Sweet Memories

Kodachadri - Biker's Paradise

2012-01-29T09:37:00.001+05:30

WARNING!!! MUST WEAR HELMET WHILE RIDING THIS TERRAIN

Day One

Our plan was to start from Kasaragod at 6 P.M but due to workload unable to start at right time. Around 6:45 PM left showroom. Me and Raviraj on my Blackbird and Dhanooj and Manoop on GS150R.

Sunrise scenery

Our aim is reach Mulki as early possible, after the crossing Talapady heavy traffic started it was very difficult to keep the bikes on study speed. When we reached Mangalore Dhanooj started to saying that he was hungry…. needs some food…. and asking to Ravi “is there any temple which offers a delicious food? Pretty guy…!

Raviraj

When we reached Panambur goodstrain was passing across the road it carries goods from factory, it will tookwhole 10 minutes to cross the road, road condition was good around 9 P.Mentered Mulki town, our first aim is searching a good lodging, So Dumped ourbags at Punaroor Tourist home and rushed to Hotel Lalith Mahal, because we werevery hungry especially Danooj…

Manoop and Dhanooj

Day Two

Vacated room at sharp 5 P.M andheaded towards Kolluru, Ravi took GS150R Me and Dahnooj on Black bird Danoojrefused to sit on his GS150R, first Iwondered but later I found the reason that he wants avoid morning cold wind hitting to the chest if he sit behind me then easily hide behindme.

Superb road

Around 7:15 A.M reached Kundapuraand stopped for a tea and hot wada, as soon as crossed Gangolly a beautifulsunrise scenery found my right leg automatically pressed brake…. again stopped for20 minutes and took some photographs. Around 8:45 A.M reached Kolluru via Vandse… superb tarmaced road passesthrough Mookambika wild life sanctuary. After visiting temple, had someChitranna and Wada’s at small hotel and headed towards Kodachadri, which iscalled bikers challenge.

Me and My 'bird

Dhanooj and his 'Muttu'

School girls returning home after Republic day flag host

Kolluru temple arch

Inside Mookambika temple

Statue inside the temple

Temple elephant

Temple surroundings

Flower stall

Total distance between Kolluru and Kodachadri is 40Kms, road passes via Nagodi, Nitturu & Gaourikere. Narrow winding road goes between dense forests only some private vehicles and buses runs on this route. On the way we found 15 to 20 foreigners ridding their Royal Enfield’s. After crossing Nittur reached the small junction called Gourikere from here Kodachadri road starts……. and it’s really challenging.

Village House

Near Nagodi

Foreigners riding Royal Enfield

First8 Km narrow tarmaced road and road condition also not bad, but after that realchallenge starts…from here one has to travel 7KM to reach Kodachadri and roadcondition was worst, after traveling few kilometers dangerous hairpin curvestarts, only four wheel drive jeeps plays service around this route and theycharges Rupees two hundred per passenger or Rupees 1200 for special trip, Insome places only 3 wheels of the jeep touching the ground… now you can imaginehow tough it was.

Resting on the way

One of such a curve my Birdssilencer hit to the ground. 4 to 5 such a steep curve was there GS150R was easilyclimbed the hill its high ground clearance and short upswept exhaust helped alot. After crossing these hairpin bend aplain place reached… it’s really marvelous here we met two guys on their redcoloured Pulsar 150, they were coming from Shimoga. Took lots of snaps andcontinued.

Dhanooj pushing my 'bird

4x4 Must.......

Scenery on the while climbing the hill

Plain stage after the dang ours hairpin curve

The Road

Parwateshwara Temple

Fromhere road was good till the end, at 12:30 Reached the dead end of the road, visitedthe Parwateshwara temple and took some biscuits and cup of tea at temple priesthouse and start to descending the hill. Here I really appreciate Ravi who wasriding down the hill with great control with minimum ground hit...

Temple Surroundings

Temple priest's house

Pound

Kids playing

My 'bird posing

Tried and tested 'Muttu'

Broken side stand spring

while descending hill my sidestand base hit to the ground and spring came off. Return route was same so westopped at Nittur for lunch and took delicious lunch and returned viaKundapura, Udupi, and Mangalore. On the way stopped at Padubidri and took somefood and continued the journey. From Kumbla junction Dhanooj and Manu tookKasaragod route, me and Raviraj towards Badiadka and reached home at 10:45 P.M.

Belur and Halebidu Trip

2011-12-30T16:13:00.000+05:30

Aftercompleting my Kodagu- Mysore trip I had planned to make Hassan trip but mainproblem is it’s impossible to cover whole district within a day, so decided toshorten the route and planned for Belur and Halebidu of Hassan district, on Sunday.

Hariprasad and Sanath

On 25^th of December 2011 at sharp0315hrs I got a call from Raviraj, Santosh and Sanath started fromMulleriya and hRaviraj, Hariprasad and Prasahant joining them on the way, So Itook my Black bird and went from house, my plan was join them at Puttigejunction at Perla.

Water evaporation

Raviraj

Sunrise

Around 0345hrs they reached, and continued ourjourney. Our first stop was at Vittlafrom there we headed towards Charmadi via B.C Road and Ujire. After crossingB.C Road chill wind start to interrupt our speed, till there it was very hard totrace the tail lamp of GS150R . On the way we got an opportunity to shootbeautiful sun rise scenery.

After crossing 11 Km from Ujire reached avillage called Charmadi, from here onward on has to climb steep ghat section toreach Kottigehara which is located at the top of the Ghat section. It alsoconnects Dakshina Kannada to Chikmagaluru District. Winding narrow road betweengreen western ghat really enchanting to the mind.

Charmadi ghat section

Scenery from the top of Charmadi ghat

My Black Bird

Around 0830 hrs reached Kottigehara and took a break for Breakfast. Everybody is shivering with cold atmosphere. After eating couple of hot Idli, vada and Neer dose (thin dosa made out of rise), headed towards our next destination i.e. Belur.

Village Road

En route to Belur

Belur temple complex

Kottigehara to Belur road is a plain straightroad, road condition also reasonably good except few meters of bad stretches atsome places which was going under construction. When we reached near Mudigere Ravi was talkingabout lack of pick up in his pulsar.

So we swap ourbikes till Halebeedu. Actually this pulsar tuned to lean mixture, so gives excellent fuel efficiency but does not have the grunt generally it has, once itslow down it's very difficult to bring it on normal pace. Totaldistance between these places is 48KM., so without much fatigue reached Beluraroundt 1015hrs.

Belur is located in Hassan District; it was early capital of theHoysala Empire, the main attraction is Sri Chennakeshava temple complex, with excellent architectural style and attractive carvings. In this complexanother small temple called Kappe chennigaraya temple apart from thisVeeranarayana temple, Ranganayaki (Andal) temple also located inside thiscomplex. Lamp post in front of the temple is very attractive and small Kalyani(tank) also there.

