Stopping by the Woods on a Rainy Evening - I
An electric morning at ST
Excited by the prospects of a different day ahead, i sped towards Sona Towers to see the day begin as soon as possible. I was greeted by familiar excited faces of my colleagues waiting for everyone to assemble.
There was usual teasing and stuff but by the by, the atmosphere was infectious with anticipations for the day ahead. There was a cool breeze and white clouds in the sky making it a picture perfect day.
Though we had to wait for the lazy bugs (i had partied whole night too, but i can sleep in the bus ;-) ), yet, it was not drudgery, not boredom, just lot of laughter and noise and clicking cameras and gingerly exchange of introduction with familiar faces. Finally amidst all this comedy and pandemonium, we left at quarter to 8. IST, you know!
Sugary Biligiri
Enroute, we had sugarcane. The farmers were so good natured here that they gave us a few sugarcanes just on seeing how we were eying them. Ah! It reminded me of my childhood days when on a buffalo's back i used to suck on a sugarcane stick without a worry in the world.
The place that we were headed to was Billigiri Rangana Hills (BR Hills). Its approximately 230 kms away from Bangalore towards Mysore and at an altitude of about 5090 ft. above sea level. At an easy pace, it took us about 6 hours to reach the place.
Posted After talking to the officials at the Forest Office, a Ranger accompanied us to the cottage where we were supposed to stay at night. It was a simple hut of 3 rooms, a hall and a kitchen that had all basic amenities. The most surprising thing to me was that there was round the clock electricity - really helped! I recharged my camera batteries.
Junglee cottage and Lunch
After checking in at the cottage we went to this small hotel for lunch. Well, i did not find it agreeable to my pallate but my Kanadiga friends liked it very much. They said it was better than Chandrika.
My surprise lay elsewhere! 50 (26+24) people ate at a bill of just Rs 750! Unimaginable in Bangalore - filling meal at Rs. 15 which makes my colleagues happy! Really amazing. The show biz of Bangalore has really not penetrated here. Simplicity is still in its pristine glory.
I noticed Sitesh tipping the rangers with Rs.30 and how happily yet hesitatingly they accepted it. If i try doing that in Bannerghatta National Park - i think they will tip me instead! ;)
a Temple, the Wet Carpet and Deers
We also visited a local temple. It was raining and the whole mountain range was magically transformed to a lush green carpet. I have my religious beliefs close to my heart and do not visit temples often. I rather enjoy His creation more than idolatry - something that we conceived, created and propagated. So, i stayed outside as usual, enjoyed my Cadbury's Temptations and His Green Carpets. Post lunch we went for a safari ride. We chanced upon some Cheetals and a couple of wild boars. Though Vaibhav stalked one of them, he was unsuccessful in getting a shot.
Excited by the prospects of a different day ahead, i sped towards Sona Towers to see the day begin as soon as possible. I was greeted by familiar excited faces of my colleagues waiting for everyone to assemble.
There was usual teasing and stuff but by the by, the atmosphere was infectious with anticipations for the day ahead. There was a cool breeze and white clouds in the sky making it a picture perfect day.Though we had to wait for the lazy bugs (i had partied whole night too, but i can sleep in the bus ;-) ), yet, it was not drudgery, not boredom, just lot of laughter and noise and clicking cameras and gingerly exchange of introduction with familiar faces. Finally amidst all this comedy and pandemonium, we left at quarter to 8. IST, you know!
Sugary Biligiri
Enroute, we had sugarcane. The farmers were so good natured here that they gave us a few sugarcanes just on seeing how we were eying them. Ah! It reminded me of my childhood days when on a buffalo's back i used to suck on a sugarcane stick without a worry in the world.The place that we were headed to was Billigiri Rangana Hills (BR Hills). Its approximately 230 kms away from Bangalore towards Mysore and at an altitude of about 5090 ft. above sea level. At an easy pace, it took us about 6 hours to reach the place.
Posted After talking to the officials at the Forest Office, a Ranger accompanied us to the cottage where we were supposed to stay at night. It was a simple hut of 3 rooms, a hall and a kitchen that had all basic amenities. The most surprising thing to me was that there was round the clock electricity - really helped! I recharged my camera batteries.Junglee cottage and Lunch
After checking in at the cottage we went to this small hotel for lunch. Well, i did not find it agreeable to my pallate but my Kanadiga friends liked it very much. They said it was better than Chandrika.
My surprise lay elsewhere! 50 (26+24) people ate at a bill of just Rs 750! Unimaginable in Bangalore - filling meal at Rs. 15 which makes my colleagues happy! Really amazing. The show biz of Bangalore has really not penetrated here. Simplicity is still in its pristine glory.I noticed Sitesh tipping the rangers with Rs.30 and how happily yet hesitatingly they accepted it. If i try doing that in Bannerghatta National Park - i think they will tip me instead! ;)
a Temple, the Wet Carpet and Deers
We also visited a local temple. It was raining and the whole mountain range was magically transformed to a lush green carpet. I have my religious beliefs close to my heart and do not visit temples often. I rather enjoy His creation more than idolatry - something that we conceived, created and propagated. So, i stayed outside as usual, enjoyed my Cadbury's Temptations and His Green Carpets. Post lunch we went for a safari ride. We chanced upon some Cheetals and a couple of wild boars. Though Vaibhav stalked one of them, he was unsuccessful in getting a shot.
Posted By - Jha
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