Life Bytes II - Choose your career anchor carefully baba😀

It's my birthday month and I am growing one more year wiser.
Today I sit and look back. Last two years were a rollercoaster.
Somethings I left behind. I did some travel. I tasted some bitterness. I tried climbing cliffs differently crisscross zigzag. Then there was that flash light at the end of the tunnel. Miracles do happen and it happened with me. I wonder how but!  Life is now cherry blossom. I have purpose. Its quite meaningful.  I ain't no quit!

Back then I was no exception from workplace bullying. But as Tina Fey says "as long as it doesn't come between me and what I want to do in my life,  I moved on".

I think I fought.  Fought every bit of it till what I could. Be it when my efforts were underrated. Or when there was favour,  insanity,  chaos,  hatredness. I was victim. Monsters inside me asked me to quit - when I was asked to walk out,  when I was called intelligent but not smart,  when I was working hard, when I was expected to spend time in "you know what I mean", when I was compared,  when I was considered as an average mediocre, when false was talked, when conspiracies were made, when lies were told.

I Resist. Spoke. Grew up in Career. I stood as a rebel. But that was not it!  I had to give answers. Answers to my own inner conscious. I had to stand out. I ain't no quit!!! Thus, I just left some things behind.

Now I feel I was smart enough to see varieties in life aftermath. I was smart enough to challenge myself with satisfaction. I was smart enough to be odd. I was smart enough to lower my blood pressure. I was smart enough to stand as a rebel. I was smart enough to have some me time some family time.  Gods were watching.  Omens were blessing.

My priorities are different now. I chose a career anchor against the evens. I prove no one. I feel no regrets.  I am in my Madness.  Struggle.  Freedom. Peace. Away from negativity.

I will rebuck and walk towards the destiny but slowly. I will roar like lioness,  fly like pheonix but slowly. I will grin smile laugh loudly but slowly. I ain't no quit!!! 😀

Travelogue - a new try!!!

Travelling – It leaves you speechless and then it turns you in to a story teller 😁😎💓😜

#trip #tour #excursion #journey #expedition #outing #daytrip #voyage #trek #safari #explore #wanderlust #holidayin #sightsee #globetrot #drive #visit #dayout #destination # traveldairies #roam #walk #stroll #vacation

Here is an attempt to list out few travel destinations/worth seeing places we have visited so far in and around Bangalore, over the weekend or as one day trip or 2-4 days trip. For most of these places we have taken our own vehicle and my Mr.A had driven!!! 

The destination details, routes, places of interests and resort details are mentioned here,with best of my knowledge and with whatever we have seen and experienced. Any details need to be corrected or modified please bring it to my notice so that I can make such changes.

source: Google on routes/kilometers/descriptions

Hoping our best experience will contribute to your travel!!

1) Bangalore – Jalahalli Cross -  Tumkur(around 71 kms)

Devarayanadurga

It’s a hill station with Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha temples.

We also visited Namada Chilume and Mahalakshmi Temple, Goravanahalli on the same day which are famous in this area.

Below are still in our checklist:

Shivagange - area is a popular site for rock climbing/Trekking which is 20 kms from Tumkur town. 

Chitradurga - Fort and Marikanive backwaters/Vani Vilasa Sagara dam.

You can club Chitradurga and Hampi trip. 

2) Bangalore – Old Madras Road - Kolar(around 69 kms)

Kotilingeshwara

This temple has one of the largest Shivalinga in the world and a huge Nandi and millions of shiva lingas. 

We also visited Bangaru Tirupati, a very famous temple which resembles the famous Sri Venkateshwara Temple of Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh. 

3) Bangalore - Devanahalli (35 kilometers north of Bangalore)

Fort

You can see a small write up about Tipu Sultan's birthplace inside the fort. Also there is a village inside the strong walls of the fort.