Inside the temple

Lamp post

Tourist posing to the photograph

Kalyani inside temple complex

Our nextdestination was Halebidu around 1145hrs we started from Belur, road conditionis good and just 16km distance covered within 20 minutes. As soon as reachedHalebidu fresh tender coconut attracted us and it’s very cheaper they sell itfor just Rupees 5 to 10. I don’t know how can they manage. Hariprasad start toenquire about the source of coconut, vender told they are locally cultivated. atanother side Santosh asking about money back guarantee because he got onlycoconut water and it doesn’t contain pulp insde! Bad luck .

Statue of Nandi (Bull)

Ganesh Idol

Halebidu was the regal capital of the HoysalaEmpire in 12the century. The temple complex comprised two temples Hoysaleshwaraand Kedareshwara temple. A big Nandi (bull) statue also built there. Afterspending an hour came out side of the temple complex. We decided to take lunch at Hassan so tooksome fruits to curb our starving and headed towards Hassan.

Halebidu Circle

Halebidu town

Lake

As soon as cross the main circle of Belur asuperb huge lake was found. Here I must say one thing when I was sharing mytrip experiences with my friend, she asked me “Did you noticed the big riverbehind temple?” ….? I hope now you definitely got the idea of how big itis.

After taking some of the snaps we continued ourjourney towards Hassan. On the way a unique red colored farm was found, westopped our motorcycle and get inside the farm after crossing some of the Jowar field reached near that farm whichconsists small red coloured flowers, drip irrigation also provided for that we areunable to recongise it,

Jowar field

took somesnaps and back to the road. After crossing few kilometer again we saw anotherunique field it consist of full of violate flowers when we enquired about thoseflowers with some of the natives they told it was a herbal flowers used formedicine. It’s seeds cost Rs. 5000 per Kg.

En route to Hassan.... finishing the fruits

Around1430hrs entered Hassan city and search for a good hotel and succeeded to foundone. I and Hariprasad took typical Hassan lunch “Mudde Uta” rest of them tookrise and chapattis. Lunch was very tasty, it consists Rice bowl, Sambar,Vegetable sabji, Ragi ball. Pickle, a glass of buttermilk and chili bonda.(Mensinkai bajje)

Mudde Uta

Near Sakleshpur

After lunchtook one hour rest and started our return journey via Sakleshpur, Shiradi ghat,Uppinagadi. Kalladka, Vittla route, took dinner at Uppinangadi and reached homeat 2250hrs.

Shiradi ghat is one of its worst condition, descending this road is horrible experience, we have to use even first gear, it wasted lots of time. Totally it was a wonderful trip to all of us; the total distance of the trip is 399KM.

From my backyard.......

2011-11-20T16:58:00.001+05:30

Exploring Coorg and Mysore on two wheels.......

2011-08-28T13:07:00.033+05:30

From June onwards I am planning to take a rainy tour around hill areas of Karnataka, on July last week when I saw news on TV9 that describes the heavy downpour of Kodagu I thought this is the right time, and waiting for two days off. At last on August 14^th & 15^th my dream comes true……..

On the way

clouds

Morning at sharp 4:30 started from home weather was cloudy with sprinkling rain just passing 5km shower started, after picking my friend Raviraj from near Badiadka headed towards Kanhangad. Rain was stopped road condition was also reasonably good.

Scenery near Bhagamandala

around 5:30A.M reached Mavungal on NH 66 (old No. NH 17) and took diversion towards east our next destination was Talakaveri When we reached Bhagamandala junction It was 9:30 A.M stopped for breakfast after taking dosa and coffee headed towards Talakaveri the place which is generally considered to be the source of the Cauvery River. It is located in the Brahmagiri hill near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka

It was located 1,276 m. above sea level. After riding 8 KM through winding roads reached Talakaveri. It’s already 10AM but nothing was visible due to fog, lot of patience required to take a good picture

Talakaveri temple

The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Caveriamma. Other deities worshipped here are Lord Agastheeswara, which denotes the link between Cauvery and Sage Agasthya and Maha Ganapathi.

The legend goes that, the Cauvery river was held in a Kamandalua (a container of sacred water) by Sage Agasthya. took the form of a crow and perched on the kamandala of Agasthya when Agasthya was meditating. When Agasthya realised this, he shooed away the crow.

But the Divine Crow tipped the kamandala and toppled it. Out poured Cauvery which started flowing. The crow disappeared and in its place stood a small boy. Agasthya thought that the boy was playing some prank and clenching both his fists, went to pound the head of the small boy. But the boy escaped and Agasthya gave chase. Finally the boy vanished and Lord Ganesha showed Himself to Agasthya. Agasthya was aghast at the realisation that he had just tried to knock the head of Ganesha Himself. As atonement, he knocked his own head with both of his clenched fists.

Descending Talakaveri

After visiting sacred pound and temple, started to climb the hill which is situated backdrop of the temple, one has to climb around 400 steps to reach the hill top it was really a nice experience. When we reached top of the hill rain started and stopped after five minutes, due to fog nothing is visible.After descending the hill returned to Bhagamandala and visited Bhagandeshwara temple built in Kerala style and entirely different from the others.

Bhagamandala temple

After spending half an hour over there headed towards our next destination i.e Madikeri a hill station town of Karnataka. It’s just 48Km far from here. Winding road with superb scenery gives pleasure to mind. Around 1:30 PM reached Madikeri and searched for a good Vegetarian hotel and found one excellent hotel near fort.

After the lunch visited the famous Madikeri fort, this small fort was first built by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Jaffarabad. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British who added to the fort in 1834.

D.C Office inside the Madikeri Fort

The palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner. Madikeri District Collectors office is built inside the fort.

Around 3:00 PM went to the famous ‘Abbey’ falls, to reach this falls one has to travel 8KM from Madikeri town traffic is too crowded after passing 6 KM a big parking lot available from here most of the tourist was used to go by walk because the road is too steep and curvy we took our bike till the dead end. The view is superb, water comes from the mountains of the Western Ghats, several streams combine, swelling with the monsoon rains and plunging down the mountain slope at enormous speed, hitting the huge boulders hard and forcing through the crevices and ravines. A misty cloud hangs over the falls. From here the water flows into the Kaveri River.

Abbey Falls

The waterfall is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines. The falls appear suddenly, the water cascading over rocks into calm pools. A hanging bridge constructed just opposite the falls comes in handy for the Tourists. After taking some pictures we returned to Madikeri and time is already 4’O clock in the evening, so we revised our plan and decided to go Mysore via Bylakuppe.

Namdroling Monastery

Bylakuppe is a small town built by Tibetan refugees, beautiful Buddhist monastery is built by them and locally it’s called golden temple to reach here one has to travel 4KM from the main road. As soon as entered the premises of temple a Police men stopped us and asked “Aap Ke Pas DL hein?” and asked all the papers are OK? where are you come from? as soon as I answered his question he directed us to go towards the parking are.

Now my canon starts to show low battery indication, purchased a pair of duro cell batteries from the shop and entered inside the monastery. Once entered inside the monastery one can start to feel like he is in Tibet because the architectural style, red, and yellow coloured buildings, clean gardens etc. I really appreciate these people for the way of maintaining cleanness inside and surroundings of the Monastery because lots of tourists visits everyday there but every spot is shining like a mirror, that lazy wandering ducks in green garden gold coloured shining tombs well mannered monks in red coloured dress its really great.

