South India

Shivasamudram Falls – Karnataka

August 25, 2013 by sarita

Mini getaways are my go-to when I need a bit of a break from the rigors of the week. And Karnataka offers no dearth of them. So when I craved a time-out from work and city life, hubby and I jumped at the chance to go exploring just one of the many sights on our list. This time, we chose Shivasamudram Falls. Our research promised that it would be invigorating, and it didn’t require much planning so off we went on a rare mid-week holiday in August.

Getting There

Since the falls are only 145 km from Bangalore, we decided the best option was to drive down. We set out at 9 am, taking the Mysore highway to begin with. On arriving at Maddur, we kept an eye out for the Maddur Bus station from where we had to take a left towards Malavalli. From then on, it was just a straight road to the falls where we arrived at around noon.

Karanataka is rich in vegetation so there was no lack of scenery along the way. But the stomach can’t feast on sights alone, and to our dismay we realised a little too late that there weren’t many good restaurant to curb the inevitable hunger pangs. We hoped that there could get something to eat at the falls.

Falling for the Falls

There are, in fact, two falls here a kilometre apart from each other – Gagan Chukki and Bhara Chukki. You can identify Gagan Chukki by the Dargah near it.

To actually get to the falls is quite a task as it involves a seriously long walk down huge steps. As neither of us had had anything to eat for a few hours, our energy levels were low and the exercise was most unwelcome. Add to that the fact that it was a public holiday (yes, it was August 15th) and half of Karnataka seemed to have the same idea we did which meant that there was enough of a crowd to rival any city bustle.

The sight of the falls was worth it though. Since it was smack in the middle of monsoon, the waters were in full strength and it was quite a powerful display of nature’s majesty. The water gushing through lush green scenery effortlessly washes away your worries, for awhile anyway.

There were a few off-putting sights too – like the plastic bottles and empty packets of toffees and chips in the water. There was a lot of irresponsible littering happening right in front of us, and much of the garbage lying around looked like it had been there for awhile. It was sad and disheartening.

While there was plenty of garbage, there wasn’t much in the way of food. A couple of vendors sold steamed corn and chick peas, but there was nothing else apart from that.

Despite these two off-putting features, we were still very taken with the falls themselves. Seeking to get closer to the spray, we caught sight of coracle boats offering rides for Rs. 100 per person. Mind you, these are not easy to get on. There was no courtesy to speak of, no lines, no first-come-first-served rule, no organisation. It was every man for himself and you’d have to push and nudge to get into a boat. The boats only take eight people at a time so you should consider yourself lucky if you manage to get on one. However, we dropped the boat ride idea.

We spent around two hours at the falls just hanging around and enjoying the beauty. If there had been fewer people there (and maybe some food), we would easily and happily have stayed much longer as we’re rather fond of isolated places with no crowds. But to each his own. If you enjoy checking out sights as well as the sights of people, then you’ll love this place.

We returned exhausted and hungry, the trip neither all that great nor all that bad. Maybe it would have been better if we’d carried our own food or gone at another time. The fact that the falls are poorly maintained was also a bit of a downer. Be that as it may, it’s still a beautiful place and very well worth the visit.

Tips for Travel

Visit the falls during the monsoon. This is the best time of the year as it allows you to take in the full beauty off the falls in all their gushing glory.
Carry food with you or you’ll end up hungry and half faint like we did.
If possible, avoid travel here on a weekend or a public holiday if you want to give the crowds a miss.
Don’t litter in the river. Take an empty plastic bag with you for all your waste and bring it back with you when you leave. Don’t leave any of your garbage at the falls.