Shree Nakoda Avati 108 Parshwanth Jain Temple

There are two Jain temples. One on hilltop which is visible from the main road and another one is on Vijipura road. The one which is on Vijipura road was stopped halfaway through the construction as there seemed to be no fund to finish it completely.

4) Bangalore –  Chikkaballapur (60/65 km from the city)

Nandi Hills/Nandi Betta, Tippu drop, temple – everyone’s favourite place💖😃💖💖💖😁💖

You can visit any season of the year but would suggest you to go in winter as you can experience the mist.

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple in Nandi Village

At the foothill of Nandi betta is this, a very beautiful temple with Kalyani and a big park. You can plan a day’s picnic. On the way you can also visit Sri Kanive Basaveshwara Swamy Temple. 

Kaiwara Mutt

The Mutt/Ashram of Saint Narayanappa, Amara Narayanaswamy temple, The cave where Thatayya meditated, Vaikunta (temple) by the side of the cave, Kailasagiri cave temples are worth seeing places.

Below are still in our checklist:

Vidurashwatha Temple, Gauribidanur

Aavalabetta, Gudibande & Gummanayaka Fort

5) Bangalore – Doddaballapura(60 km from the city)

Ghati Subramanya

A popular pilgrimage place with with Lord Karthikeya and Lord Narasimha temple

6) Bangalore – Hindupur – Lepakshi(120 km from north of Bangalore)

Proud of Vijayanagara dynasty – There is a Veerabhadra Temple and Nandi - made of granite monolithic sculpture. The paintings on the roof are of the temple are made with natural pigments. You can also see Lepakshi saree designs. 

Gandikota and Belum caves - are in checklist

7) Bangalore City

Below are places we want to/have visited:

       Lumbini Gardens

       Lalbhag & Cubbon Park

       Shiva temple/Kempfort on Old Airport road

       Dodda Basavana Gudi is situated in Bull Temple Road and Bugle Rock Park

       Shridhara Ashrama, Kanakpura

       Innovative film City, Wonderla, Dodda Aladha Mara

       Iskcon Temple, Mahalakshmi Layout’s Anjaneya temple

       Hesaraghatta Lake and Sri Shani Mahatma Temple, Chikka Madhure

       Bannerghatta National Park

       Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

       Mekedatu

8) Bangalore – Ramanagara – Channaptna – Madduru – Mandya – Srirangapatna – Mysore

People take Kanakapura - Mysore road as well. Since we are in North above route is the best for us. 

a) Revanasiddeshwara betta/SRS Hills(60 kms from Bangalore)

This is a hill in Ramanagara. We went trekking and it was a rock show for us!!!

Same day we meditated in Pyramid Valley – Kanakapura Road while returning back to Bangalore.

b) One can club below three places for day's trip:

Mallur Krishna Temple (Ambegalu) & Ramaprameya Temple, ChannaPatna (around 60kms)

Melukote(133 kms) - Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple 

on the base of the hill and Yoga-Narasimha Temple on the top of the hill. 

Puliyogare is famous here and we bought Puliyogare Gojju from there. 

Jaanapada Loka(around 60kms)

situated in Ramanagara district and beside the main road. You can have coffee and snacks in Kamat Restaurant beside the Folk World. 

c) Shivanasamudra Falls (130 kms from Bangalore)

Don’t clog your travel with too many places on the list. You can not enjoy the trip!!!
You can also cover Somanathapura and Talakadu one the same day. But we went twice to Shivanasamudra alone and separate one day visit to the other two places.

There are two famous falls – Gaganachukki and Bharachukki which is few kilometers to the south-west of the Gaganachukki falls. Best time to visit would be monsoon season.

d) Talakadu(130 kms from Bangalore)

ತಲಕಾಡು ಮರಳಾಗಿ; ಮಾಲಿಂಗಿ ಮಡುವಾಗಿ, ಮೈಸೂರು ದೊರೆಗೆ ಮಕ್ಕಳಾಗದೆ ಹೋಗಲಿ!

We took a guide and that was a good decision!