Our next destination was Mysore, our plan was to reach Mysore before 7:30 PM so without wasting much time headed towards Mysore direction, road was superb my TBTS needle was running around 75-80KMPH and at exact 7:30 PM reached Mysore town and stayed in a lodge near Mysore Palace. After freshening up walk around the streets and had some Mysore famous “Akki Rotti” (Rice Roti) and Pudina chutnies went on bed.

Portrait inside the Palace

Street of Chamundi Hills Mysore

Next day morning i.e 15^th of August 7:00 AM left our rooms and went to the famous Chamundi hills, hence we are new to Mysore at every circle asked for direction at last managed to get correct road after riding 12 KM reached top of the hill, nothing is visible in fog. due to tight schedule spent half an hour there and returned to Mysore town and after taking breakfast around 8:30 PM entered the famous Sir Chamarajendra Zoological garden (Mysore Zoo). It was a nice experience, different type of animals well maintained surroundings clean cages totally well maintained zoo.

Around 10:30 AM when we came outside the zoo where our bike was parked its front wheel found locked by traffic cops, a Police Sub inspector was also sitting on top of white pulsar, when we asked about this he directed us a Maruti Omni standing over there and told us to pay Rs 200 fine over there. After paying two hundred bucks we asked direction to go Mysore palace he directed us and also gave advices us ‘don’t park your vehicle on roadside a large parking space available near palace park your vehicle over there’.

Decorated Fruits near palace

Around 11:00 AM entered inside the famous Mysore palace. This historic palace was built by

Wodeyar kings in the 14th century, it was demolished and constructed multiple times. The current palace construction was commissioned in 1897, and it was completed in 1912 and expanded later around 1940. Mysore palace is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in India after Taj Mahal with more than 2.7 million visitors.^[Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace.

The architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden

The three storied stone building of fine gray granite with deep pink marble domes was designed by Henry Irwin. The facade has seven expansive arches and two smaller ones flanking the central arch, which is supported by tall pillars.Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants.

Photography is prohibited inside the palace when we put our carry bag on scanning machine a lady police shouted us that cameras prohibited inside the palace and directed us to meat a police man over there when we approached him he questioned how many cameras in your bag? Answered two, then he told us ‘give me ten rupees and take your camera inside, don’t use cameras but you can take pictures using mobile phone’.

Brindavana Garden

Around 12:30 left Mysore, our next destination was KRS as well as Krishna Raja Sagara dam the dam was built across river Kaveri, the life giving river for the Mysore and Mandya districts, in 1924. Apart from being the main source of water for irrigation in the most fertile Mysore and Mandya , the reservoir is the main source of drinking water for all of Mysore city and almost the whole of Bangalore city, the capital of the state of Karnataka. The water released from this dam is further used as an important source of water in the state of Tamil Nadu, which has its ownMettur dam in the Mettur district. Sir. Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya served as the chief engineer during the construction of this dam. The dam is named for the then ruler of the Mysore Kingdom, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.

The Brindavan Gardens is a show garden that has a botanical park, with fountains, as well as boat rides beneath the dam. Diwans of Mysore planned and built the gardens in connection with the construction of the dam. KRS Dam was the first to install automated Crest gates during 1920 which was initiated by Sir. M V. Display items include a musical fountain. Various biological research departments are housed here.

KRS Dam

Around 1:30 PM left KRS and joined Hunsur Road and took excellent lunch at ‘Elivala’ on highway and reached home by 8:30 PM via Madikeri, Sampaj, Sullia route.

L I F E........

2011-08-26T20:28:00.003+05:30

Women selling 'Pooja' articles at the top of Chamudi hills, Mysore.

A Ride to Siganduru

2011-04-24T16:59:00.037+05:30

Quote written on the closed shop at Jog falls

When I went to Jog falls on Feb 2010 one the quote written on the small tea shop attracted me very much a according to this “Caution: We prayed Sri Siganduru Goddess against theft in this shop”, here first time I heard the name of Siganduru. After returning home just for a curiosity google searched the word ‘Siganduru’ and the result was this tour…….

On the way to Moodubidri

Temple car at Thousand Pillar Basadi

I had planned the route for this tour on November 2010 but unable to go due to busy schedule. On first week of April 2o11 I called up my friend Raviraj and briefed the route, at the spot he is agree to join me. So we fixed the date on 16^th and 17^th April 2011. Ravi’s friend Santhosh also willing to join us on his glamour and Udaya who was our company in Jog ‘Jog Falls’ tour and one of his friend decided to join. But after two days Santhosh had withdrawn due to special duty of ‘Vishu’ Festival. So finally we four people with two bikes ready for the tour.

Raviraj in front of the pillars

Carving on Pillars

Inside the doom

Worshiping Idol

Day One

0500hrs I left home with my TBTS to join Ravi who is residing near Badiyadka, When I was reached there I got the news that Udaya and his friend are unable to join us due to some problem. So finally, 0630hrs we two along with my Blackbird headed towards vittala on SH 31. Around 0700hrs stopped for fueling at Vittal, our next destination was Moodubidri 43 Km from vittal. At 0830hrs we reached Moodubidri via, Kalladka, and B C Road. First we search for the food, after taking Masala dosa and a cup of tea we went the famous Thousand Pillar Jain Basadi (temple) of Moodubidri, this Basadi is also known as Chandranatha Basadi, it was built in 15th century. The temple faces the east and opens onto a superb monolithic pillar in front of the doorway.

It has a wide collection of jewel-encrusted metallic images of Jain teerthankars and superb monolithic columns in the Jain tradition, each with a different carving. Near the main temple entrance, there is a Jain Mutt which has a library containing some beautiful 12th and 13th century palm leaf manuscripts.

When we start clicking the photos a man rushed and told us we have to take permission for taking photos inside the Basadi by making payment of Rs. 100 Basadi, as soon as we paid the Rs. 100 he told us now you can photograph as you like and also he had directed us the best angle of coverage. After clicking some photograph we headed towards Karkala just 16 KM from Moodubidri.

The temple Bell

Painting

Tried and trusted HM

Ravi Posing on TVS

Way to Karkala

Rock cut Steps

At exact 1000hrs we reached near the Adobe of Bahubali. It was massive 42 feet monolithic statue of Bahubali or the Gomateshwara, the son of the first Jain Tirthankar, believed to have been built around 1432 AD.

This is a male figure in a naked posture approached by a number of rock-cut teps. Bahubali, a local prince who trounced his brother in a war to win the kingdom, renounced worldly pleasures of life and spent 12 years in meditation; by that time climbers grew all over and around him. Veerapandya Bhairava Raja built this monolithic statue in his honor.

A festival with all mighty known as Maha Masthakaabhisheka, sacred bathing of the statue with saffron paste, milk and water, held in every 12 years. During this period thousands of Jain devotees visit this place to carry out the Mahamastakabhisheka.

This statue issan awesome site and is the second tallest in the state. Behind this huge statue there are many small thirthakaras statue also built. From the top of the hill view is really superb.

