Introduction
Traveling with friends especially with Hometown friends is always an adventure, and this time it was an unforgettable trip around Bangalore, Mysore, Madurai, Kodai Kanal, and Palani. Our journey began with a change of plans due to the unfavorable weather in Goa, leading us to explore the rich cultural and natural beauty of South India. This blog captures our experiences, the history of the places we visited, and the route we took, offering a guide for fellow travelers.
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| Blessings from Vaarahi Ammavaru for the tour before starting from Hyderabad. |
Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore and Hoganekkal Falls
Starting Point: Hyderabad
I started my journey from Hyderabad, while Ramana and Brahmaji traveled from Rajahmundry by bus. I reached Bangalore's Yeswanthpur station via Garib Rath from Lingampalli. Opting for the metro over a costly cab ride, I headed to Silk Institute Metro and then took an auto to Electronic City for Rs. 250.
Navigating Bangalore:
After getting down from Silk Institute Metro, I tried to book an Auto/Cab, but they were canceling. I checked with one Auto driver, and he helped me to go back by bus to Konan Kunte Cross Metro. From there, many buses were available for Electronic City. I went by metro to Konan Kunte Cross and then booked an Auto which cost me Rs. 250 to reach my destination pragathinagar, Chikkatoggur, Electronic city, Benguluru
Meeting Point: Electronic City
Srinivas picked up Ramana and Brahmaji from Silk Board, and after refreshing ourselves, we planned our trip. Initially considering Gagana Chukki and Bara Chukki waterfalls, we decided to visit Hoganekkal Falls instead.
Hoganekkal Falls Experience
We started at 1 PM and reached Hoganekkal Falls by 4 PM. We took a boat ride costing Rs. 2000, enjoying the scenic beauty despite lower water levels compared to my previous visit in 2010. We indulged in freshly cooked fish, and on our way back to Bangalore, we stopped for delicious snacks like Guntaponganulu. We reached Bangalore by 11 PM and had a pleasant sleep.
Day 2: Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls, Somanathapura, and Mysore Palace
Route: NICE Road to Gagana Chukki and Bara Chukki Falls(Siva Samudra Falls)
We started our journey early and reached Gaganachukki Falls by 12:30 PM. The falls were mesmerising, and after spending some time there, we headed to Somanathapura.
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| Siva samudra falls |
Somanathapura: History and Significance
Somanathapura is home to the Chennakesava Temple, a fine example of Hoysala architecture. Built-in 1268 by Somanatha Dandanayaka, the temple is known for its intricate carvings and detailed sculptures. We visited Somanathapura and enjoyed the beauty of the temple. The small rain made the temple even more colorful.
Mysore Palace and Evening Lights
We reached Mysore Palace by 5 PM, explored its grandeur, and waited for the evening lights show at 7:30 PM. Meanwhile, we visited the Kaveri Emporium to buy sandalwood products. Venkat, Srinivas' brother, joined us for dinner, but the famous RRR biryani turned out to be disappointing.
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| Inside Palace |
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| Lightening Palace |
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| Golden Darbar |
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| Stayed Hotel @Mysuru |
Day 3: Chamundi Hills and Madurai
Chamundi Hills: History and Significance
Chamundi Hills is famous for the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the guardian deity of Mysore. The temple is a significant site during the Dasara festival. We started our day early and completed our darshan by 8:40 AM.
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| Chamundeshwari Temple @Mysuru |
Journey to Madurai
We decided to visit Madurai instead of Kodaikanal first, reaching Meenakshi Sundareswaran Temple by 5 PM. The temple, an architectural marvel, took us around 2 hours to explore. We enjoyed the local specialty Jigarthanda and had dinner at A2B Aanada Adyar Bhavan before resting for the night. We had a traditional South Indian Thali for lunch. We parked at the parking complex, deposited our phones in the locker, and had a great darshan.