Old city Talkadu is completely buried beneath the hills of sand stretching for nearly a mile in length.

Archaeological department is excavating temples, cities. Temples were believed to be built during Cholas, Gangas and Hoysalas ruling. Vaidyeshvara temple, Keerthi Narayana, Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Mallikarjuna temple are to be seen. A fair is held once in every 12 years called Panchalinga Darshana. Also river side of Cauvery is beautiful.

e) Somanathapura(around 137kms)

This place is famous for the Chennakesava Temple which is built in Hoysala architecture

f) Srirangapatna(around 128 kms)

Located near Mysore city. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan Gumbaz, Nimishamba Temple, Cauvery river is worth seeing places.

g) Mysore(around 145 kms)

Our first ever trip after the marriage. As brother was working in Infosys, Mysore we stayed with him and looked around.

Kaaranji Lake, KRS dam, Brindavana, Zoo, Palace, Chamundi Hills are beautiful places

Balamuri, Edamuri Falls - if you want to cover falls then best season would be monsoon. Else you will end up in distress.

One of my friend had suggested that White Orchid Resorts, Mysore is good place to stay. So we planned to cover the falls and then halt at the resort. But since we did not study the season and went there directly, we were gawked at the look of barren land at the falls and even KRS dam was crowd less. So we had rush back to Bangalore on the same day. 

This made us roam around Mysore twice. But travel is a challenge and thrill right!!?? 😁😎😝

9) Bangalore - Himad Gopal Swamy Betta, Nanjangud

It is approximately 220 km from Bangalore and 75 km from Mysore on the Mysore Ooty road -10 km away from Gundlupete. 

Trekking, Picnicking, partying etc. are punishable offense. Entry timing has been changed to 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and only an hour you can stay there. This precaution is because this temple is located in the heart of Bandipur National Park.

We went twice and both the times we were extremely happy. As you near the top of the hill, you start experiencing the dense fog which predominates and covers the hills round the year and even at 12pm in the afternoon. The name itself depicts the same!!!!. Also there is Sunflower field and you can take selfies 😎💋

Once on the way back we had visited Najanagud temple.  Nanjangud -Srikanteshwara Temple is also called "Dakshina Kashi" or Varanasi of the South. 

But to and fro might be really tiresome and that too if you are the only one who knows driving in the entire gang! So you can make a stay at Mysore or Masingudi if you plan well.

10) Bangalore – Bokkapuram/Masingudi/Bhandipur - Ooty(around 266kms)

I have lot to write here....😈😆😅

My office trip was to Masingudi.

Then, in 2008 me and Mr.A went to Ooty by bus and had stayed in LakeView Resort. 

We were so impressed by the very look of it and wanted Mother-in-law to experience the hospitality, did a second trip again in 2016. 

Mr.A was driving Maruti Celerio which was a new comer with auto gear and we started climbing hairpin curves unknowingly. Till then I was boasting that I have made him avoid that route but you know what! we were there!!! right there not knowing to shift the gear!!!! So heart muh pe aagaya tha and sab ka phata tha.....he he he 🙈🙉🙊😂😆

Places of interest:

Rose Garden

Botanical gardens

Ooty lake & Boat house

Pykara lake

Kamaraj Sagar Dam

pine forests

golf club view

Doddabetta - one of the highest peak 

Dolphin Peak/Lamb’s rock

Mudumalai National Park SAfari

11) Bangalore – Salem - Kodaikanal(around 462 kms)

Our pet Rocky's first ever road trip and that too was a looooooooooong trip....he was so excited throughout the journey and was chasing every animals on the road....it was fun!!!!

We had searched for resorts which host pets also. So stayed at Lilly's valley resort. Resort was beautiful with lots of plantation, flowers, herbs and food and hospitality was good. 