Inside the temple

Adobe of Bahubali

After spending half an hour we headed towards Agumbe via someshwara wild life sanctuary it is a protected area this Sanctuary has semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. The sanctuary includes of two unconnected parts, the smaller part being situated to the Southwest of the major part. The Kudremukh National Park lies to the Southeast of this sanctuary.

Bullet and Bullock carts never die.....

Entry to Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is open to visitors between 06:00 and 18:00 hrs.. From someshwara one has to travel 11KM to reach Agumbe. It is small village located in the thirthahalli taluk of Shimoga district Lying in, Agumbe is among the places in India that receive very heavy rainfalll earning it the sobriquet, "Cheerapunji of the South" and It is also called thecapital of King cobra. It is home of the Agumbe rain forest research station, the only permanent rainforest research station in India.

At Someshwara wild life sanctuary

A beautiful bus stand shelter on the way

An area near Agumbe has been converted into a protected area for Medicinal Plants to help in their conservation. Shankar Nag’s famous television serial “Malgudi Days” was also filmed here. The Ghat section is most beautiful and challenging also.

Scenery from the Agumbe view point

To maintain study pace of my TBTS constant gear shifting between second and third was required and max gear used on this area was third gear, in every hair pin turn 1^st gear is must otherwise it won’t turn because the road is very narrow and curve is very sharp. One top of the ghat there was a view point built and from here one can watch sunset.

Agumbe ghat section

Totally it’s a fantastic ride. Around 1230hrs we reached Agumbe Village our first always our first preference is our stomach so we manage to find Kamath Hotel, a decent lunch with Malanadu type Boild rice, sambar,rasam, upkari, pickle, curd, buttermilk and papad just 30 bucks per person.

From the top of ghat

When we enquired about Jogigundi which was our next destination the boy who served lunch for us advised not to go there because day before yesterday somebody met accidental death in that place.

It is just 5KM far from the Agumbe village but located inside dense forest, after parking our bikes at forest we have to walk little to reach falls. After taking some photographs we went back. When we started walking inside the forest Ravi made a strange noise and says that the forest peoples are making such a noise its really awful, if you want to know how, ask him because only forest people can match to the forest people.

Our next destination was Kundadri hills which was located on the way to Thirthahalli to reach here on has to travel 9 KM from main road, it is a pristine hill station in Karnataka. It is popular with those who are enthusiastic about mountain trekking. This hill station is a large monolithic rock formation towering 3200 feet above the seal level, it is shrouded with dense evergreen woods.

Way to Kundari

Entrance of the hill

A 17th century Jain temple is to be found atop the hill enveloped in calm possible only in the mountains. Along with the temple are to be found two lotus pools. The word Kundadri has derived from the Jain monk, Kundakundacharya.

Steep Ascending

Welcome to Kundari temple

The latter is believed to have undertaken severe penance here. Winding snake like narrow tarmaced road takes top of the hill, total hill climbing is 5KM, and last 2KM are exclusively for first gear run. After taking some photographs we started to descend the hill at 1430hrs and headed towards Shimoga.

View from the hill top

Lake on top of the Kundari hill

Jain temple

On the way to Thirthahalli

Mirror View

Road was in good condition easily one can stretch the machine around 70KMPH. Around 1600hrs we stopped at Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, which was famous for Snake bird, Median Egret and Little Cormorant but April is off season so we couldn’t find any birds only met some of our ancestors and continued our ride. On the way we find a Jain squirrel like animals on top of the tree. Next stop was Sakrebayalu elephant camp. Elephant rides are provided to the tourist only at morning. After drinking tender coconut we continued the ride.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Watching tower

Near Gajanuru

Next stop was at Gajanur Upper Tunga Dam which was one of the famous dams of Karnataka. And it was one of the famous picnic spot also. From here Shimoga was only 12KM, we decided to take room at Shimoga. After taking the room freshened ourselves and went a walk around Bustand. Around 7:30 PM Ravi got a call that some of his friends from Bangalore coming to meet him because 17^th is his birthday. They already left Bangalore and their plan was to visit Ravi’s house at Badiyadka. When they a heard that we are in Shimoga they changed the plan and directly reached over there around 17^th morning 3:30 AM by TATA Indica..

Well maintained road

Squirrel

Elephant near Sakrebayalu

Two boys posing to the camera

Boating inside elephant camp

Upper Tunga Project Dam

View from the dam

The Gajanuru Dam

Palm oil field

Day Two

At 0500hrs Ravi and me on TBTS and his friends on Indica headed toward Sagar city, our next destination was Sigandur just 33KM from Sagar. Shimoga to Sagar road was superb within one hour twenty minutes we reached Sagar by covering 72KM.

Sitting along with flat tyre

From sagar we took Siganduru road total distance was 33KM out which 15KM are well tarmaced road. After covering 10 to 15KM Indica’s front tyre was puncherred. Previous night they already met one puncher and reached Shimoga so there was no stepny tyre available.

A man going to collect the toddy from the forest along with his dogs

Village Women

It was morning 6:30 A.M there was no tyre puncher shop near. So Ravi and one of his friend went on bike to search puncherwala. After traveling back 12KM on same route able to find one shop but it was closed again they manage to find owners house and convinced him to open the shop and tyre was repaired, till 8:00 AM others are waiting for the tyre.

Cycling

I really thanks for them because in the waiting time I got three super snaps of typical village life.

Girl taking cows

Morning walk

Catching the bus

Barge approaching the bank of Sharavati

Around 8:30 we reached the place called Holebagilu (doorway of River) from here we have to travel by large barge. For four wheelers waiting queue was very long so they just dropped the idea to carry their car on barge. But two wheelers there was no restriction so we put our TBTS on barge and crossed other bank of the sharavati.

It was splendid experience the large barge carries buses, trucks, sumo’s, two wheelers and passengers and everything. For passengers they charge Rs.1 pre head for two wheelers Rs.5 each. After crossing the rivers we get down and continued our journey by road to Siganduru temple. Ravi’s friend who came from Bangalore took service jeeps available from the bank of the river to Siganduru temple. The road condition was poor some area are only gravel paths are there. At 9:30 AM we reached temple, after visiting Chaudamma temple decided to take our brake fast at hotel only three dishes are available we choose Bisibelebath, one interesting thing in this hotel was customers must remove their foot wares outside of the hotel. After finishing the brake fast we left the place we have to cover 48KM to reach our next destination i.e Kolluru.

Ravi and his friends

View from the Barge

Inside the Barge

Our destination

Waves behind the launch

Unloading my TBTS

Reached other bank

On the way to Siganduru

Siganduru Temple

The road condition was worst in level road it’s difficult to use 4^th gear. After covering around 20KM then narrow but well paved road was stated after descending the ghat section we reached Kolluru around 12:15.

Kolluru Mookambika Temple

Devotees queue to enter inside the temple was very long Ravi called somebody who he knows, they made provision to enter inside the temple early. Around 1:15 we took lunch at hotel and started riding via Kundapur, Udupi and Mangalore we reached home by 7 ‘O’ clock evening.

Totally it was a fantastic and memorable experience to both of us in two days total Kilometers covered was 695. And total fuel consumed 15Ltrs.

