Nature and wilderness - Kabini and all around !

About the destination

Kabini - what else other than Tiger sighting! Yes, Tiger sighting plus there are other places to see as well. Kabini forests themselves are quite fascinating and many other wildlife. We also made it a good trip by adding a few beautiful destinations by the river Cauvery.

Trip Plan

Trip members: Karthik, Sathish Raja, Lokesh
Trip date:  27, 28 July 2019
Trip Plan : Chennai - Kabini (Dhommanakatte) - Kutta - Srimangala - Kutta - HD Kote - Talakkad - Shivanasamudra - Mekedatu

We started the trip by car from Tambaram by 9 PM on Friday evening after having dinner. The route we took was Tambaram - Ambur - Hosur - Kanakapura Road - Handpost - Dhommanakatte.

Day-1 -  The morning safari at Kabini

We reached the Dhommanakatte post at 5:25 AM. Looks like the bus safari mode has changed recently, giving more options and timings for tourists. The safari is one on a bus and tickets for safari can be bought 1 hour before the safari timings. One needs to be mindful of the crowd that would queue on the weekend/appropriate seasons. Tickets are issued at morning 5:30 AM for the first safari. The timings are as below.

Weekends and Government holidays:

• Rates
• Rs.350 per adult, Rs.175 per child
• Timings
• 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM, 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
• 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 6 PM

Weekdays:

• Rates
• Rs.500 per adult, Rs.250 per child

We cited a tiger, thousands of spotted deer, Indian gaurs in the safari. The tiger was laying down by the pathway in the forests in Zone A. The tiger roamed in the front of the bus and slipped away into the forest. Photography was a challenge for the lack of enough light in the early morning.

Mongoose

A Repeat of Safari

We did the second safari immediately - at 07:30 AM as well as the safari bus had not started by the time we came back and tickets were available as well. The second safari was luckier as we cited Tiger again, this walked by the bus we went. Again, we saw various wildlife, like spotted deer, mongoose, colorful birds - woodpeckers, kingfishers, and peafowls.

After satisfactory safaris, we had breakfast nearby at Tasty Hotel - Kerala food - vegetarian and non-veg food was quite good. Aapams, oothappams, Pooris, and gravies.

Kabini Lake

Post breakfast, we planned to go to Irupu falls and do rafting at Srimangala. First, we visited the Kabini lake near the Kabini Lake View Resort. The massive lake is a treat to watch from many points in Kabini. We walked down to touch the water and enjoy the chillness.

We started the drive towards Srimangala via - Tholpetty - Kutta - Srimangala. The whole route was absolutely beautiful in the monsoons. The curvy clean roads and the lush bright green surroundings are an absolute treat from nature. 

River Rafting and Body Surfing at Srimangala

We reached Srimangala around 11:30. One has to reach to T.Settigere - around 1 km from Srimangala. Rafting happens on the Barapole river - a rocky segment which is ideal for lots of fun. The rafting charge was Rs.800 per person and it went for around 40 minutes. The rafting stream had 4 rapids - a couple of them are class 2 and a couple of them are class 3. After the debriefing and safety aspects, we started the ride.

This rafting requires quite a bit of pedaling as the river is narrow and water is less compared to bigger rivers like Ganges or Beas if you have done rafting in those places. The rapids Good morning and Grasshopper were good, to begin with, while Wicked witch and Big bang are very good. The Big bang was absolutely fun as there was a freefall followed by a bigger dip of water and ensuring a great experience! We also did body surfing for 10 minutes - safe with helmet and jackets. Looking back into the river after the 4th rapid was absolute fun :).

We did not take any photographs for Rs.1400 that were offered for. Hence, it is etched in our memories. If you like to see it ... experience it :)

Irupu Falls

It was almost 2 PM when we had our lunch at Ayyappa mess at Srimangala. The meals were ok. We then reached Irupu falls by 3 PM. The falls in monsoon were running full-on steam and the white milk-like flow was fantastic to see. I missed taking a dip on the chill waters while others did so. We spent around 45 minutes in the falls - followed by heavy rains for some time.

The plan was to ride across Nagarhole sanctuary towards Hunsur checkpost via the Kutta checkpost. The checkpost would not permit vehicles after 6 PM. We ensured we stick to the time and entered around 5:45. The ride was quite memorable with pleasant views all around in the forest. We cited few Indian gaurs, peacocks, spotted deer all along the route.

We reached HD Kote around 8 PM. We had booked rooms at Hotel Royal Inn - the rooms are quite spacious, clean and nice mattresses. The hotel is just opposite to Heggadadevankote Bus Station. We had some local snacks around in the breezy-moist evening and spent time around. We had dinner at a local restaurant - Sumi - parottas and gravies.

