanchi gate, Kutta  Narrow hanging bridge on the way to Irpu falls  Family pic  View of the falls from a distance  One more family pic at the base of falls, observe iron platform providing ease of access to it  Me and kids enjoying natural shower from the heights of Brahmagiri forest range  One more without us  Display showcasing biodiversity at BWS  The lush green narrow road infront of our Coorg Evergreen Homestay  View of the homestay from the gate  Another view outside the stay  Punto resting under the shed in the company of Ertiga in the background  Open space in front of the stay to sit, play and relax  Varanda, we had food here enjoying nature around  One more pic of the stay from a distance  Sunset on the way to Thirunelly temple via Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary with Brahmagiri forest range in the background  Steps leading to the temple premises  Temple stone pillars  Cheese & Click  Pic of the sanctum sanctorum Last edited by red_hot_punto : 31st March 2024 at 16:48. Reason: Inserting pictures |
|
| (14)
Thanks
|
|
29th March 2024, 17:51
| #3 |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Re: Coorg recommendations Day 3 - 24th March The jeep safari was booked for the 6am slot and as we had to report at least by 5:45am, again woke up early, had high tea which we had informed AK a day before and started short drive towards the safari point - Nanchi gate, Kutta. To our delight, it had rained heavily in the night around 3:30am though for a brief 15mins. The short drive was foggy and gave that special effect even at the onset of harsh summer. The fog continued even till 7:30am during our safari which had a mesmerizing effect altogether in the thick jungle. Look for the pics at the end of this post! Reached the spot on time & just when the safari co-ordinator looked at my camera - Canon EOS 1500D with 18-55 mm IS II Lens, he said "Sir, its of no use"  I knew it cant capture wildlife from a distance but was sure it can capture memories for us! But the straight talk from him, made us laugh! Yes, he was right.There are two safari variants: one via bus which is cheaper at approx 700 per head and the jeep safari which costs 2250 per head for adults and for kids aged 5-12 it is approx 1700. Below 5 years, its free. Safari started on time at 6am sharp, went deep inside the forest which my family had never experienced earlier. Though I had prior experience, but it was first time even for me to witness the glory of the jungle in the early hours and add to it the fog effect, a result of rain that had lashed few hours before.  We sighted abundant deer, peacocks, fighting wild buffalos, boars, elephants, birds and the famous malabar giant squirrels. Even after multiple attempts by the driver taking into different corners of the forest, the king of the jungle was never seen, not even leopard. But never mind, that alone should not be the goal when you visit a forest, there are much more things to feel and witness! Just before the end of the safari, there was a deer call for probable tiger or a leopard nearby but the wait to see one went in vain as nothing appeared in sight. As a highlight, during our safari when our jeep approached a herd of elephants with a baby, couple of the adult elephants went hyper protective of the younger one. They covered remaining herd as they formed protective layer and on one slight provocation by our driver, one of the elephant briefly rushed towards our jeep at the side where my wife was sitting. She was like completely panicked, not able to even change the selfie mode of the mobile camera to normal mode. I heard she was requesting the driver not to again provoke by saying "Sir, sir, sir, please sir!!" Some minutes passed by and the herd passed silently into the woods with couple of angrily glare towards our jeep! But peace prevailed at the end! Safari ended with brief photoshoot. There was a family from Chennai who told it was their 10th safari, but without any tiger sightings. And they strongly believed just tiger sighting should not be the only motive. Forest teaches you so many things - high level of alertness and at the same time to enjoy the beauty of the nature, to be calm and not lose the sense, respect for each others territory. Heard that Nagarahole Tiger Reserve is a natural forest where even the fallen trees are left as is and never cleared up and we actually saw it first hand. Finished with the safari, headed back to our stay, had breakfast and dozed off till noon. After the lunch visited Kuruva Island located some 25Kms odd inside Kerala, again in AK's car. AK had upfront arranged for a 45 mins bamboo