My kids completed their exams and headed off to their grandparents' house with my wife. With some free time on my hands, my friend Srinivas, who is also single in Banglore, invited me to explore Kellady in Kerala. Fortunately, I was able to request some time off work, and my manager approved my plan. Thus began my spontaneous and thrilling trip to Chikmagalur.
Journey Begins
I set out on a Tuesday from Hyderabad to Bangalore by bus, choosing Go and Tour Travels. I boarded the bus in Bachupally at the scheduled time and arrived in Bangalore at 7 AM, where Srinivas picked me up. After a quick catch-up at the office and sharing the plan with my colleagues Venkat and Latheesh, they expressed interest in joining our trip.
Initially planning to visit Arunachalam and Puducherry, we decided to pivot towards Hampi. However, the extreme weather drove us to change our route and seek out Chikmagalur instead.
Discovering Chikmagalur
Latheeh drove us in his Hyundai Creta. The spaciousness of the car made our ride comfortable, allowing us to relax and take in the scenic views along the way.
On Friday evening, around 5 PM, we embarked on our journey from Electronic City towards Hassan, excited to sample authentic local cuisine. The locals had suggested Mamatha Restaurant, but unfortunately, it was closed. Instead, we settled for Reshma Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delightful meal of mutton, fish, and chicken. Everything was absolutely delicious!
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Mutton Biryani |
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Chicken chops |
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Fish fry |
Bellur: A Marvel of Architecture
On Saturday morning, we awoke and headed to the famous Chennakesava Temple in Belur by around 10 AM.
History and Architecture of Chennakesava Temple
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Garuda at Bellur Temple |
The Chennakesava Temple, a stunning example of Hoysala architecture, was built in the 12th century and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The intricate carvings depict tales from Hindu mythology, showcasing the immense artistic skill of the period. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its star-shaped design and detailed sculptures. The detailed craftsmanship is evident in its soapstone structure, particularly in its ornate ceilings, facades, and sculptures of deities.
After our visit, we enjoyed some refreshing sugarcane juice outside the Chennakesava Temple in Belur and had breakfast in the Belur town center. We then planned for some water sports near the Bhadra Dam, but the intense heat that day led us to decide to postpone the adventure for another time.
Exploring the Architectural Marvels of Halebidu
Continuing our journey, we made our way to Halebidu, Karnataka, a site that showcases architectural beauty akin to that of Belur. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as an exquisite example of Hoysala architecture. Built in the 12th century by the Hoysala dynasty under the reign of King Vishnuvardhana, this temple was constructed to commemorate his victory over the Cholas.
Renowned for its intricate sculptures and detailed carvings, the temple depicts various deities, mythological scenes, and elements of daily life, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark. As we entered the temple, we were blessed with a serene darshan, allowing us to deeply appreciate the craftsmanship and devotion embedded within its walls.
As we left, the weather shifted dramatically, providing a much-needed respite from the heat and further enhancing our experience at this remarkable site.
Belavadi Temple
Next, we visited the Belavadi temple, reaching there around 3:20 PM. We learned that the temple would not open for darshan until 4 PM, and it is managed by the Sringeri Sarada Math. The visit was worth the wait, as we had a blissful darshan of Veeranarayana Swamy, Venugopala Swamy, and Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy. The tranquility of the temple and the mesmerizing idols left us awestruck.
After visiting the Udbhava Ganapathi temple nearby, we enjoyed some tea and made our way back to the hotel, checking out at 6 PM after ordering some delicious food.
The Homestay at Chikmagalur
We then headed to Chikmagalur, with Latheesh sharing recommendations from friends about a place called "Estate Homestay," nestled in lush greenery. The ambience was stunning, complete with a campfire and options for tea or coffee. Each per-person charge was ₹800, which felt reasonable for such a remarkable setting. While summer is avoidable here, the rest of the season is highly recommended.
Arriving at the homestay by 8:30 PM, we requested a campfire and ordered food using Zomato and Swiggy. After a stimulating evening filled with discussions, we called it a night around 2 AM.
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Campfire @Estate Homestay, Chikmagluru |
- Mullayanagiri: View on Map
- Jhari Falls: View on Map
- Manikyadhara Falls: View on Map
In addition to these beautiful spots, we stumbled upon a gem for spices located in MG Road, Chikmagalur: Spice Shop on Map.
All of these locations are surrounded by charming homestays, and I highly recommend checking this place out: Homestay on Map.
If you're planning a trip to Chikmagalur, be sure to visit these spots for a truly memorable experience!
Adventure at Hebbe Falls
The next morning, after coffee and packing, we checked out by 11 AM and headed towards Hebbe Falls. After playing with our snacks on the way, we reached the point leading to the falls. We were met with the sight of four wild boars (indicative of the rich wildlife in the area) and were informed that no private vehicles are allowed since it's part of a Tiger Reserve.
For a nominal charge of ₹600 per person, we could access Hebbe Falls. The off-road experience was thrilling, and the final trek of about one kilometer to reach the falls was invigorating.
The Mesmerizing Falls
Reaching the falls felt like a refreshing reward after a good hike. The chilly water was simply energizing, and we took a liberating dip, enjoying every moment. Our driver instructed us to take about an hour to enjoy the falls fully, and we made sure to return on time before heading back to Bangalore.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Return
After enjoying the beauty of nature, we began our journey back to Bangalore around 4 PM. We made a stop for a light lunch before navigating through changed routes and heavy traffic. We finally reached Electronic City around 11:20 PM, where we relished a satisfying dinner at Areseney Donne Biryani.
Latheesh dropped me at my place while Venkat and Latheesh returned home by 12:30 AM. This trip to Chikmagalur, although unplanned, turned out to be an adventurous and memorable experience filled with exploration, culture, and friendship.
Map & Information for Travelers
If you're planning a visit to Chikmagalur or the surrounding areas, check out Google Maps for the best routes, local eateries, and accommodations. Do keep an eye on the weather and try to avoid summer for a more pleasant experience!
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