Places of interest:

Coaker's Walk 

Pillar Rocks

Silver Cascade Waterfall

Kodaikanal Golf Club

Kodaikanal lake View

Green Valley View

Pine forests

Mannavanur Village  and Lake(35kms from Kodai) - I think one should not miss this place....its a heaven on the earth!!!!

12) Bangalore - Kalpetta, Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery - Wayanad(around 264 kms)

We took Mysore - Gudlpet road. Had planned to 2 days stay there but had to cut short the trip as there was some political rally going on and whole Waynad was closed. 

We stayed in Wyneberg Resort. We really appreciate the hospitality extended by Mr.Suresh from the crew of the resort. 

Places of interest:

  

Banasura Sagar Dam

Pookode Lake

Chembra rock

Lakkidi view point

Edakal Male (hill) caves

Karapuzha Dam

13) Bangalore - Kushal Nagara(around 220 kms)

When we turned right at Srirangapatna, road was not in good condition and it delayed our journey. 

We stayed at Parampura Resort which had nice ambiance, yummy breakfast and there was an evening stage show from the crew of the resort. Our main purpose was to relax a day. 

So visited only Kaveri Nisarga Dhama.

Below are still in our checklist:

Bylakuppe Monastery

Bheemeshwari, Kabini, Dubare - elephant camp

Talakaveri, Coorg 

14) Bangalore - Nagarhole National Park, Irupu Falls(around 255 kms)

When we booked Machaan Resort never thought we will have an enthralling night out. 

Resort is beautifully housed amidst the forest and staff was really supportive. But since its just at the heart of the forest, I would suggest to go in large group. Though we were 9 members, we were little scared to stay in different rooms. So we all stayed together. 

The day we went, we took a safari to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary but could not sight much animals. 

Next day we went to Irupu Falls while our way back to Bangalore. 

This is also called as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. 

15) Bangalore – Hosuru-Dharmapuri- Hogenakkal Falls(around 180 kms)

Waterfall on the Cauvery river. Sometimes referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India," it is known for medicinal baths and hide boat rides. Best season to visit is soon after the monsoons though we went in June. Due to heatwaves from the sand while driving back Mr.A felt sick...😨😩😭 So if you are the sole driver you better take necessary precautions. 

16) Bangalore – Yelagiri(around 159 kms)

This is a hill station in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. But drive to the hilltop was not exciting compared to drive to Nandi Betta or Western Ghats in Malenadu which are with thick dense flora and fauna!!

Places of interest:

Punganoor Artificial Lake-cum-Park

Nature Park

View of Vaniyambadi town from top

17) Bangalore – Salem – Tirupur/ Udumalpet – Chinnar -  Munnar(around 475kms)

Our driver drove this time. We reached Chinnar by 1pm but once you start climbing the hill, drive becomes slow. So we had to put in 6am – 6pm hours. We had a merry time on dialogues like 'climax chennagide' for climate is nice and 'neelagiri oil smell barta ide' for amrutanjan we used by our driver...Lol!!!😀😂

We experienced all the three seasons - Summer, Rainy, Winter in two days when we stayed there. So we were happy. 

Resort name was Hillview Resort and food and ambiance was good.

Places of interest:

Tea plantations

Mattupetty Dam

Chinnakanal falls

Echo point

Kundala Dam Lake

18) Chikkamagaluru – Dakshina Kannada – Uttarkannada

I have something special to write here. My childhood memories, school trips and trip after the marriage always whirls around these places and every time I pass through these places it gives me goosebumps.

You can club your trips however you wish.

a) Bangalore – Hassan – Beluru – Halebeedu – Chikkamagaluru

You leave early from Bangalore so that you can cover Beluru & Halebeedu. You can also visit Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur and meet Kannanji - Priest of the temple and Karnataka Ratna Awardee.

Trip to Chikkamagaluru with friends had left such a huge expectations but we were in vain when I went with my family.

First mistake was when we drove ourselves to top of Mullayyanagiri. Since it was sunny right at 8am and giri was not covered with fog, I could not just see to my left when a vehicle came from the front and we had to make way for it. It was a deadly valley!!!! Rudraramaneeya!!!!