raft boating with his contact at the island which was temporarily stopped. Again thumbs up for his proactive action to take good care and ensure the guests take back memorable moments! Spent some time sailing in the bamboo raft. With not much people at the island, it felt as if we are given exclusive time with silence all around with no rush for anything. Enjoyed the evening and headed back to the stay. On the way AK took us to a shop where they prepare authentic Kerala Banana Chips! Purchased loads of them to distribute among friends and family and reached back around 7pm. Since we were still feeling the tummy was full, had just evening snacks & butter milk in front of bon fire, re-winded the day spent and called it a day. Wow how good the day was! Memories took back from the day:  The safari jeep, ready to take us deep into the jungles. Appreciated it's butter smooth suspension!  The timing to click this pic was perfect with this jeep approaching ours from another route  Forest blanketed with thick fog. Remember, it's summer!  Deer flock, watching us with caution, the intruders!  Mesmerizing view!  Morning sun joining us for the safari  One of the lakes  Another one  The national bird  Lush soothing greenery around another lake  Abundant peacocks everywhere in the jungle  Dirt track, observe the fallen tree. It will not be moved unless it obstructs vehicle movement to keep the forest as natural as possible  Forest cover under the influence of fog  Safari track through grasslands  Another lake. Zoom in and observe for abundant ducks with Balck feather and brown body all along the lake bank.  Makani, a name for a variety of male elephant without tusk!  Another pic with a different posture  Another pic of him after he chased the safari bus away!  The herd that gave panic effect, the one at the forefront is the mother  The same watchful herd try to cross our track  We loved NTR!  Bamboo raft ready to ferry us @ Kuruva Island, Kerala  We too are ready!  Views from the raft  Views from the raft  Views from the raft  Views from the raft  Views from the raft  Elevated bamboo house Last edited by red_hot_punto : 31st March 2024 at 17:37. |
|
| (9)
Thanks
|
|
31st March 2024, 23:32
| #4 |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Re: Karnataka and Kerala in a Fiat Punto Day 4 - 25th March The plan was to checkout from the stay after breakfast and head to Tala Kaveri, where the lifeline of the south, river Kaveri originates and later travel to Madikeri, visit Omkareshwar temple and end the day attending stargazing event organised by Starscapes. Whenever I stay in a place on a trip, chosen carefully to be at either outskirts or amid nature, I have a habit of waking up early irrespective of how hectic the previous day would be just to make sure cool morning breeze and chirping of birds devoid of any human induced noise are experienced. So again woke up early and went out for a walk, alone. The weather outside exceeded our expectations. Truly enjoyed the silence amid musical concert by the native birds. Spent some time appreciating the beauty of nature when left it with itself. Returned back to the stay. Wife and kids had woken up, high tea was on the table. Sipped it and then again went for second round of walk, this time with whole family. The weather was still at its best. We walked for a while, took some snaps and were back to the stay. Some links to the videos uploaded onto Youtube: Got ready for the next destination, loaded the boot back with the luggages, had wonderful breakfast and started our drive towards Tala Kaveri. Visited the temple of goddess Kaveri, took her blessings and begged for plentiful of water for all beings. Then visited Bhagamandala triveni sangam enroute to Madikeri and the presiding deity Bhagamandaleshwara. Drove then straight to Paakashala pure veg restaurant, Madikeri around noon to fill up the tummies. Bought some Coorg coffee powder from old well known shop nearby called "Shanthi Coffee Works". It's authentic shop selling quality coffee and just a walkable distance from Paakashala. Since we still had some time before the stargazing event scheduled at 7pm, visited Omkareshwar temple at the heart of Madikeri around 5pm. It's a vast temple with a pond at the front. Only traditional dresses are allowed inside. Took blessings, spent some time and drove to Starscapes at the outskirts near golf club, around 3kms from city centre. As a reference, we Bangaloreans, can we imagine city outskirts so near?! Starscapes was supposed to give us a much awaited experience of viewing the night sky. This was the main reason we visited Madikeri. But luck