Enroute HD Kote

Day-2 

What else - One more safari!

The day started around 4 AM; reached the Dhommanakatte post at 5:30 for the morning safari. Unlike Saturday morning, it was quite crowded and we got our tickets on the third bus for the morning. We got to see an elephant, deers, peacock, mongoose in this safari.

We returned back at 7:45 from the safari and slot for the second safari was closed. We had breakfast and proceeded towards Taraka Dam. People are allowed inside the Taraka Dam, however, the view around is nice. Greens all around and the massive storage, who does not like to see it! We also stopped across Marigold fields and captured those moments.

The Fresh Itinerary

We returned to the room, checked out, had lunch at Hotel Sumi, and planned our trip back to Chennai. Yeah .. planned based on the time and importance of what we want to see! We decided to do one at a time - Talakad to take a dip in the bustling Cauvery river.

Talakad

We reached Talakad Cauvery basin point in 2 hours from HD Kote. The place was quite crowded, yet the mighty Cauvery river was accommodating as much as one needs! We spent around 20 minutes in the water, freshened up, and never want to leave the waters! 

Sivanasamudra

Next spot - Sivanasamudra - we reached the Barachukki Waterfalls Viewpoint in 1 hour from Talakad. The route was blessed with dark clouds, a pleasant breeze, and curvy roads all along. Sunday evening is expected to attract any tourist, nonetheless in the monsoons! As we entered the area through the Wesley bridge, the dark clouds started to pour heavily. We stayed back in the car in the parking area patiently till the clouds took a break. The grand view of the falls was just in front of us. The waterfalls almost looked like being in full brink. We spent around 15 - 20 minutes hearing the roaring sound of waters and the sprawling view beneath. We enjoyed hot Madhur vadas, bhajjis before we left the place.

It was 5 PM then, and the final spot we planned was Mekedatu. The Google maps said the place shall be closed by the time we reach, still, we decided to go ahead. We did so and were the last car allowed inside at 6:15 PM luckily - covering a distance of 89 km. We took the route of - Barachukki Waterfalls - Malavalli - Halaguru - Sathanuru - Take right - reach Kanakapura - Sangham road and then Mekedatu. The 3-4 steep hairpin bends were a fun otherwise a low range ghat road to reach Mekadatu.

Mekadatu

Mekadatu is similar to Hogennakal - rocky plains and sprawling water all around. Coracle rides are available; however, as we went late, we could not make it. We spent hardly 10 minutes before the security guards, secured the place. 

We did spend some time in a spot en route at an unnamed viewpoint. Almost, every tourist stopped by to take photographs and spend time relaxed. The panoramic view was quite exhilarating.

Started back to Chennai around 7 PM from Mekadatu - had a mediocre dinner at Hotel Prashant in Bangalore; and reached Chennai by 2:30 AM!

Trip to Vrindhavan, Mathura, Gokul and Agra

About the destination

Always wanted to cover the religious destinations of Vrindavan, Mathura, and Gokul. My colleague had a wishlist for Agra. Then, built the trip accordingly.

Trip Plan

Trip members: Karthik, Nandha
Trip date:  23 June 2019
Trip Plan: New Delhi - Vrindavan - Mathura - Gokul - Agra - New Delhi

Start from Gurgaon

I went to Gurgoan on an official trip, there was a day on the weekend available and planned to visit Vrindavan, Mathura, Gokul, and Agra. With scorching heat all around in New Delhi and surrounding states, we tried to give the best effort of things to see and move on rather than the regular type of cover all possible things in the area!

We started the day by 4 AM from Gurgaon and reached Vrindhavan around 07:15.

Vrindavan

Vrindavan is 12 km ahead of Mathura, one of the oldest cities and known for Lord Krishna spending his childhood days. The town hosts thousands to temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Very popular old temples include Banke Bihari Temple, Madan Mohan temple, Radha Govinda temple, Rangji Temple, and some more. It is advised to take a local auto to cover all popular temples.

At 7:15, it was highly humid and hot. We first visited the Banke Bihari Temple. The temple was established by Swami Haridas. The temple was very crowded and queue management was poor by the temple authorities as well as police. Lots of elders and newborns were part of the crowd and suffered. There are 4 small doors, which are used for both entry and exit and no regulation. We squeezed in through one and came out through the other!

Beware of Monkey Menace!

Also, be aware of monkeys, they pick up glasses/specs that are being worked by people and throw it back when some food is offered. It also looks like a trained practice! So, horrible for tourists!

We came out of Banke Bihari temple and it was already hot. We planned to go to Mathura next, maybe, we should have visited Rangji temple. There are several websites claiming Krishna Janmabhoomi as Divya Desam and so as this temple.