One evening at Veliyaparamba

2011-01-11T20:05:00.025+05:30

Boat carrying goods

On Sunday we had some work at our Trikaripur branch, Sameer, Nuseef and I decided to turn the boring official life in to picnic. So, Instead of taking train we took Sameer’s Pulsar 150 and my TBTS. At 1300hrs we finished our works, Rasheed who is working as a mechanic at Trikaripur branch also joined us with his FZ, he was our guide, he knows the area very well, because he belongs to the place called Padana near to this spot.

House Boat

First we took lunch then headed towards the undiscovered picnic spot of “Veliyaparamba” which located just 4.5 Km from Trikaripur. 5 Kms from cheruvathur, nearest railway station is Trikaripur but only local train will stop here otherwise one can detrain at Cheruvathur and has to be travel by road.

Small Islands

Bridge under construction

Veliyaparamba is fed by four rivers and dotted with many small islands. Kerala State water transport authority running regular boat services to Payyanur and other places, apart from this some resorts provides hose boat services for the tourist it costs 8,000 INR for one day including food. When we reached here large barricade welcomed us. We parked our motorcycles nearby and get inside the barricade there some Tamil workers are busy with constructing heavy bridge on back waters. First we took some snaps from top of the bridge and enquired with these people for the boat service they informed us boat gone to island side if you need then you have to whistle. Rasheed and Nuseef try to whistle but except us nobody can hear their sound. At last Nuseef succeeded to convince the tamil workers, their supersonic whistle made a magic on the back water that small boat started to come from opposite side….

I am ready.......

Rasheed and Nusif

We rushed near water to welcome the boat, and eagerly looking at the small dot appearing on opposite side, minute by minutes its start to appear larger and larger yes that is a small boat and its owner cum driver Mr. Ashraf. It took whole 10 minutes to reach one shore to another. Nuseef is a such a person never wants to waste a single second, whole 10 minutes he gave a lecture on draw backs of traveling on such small boats and also tired to fear me like, if we met an accident out of four persons three will survive but one can’t, and also looked at me with great sorrow and told “we are very sorry we are not able to rescue you due to your overweight” etc.

At sea shore

Boat owner Ashraf took small class for Sameer on “how to yawn the boat” now we are ready to travel on the boat. After traveling 2 minutes Sameer is master the technique and boat automatically gain speed. Ashraf is very talkative, hence he never missed the golden opportunity to criticize the Kasaragod Malayalm and also complained about Nuseef’s whistling and says it’s like a dogs barking.

Monkey Business

On the way

This island consists some small and medium size houses, a temple, mosque, school, political party office and small shops. When we asked direction for the beach with some natives they told us “here you can travel any ware, no restriction at all, here peoples are united etc…… Oh god again taunt for Kasaragod ? When we reached the opposite side of the island sea shore welcomed us its looks like a deep so we didn’t tried. After spending one hour Ashraf came again to pick us and we returned back.

Monkey feeding to the Monkey

Shells

Mr. Ashraf (contact:9544268065)

On the way back to home there was a special spot specially made for Nuseefs friends here we feed some banana’s to them and come back to home, on the way just visited Rasheed’s house.

"THE END" (IF STEP SLIPS.......)

Picnic

2011-01-09T21:18:00.005+05:30

More updates Soon..................

Praveen weds Sini

2010-11-14T18:50:00.010+05:30

Muhoortham

Yes today my colleague Praveen's wedding he weds Sini at Velakkunu Shri Shiva Keshetram, surrounded by beautiful scenery. I took my TBTS and Cannon PowerShot Sx110 IS. So here is some pictures exclusive for you.

Match Fixing ?

Beautiful Surrounding

Born to Eat?

My 'Bird

Scenery on the way

Cucumber_ism

2010-10-24T15:22:00.007+05:30

Next is my turn

Cucumbers originated in India Large genetic variety of cucumber has been observed in different parts of India. It has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years in Western Asia, and was probably introduced to other parts of Europe by the Romans. Records of cucumber cultivation appear in France in the 9th century, England in the 14th century, and in North America by the mid-16th century.

(Courtesy : Wikipedia)

Bambrana Gramotsava

2010-09-05T19:07:00.009+05:30

Today I got an opportunity to visit 'Bambrana Gramotsava' purely a Village festival. Last year I had heard a lot about this festival. Day before yesterday I had read about this festival going to be held on 5th of September I planned to visit, Ravi and Hariprasad also joined with me it's really worth to visit.

Green Souroundings

Vollyball

Winner

Waiting for term

Human Pyramid

Tulu Cultural activity

Spirit

Water Wash

Private World

Tried and Trusted

2010-08-22T11:02:00.001+05:30

The Ultimate Touring Machine

Sweet Memories

2010-06-20T20:46:00.002+05:30

At the top of Balebare Ghat

Happy Vishu

2010-04-15T11:24:00.004+05:30

Vishu-Kani at Our house

Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Bajakudlu

Motorcycle expedition to Jog Falls

2010-03-14T15:49:00.036+05:30

When I attended my brother’s Engagement at Kalasa on October I am thinking of a motorcycle tour to Karnataka especially ‘Malenadu’ region. On third week of February some of my colleagues fixed a one day family tour to Madikeri, Kodagu District my friend Ravi rushed and told me Feb 27th is holiday we will plan for at two days motorcycle tour, so we are not attended the Kodagu tour.

First I planned to go Kodachadri, Kollur and back. But later I changed my mind and chosen Jog Falls. Only I and Ravi are ready to go till Wednesday. On Thursday evening one of Ravi’s cousin Santosh willing to join us and Friday morning our colleague Udaya and Ratheesh ready for the tour, on Friday night Ravi called me and told one of his cousin Hariprasad would like to join us so finally three bikes and six riders are ready for the trip.

Udupi Shri Krishna Temple

At Udupi

27th morning 6’O clock I reached Badiadka on my 10 years old trusted blue CBZ there I joined with Ravi. Santosh and Hariprasad were came from Mulleriya on their Hero Honda Glamour from there we headed towards Kumbla. At Kumbla Udaya and Ratheesh are waiting for us along with Ravi’s Bajaj CT100 (emitting light crank sound) and at 0700hrs all of us hit the N.H. 17 and headed towards the North. Next big city is Mangalore at 0815hrs we reached there. After Photo session continued the journey. Around 0900hrs we stopped for a brake fast at ‘Vijaya Hotel’ Padubiri and around 0930hrs we reached parking lot of Udupi Shri Krishna Temple.

Kumbashi Maha Ganapati Temple

After visiting temple again hit the N.H. 17 it’s around 1030hrs. Shining sun is at our top. Around 1130 reached to Kumbashi the famous ‘Anegudde’ Maha Ganapathi Temple. And also visited Lord Ayyappa temple near by it. Around 1215hrs passed Kundapur now shining sun has turned to burning sun and here we just took a stop for photo session at Maravante beach.