Way to Shivasamudram Falls – Karnataka

Shivasamudram Falls – Karnataka

Shivasamudram Falls in Karnataka – India

Near Shivasamudram Falls – Karnataka

Coracle Boat Ride at Shivasamudram Falls – Karnataka

Scenic view near Shivasamudram Falls – Karnataka

Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore

August 4, 2013 by sarita

Pictures taken at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore

One of the major tourist attractions in Bangalore, The Lalbagh Botanical Garden has the largest collection of tropical plants. Located in South Bangalore, Lalbagh is spread across 240-acres. Lalbagh botanical garden has over 1200 species of plants and organizes many flower exhibits. The flower show held annually on 26th January attracts a number of nature lovers and photographers.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden – Glass house Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore Pictures

Monkeys at Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore

Monkey with baby at Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore

Squirrel Picture

Squirrel Pictures

Pictures of Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Pictures Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden pics Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore pink flowers

Lalbagh Botanical Garden flowers Pictures Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden flowers Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Pics

Lalbagh Botanical Garden pink flowers Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Pictures in Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Pictures

Flowers at Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore

Flowers at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore

Hampi – Karnataka, India

July 23, 2013 by sarita

Anjana Parvat in Hampi India (Where Lord Hanuman was Born)

Anjana Temple Hampi Karnataka India

Coconut Trees Hampi Vijayanagara

Coracle boat ride in Pampa Sarovar Hampi India

Hampi – Karnataka India Ganesha stone idols

Hampi Karnataka India – Temple ruins

Ganesh Temple in Hampi Karnataka India

Hampi Karnataka India Pictures

Hampi Karnataka India

Hampi Karnataka Landscapes

Hampi Karnataka

Hampi Kishkindha

Hampi Landscapes Karnataka

Hampi Meditating at Anjana Parvath

Hampi Old Temple remains

Hampi Pictures – Karnataka India

Hampi Pictures

Hampi pictures Karnataka India

Photography at Hampi

Hampi Rocky Landscapes Karnataka India

Hampi Rocky Landscapes Karnataka

Hampi Rocky Landscapes Anjana Parvat

Hampi Temples

Hampi India Pictures

Hampi Vijayanagara Landscapes

Hampi Vijayanagara

Hampi Travel Guide

Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi , Karnataka India

Pampa Sarovar in Hampi Karnataka

Pushkarini Hampi Karnataka India

Rice Paddy fields Hampi Karnataka

Sunset at Hampi Karnataka India

Sunset Hampi

Sunset Pictures Hampi , India

Virupaksha Temple Hampi Karnataka India

Hampi Virupaksha Temple Karnataka India

Dubare Elephant Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts

July 20, 2013 by sarita

Craving a little mid-year getaway, I decided to plan a weekend trip bang in the middle of July. So my husband and I decided to spend a couple of days in the heart of the Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg, Karnataka which is approximately 240 km from Bangalore.

Getting There

We chose to drive to the resort, heading out at sunrise. We took the Mysore highway which was more than liberally peppered with quite a few Cafe Coffee Days, excellent for a quick bite and bathroom breaks.

The route was quite scenic – it rained, it was cloudy, and the landscape was incredibly lush. All very romantic and a real balm for any soul. I think the view and weather alone were responsible for alleviating half our stress.

WATCH THE VIDEO –

At around 11:30, we arrived at the Dubare Elephant Camp and had to park our car, followed by a private boat ride across the Kaveri river to reach the resort. We checked in at noon and were escorted to our rooms – homey little cottages that immediately inspired feelings of warmth, relaxation, privacy and comfort. Take a look at the pictures for the simple, earthy and inviting interiors. We freshened up a bit and then headed out to lunch at the Gol Ghar – a cosy dining area that overlooks the river.

Tastes, Sights, Sounds and Elephants

The fare was not lavish, but we were so hungry that the spicy Indian food and South Indian dishes were practically a feast. We took a nap after eating and I pottered around with my camera for awhile trying to capture the wealth of beauty around me. Tea was served by 4:30 pm, and by 5 we headed out for the jungle safari.

The rain did not abate and a slight chill was in the air. The forest was more lush than you can imagine with greenery everywhere you looked. Not to mention that it was completely devoid of traffic and human sounds. It was both peaceful and exciting to be out there and we were fortunate to spot elephants that very evening. Although the camp specialises in showcasing elephants, there are also plenty of peacocks, leopards, bears, sloths and wild dogs around.

On our return to the hotel at 7, we snacked on hot pakodas and soup around a warming bonfire and dinner was served shortly after. Since we had an early start the next day, everyone turned in early.