Mathura

We drove next to Mathura - Krishna Janmabhoomi. We got dropped at a parking space and took the western entrance. There was no crowd here. Mobiles and cameras are not allowed. Cloakrooms are available for Rs.2 per device. Krishna Janmabhoomi has 2 major things to see - one, the place where Lord Krishna was born and the other, the main temple. The temple had been destroyed and rebuilt several times - every time it was pulled down by Mughal emperors. There is a Muslim prayer area created by Aurangazeb. The small room where Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell is a worship place. This is next to the main temple. The timings are 5 AM - 12 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM.

We had hot kachori, puri, and sabji - street food is quite popular in Mathura. It was a good simple breakfast!

Gokul

Next, we reached Gokul. Gokul is around 10 km from Mathura. Sri Navamohana Krishna Perumal Temple (Thiruvaaipaadi) is a Divya Desam temple located in Gokul (known as Ayarpadi). Sri Krishna born in Mathura was brought up by Nandagopal and Yasodha in Aayarpadi (Gokulam). This is the place where Sri Krishna spent all of his childhood days. It was difficult to locate this temple as per the maps as the streets and walkways are narrow and going around and around. Nand Mahal is the name mostly being referred locally. Temple timing is 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM.

One can visit the Gokul barrage, Yamuna river, and then visit the temple. Govind Ghat is the Yamuna river ghat near the temple. There are tourist boat rides offered here. Car parking is difficult, needs to be stopped by the ghat and not within the town of Gokul as what Google maps show. It was sweltering heat here and we had some lemon-pudina juice.

Agra

We then started towards Agra. Around 11:30 AM, we crossed Sikandara and stopped by. Akbar's tomb, which is an important Mughal architectural splendor, is located in Sikandara. Akbar's tomb is around 8 km on NH before the Taj Mahal. The main entrance is very grand compared to the inner mausoleum. The main structure is all made of red stones; the minarets and the domes made of marbles resemble the structure of the Taj Mahal. We spent around 25 - 30 minutes here.

We then had lunch in Agra of our choice. I had just curd rice and masala papad in Hotel Udupi Krishna Vilas. It was ok. We then visited the Taj Mahal. The weather was a big horror - sun soaring in 40+ degrees Celsius.

The Taj

There are three - Eastern, Western, and Southern. We took the Western entrance. Southern was closed when we went and Eastern is mostly where the crowds are heavy. Rickshaws and battery-operated vehicles for Rs.10 each are available from the parking area to the ticketing area - a distance of around 400-500m. The western too had too much of crowd. Common entry tickets are Rs.50 and Rs.250. The Rs.250 tickets are just to bypass the ticket queue as well as the main entrance - nothing more. We took tickets from the counter with the help of a guide who took some commission, which we could have avoided. Rs.250 had no queue at all and we ended up wasting money on the guide. Be careful with the same

Taj - no words required! Just go and enjoy the monument - one the massive and beautiful ones on the planet. We spent around 2 hours inside the premises. We came out by 3 PM - totally exhausted. We had time but the weather was not permitting. We skipped Govardhan in the morning while Agra fort was a possibility and so was Fatehpur Sikri. We returned back to Delhi.

Paranthe Wali Gali @ Delhi

We reached Delhi airport by 8 PM. We took the Airport metro and reached Chandni Chowk through the Yellow line around 9:30 PM. We looked for Paranthe Wali Gali and took help from locals to reach there. There were 3-4 shops selling hot deep-fried Parathas - each shop had around 25 varieties of parathas. We got a place to sit at PT. Kanhaiya Lal Durgaprashad Prashad Dixit Parawthe Wala. Surely, this is one unique place for parathas in the world! They give 6 sides including a chutney, sweet and sour ras with banana, sweet pumpkin sides, and a couple of potato gravies - one mild and one spicy. The parathas were very good and unique - we ordered 5 and shared between us.

We also had lassi and rabadi to finish dinner. We walked down to Red Fort. We witnessed Red fort with lights. We took a few clicks and walked back to Chandni Chowk metro station.

We reached the airport around 11:30 PM and came back to Chennai by 2 AM flight.

Hogenakkal Falls

About the destination

Hogenakkal waterfalls on the Cauvery river is an amazing gift of nature. The deep dive of water on the rocky terrain makes the place a great tourist destination. Hogenakkal is 330 km from Chennai and 90 km from Krishnagiri. This is an apt weekend getaway, especially, post monsoons.

