Chikmagalur

Time: July 9th – 11th 2010
Place: Chikmagalur, Belur, Halebid, Shravanabelagola
Company: Wife
Album: Click here
Highlights:

Day 1: Even at 10 am, had not decided where to spend the 2nd wedding anniversary! Finally did some googling and decided on Chikmagalur. Called up Naturecraft Homestay resort and made booking and left Bangalore at about 12 noon. Road is very good all the way to Chikmagalur and hence made good time. Reached Chikmagalur at 6 pm and the last stretch to resort was real dark and scary especially because there was no cell signal. The homestay was good. Had dinner, watched a movie on the laptop and retired at 1 am.

Day 2: Checked out of the resort after breakfast although had plans of staying till morrow. First scenic spot was Sitalayyanagiri. Seemed a simple ride till then. But the next 2 kms was a horror stretch. Road is nice but it is very steep and absolutely dangerous if there is an oncoming vehicle (which cannot be seen until the last minute because of the bends in the hill). Have not driven on such roads much and it was a nice scary experience*. Just when we thought we had reached the top of Mullayanagiri, we found ourselves in the parking lot! There was a hill to climb too! Climbed the hill too and enjoyed the exhilarating feeling*!

Then, climbed down the hill and climbed another hill – Bababudangiri. This was not as scary as the last but road was horrible. It was a mist filled drive as if we were on an airplane. But here too had to climb up and down a few steps* to view the Manikyadhaara Falls. Nothing great about it though.

Ditched plans of going to Kemmangundi, Kalhatti falls and instead headed back to Chikmagalur. Had lunch, then drove to Belur. After a quick visit, went to Halebid. Although I had been here, didn’t remember much. Seemed similar to Aihole. Reasonable road. Finally halted at Hassan at Suvarna Regency.

Day 3: Our second year wedding anniversary. Left at 9 to Shravanabelagola. Forgot last when I had visited so was shocked to see a hill and so many steps!! Still went ahead and started climbing* despite fellow pilgrims warning us not to. It was not that difficult though. Anyways, after paying respects, headed back to Bangalore. Was informed of the road via Magadi, and yes, its very good and skips most of Bangalore North.

All in all, it was nice trip. With a 5 month old pregnant wife, it didn’t seem worth the risk, but thankfully, it went well. Hence posting after birth!

*Definitely, hardly a thing to do with wife being 5 month pregnant!!