Day Trip to Shivanasamudra and Talakad

When my sister and her family visited us during Dussera holiday, we were looking for a short one day outing from Bangalore. After a lot of discussions we decided for the trip to Shivanasamudra falls. With kids very excited about the trip, we hit the road early morning. Once we were out of Bangalore, we stopped at a small eatery in Kanakpura road. We had south Indian breakfast and tea before we started our journey once again. Road was well maintained and morning drive was good. Our first stop was at Barachukki waterfalls. After parking our vehicle we had sugarcane juice before everyone started walking towards the fall. One of the monkey snatched juice glass from hands of my five year old son and having feast upon it on roadside. After having a loud monkey laugh, mood was on high. It got elevated when we reached to the viewing point. Fall was not at its peak but still it was full flow of water pouring down from the rocky cliffs. It was a first visit to falls for my nephews and they were delighted. Our next stop was Gaganchukki falls. We passed along river Kaveri passing some old bridges. Soon we reached to Gaganchukki falls which is much bigger than Barachukki falls. There is a view point downstairs. A loud noise from gushing water makes the view more memorable. The greenery around the falls and milky white mist water are the sights, to be remembered for long. From here I could see the first hydropower plant of India built by GE. Karnataka tourism maintains a nice resort and restaurant here. A delicious lunch here makes the trip complete.

After an hour rest we started for Talakadu which is at further half an hour drive. Roads were beautifully laid and one will get to cross few bridges which will give a beautiful view of Kavery river flowing in full brim. We could also enjoy beautiful paddy fields along our drive. The place is famous for sandy river bank. It was a big crowd when we reached. It was a feel and ambience of beach there. We had a coracle ride in Kaveri. It was a lovely place where we enjoyed in the water. The drive back to Bangalore was full of talk about beautiful pictures we took and moments we enjoyed there.

Jog Falls Trip

It was end of September and Monsoon was finished just a month back. Our family planned for Jog falls trip. It was a trip after a long time. We had late night train from Bangalore and anticipating traffic on the weekend we started little early for station. We had to wait for few hours there. My son was carrying his tiny toy car and so he started playing with his grandfather. Train came on time and we were settled comfortably in our berths. Next morning when we woke up we found the train halted at a small station for long. There was some problem on track ahead due to night long rain. This station was too small and there was not even a tea shop. Fortunately it was near to the state highway and there were two small roadside eateries nearby. We had tea and packed some idly for our breakfast. Train started after few hours and reached to its last destination Talaguppa late. This was not a big station as well but one can easily get taxis. We hired one to reach our resort.

We had bookings in Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa which is placed just in front of Jog falls. When our taxi reached to the resort, we could clearly hear the magnificent sound of falls and could smell the cool breezes in the atmosphere. This is the best place to stay in Jog. Rooms have a very clear view of falls through its fifteen feet wide open windows. All the rooms are too much comfortable to give a relaxed and soothing holiday experience to the travellers and the tourists. After getting ready we went to cafeteria first as we reached late and everyone was hungry enough, to not wait for a view of falls from nearby. Cafeteria was housefull and we had to wait for long to get seat. Once food was served the complaints of waiting vanished as the food was delicious. After the lunch we went to the viewpoint. Falls was not at its peak as monsoon was passed sometime back but still magnificent. The drop from so high cliff to very down in the valley is mesmerizing. There are so many segmented falls part of Jog but four are the main; Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer falls. For some of us it was a first visit to any falls. We had some good clicks there and my son also displayed his new photography skills. We set at viewpoint for more than an hour. Weather was hot and humid. After a tea we went to our room and had a sleep. I woke up just before evening and went for a walk outside falls area. In late evening we went to the musical fountain in the resort campus. It was not a great show but a good addition in the list of a tourist. In dinner cafeteria was almost vacant and we had delicious dinner again. We had another view of thundering falls in dark night before going for sleep.

Next morning we woke up early and went for a walk. Walking around the falls when sun is still not upon us, gives very refreshing joy. Today water in falls was more as water was released from dam for some maintenance work. It was better and bigger. We checked out from resort and hired a taxi for local sight seeing. Driver took us to Shravathi nature camp where we did boating in the dam. We also visited Raja stone and hanging rope bridge before driver dropped us back in resort. We had plenty of time and so we just sat in front of falls for few hours before going back to Talaguppa station. This small journey goes among water bodies and beetle orchards. Near station we found a decent small restaurant and got the food packed for night. Train started and reached Bangalore on time. In early morning, heavy rain just like Jog welcomed us at station and we found difficulty in coming out and getting a taxi. Once we reached home, we were with sweet memories of Jog trip.

So You Want to Know About The Environment

I received the book "So You Want to Know About The Environment" as a surprise courier from my brother. Reading it wasn't in my plan. Out of curiosity I went through few pages to understand the context of the book but once I started I could not leave it in the middle.

This book written by Bijal Vachharajni is a delightful and informative read. This is a must read for people who wants to know about Climate change, Food, Waste, Water and Wildlife. Book gives enough information to understand the linkage between our habits and changes in environment. It communicates clearly that its up to us to save our planet and each of us are able to make some contribution from our end to keep our environment green. Author should be appreciated for bringing the facts with lighter notes, stories and jokes. I sincerely wish that this book should be added as part of curriculum for children. This will inspire them and everyone, to bring change that will save our Earth.