Chikmagalur and Mysore (Karnataka)- 2 day trip

(The photographs used are all original)

I travelled to Chipmanglur and Mysore during this weekend. We (five of us) booked a zoom car and started at 1:00 AM. We prefer travelling during the night hours because this not only saves a lot of time but also makes the journey comfortable (less traffic). Beginning our journey from Bangalore at midnight, we reached Belur at 3:00 AM. The Belur temple was lit up under the moonlight and we couldn’t help but click several pictures and wait for the ‘aarti’ to begin. After a cup of steaming tea, we started for Chikmagalur and reached by 5:00 AM and stayed in Giri Inn, located near the bus stand.

Giri Inn: This is a nice lodge/ hotel where two types of accommodation are available. One is the posh one, with high fare and extra services and the other one is the economic one. When you are planning to go out with friends and have to spend the night in any hotel, then I would suggest that you opt for the economical one. The rooms are not that spacious but one the brighter side, they are not uncomfortable. The washroom is fine (manageable) and the weather during night time makes the stay easy.
We started for Buttermilk falls (Dabdabe falls) at 9:00 AM and reached there by 11:30 AM. Before that, we had breakfast in the bus stand canteen. The canteen offers affordable and delicious poori aalu and dosa (s). The coffee is superb.

Buttermilk falls: I do not prefer is describing the historical background of the falls because that you can google (that will also save my typing). Overall, a place worth a visit.

Some important points to remember:

1. You can go to a specific point in your car/ other vehicle but from there you have to book a jeep that takes you 5 km ahead. The standard fare for the jeep is Rs. 750-800 (one jeep, irrespective of the number of people). The jeep drivers tend to ask more money, so BARGAIN
2. Carry extra clothes because you cannot resist from getting wet in the waterfall
3. You can carry your cell phones/ camera but there is no provision for depositing the same. So, one of your travel mates have to stay back and click pictures while you are having a ball
4. Carry cash because after getting wet you will feel the urge of having tea/ something hot and the small canteen situated there, will come to your rescue
5. Carry scarf (or something to cover your mouth and face) and shades. You will be exposed to high levels of dust during the jeep ride

The place is worth a visit.

We were done for the day and had planned to visit Z point and Hebbe falls, the next day. But unfortunately, Hebbe falls was closed for tourists and Z point didn’t interest us much. We also missed Mullayyanagiri, which is the highest peak in Karnataka (the sole reason being narrow roads and difficult driving).

For lunch, we stopped at ‘Maharaja Restaurant’, which is about 400 m before Giri Inn. The food was good, especially the ‘Butter Chicken’. You can also eat in other restaurants that are located around Giri Inn and the bus stand.

Z-point is also famous for trekking but the reviews did not quite match with our expectations and thus, we skipped that option. We decided to spend the night in the hotel and start for Mysore, early in the morning.

We started at 4:00 AM, the next day, for Mysore and reached by 7:30 AM. There are three major attractions in Mysore- The palace, zoo and Chamundeshwari Temple. Apart from these, there is ‘ Brindavan Garden’, Tipu Sultan park, Wax museum, Sand museum, Nandi bull (on the way to Chamundeshwari temple). But the latter places can be skipped if your travel itinerary is made for one day. We targeted Zoo first because it opens early.

Zoological Park: This is worth visiting. The entire zoo is spread across 2.8 km and it will take not less than 2.5 hours to explore it completely. The ticket is economical: Weekends- Rs. 60 + Rs. 20 (for the camera). You can carry water bottles, shades and caps but no eatables are allowed.

Next, we went to Mysore Palace. On weekends, this historical place is really very crowded. But thank the Mysore Government for their efficient management and maintenance, that you will finish the tour of the palace in an hour. The ticket is cheap (Weekend: Rs. 30).

The ticket price might increase if there is any flower show or any other attraction and the sad part is that you cannot opt out of it. The price has to be paid whether you go for the attraction or not.

Last but not the least, we went to Chamundeshwari temple, which is located on the Chamundi Hills. The road to the temple is finely decked out, so much so that you will fall in love with the city. The roads are wider, there are separate lanes for ascending traffic and descending traffic.

Points to remember when visiting Chamundeshwari temple:

1. Do not buy the VIP ticket worth Rs. 100 because if you do, you will regret it later.
2. The temple is beautiful, with perfect carvings and architecture. But the fact that the priests literally ask you to put money in front of every idol of God, is very baffling. So, try to avoid this.
3. There are various shops that sell memoirs and other girly stuff. BARGAIN for 50% lesser price.
4. There is huge parking space near the temple, so you need not worry about your vehicle

We hope this information comes in handy.

One liner for the trip: Had a whale of a time!

“Bizarre travel plans are dancing lessons from God.” – Kurt Vonnegut