was not on our side. With clouds playing hide and seek, we could see only couple of astronomical objects, one was Cerius, the brightest star in the night sky and one another star inthe process of turning into a black hole. The later one was seen with black dot at the centre of the bright star clearly over the telescope. Stargazing ended with no probable chance of clear sky. We got some insights on celestial bodies and some phenomena in a closed door hall and left back to Paakashala for dinner after a promise from Starscapes that the booking amount would be refunded, it was Rs 700 per head. Free only for the younger one. After dinner at Paakashala drove to our next stay for the night near to the location of Starscapes Observatory and called it a day. Pics of the day:  Our stay "Coorg Evergreen Homestay"  Punto still taking a nap in a cool weather  A walk to remember and cherish!  Weather giving a feel of monsoon  Fog and the fog light!  Coffee, pepper and arecanut plantations  The gang!  Cheese!  Zebra crossing (Paints are faded out!)  "Will hold each others hand, no matter what!"  Another shot  Quality time spent, together!  One hot tea, for the last time before we checkout and head to Tala Kaveri  Group photo, Arunkumar by my side & his son at his side  Entrance for the Kaveri temple  View from temple premises  Bhagamandala triveni sangam, a confluence of Kaveri, Kannike and Sujyoti rivers  Family pic at the sangam  Bhagamandaleshwara temple gopuram  From inside  Omkareshwara temple at the centre of Madikeri, vast and beautiful. At the centre of the pond is small Anjaneya temple and at the back the presiding deity - Omkareshwara!  From another angle. Perfect shot ?! Guess so. The sun, central grabhagraha, the small hanuman temple at the front and the gate, all coming in a straight angle!  Strascapes Observator at the outskirts of Madikeri  Entrance  The time tested man, awaiting for the next move, till we come back!  The observatory housing long range telescopes for stargazing  Another view  Inside view of the observatory, you can spot a pair of telescopes  One more view Last edited by red_hot_punto : 1st April 2024 at 21:29. |
|
| (10)
Thanks
|
|
1st April 2024, 16:22
| #5 |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Re: Karnataka and Kerala in a Fiat Punto Day 5 - 26th March We could not notice much around the "Sunbird Homestay" since it was already dark when we reached the day before. As usual, woke up early with rest of the gang still dreaming on the bed and ventured out. The location of the stay itself wonderful with with golf court at one end and the space observatory at the other end. There was nothing beyond, with just lush greenery and mountains at the far end! Enjoyed the walk, took some snaps and headed back to the stay.The day before we had requested for a early breakfast by 7:30am at additional cost of Rs 240 with menu containing hot Idlis and Coffee. Plan was to finish of the breakfast ASAP, checkout from the stay and visit "Peppy's Glass Bridge"at the outskirts on the way to Tala Kaveri with slight deviation from the main road. Went with the plan, reached the glass bridge entrance by 8:30am. The charges are 200 per head and exception was given for my younger one. They open at 7am and allow you to stay the bridge for only 10 mins. The timing of the visit was just perfect with complete fog around and very less crowd. The view was great! Took some deep breath to fill up our mind and soul with fresh air for one last time before we hit the roads again. Some videos uploaded: By 9:15am we were on the road with Punto taking us to our next destination - Namdroling Tibetan Monastery. Located at Bylakuppe on the Madikeri-Mysore route, it is the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. There is a good dedicated paid parking space at the other side of the road opposite to monastery. Parked our Punto and entered the huge campus of monastery. It was prayer time when we reached around 10:30 am. Got the information from one of the monk that there are 80 such settlements in and around Bylakuppe. Witnessed the divine vibrations of the prayer, some photoshoot with monks and around. Did some shopping as souvenir and left towards Mysuru. There is one more route from Bylakuppe that directly connects Srirangapattana bypassing Mysuru, but we wanted to visit "Guru Sweets" @ Mysuru that sells authentic Mysuru Pak among others. They are the original inventors of Mysuru Pak! Bought loads of sweets for friends and family and started back at 3:30pm to our nest via e-way. Reached by 5:30 pm with a short break for snacks enroute @ RR nagar. Reached back home safely and happily after loading our mind with memories that are going to last for a very long time! That's it folks, signing off!  