A wakeup call, the sounds of birds and a hot cup of tea at 6 am held the promise of an even better day than the last. Half an hour later, we took a nature walk with a trained naturalist who pointed out a few select plants and shared his knowledge of the habitation special to the area.

A healthy breakfast of fruits and juices followed. And then it was time for the piece de resistance of the trip – communing with the magnificent yet gentle elephants.

We drove to the elephant camp, arriving just in time to see one of the elephants taking a bath in the river. Under the guidance of the mahout, we had a chance to scrub an elephant clean and even to feed it. Any stress that may have remained quickly melted away at this point. We just watched the gentle giants go about their lives till we had to pull ourselves away to check out at noon.

Words cannot do full justice to the experience, and although pictures come close you really have to be there to get a feel for the beauty, wonder and majesty not just of elephants but of the all-embracing forest.

Travel Tips

Carry basic first aid with you. Although the venue here had one, we prefer to always have our own.
You don’t want your clothes to stand out in the jungle so wear earth-tone colours and prints like shades of brown, green, grey or black. You will be on your feet a lot so get your most comfortable pair of footwear – floaters for regular walking around and trekking shoes for the longer hikes.
Although we’re all dressed in casual, light clothing in the pictures, note that you will need a little layering early in the morning and as the sun sets since it tends to get chilly then, especially in the winter.
Don’t play or tease the elephants. Watch them from afar and only approach or interact with them in the presence of your guide.
I strongly recommend the cottages overlooking the river. They have an amazing view, are close to the dining area and are really the best ones at the resort.

Pictures of Dubare Elephant Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts

Dubare Elephant Camp at Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

Woodpecker’s sighted during early morning nature walk at Dubare Elephant Camp Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

Wildlife at Dubare Elephant Camp in Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

River View Cottages at Jungle Lodges and Resorts Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Early morning nature walk at Jungle Lodges and Resorts Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Kaveri River Dubare Elephant Camp at Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

Elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp, Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

Dubare Elephant Camp, Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

River view cottage interiors at Dubare Elephant Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

Jeep Safari at Dubare Elephant Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

Bird sightings at Dubare Elephant Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Coorg , Karnataka

Elephants sighted during jeep safari in Dubare Forest arranged by Jungle Lodges and Resorts Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Elephants at Jungle Lodges and Resorts Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Elephant poring water at guests at Jungle Lodges and Resorts Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Baby elephant ‘Karthik’ greets the guests at Jungle Lodges and Resorts in Dubare Elephant Camp just before the jeep safari in Dubare forest – Coorg, Karnataka

Dubare Forest Jeep Safari by Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Dubare Forest Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka Dining area overlooking Kaveri river

Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka – Bonfire

Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka

Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Dubare Elephant Camp – Coorg , Karnataka Birds in Dubare forest

Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges & Resorts – Bangalore, Karnataka

January 5, 2013 by sarita

On the hunt for our next destination, our research led us to the Bannerghatta Natura Camp a mere 25 km from Bangalore where we live. The write-up on their website looked promising and the pictures teased our sense of adventure. So off we set on a bright morning in December 2012 brimming over with expectation of a fabulous weekend.

Driving to the Camp and Checking In

As it was close by, we left at the comfortable hour of 9:00 am and arrived at 10:30 am. Check-in was at 11 but fortunately they didn’t make us wait till then and we were promptly moved into one of the Camp’s Swiss Tents.

Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Bannerghatta Nature Camp

The tents are indeed tents, but larger, far more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and with as many resources as any hotel room from a tea kettle to an attached bathroom. The ‘doors’ and ‘windows’ of the tent had curtains on the inside and thicker tarpaulin rolled up on the outside. We strongly suggest rolling them down at night because with the lights on in the tent after dark, you’re on clear display for anyone walking by.

Tents at Jungle Lodges – Bannerghatta Nature Camp

A couple of cane chairs placed outside the tent made it feel like any normal hotel room if you didn’t remember that the walls were made of canvas and the front ‘yard’ where you can sip your morning tea is in fact just a cleaned-up section of the vast jungle surrounding the camp.