Maravante Beach

At 1330hrs we stopped for a lunch at Byndore our next destination is Murdeshwar the famous beach the temple town with a vibrant scenic beauty and golden history, is located on the Arabian seafront in Uttara Kannada District. The ancient temple which stood for ages was fast dilapating. The locals tried rebuilding the sanctum sanctorum earlier, but it did not last long. The present temple complex is the result of the painstaking efforts of Sri. R. N Shetty. He started renovation in 1977 with a team of craftsmen and artisans brought in from Tamilnadu. The temple is mainly built of granite. The 123 ft high Shiva statue is the world's largest Shiva sculpture and has become a landmark.Another newly added masterpiece is the world's largest Rajagopuram in front of the temple complex. This 249 feet tower was inaugurated in May 2008.

Murdeshwara Temple

At Murdeshwara

The legend of Murudeshwar goes back to the age of Ramayana. Ravana, the asura king of Lanka, wished to have the all powerful Atmalinga of Shiva, so that he can become invincible and immortal by worshipping it. Pleased by his severe penance, Lord Shiva gave him the Atmalinga but warned him not to place it on the ground till he reached his destination.

Upset by the thought that Ravana would become more powerful by worshipping the Atmalinga, the Gods devised a plan to take it away from Ravana. The Gods knew that Ravana being a pious devotee of Lord Shiva was punctual in performing the periodical rites every day.

When we reached here temple was closed and it will open after 1500hrs so we took some photos from outside and wandering around the temple. Here we accidently met one of our Colleague Ms Vandana who came along with her family.

Unexpected meet

Near Jog

After visiting temple we headed towards Jog Falls via Honnavar and Gerusoppa around 1600hrs. Till Honnavar the road was excellent (N.H. 17) Honnavara onwards we diverted in to N.H. 206 (Honnavara to Tumkur Road) which gose to Jog Falls via Gerusoppa. On the way the scenic beauty is really excellent. At last 1815hrs we reached Jog Falls.

Scenary onthe way to Jog

Fist thing we done is searching for a good accommodation, the guard who is standing at Jog Falls entry helped us to locate a good accommodation which ran by Kerala based family. First we freshened and visited the Falls after some photo session we back to the room.

On 28th morning 00530hrs all of us are freshened and ready to go Falls again It’s really a good experience to us because getting down and climbing more then 1300 (frankly speaking we are not able to count the number of step, we are so tired) steps to reach near the water fall and back.

Around 0930 we took brake fast at KTDC hotel near falls and (Idli and vada x2) and wandered around water cannel which coming from Linganamakki dam, and we headed towards Sagara. When we reached sagara whole town is closed and Holi Festival is celebrating at town it’s very difficult us to pass the town because everybody is spraying the colours it’s forced me to keep my camera inside.

Calf at Sri Ramachandrapura Mutt

After fueling at Sagara our next destination is Hosanagara here we visited

Ramachandrapura Mutt and again hit the road. The roads is quite ok but only complaint is some were it does not exist. One the way we stopped for a lunch around 1300hrs and started journey after crossing Hulikkal road condition is better.

At the top of Balebare Ghat

After descending Balebare ghat (now CT100 crank sound is clearly visible) we touched N.H 17 at Brahmavara near Udupi via, Haladi and Shankaranarayana. When we crossed Brahmavara bridge both the bikes are missing from my rear view mirror so stopped under the tree suddenly my cell phone rang and Hariprasad told me CT 100’s engine is seized near the bridge which forced them to stop.

What Next...?

So Ravi and me went back to the place where it's seized. It’s around 1600hrs we used all the techniques to start the bike but its completely seized engine refuse to start. After spending one hours we hired a goods carrier and put the CT100 into it and took to my sister’s house at Udupi and here onwards Udaya and Rahteesh took a bus and reached Kasaragod at night others are reached by bike around 2130hrs to our home. It’s a really great experience.

Deepavali

2009-11-01T11:43:00.001+05:30

Happy Deepavali

Short trip to Kalasa

2009-10-04T17:13:00.023+05:30

For my younger brothers engagement we went Kalasa (Chikmagalore dist. Karnatak)on 3rd October 09. We planned to go by one mini bus and a omni, but last moment mini bus was cancelled due to some interstate tax problem. So we took two Tata sumo and omni.

At 0700hrs we started from our home (Bajakudlu, Perla) and reached Kalasa Via.Vitla, B.C Road, Belthangady, Ujire, Charmadi, Kottigehara and finally reached Kalsa at 1230hrs. Road condition was very bad but seanary is superb.

Climbing through Charmadi ghat section

Zero visibility due to fog on ghat section

Kottigehara on top of the charmadi ghat section

Kelagooru On the way to Kalasa

Engagement

After Engagement and lunch we headed towards the home at 1630hrs and reached home at 2130hrs. (Via. Kerekatte, Khudremuka, Karkala, Moodubidri. B.C Road, Vittla & Perla) Roads are superb till Moodubidri.

Kudremuka hills

Barricade at Kudremukh National Park

My Photography

2009-09-20T21:10:00.002+05:30

My Photography

Life

2008-08-21T11:00:00.004+05:30

School children visists to Jantar Mantar

Shining under the blue sky

2008-08-07T10:16:00.002+05:30

Gurudwar Bangla saheb

Sweeeet.......... Memory

2008-07-07T11:54:00.000+05:30

Oil Burner.....

2007-12-20T11:38:00.000+05:30

Yesterday when I am going my office to metro station on my bossman's Innova typical clattering of Diesel, taken back me to my child hood...

From my child hood I am attracted towards Diesel Engine or Engined vehicles, I don't to why it exactly but I think it's because of typical diesel clatter of the machine or it's smoke something. But now a days Diesel technology is too advanced that you cannot find difference between gas powered one. One of the vehicle was Hindustan Trkker.

When I was studying in second standard I come to touch this beautiful vehicle. Because my elder sister was married on same year, after the marriage we all of are went to Udupi to attend functions at their house. It was a red coloured trekker, brand new and only one such a vehicle in our village. We choose trekker because of its size. It was slightly larger than jeeps (CJ Series) and much more comfortable. I always like to sit on bench seat at last row because there was no competition for these seat, my elder brother always sits on front seat near Driver sisters are occupies the middle rows because they only got little control over their vomiting on this row. If they sit on the last raw than all the other vehicles on the NH 17 start to follow us from one mile behind, because as soon as one sisters stops her vomiting another start to vomit and this competition only ends when we reached our destination. However I like trekker because of it's exhaust note till, date no vehicle match it.

Footsteps.....

2007-11-16T12:42:00.000+05:30

More Photos

"I am proud to say I have crossed this Aracanet tree bridge more than 3 decades and unlimited time,Thanks to the God who permit me grow between the nature".

Just a matter of leaf....

2007-11-16T12:02:00.000+05:30

When I wandering around my backyard at last month a simple plant took me my memories back to my child hood yes it is Taro leaf....

My favourite dishes of Taro leaf are...

1. Patrode steamed

2. Patrode seasoned

3. Patrode fried in dosa pan

4. Kotle Gasi

5. Chatti

6. Gojju

But I never liked its stem which my Amma liberally using in 'Aviyil'.

My First and Last Ride...