Memory lane:  "Sunbird Homestay"  Abundant flowers  Bonfire sit out  View after a short walk from the stay  Sun marking his attendance  Beyond the golf course  "Path leading to the light!"  Morning breakfast  Another view  Customary group pic  Entrance to the glass bridge, Madikeri  The bridge  Side view from the bridge  Down under  Posers  Shot from side angle  "How was it?"  Me and men in making!  The man!  Main entrance to the Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple  Front view  Prayer hall  Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple  Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple  Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple  Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple  The giant Tibetan bell, prayer hall in the backdrop  Buddha Shakyamuni at the center, to his left is Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche and to his right is Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of Long Life.  Buddha Shakyamuni, shot from outside the prayer hall  With monk! Last edited by red_hot_punto : 1st April 2024 at 21:28. |
|
| (17)
Thanks
|
|
1st April 2024, 21:47
| #6 |
| Team-BHP Support  | |
| (4)
Thanks
|
|
1st April 2024, 22:36
| #7 |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| |
|
| (10)
Thanks
|
|
2nd April 2024, 12:24
| #8 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 57
Thanked: 298 Times
| |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
2nd April 2024, 13:26
| #9 | |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Re: Karnataka and Kerala in a Fiat Punto Quote:
It was not that hot in the noon and turned cloudy in the evening. Morning was much better with cool breeze and fog at the outskirts, was enjoyable even till 11am, only after that it turned little hot but manageable. | |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
2nd April 2024, 13:38
| #10 |
| BHPian Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: KL-01/MH-16
Posts: 254
Thanked: 322 Times
| |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
2nd April 2024, 14:46
| #11 | |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Re: Karnataka and Kerala in a Fiat Punto Quote:
Since our chosen safari point was Nanchi gate, Kutta, we stayed some 5 kms away in a "Coorg Evergreen Homestay" for 2 days which costed us 11K including 3 times food and evening snacks with bonfire. It's managed by a gentleman Arunkumar & can be contacted on 87625 49417 GLoc: https://g.co/kgs/ihjTUK And in Coorg we halted for a day at "Sunbirds Homestay", precisely it was a overnight stay with early morning checkout by 8am. Costed us 2.3K including morning breakfast. You can contact Sharath 99725 53696 or Dimpu 97420 42940. GLoc: https://maps.app.goo.gl/szBvqZBQGcNz9KRJ6 | |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
| |
|
2nd April 2024, 17:30
| #12 |
| BHPian Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Pondicherry
Posts: 108
Thanked: 447 Times
| |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
2nd April 2024, 19:05
| #13 | |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Re: Karnataka and Kerala in a Fiat Punto Quote:
Yes, you are right. We went through main entrance that can be reached via HD Kote route. As said, just before and after the checkpost only for couple of KMs tarmac is at its worst. Otherwise it's in very good shape though narrow. Punto's PUC had lapsed a month before which I noticed only before leaving for Thirunelly temple when AK, our stay owner, asked to check. He insisted to cross Kerala border in his own vehicle since first thing that will be checked is PUC by the guards and I did abide by his words. Though when we stopped at the check post before crossing, AK was recognised by them and didn't do any checks. But AK said they do check all unfamiliar vehicles before crossing. So we didn't take the risk. Also there was no emission testing centre near by. | |
|
|
|
3rd April 2024, 14:09
| #14 |
| BHPian  Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Udupi
Posts: 761
Thanked: 726 Times
| |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
3rd April 2024, 16:33
| #15 | |
| BHPian Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 80
Thanked: 413 Times
| Re: Karnataka and Kerala in a Fiat Punto Quote:
How was the crowd when you had visited?Below are some wonderful moments at the Kuruwa Island, observe how silent the environment was, literally no one else other than us! We were so lucky! And big thanks to AK too! | |
|
|
 |
Most Viewed