Belur & Chikmagalur

We decided to take two days off from our busy schedules and hit Chikmagalur on a weekend. Our destination was kalgude Estate, some few kilometers away from chikmagalur town. We nine guys set out in two cars. It was a pleasant morning when we started from Bangalore. As we meandered towards chikmagalur, climate changed suddenly. It started drizzling and continued all the way till we reached the place. On the way we had a small break for Food. Though we had our jackets everybody was soaked in the rain. We were shivering inside the car.

The grandeur beauty of villages hailed us when we approached Belur. Espy of the endless roads with the thick vegetation of trees on both side made a feeling of being in foreign counties. Our first visit was to Chennakeshava temple in Belur. Belur was the capital of Hoysala Empire with Halebidu situated in Hassan district. The art works in the Antediluvian Temple was unimaginative. The Dravida style rayagopuram at the entrance was built by Vijayanagar kings. It’s a surprise that the remnant from the reign of Hoysala kings endured till this time. It took 103 years to complete the construction fully. The temple has well maintained its ethnic pristine and contains a lot of ornate pillars. Less the words, better I am attaching some photographs of enchanting chennakeshava temple

Chennakeshava Temple

Temple Entrance
art works

We thought of visiting Halebidu also, but we were running short of time. We continued our journey through rustic villages towards chikmagalur. The verdant landscape was omnipresent. We can see farmers working in the fields despite of rain. A spellbound view of a field with full of flowers came in our way. We stopped the car to take some pictures.

Our next destination was Baba budan giri near to Chikmagalur in chikmagalur district. Baba Budan giri is a mountain in the Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats of India. Unique mountain flowers called Kurinji blooms in these hill ranges once in every 12 years and the last time this spectacle happened here was in 2006.Way to Bababudangiri was a maze. We were confused many times as the road bifurcated in many places. We hardly find any human being to ask the way. Somehow we adjusted to reach the top with the help of sign boards by Karnataka tourism department. The roads winding to the top were mesmerizing. The cool wind started lashing on our face when we opened our car window to see the landscape. It was difficult to see the roads as the mist was thick enough. We stopped in the middle of forest for some time and continued ascending to the top. There was plethora of mist present everywhere. We could see rain water gushing from the rocks made some beautiful waterfalls at some places. The moment the car stopped on the top, everyone bustled out to see the greenery. The vista of mountains was just panting. We were speechless for some time while watching the panorama of mountains. Clouds were sweeping on the hills. It is difficult to explain the beauty of the place and the feeling which we had that time. We had a feeling that mountains, clouds, mist and everything belongs to us. The drops were a medley of snow and rain and the meadows were tranquil.

From one traveler we heard of a waterfall ahead. We became anxious to see the waterfalls. The name of the waterfalls itself was quite pleasing, ‘Manikyadhara’. We drove up a little to reach the cascade. It was a scary place. Karnataka tourism dept has made steps and a watch tower for the tourists. Looking to the deep valley beside the waterfalls made us to stay a little far. So we decided to watch it from the steps. There were lots of monkeys wandering near to the falls. After spending a few minutes we started descending down. Now the rain is bit strong. The trees and mountains remained silent after taking a shower. We found a ravaged house on the way. We managed to take some photos there. The quietude of the place was adding some mystery to the building. Again we started descending to chikmagalur town.

Manikyadhara cascade

clock tower

Next is the journey to our dwelling as we planned early. We were in a hurry to reach kalgude (now Karthik) estate before getting dark. The estate bungalow is deep inside the forest. Moreover the roads are not so good to drive on.
Someway we managed to reach our abode before nightfall. We had our late lunch and relaxed for some time. The estate bungalow has all luxury amenities including swimming pool. The scene from the balcony was amazing. The house and the trees were completely immersed in the mist, but it was an adornment to the lonely nature of the place. The rustle from the woods was adding a blended beauty to the scene. The stay in estate house was unforgettable. We guys enjoyed a lot that night. Somebody told that any time a cheetah can come inside the estate. After that I became little scared to go outside the house.
It was a deep and long sleep inside the blanket. After delicious breakfast we started packing our luggages. We have to reach Bangalore before getting dark. Also there was a small plan to see the private view point which is on the top of the estate. The view from that view point was delectable. Heavy wind was throwing us back. We were not able to spend a long time there because the wind was too strong. A thick mist pervaded over the valley and soon we lost the sight. We left the place with a mournful mind. We had some snacks from chikmagalur town and soon started the return to Bangalore. I am sure that this beautiful piece of land in Karnataka will remain indelible in my mind forever

Bangalore road

View point

Kalgude Estate House