THE BLIND SPOT

Karnataka (except for the politics) is one beautiful state and is home to some of the most beautiful & amazing places in India. While the Coorg experience was worth the money, Shimoga/ Chikmagalur was more thrilling. Chikmagalur is a beautiful district, scenic and located slightly above sea level. It is also surrounded by mountains thereby making the weather pleasant and the place extremely beautiful.

We left for Bangalore by Shatabdi Express which left Chennai at 5.30 PM & reached Bangalore at around 11.15 PM. From Bangalore we boarded the Shimoga Express to Shimoga, which left Bangalore at around 11.40 PM.

We reached Shimoga early morning at around 5.30 AM. We were picked up from the station by a rowdy vehicle (Tata Sumo). From the station we drove down straight to Chikmagalur and checked into a cottage (which was some 38 Kms from Chikmagalur town). This place (Pakshikoota Homestay) is a cottage that is located in the middle of a coffee estate, as is the case with every other homestay in that area.

There are lots of places in & around Chikmagalur worth exploring viz., Hebbe falls, Mulayangiri (a hill station & a trekking destination), Kudremukh, Bababudanagiri , Kemmangundi peak, Kalhatti Falls and a few other places.  Though we couldn’t make it to all the places, we did manage to have a look at Hebbe Falls, Kemmangundi, Kalhatti Falls and a couple of other places in the adjoining area .

Next day morning we left for Shimoga and en route visited Jog Falls. Unfortunately for us, by its own standard, there was hardly any water in the falls.  Next, we thought of visiting Sahasralinga, but later decided against it and instead proceeded straight to Nittur.

Nittur, is a small village in Shimoga District situated on the backwaters of the Sharavathi River. This is quite a place and we stayed in tents (Nisarga Viharadhama). While at Nittur, we also tried our hand on kayaking (on the backwaters of Sharavathi River).  Back in the camp, we were served with some delightful food. The dining area is worth a mention as the arrangements in the dining arena was unique. Truly speaking, it was a completely different experience.

In Nittur, we were told about the sunrise from Kodachadri and why this that should not be missed.  We arranged a jeep ride up Kodachadri. We started from the Camp early in the morning at 4.30 AM and started the climb uphill in a very terrain & pitch dark conditions.  We reached Kodachadri at around 5.15 AM. Atop Kodachadri is the Moolasthana of Sri Mookambika Devi and the place where Adi Shankara is believed to have meditated.

Once back to the Nittur camp we kayaked in the backwaters of Sharavathi River and later proceeded to Hidlumane Falls.  We then proceeded to the Mookambika temple in Kollur. From Kollur, by late afternoon we left for Shimoga station, to take the night train to Bangalore, which departed at 10.05 PM.

We reached Bangalore in the morning at around 4.30 AM and from Bangalore took the Lalbagh Express to Chennai which departed at around 6.30 AM and arrived at Chennai the same day by noon.

My advise, if not for Shimoga, Chikmagalur is a must visit place. The mountains, the coffee estates, the food and the experience in general are all the things that make the place look awesome.  Do not miss it. Go experience it.!!

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