Muthodi .. a bewitching paradise !

Muthodi is a small village fenced with in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary which is also known for protected tiger reserve. It is one of the gorgeous spots you could head after reaching the well known town ship "Chikmagalur", from where diverse rhythms of wilderness starts into the Western ghats.

 

With few confounders dropped before we head off for the fascinating ride cum stay at animal kingdom, we (myself, Vijay/cousin, Sudeesh/one-formally-dressed :), Joshi, Pradeep, Yogi) six people left the office on March 27th, Friday evening around 4 pm. Ouch! I just like to include our companions as well, Mamba/my-yamaha-bike and Swift/sudeesh'ish! :)

Little hard it was to get out of bustle Bangalore, till we started flying on our wheels at Magadi-Kunigal road. Pradeep had a fun with the mamba on the way we stopped for a break after the continuous two hours drive. 

We reached Chikmagalur by 10 pm and with out spending too much time for another break, we immediately vacated the place to noise the 30 km road ahead into the deep forest to reach Muthodi.It was very thrilling drive in the last few km drive as it was almost mid-night and all lights turned off around. Prasath (butler) who was waiting at the check post picked up into Tex woods (where we stayed) through 6 km dusty and jerky improper muddy road. After the delighting dinner served to us,we looked forward for good rest.

The house is located in mid of coffee-estate which is very catchy, but due to summer, it was not that chill to scare you. There is also a small tent that can be used for the stay, but due to cloudy weather, we decided to stay in house itself.

It was early noon, but no way, we have to spend the hours somewhere in forest, so we decided to 

visit Mullayanagiri, which is the highest peak in Karnataka. This is also a part of Baba bhudan giri range. Although many people prefer trekking to this place, we decided to go by Jeep which we hired at the rent or 1000 Rs. This is quite normal

as it is arranged by the butler itself.

Travel at Coorg!

If you’re the one who like to mingle with the nature, romance in the scenic mountains, feel the tingle of the cool and gentle breeze, watch leaves flutter in dance-like movements and hear the sounds of birds filling the air, then Coorg is just the place for you.!



Situated on the Western ghats of South India, Kodagu is otherwise it is called by, a tiniest district it is, by covering 4100 Sq Km of land surface. The capital of Coorg is Madikeri, formerly called Mercara, is also known as the Scotland of India. Its enchanting beauty with lush green valleys, misty hills, breath taking views makes you to rethink of leaving this incomporable heaven.

It was 4pm, Friday, July 10, 2009. We five people left our office on 3 bikes (Yamaha, Apache, Thunderbird) for our weekend in Coorg. It was little cloudy that just reminded us to wear jacket once we left the office. It was almost an hour to stop hearing all hertz of noises and catch Mysore highway.

None of us had versed on all the places we decided to visit, so we decided to stay at Mysore for the friday night. On the way, we stopped at MTR Maddur restaurant for dinner. Maddur is popular on its traditional eatable "Vada". Having tasted few pieces along with Kaduppu (form of Idli, a south indian traditional dish for breakfast/dinner) at around 7.30 PM, we reached Mysore at around 9.30 PM, with a short relaxation break somewhere just after Mandya.

We left Mysore the next day, on early morning around 7AM. Having refueled our bikes we circuited into Madikkery highway, by keeping the driving at 80 Kmph (avg). It was little sunny in someplaces with which we could dry our wet clothes as it was raining at most of other places. South-west monsoon has just started perhaps!

Total Distance: 750 Kms
Places Covered: Madikery, Bhagamandala, Thalacauvery, Abbey Falls, Irpu Falls
Days: 2
Bikes: 3
....

Manchanabele!

Manchanabele is a small delightful reservoir, built at the confluence of rivers Arkavathi and Kumudvathi. It is just at 10 Kms from a well known weekend spot "Big Banyan Tree" in Bangalore. All the sides of dam are surrounded by hills. Built for irrigation purpose, this dam also serves water to Magadi town.

It is more exhilarating to see Savandurga at the backdrop. "Wow" the word you would say, when you are just entering the ridge!

As this place is with in 50 Kms from Bangalore, we decided not to throttle more to exhaust on recently laid, winding roads that connects to this dam, but enjoy the nature. It was cloudy and windy weather to start with, during the pre-monsoon morning!

Just before the dam, the road forks into two, one to the dam and other running across the catchment land. Water at the catchment side was less enough to park our bikes at the shore. It was absolutely beckoning when the water was rippling and reflecting at Savandurga! At first sight, the warm water tempts us for the swimming, but it is highly dangerous as the depth is not defined clearly.

Unfailingly we had photo sessions for few minutes, at different expressions, exposures! We just missed to bring groceries for cookery!

So what are you waiting for? Gear up to this magnificent Manchanabelle soon

and have a pleasant time here!