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple: History and Significance
- The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, also known as Meenakshi Amman Temple, is one of the largest and most ancient temples in India, located in the heart of Madurai. This architectural marvel was built by King Kulasekara Pandya in the 6th century BC and was later expanded by Nayak rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- The temple complex is spread over 15 acres and comprises 14 gopurams (gateway towers), with the tallest one being the southern tower, standing at 170 feet. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and her consort, Lord Sundareswarar (a form of Shiva). The thousand-pillar hall, known as the Ayirakkal Mandapam, is a significant attraction, showcasing intricate sculptures and artwork.
- The Meenakshi Temple follows a traditional Dravidian style of architecture, characterized by its towering gopurams adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures depicting various deities, mythological figures, and animals. The temple's layout symbolizes a mandala, with concentric squares and sanctums representing the universe and the divine center.
Madurai Temple
Day 4: Koodal Azhagar Temple and Kodaikanal
Koodal Azhagar Temple: History and Significance
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in a sitting posture, showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture. After a peaceful darshan, we headed towards Kodaikanal.
Exploring Kodaikanal
We applied for an E-pass for Kodaikanal, which was required at the Nilagiri Hills Checkpost. In Madurai, we stopped at Gowri Hotel for breakfast and enjoyed onion Vada, Idly, Dosa, and Filter Coffee. We dropped Vamsi at the Outer Ringroad of Madurai and headed towards Kodaikanal.The journey through Nilgiri Hills was beautiful, and we reached Kodaikanal by 1 PM. We visited Guna Caves, various viewpoints, and finally Kodaikanal Lake. Ramana and I enjoyed a bicycle ride around the lake. We found a comfortable room and had a relaxing night.
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| Our Chariot |
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| Near Guna Caves....Kothapeta Boys!!! |
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| Near kodaikanal lake |
Day 5: Palani and Return to Bangalore
Palani: History and Significance
Palani is renowned for the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan. We climbed the hill and had a serene darshan. After a delicious meal at a local Brahmin hotel, we started our journey back to Bangalore, reaching by night. Our initial plan was to go to Palani, then next to Coimbatore, Ooty, Bandipur Forest, and back to Bangalore. We shopped for homemade chocolates in Kodaikanal and started our journey to Palani. After realizing that the rope car would take 2 hours, we decided to climb the hill by walking. We had a great darshan and a delicious meal at a nearby Brahmin hotel.
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| On the Way 2 Palani |
Day 6: Shopping and Departure
Shopping in Bangalore
We visited SP Road for electronic items, followed by a quick lunch of Meghana biryanis. I boarded my train from Yeswanthpur at 4:15 PM, reaching home the next day by 5 AM. We shopped at SP Road for electronic items for kids. A shop person suggested we visit Ratnakar for kids' toys, where we found almost everything we needed. Our plan was to visit Shivaji Military Hotel in Jayanagar, but time did not permit.
Conclusion
This trip, filled with laughter, adventure, and spiritual experiences, will always hold a special place in our hearts. The route maps and experiences shared here will hopefully assist fellow travelers in planning their journeys. Having a trip with friends creates lifelong memories, and this journey was no exception. The historical insights, route maps, and experiences shared here aim to assist fellow travelers in planning their adventures.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore and Hoganekkal Falls
Journey Begins:
- I reached Bangalore Yeswanthpur station from Lingampalli by Garib Rath.
- Opted for metro to Silk Institute, then took an auto to Electronic City for Rs. 250.
Meeting with Friends:
- Srinivas picked up Ramana and Brahmaji from Silk Board.
- Planned to visit Gagana Chukki and Bara Chukki Falls but decided on Hoganekkal Falls instead.
Hoganekkal Falls Experience:
- Started at 1 PM, reached by 4 PM.
- Enjoyed a boat ride costing Rs. 2500 along with tip to boatmen.
- Indulged in freshly cooked fish.
- Returned to Bangalore by 11 PM after a snack stop.
Day 2: Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls, Somanathapura, and Mysore Palace
Journey:
- Started early, reached Gaganachukki Falls by 12:30 PM.