Trip Plan

Trip members: Karthik, Sanjeev, Siva, and Michael
Trip date: 7, 8 June 2019
Trip Plan: Chennai - Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Hogenakkal - Ambur - Chennai

Route:: Chennai - Vellore - Ambur - Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Hogenakkal - Ambur - Chennai

Distances

• Tambaram - Hogenakkal – 330 km (6.5 hours)
• Tambaram – Dharmapuri – 282 km (4.5 hours)
• Dharmapuri – Hogenakkal – 47 km (1.5 hours)
• Vellore - Hogenakkal – 210 km (3.5 hours)
• Krishnagiri – Dharmapuri – 49 km (1 hour)
• Krishnagiri – Hogenakkal – 89 km (2 hours)

Day-1   Night stay at Dharmapuri

We started from Tambaram around 5:30 PM and it was almost 7 PM when we crossed Vellore for all the Friday evening traffic. Around 8:45 PM, we stopped for dinner at Hotel Sai Sangeeth after crossing Ambur. There were quite a variety of items on the menu - type of idlies, dosas, parottas, idiyappam, and much more. It was difficult to get a seat and the place was crowded. The food were all very food and so were the sides. Very good restaurant for taste and quality. We were planning to halt overnight in Dharmapuri or Krishnagiri based on our tiredness and traffic.

It was around 10 PM that we crossed Krishnagiri and we decided to end the day. We picked some local knowledge in a restaurant to locate a hotel by the highway. We reached Hotel MGM Siva Grand on the highway towards Dharmapuri. They charged Rs.950 for non-AC and Rs.1950 for AC rooms. We took 2 non-AC rooms, the rooms were very clean, spacious and individual cots. No-frills rooms and more than enough for a night's sleep.

Day-2     Early start and always a WIN!

We started the day exactly at 6 AM. We set directions to Hogenakkal - very fine and nice roads. One needs to take the service lane near Dharmapuri and go beneath the bridge to take right towards Hogenakkal. The direction and distance boards are sufficiently put up to go by. We stopped for a tea break on the SH. We reached Hogenakkal through the 10 km curvy roads by the foothills.

A fee of Rs.70 is collected for every car as an entry fee for tourists. There are 2 parking areas in Hogenakkal - one that is a common one and one run by TTDC for a fee of Rs.30. We reached the parking area around 8:30 and there were around 35 cars before us. We were an early entrant too. A "parisal" - coracle man approached us and guided us to the TTDC parking area. We spoke to him and he charged us Rs.1500 for 2-3 hours of taking us around for a couple of falls and sand-laden areas to enjoy the waters. The Coracle is charged Rs.750 by the government and one needs to buy the ticket first. They also provide the life jackets, that one has to wear all the time. During crowded times, people have to wait for their turn to get the life jacket from returning tourists though a coracle might be ready for them.

We had breakfast at the local eatery - not very hygienic or tasty - but, just some food - idlies, puri, and dosas. We just gulped something for breakfast and entered the falls area.

Venturing into the waters

Hogenakkal is the entry point of the Cauvery river into Tamilnadu from Karnataka. The area is rocky giving way to the river to flow as falls in several areas in clusters. The place just receiving some water as the KRS dam was open in Karnataka. The water levels were good enough for comfortable navigation through the "Parisal" - circular lightweight boat - known as Coracle. The path is taken by Coracle changes based on the water level and view of the falls from time to time. There are so many places where waterfalls and we did see around 7 - 8 places.

The Coracle man was ready to take right beneath the falls and get wet, however, we were carrying mobile and cameras and declined. After around 20-25 minutes of the ride, we reached the sand-laden area near the Coracle jetty of Karnataka. We had taken some snacks with us and the boatman bought us water from the Karnataka jetty. The water was upto hip level, flowing at moderate speed, lots of small fishes biting us around the feet, we enjoyed the location, dipping, and playing in the water for around 45 minutes and slowly finishing off the snacks as well!

The boatman next took towards the entry point and let us enjoy a waterfall for almost 1 hour. The heavy flow of water from a small height was wonderful at hip level waters, with lots of fish biting the feet. Absolute indulgence in water from the sweltering heat of Chennai! We never felt enough, and after an hour, we unanimously felt satisfied to come out by 11:45 AM!

Places to see nearby

We quenched our thirst with some lemon sodas and set sight to the Crocodile Farm. The crocodile rehabilitation center is just a few 100m from the waterfalls. The entry fee is Rs.10 per person. They have around 100 crocodiles and takes 10 minutes to go around. All ages would like to have a quick look in the shaded area.

We start our drive back to Chennai - stopped enroute to buy some local mangoes near Krishnagiri, our biryani lovers had lunch at Ambur while I had lunch - meals at Hotel Sai Sangeeth located inside Ambur - 400m from the NH. The meals in Sai Sangeeth was quite average - in taste and quality. We reached back to Chennai around 6 PM.