2007-07-05T12:43:00.000+05:30

When monsoon hits Paddy field cultivation starts at villages. There was lot of things to do no body have to time to waste. Villager’s time starts at early morning to till late night every whole family is busy in works. But now all the charms are lost but I really thanks to god because I have enjoyed a lot in my child hood.

Pre Monsoon works: Around First weak of May these works begins to starts first strip down roof of cowshed which is made out of Aracanut leaves which was collected and carefully stored the whole year from field. As soon as striped down the roof first work is inspecting the supporting frame work which also made by using the Aracanut trees. If it weak than it has replaced with new one all supporting knot (the thread here used was also a product of a one type palm tree) also checked and replaced if required, now Skelton or structure is ready on top of this frame aracanut leaves are clad.

When men are busy in such a work women are not sitting idle at home they have their own department. First thing is collect ‘A’ grade raw Jack fruit from the particular tree and stripped down it’s waste (actually there was no waste body in jack fruit, every part is useful for either homosepians or animals) clean it’s fruit thoroughly. Now it’s ready for Appala and Upda Pacheel (Pappdam and the raw fruit which dipped in soil water) these works children’s are busy in roaming between cow shed and kitchen, because their schools also not opened and they have no work to do so they are busy in stealing raw fruit from kitchen and eating it at cow shed or around backyard of the house. They are free till raw appla was ready, when it was ready it kept in sun light at court yard to dry. Now children duty starts, they have to protect these appala from robbers like stay dogs (some time from pet dogs) and crows etc. Not only these, all other items like ‘Sandige’ (A snack made out of rise), mango pickles and different types of appla’s are made out of these period and kept stock for rainy day.

As soon as monsoon starts first work cleaning the drainage and whole water irrigation channels, which running around fields and backyards etc. I still remember that the water which used in our paddy field comes from around half kilometer distance. Because rain water was stored in a natural tank which was called ‘Madaka’ locally and it’s located in top of the mountain, it’s just works like a water dam, it’s wall contains 3 or for 5” hole in different levels and these holes are blocked by wooden piece or something. According to the water level and requirement one can open the hole and get water for their field.

Bullocks and Male Domestic Buffalo are used in paddy cultivation first of all whole field was dry tilled by using plough and there after wet tilling in twice horizontally and vertically around the field. After the tilling final work is leveling the soil by using ‘Palaya’ a flat wooden tool which drawn by a pair of bullock or male buffaloes. The man who operates it was stands on this flat wood and holds bullocks tail in his hand for support, he is real hero for us. Due to mixture of water and soil the field was looks like a red coloured sea, and man was sailing in it. Some times he takes us to sail. I have experience it many times. But one incident I will never forgot my whole life that day due to heavy rain school was closed,

I ran away to filed and I have started begging self in ‘Palaya’, first he (Aithappa) refused but refused and told me you are too small to ride it is not possible to me. But after lot of argument he agreed to independent ride. First I kept my right foot on ‘Palaya’ and holding the tail. As soon as I kept my left foot on the wood bullocks starts to run with great speed I the man behind me is shouting and running behind us to stop. As soon as I loosen my grip from the tail I flew over the mid air and thrown away to mother earth. The bullocks jumped to another field along with wood and stopped there posing like innocent. That was my first and last independent ride I have never tried it after.

Now a days all this thrills are fading due to labor problem, nobody available for farm works. Now a days if you ask the questioned modern child “where you get the rise” he will show the grocery shop. All these joys and thrill are sweet memories I am really thankful to god who given me a great opportunity to explore and enjoy the great days.

Oh My Umbrella....

2007-06-14T10:03:00.000+05:30

In southern part of India there is close relationship between Umbrella and Rain. When the first shower touches the mother earth and the soil starts to emits smell these umbrella's are start wake up from the long six month sleep.
The word Umbrella was derived from Latin word 'Umbra' it means shade or shadow, it was invented 4000 years back. In 16h century it’s very famous in European countries.In my memories oldest umbrella I have seen was large curvy wooden handle one it's cloth was made out of black coloured thick cotton. Now a days these umbrellas are dissapeared from the market more slim, colourful, foldable umbrells taken their place. When I am joined the school I got my first umbrella, it was an ladies umbrella. That days only folding umbrellas are not available on the market only two types of umbrellas 'Ladies' and 'Gents'. Curvy handles steel stem umbrella was called as Gents and straight handled was called ladies. There is good practice needed to open and shut these umbrellas because one can open it just pushing hardly, to close little practice is must becasue when you are trying to close the umbrella by holding umbrella's handle with left hand and try to push the lock with right thumb it slips suddenly and and comes over your thumb leads to slip of your skin and shower starts to comes from your eys, I think it's common in everybodys child hood.

In my child hood most attractive thing in umbrell was it's handle, because it was made out of Glass type of (Sea throguh) material. Inside the hadle we can see colourful yello, bright green or red coloured some designes (still I don't understood what sort of designs are these) Thats why it was one of the most attractive part of the umbrella. When ever a new umbrell broght to class we first check the handle and make comments on it, the fellow who brought new umrella was always keep on eye on it and never permit to anybody to touch it becasue it was such a valuable thing. Other attractive thing are Manufacturers emblem on cloth those day's 'Deer Branded' Umbrella was famous for their quality. Many people writes their name at inner side of the cloth using red colourd thread and needle. But mins was always written on 'Silver' or 'Golden' Paint by my Anna (Father) and I proudly shows this to others.

The common problem of Umbrellas was if you take it heavy windy rain the breaks the thread which holds the cloth in the arch, but it was repairable at home by means of needle and thread. To tackle the heavy rain you must have good practice to hold the umbrell and one must hold the umbrella against the direction of wind otherwise it will folds upper side. Whe I am studying in sixth standard first time I saw the the Automatic Umbrell. One rainy day our naighobour who was working at Dubai broght this umbrella, it was not foldable it's shape is just like a Gents umbrell but it had black shining silky cloth over the arch and and it cosists small round button on the curvy black handle, just press this button using your thumb it will open with 'Dub' sound, thats why it was called as 'Swichchy Kode' (Swith Umbrella), some people are call it 'Bombay Kode' also.

When I was reached to Seventh standard Foldable automatic umbrella are started to available these are not available in open market but only throgh Gulf parties they sell these umbrellas at the cost of Rupees Ninety and only rich party can afford this. When ever I think about this foldable umbrella one thing comes front of my eys. It was heavy rainy day y class mate 'Samshuddin' who's brother was working at Gulf brought this umbrell to our class, after the calls he starts to demonstrate his new umbrella in the rain he just keep his step out of the corriddor of the school and just press the button 'Dub' it's opened as soon as it opened one heavy wind take upper part of the umbrella whole the way to Perla town, only half of it's stick left his hand, he started shouting and running and at last manage to get it back.

Now a days colourful umbrellas are available with lots of gizmos like laser beam, tourch etc. but never match the those days one because in those days owning a umbrella measn it's not just for a one season but its almost for a life time.

One Rainy Day....