- Headed to Somanathapura after enjoying the falls.
Somanathapura:
- Visited the Chennakesava Temple, an example of Hoysala architecture.
- Enjoyed the beauty of the temple. The small rain made the temple even more colorful.
Mysore Palace:
- Reached by 5 PM.
- Explored the palace and waited for the evening lights show.
- Visited Kaveri Emporium.
- Met Srinivas' brother Venkat and had dinner. The RRR biryani was a disappointment and a waste of money.
Day 3: Chamundi Hills and Madurai
Chamundi Hills:
- Visited Chamundeshwari Temple, completed darshan by 8:40 AM.
Journey to Madurai:
- Reached Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple by 5 PM.
- Explored the temple, enjoyed Jigarthanda and dinner at A2B Aanada Adyar Bhavan.
- Had a traditional South Indian Thali for lunch.
- Parked at the parking complex, deposited our phones in the locker, and had a great darshan.
Day 4: Koodal Azhagar Temple and Kodaikanal
Koodal Azhagar Temple:
- This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in a sitting posture, showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture.
- After a peaceful darshan, we headed towards Kodaikanal.
Exploring Kodaikanal:
- The journey through Nilgiri Hills was beautiful, and we reached Kodaikanal by 1 PM.
- Visited Guna Caves, various viewpoints, and finally Kodaikanal Lake.
- Enjoyed a bicycle ride around the lake.
- Found a comfortable room and had a relaxing night.
- In Madurai, stopped at Gowri Hotel for breakfast and enjoyed onion Vada, Idly, Dosa, and Filter Coffee.
- Dropped Vamsi at the Outer Ringroad of Madurai and headed towards Kodaikanal.
- Applied for an E-pass for Kodaikanal, which was required at the Nilagiri Hills Checkpost.
Day 5: Palani and Return to Bangalore
Palani:
- Visited Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple.
- Climbed the hill for darshan.
- Enjoyed a meal at a local Brahmin hotel.
- Started journey back to Bangalore, reaching by night.
Journey Back:
- Initial plan was to go to Palani, then next to Coimbatore, Ooty, Bandipur Forest, and back to Bangalore.
- Shopped for homemade chocolates in Kodai Kanal and started the journey to Palani.
- Realized that the rope car would take 2 hours, decided to climb the hill on walking.
- Had a great darshan and a delicious meal at a nearby Brahmin hotel.
Day 6: Shopping and Departure
Shopping in Bangalore:
- Visited SP Road for electronic items.
- Followed by a quick lunch of Meghana biryanis.
- Boarded train from Yeswanthpur at 4:15 PM, reaching home the next day by 5 AM.
Additional Shopping:
- Shopped at SP Road for electronic items for kids.
- A shop person suggested visiting Ratnakar for kids' toys, where we found almost everything we needed.
- Planned to visit Shivaji Military Hotel in Jayanagar, but time did not permit.
Route Maps and Tips for Fellow Travelers
- Bangalore to Hoganekkal Falls: Via NH44 and NH77, approximately 126 km.
- Bangalore to Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls: Via NICE Road and NH948, approximately 130 km.
- Somanathapura to Mysore: Approximately 36 km.
- Mysore to Chamundi Hills: Approximately 13 km.
- Mysore to Madurai: Via NH44, approximately 435 km.
- Madurai to Kodaikanal: Via NH44 and SH156, approximately 116 km.
- Kodaikanal to Palani: Via Kodai Ghat Road, approximately 63 km.
- Palani to Bangalore: Via NH44, approximately 366 km.
Conclusion
This trip, filled with laughter, adventure, and spiritual experiences, will always hold a special place in our hearts. The route maps and experiences shared here will hopefully assist fellow travelers in planning their journeys. Having a trip with friends creates lifelong memories, and this journey was no exception. The historical insights, route maps, and experiences shared here aim to assist fellow travelers in planning their adventures.