Jungle Lodges Tents Interiors at Bannerghatta Nature Camp

If you prefer more solid walls, then there is also the option of log huts which make you feel like a proper huntsman or a veteran camper. They’re tiny but warm with hammocks hung on trees outside for when you want to nap under the open sky.

Loghuts Jungle Lodges Bannerghatta Nature Camp

After a quick cup of hot, welcome tea, we wandered around the camp. There are a number of deer on the grounds and it warmed and charmed to watch them eat, play and do their deer thing

Going into the Wild

Jungle Holidays in Karnataka

There was a carnivorous jeep safari scheduled for noon and since we were eager for a glimpse of the wildlife, we signed on for it. For an hour and a half, we were driven through the surrounding jungle and spotted lions and tigers and bears. Being so close to them was exhilarating. And watching them in their natural habitat is worlds different from seeing these majestic beings locked up in a zoo. We took some incredible photos and returned to the camp at 1:30pm.

Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Carnivorous Jeep Safari

The afternoon comprised of a relaxed lunch at Golghar restaurant, some well-earned lazing around on the hammock, and some aimless photography – all ending with a simple cup of tea and coffee at 4:30.

Bannerghatta Nature Camp Jungle Lodges

An hour later, it was time for the guided herbivorous trek. Apart from the ubiquitous deer, we spotted bisons and plenty of monkeys. We also came up on the remains of dead animals and some skulls. Sure, they’re not the most cheerful things to see, but they were interesting nonetheless and made good subjects for some out-of-the box vacation shots.

A Foodie Evening

After coming back to the camp at around 7:30 pm, it was all just about food. Sure, we did some of that around a campfire, but that was the only outdoorsy thing about it. Soups, cutlets and pakodas were served around the flames, the latter keeping us warm in the chill that had set in with the setting sun. The hot food was exactly what we craved after the long walk and maybe that’s what made it taste so good. Barely an hour later, we were tucking into a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes from the dinner menu. The tasty, abundant fare and the long walk had us craving our beds soon after and we slept like logs in our cosy canvas tent.

Another Trek and Returning Home

It’s a good thing we turned in early as we had to leave quite early the following day. A wake-up call at 6 am arrived with tea and coffee. Breakfast wasn’t until 8:30 so we went on another guided herbivorous trek to the park and a duck pond nearby. We were delighted to see not just deer and bison but also sambas and plenty of ducks. We would have loved to linger but we had a schedule to keep to so we made our way back to the camp and tucked into breakfast. We checked out at 9 and were on the road right after, already unbelieving that something so lush, wild and beautiful was so close to the city.

Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Bangalore Karnataka

Tips for Safer/Respectful Travel

With any trip that involves nature or animals, the dress code is the same. Wear low-key colours that do not stand out so that you can blend in better. A good idea if you are going to be checking out predators because you don’t want to be drawing attention to yourself in your flashy neon top when there’s a hungry tiger on the prowl.
Comfortable footwear with a good grip is a must. Uneven roads, muck and water are normal for nature trails so wear something sturdy which can withstand the trials.
Don’t interact with the animals or try to draw their attention. They are not pets. They are animals of the wild and you’re in their territory now. Respect their boundaries.
Don’t smoke or be indiscriminate with matches in the wild. Even a small spark can start a fire and once those get going it’s very difficult and sometimes impossible to stop them.

Pictures of Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges & Resorts – Bangalore, Karnataka

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-75 Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts – evening outside the resort

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Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-72-kingfisher bird Kingfisher Bird sighted at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-68 Morning walk at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-62 Deer at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-60 Jeep safari at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-61-deer-inside-resort Deer at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-58 Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-54 Bannerghatta Nature Camp

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-49 Bear spotted during Carnivorous safari at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts , Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-47-food Breakfast at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts , Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-39 Morning nature walk at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts , Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-38 Deer spotted during morning nature walk at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts , Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-29 Duck pond at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts , Bangalore

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Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-27 Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-20-campfire Bonfire at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts , Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-19 Jungle Holidays- Bannerghatta Nature Camp Bangalore

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-21

Bannerghatta bangalore jungle lodges and resorts-11 Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Gol GharGolghar- Dining area at Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Jungle Lodges and Resorts , Bangalore