Mekedatu

Eerie Jungle - Mattaga backwaters

We heard backwaters word many a times. Especially when traveling in Southern India .

And whenever the backwaters rings to our ear ; it is associated with Kerala. But there are many backwater excursions available in Karnataka itself. Some of them are of in the high Sahyadris ( dam backwaters ).  We have seen some absolutely beautiful places.

This time we were in Tirthahalli ; a small town surrounded by forest and plantations.  It is in between Sagar & Sringeri. Easily accessible from Chikmangalur / Halebidu. We thought it will be a typical touristy experience. It was supposed to be a surprising one. An experience of a lifetime was waiting for us!

Tirthahalli is famous for it's river, bridge and religious place ( Parashurama Kund - Ram Tirth ). Indeed one of the most cherishable place in our travel. Shallow waters ( winter & summer) flowing all around makes it a awesome bathing and swimming experience.  After swimming in the river  we went to lunch @ Malnad Club and headed towards Mattaga ( hardly 13 kms from the town .) The town itself is surrounded by the jungle. So as soon as we left it was all green. Slowly farms disappeared and we took a turn to the backwaters. At a junction we asked for road direction to a local farmer. Surprisingly he guided us correctly in perfect English. Which is a nice surprise when you hardly know the local language. Soon we were inside the forest. And the turn to the backwater came. It is called as "old road" A lonely deserted cement road which was covered with trees. From main road you can miss it. It looks like a broken one. But we ventured inside.

After a few minutes I thought to go back. But Raginee said once we are here ; so let's go and find out the backwaters. Three of us was in the car and not a single soul was around us. Cicadas were making very shrill noise in the forest. And it was really dark all around. In midsummer afternoon trees overshadowed the road. That cicada sound was so powerful that I lost my cool. I was repenting my decision and cursing the person who recommended the place to visit.Our car was like engulfed by the towering trees inside the jungle.

       Tall trees all around and climbers on it weaved the sky thickly. The small opening of land was leading us to the end of the forest. At last we reached to the backwaters. It was really beautiful . But the eerie sound was still in the air in afternoon. Some alcohol bottles were lying around . And at far distant we saw two figures in the forest. I clicked a few pictures of the place and small videos. Then bid good bye to the place. Again we had to do the same dark forest drive. Now it was familiar.

I am sharing this experience for those who may hear about it in Tirthahalli or from someone. And would love to visit it without much information.  First thing it is beautiful but one need not to risk himself / herself. If something goes wrong there is no one to help.If at all anyone wants to go ; use a local guide. Happy Journey!

                                                             grazing cows in the farm.

VIDEO 

wayanadu ( waynad - Everngreen Dream)

                                                  A dream with wide open eyes.

  Somewhere towards the Mysore. An alternate route with beautiful vistas.

when one is out of the shell called home . Many things becomes clearer first is the understanding towards surroundings and second of self.

the richness of nature reflects in set food music everything. Spices, bakery items, handicraft, architecture. Ayurveda, dance , cleanliness.

it is not only a nature but innate character of people. So many outside influences are pouring. Still local flavor is above of all.

After Mysore city border we saw this beautiful temple. ( Photography is not allowed inside ).  Must see place.

On the right side a beautiful lake and homes with coconut trees.A few kilometers after Mysore.

So beautiful and colourful trees intertwined . On Ooty road we went ahead ( 3 kms ) instead of turning for Sulthan Bathery. So took u turn . But the stop worth for a cup of coffee in the courtyard of the hotel with  beautiful garden.

Approximately 10 kms after Gundlepet the forest starts. It's really thick and thrilling. A domain of tigers, leopards, elephants and many more wild creatures. We saw spotted deers. But the ride was 100%  adventurous.

Huge bamboos were on our both sides. Some crumbled down others standing tall. It was their kingdom.

At last the forest changed into the typical evergreen scene. We were up on the hill. And suddenly we saw wide open space ( paddy field & beetle nut farm). 

On the way to Kalpetta ( approx. 3 kms from Sulthan Bathery ) we took a turn to the right. We were greeted by this huge Coffee plantation. Omnipresent Coffee plantations. It's so much everywhere . Sudden intervals of jungle and paddy fields changes the scenario.

The valley with the cloud toppings was looking really beautiful . So do the jungle ahead. We felt liked gone back into the past. No sign of modernity. And it was raining as well. A nice romantic atmosphere.  We thought let's celebrate.

And we landed to the Grand Bake House in Sulthan Bathery . A beautiful bakery with neatly arranged sweets, cakes, cookies, salty items along with many more things. We bought some cookies, homemade chocolates and coffee  It's really nice place to have snacks.

Next day morning we thought to explore the surroundings. It rained heavily previous evening. So I was not feeling well. Morning brought sunshine and lifted the mood. We turned for the Eddakal caves. A few kilomters from the Sulthan Bathery. Road is scenic . It offers new views on every turn. So this big rock was in front of us hidden in the forest and farms.

Everywhere around us we saw coffee plantation, banana farm, other spices etc...

Fortunately roads are really nice to drive. Thanks to Kerala Govt.

I heard those caves are pre historic. And surprised to see Christian carvings on the rocks. But soon realized it is done maybe in this century by some devout person. But the artwork was beautiful to see.

Sky was rich blue and shining sun. We were sweating also due to the humidity. Cool breeze was blowing intermittently. So a relief while climbing on the hill.

After climbing the hill everything can be seen around the nearby area. Otherwise it all is hidden by the green canopy while driving.

Some long distant we saw brutal cutting of hills. No option in this construction Era.

The cave is really small yet well maintained. Anyways the walk is really very nice. Everything is very clean and well maintained. Those who are interested into history / archeology they must visit it. Or else it can be skipped.

This cute monkey boy was trying to attract visitors. And I was just below him ; so grabbed the opportunity to frame it.

The height of trees is really height. I saw the tree covered by the red earth .

Finding variety of leaves, trees , fern , orchids, parasites is easy in Wayanad. A forest district of Kerala.

While returning from the caves we saw many shops on both sides.