Travel creates the most wonderous reflections. The quest for unknown or seeking your deepest self, it’s a personal journey for each one of us. This blog is an attempt to reflect on some of our travel experiences and give you a glimpse into the pages of our travel diaries.
Last year, we travelled down south to Shimoga in Karnataka, many of you may not have heard about. Shimoga (also known as Shivamogga or the face of God Shiva) is a part of the Malnad region of Karnataka and is known for its historical significance as well as its rich and varied bio-diversity. The two major rivers that flow through this district are Tunga and Bhadra which meet at Koodli near Shimoga city to gain the name of Tungabhadra.
The nearest International Airport is Mangalore Airport, roughly 195 km from Shimoga city. Shimoga has its own Railway Station named as Shimoga Nagar Railway Station which is connected to the major cities of Karnataka and other states like Mangalore, Hampi, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai. You can also reach the place via bus. There are frequent buses from Bangalore to Shimoga. You can also hire a taxi to reach Shimoga and you can continue with the same taxi to explore the city.
By the time we reached our homestay, it was quite late and we retired for the night.
What best than staying in a quaint homestay when you are looking for some much-needed peace and calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Gabadi River Edge Homestay, a heritage bungalow with picturesque views of the river Tunga welcomes you with its old-world charm and impeccable hospitality that will rejuvenate your senses and give a pleasant headstart to your trip. Comfortable rooms tastefully done up with ethic wooden furnishings that adds on to whole ambience and delectable local cuisine served fresh and hot, it is a perfect example of home away from home.
Next morning when we lazily strolled over to the terrace with a piping hot cup of tea, we were greeted with jaw dropping view that took our breath away.
One has every reason to embark on a nostalgic trip as the river Tunga flowing by the homestay reminds you of the balmy winter afternoons in Kolkata poring over Saradindu Bandyopadhyay’s historical novel ‘Tungabhadra’s Teere’. A gripping tale of love and war, set on the banks of the river Tungabhadra in 14th century India with its larger-than-life characters, the book transports you to a different world altogether. And that’s what this view does to you. The wind in your hair, the music of nature chiming in your ears, the soft rustling of leaves and the unhurried ripple of waves, faraway mountains blending into the horizon…a surreal and liberating experience that you have to experience it to believe!
Take a walk along the Tunga river that flows along the Gabadi River Edge Homestay, laze around on a hammock with your favourite book in their beautifully manicured garden, enjoy a Bonfire with your family or a romantic moon-light dinner with your partner and woo him/her in a royal style, after all “History is the fiction we invent…” (Bill Watterson)
PS: Noted film director Sujoy Ghosh has bought film rights for the book and you might soon see it on screen! And we won’t be surprised if the shooting spot is our very own homestay!
Shimoga boasts of a startling variety of flora and fauna dotted with Nature Parks and Wild Life sanctuaries. The state of Karnataka has a complex landscape of species-rich climax forests, secondary forests, pastures, fields and fallows, with corridors of rivers, streams, gorges and ridges, as also a long coastline and marine stretch that are responsible for the rich faunal and floral composition of the state.
The natural vegetation of Karnataka is diverse, ranging from tropical wet evergreen to scrub forests, depending upon the climate, altitude and edaphic factors. Forests of Karnataka harbours many varieties of medicinal plants and you can also chance upon rare Orchid flowers blooming in myriad colors during one of your trekking trips to explore the natural beauty of the wilderness…
While exploring Shimoga, you can’t miss the Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Reserve which is a popular wildlife destination of Karnataka. It is located at a distance of about 10 km from Shimoga on the Shimoga- Sagar Road. The reserve is spread across 200 hectares of land.
It is a place to rehabilitate the lions and tigers that are rescued from circuses across India. It is home to various species of wild animals like lions, tigers, leopards, sloth bear, deer and many other species as well. One can also watch a variety of rare migratory birds inside the reserve. The jeep safari of the reserve is very popular among visitors.
Places in Shimoga that you cannot miss:
Kodachadri: Kodachadri is situated at 1411 ft above sea level and 115 kms from Shimoga city. Paradise for trekkers, the place attracts lot of trekkers around Karnataka state.
Kundadri: Kundadri Hill is located about 3200 feet above sea level and is an adventurous place for trekking. Surrounded by dense forest, the view from Kundadri will take your breath away
Jog Falls: Jog Falls is the 11th highest waterfall in India and ranks 313 highest in the world. Jog Falls is about 101 kms from Shimoga, waterfalls down in four different streams named as Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer.
Agumbe, the ‘Cheerapunji of Karnataka’ gets the state’s highest rainfall, is around 2 Hrs away from Shimoga, is an amazing village known for its forest resource, sunset spots, trekking passes, lakes, mountains. Bask in the nostalgia of your childhood by taking a trip down the lanes of Agumbe where the famous ‘Malgudi Days’ by R K Narayan was shot.
So this weekend, head towards Shimoga and experience the sublime beauty of nature!