We ran back to hotel with our heart in hand....then we hired a taxi but by the time sun raised above the head and it was a great flopshow!!!😠😢😠 so you should be really lucky to get an awesome weather and experience otherwise beautiful nature!!!😖

Places we want to/have visited:

Coffee estates/ homestays would be better than in hotels unless its Taj.

Mullayanagiri - is the highest peak in Karnataka

Kemmanagundi

waterfalls like Manikyadhara, Hebbe, Kallathigiri

Dattapeeta/Bababudana Giri

You can also cover Horanadu, Sringeri, Kalasa, Belavadi, Kudremukh National Park. You can cover these places from Dakshina Kannada/Udupi also.

Below is still in our checklist : 

Bangalore - Hassan - Sakleshpur - Harangi backwaters & Manjarabad Fort
also you can trekk at Kumara Parvatha

b) Bangalore - Dakshina Kannada/Mangalore/Udupi

Places we want to/have visited:

Karakala Ghommateshwara

Moodabidri Savirakambada Jain Basadi

Hosanadu Kodyadka Annapoorneshwari Temple
Kukke, Dharmastala, Soutedka Ganapati temples

Vaaranga Jain Temple

Madantyaru

Hattiangadi, Aanegudde Ganapati temples

Kolluru Mookambika and Kodachadri

Udupi Temple, Kaapu Beach, Malpe beach
Maravante, Vadhabhandeshwara

Kadri, Kudrolli, Bappanaadu, Kateelu Durga Parameshwara Temple, Tanirbhavi beach

Bekal forts, Kasargod

c) Bangalore - Shivamogga - Sagara - Honnavara - Kumta - Sirsi

My hometown, with extraordinary beaches, coastal area, ghat sections, paddy fields, arecanut & banana tree gardens, coconut & palm trees. So that extra cheese for this place!!😈💓💖💕

Places we want to/have visited:

Mirjan Fort

Varadahalli Sridhara Ashrama

Jog falls

Honnemaradu

Bangarumakki Devastana

Honnavara - Apsarakonda, Kasargod Eco beach, Idagunji, Murudeshwara

Sirsi - Marikamba Temple, Yana, Sonda, Banvasi, Sahasralinga

d) Bangalore - Kumta - Gokarna - Goa

Since my Dad's place is Kumta and Goa is around 200kms from there, we went for day's outing. We drove to North Goa and Stayed in Lui  Beach Resort. We had to struggle for Veg food and were searching Veg hotel till late night. I think we hogged in at Sharanam Centre...I do remember the name vaguely....we were so hungry just hogged in!!!!

Next day on our way back to home, we visited Gokarana temple and Om Beach. 

We visited Fort Aguada and Candolim Beach in Goa. 

19) Bangalore - Ballari road - Raichur - Mantralayam(around 382kms)

We had to attend a marriage in Raichur and thought we will cover Mantralayam from there.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy or Guru Rayaru Math is worth seeing.

20) Bangalore – Hampi(around 343 kms)

Long awaiting day had come and one day we left for Hampi via Chitradurga. We stayed in Kishkinda Heritage Resort - one of the oldest resort. It has a nice water park attached to it which is open during the day for outsiders also. Resort is old and food court was ok ok. Many might not like....but its economical.

We decided to take a guide which was a good decision. He said it takes minimum 4 days to see each and every monument.  It was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during its prime. Somewhere you silently cry inside by seeing the ruins of the city.....😢😒💔

We could visit below monuments:

Statue of Ugra Narsimha & Shivlinga

Kadalekai Ganesha

Virupaksha Temple

Elephant Stables

Lotus Palace

Dasara Dibba

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Stone chariot

There is nowhere to go but everywhere to go and whereever I go, I go everywhere!!!!
I do believe its time for another adventure...😈😎😜💕💝