2007-06-12T10:15:00.000+05:30

Rainy days are always sweet and memorable, it always takes me back to my child hood. After settling in Delhi one of the most missing thing in my life is rain. I still remember those days...... When I am studying in my primary school I always goes school with my elder brother who was studying in high school. Our school waslocated small town called Perla, reason behind we call it 'town' because of it had a facility of well built High school and all other government offices like, Post office, Village office, Panchayat office, Bust stand and Government hospital villagers prefers to call it Dharmaspatre, if you can translate this word by word it from 'tulu' means 'Free Hospital', because here medicines are available free of cost.

When ever I remember this 'Dharmaspatre' two things comes in front of my eyes, one is red coloured liquid and another is violet coloured powder, these two medicines are common medicine for all sickness. In monsoon cold and fevers are common villages, every day on the way to school it's common site villagers carrying this red (Pinkish red) coloured liquid in bottle I am really wonder about how this medicine works because for fever, cough, cold etc. they will give same liquid. Just looking patients face doctor diagnosis, as soon as compounder get order from the Doctor he fills three days quota to patients bottle from huge can kept inside medicine room and says come again after three days but nobody returns after three days that was such a wonderful medicine. Other 'Purple Coloured' powder is for skin infection.

To reach my school I have to walk One Mile (I don't want to use Kilometer here) I left the house around 8:30 in the morning and reaches school around 9:15. I Always goes school with my elder brother who was studying in high school because he had a capacity to protect me from heavy rain and wind which is common on the way. There was no school uniform on those so we have freedom to wear, A cotton bag was sling over our shoulder, it contains one Black slate, Stick to write, Kannada Patavali (Kannada Text book), One Copy book, Pencil and a old razor to sharpen it, but still my high school I never get permit to keep this on my bag as a precautionary method. After collecting all these things I left school with great sorrow (because I never like school) holding umbrella in one hand and brothers hand in another hand.

This was starting point of our journey, to reach the destination we have to cross many natural elements because as soon as we left our house we have to ascend many steps to reach the small passage way which passes through beetle nut plantation. These steps are very risky because as soon as monsoon comes a small tiny plants starts to grow over these steps and it was very slippery. As soon as we reaches the passage between the beetle nut plants the whole passage was slippery due to muddy water and when we put steps with great caution to avoid slipping suddenly a large frogs jumps over the way. As soon as we reaches to the end of plantation then there we have to cross bridge made out of beetle nut trees. We have to cross it great cautiously we never look under our feet because red coloured rainy water rushing underneath. As soon as we cross bridge we reaches to the plain it it was called 'Adka' in Tulu. In this region we get little more freedom because there was no need to hold brothers hand here. we can walk as you like style, I always like to splash the water using both feet, some time it leads to fell over the ground but never mind I always like take risk on my life (?). After crossing this stage there was steep ascend ahead we can easily crosses this stage but only enemy on these region is rainy wind in case wind starts it's very difficult to control our umbrellas some time it starts to fly, some time it needs brother's support to stand straight. As soon as we cross this stage we crossed half of the way and after word only plains no trees . If wind permits then we can easily crosses these ways and reaches the school.

Minnal Bhaskaran

2007-06-07T09:50:00.000+05:30

I come to touch with this great character in mid 90's, that time I am working in my cousins workshop. That was my first and joining day when I get off from the car I saw him, he was a 16 year old round faced boy standing behind an autorickshaw, wearing typical muddy dress (oil and grease stains) and holding a screw driver in one hand and a bunch of waste in another looking curiously towards me. Other character of this story was Bhaskarettan who was Senior Mechanic of the workshop and in local language he is called as Bhaskaranna/Bhaskarettan/ Main Pittar/Ashaan etc. He also preferred these titles. He was not holding any certificate or degree/Diploma's in automobile field he studied only till 8th standard he dose not know about gear ratio, bhp, torque curve etc. But he can dismantle and assembles whole Bajaj RE & Lamby Autorickshaw and Scooters like Lamby, Bajaj, Vijay Supers etc. without any difficulty and do the tings even better than many trained authorised service station, he did not uses any special tools to measure play of CR bearings nor to check worn out piston rings his eyes, ears and hands are sufficient for these works.

Third and fourth character was 'Chandra' and 'Sassa'. Chandra was little educated guy and senior to 'Minnal', 'Sassa' was studied till primary and he can only able to write his name in paper in such a manner that others are not able to read or even cannot able to recognise the language whether it was 'Kannada' or 'Malayalam'. His actual name is 'Satish' but due to high speed pronunciation it shortened to 'Sassa'. He takes at least one to two leaves in a week and also not expert in any field just doing the things in write way and at least not spoiling anything. Chandra was quite opposite to him, he comes regularly and also have better skilled person, he can able to do some small works independently. But the common thing in both of these boys are teasing the 'Minnal' every day if they got little free time they never miss the great opportunity.

The poor fellow 'Minnal Bhaskaran' was new to the workshop, he didn't know much work, his work is just cleaning dismantled Machines thoroughly in kerosene. As soon as Engine Dismantled 'Minnal' ready with holding old varnish bottle in one hand and bunch of waste in another, as soon as he got money from the Driver/Owner he rushes to 'Hajars' shop just near the workshop. First he buy a packet of 'Pan Parag' (Tobacco Product) for himself and buys Kerosene with rest of the money and starts his work promptly and again he appear in front of the Driver/Owner only after their machine fully ready, to collect his 'Milage' as well as Tip. He also expertize in the filed of changing the inner cable of autorickshaw was but only 'Lamby' makes, he never touches Bajaj RE, because it's engine is situated rear side of the auto and cables are travelling from the hole the way from handle bar to rear engine through twists and bends just like Train No. 2618 travels through the Konkan Railway, if in case it stucks in of these tunnels only God will survive.

That was very interesting incident that he got 'Minnal' title in front of his name. In Malayalam 'Minnal' means 'Lightning' it's really very attractive, in rainy nights it's common thing in villages that electricity disappears, once it disappears then it will appear only afternoon of next day, and again its stays till night and get disappeared by simple rainy wind. I never miss such as great opportunity. as soon as electricity goes I open the front half doors and stands in front of it the whole sky was looks like a dark screen nothing is visible, we can here only the sound of heavy rain, and flow of water near the small river like water passage which help to takes whole the rain water to river. In such a night lightning lite up the whole sky, there are different types of Lightnings some are very thin but sharp and bright some are having many curves and other are thick Lightning, wide Lighting and so many varieties, oh god I really miss it. It appears in the sky with background music of Thunder. One can measure the place of lightning by delay of Thunder it means In case Thunder roared as soon as lightning it means it is very near to us in according to the time delay between Lightning and Thunder we can measure the distance correctly. In such a heavy rainy day our 'Minnal Bhaskaran' got his title. Due to heavy rain there was no much work and Bhaskarettan also take leave, rest of the members are just sitting around 'shops flour and simply gossiping, Chandra and Sassa does not want to miss such a great opportunity they started to comment over the 'Minnal' who is sitting in side of the workshop, generally he always neglect the comment but nobody knows what happened to him within a fraction of second he rose up and pushed 'Sassa' over old tyre and start beating every, body wonder by his action nobody able to believe their eyes it was happened just within a fraction of second. That was last their after 'Sassa' Never try to tease this boy and this incident brought the great 'Minnal' title in front of Bhaskarn permanently.