Karnataka – South India- The Splendour!!

Buses on Boat

“Neladha bittu neera mela bandi hogadhu” goes a popular kannada song..” Hoguthe- Nerrina mela Barge hodre bandi adhmele hoguthe”(Vehicles can move through water through a barge).. Normally seen in Hollywood movies and Foreign locations, it was a massive surprise when we witnessed the same in Karnataka

Welcome to Sigandhoor!!!

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Sigandhoor is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess chowdeshwari situated on the bank of the river Sharavathi, in Sagara Taluk of Shimoga District. The temple attracts devotess in large numbers on Holidays and during the festive season.Though it is present in the Sagar Taluk, the reservoir of Sharavathi has cut off the road connectivity from Sagara. However, direct road connectivity is present from Kollur

Sigandhoor is about 35 kms from the Taluk Headquarters of Sagara. As we proceed through the Western ghats forests on the main road, filled with greenery especially post monsoon, for about 20 kms, we reach the point of Holebagilu or the gateway to the river. Barges operated by the Government of Karnataka, stands awaiting for passengers.

As the people get into the barge, they are requested to move to the back of the barge and stand on the sides, The centre of the barge is reserved for the heavy vehicles, specially the buses which operate on the Sagara-Sigandhoor and Sagara-Kollur route. if at that particular point no buses are present, then the taxis and other vehicles waiting in the queue get the chance to board the barge. Seating is provided only at the back and is limited to maximum of about 40 passengers. Remaining have to travel standing

Once the barge is filled up with vehicles and passengers, its time to move on over the river sharavathi. The barge moves through the spectacular waters of the reservoir, where the submerged island remanants can be seen. The water is quite deep up to 18 feet at places but is as calm as a lake. the ticket issuer comes and issues tickets. Passengers are charged at Re 1 per head and the fare varies to Rs. 20/- for cars and about Rs.50/- for buses. The travel distance is about 3 kms and the barge takes about 15-20 minutes to cover the distance from one end to other.Once on the other side, vehicles get down from the barge and proceed on the road towards Sigandhoor.

If owing to lack of space cars are not able to board the barge, then you can park your car on the Holebagilu side and proceed in the barge. While the barge reaches the other side, regular taxis are present to take you from there to Sigandhoor temple charging at Rs.20/- per head for the share ride. The temple is located at about 10 kms from this point.

Sigandhoor also falls on the Sagara-Kollur main road and certain buses (Only private- KSRTC doesnt operate on this route) also follow this barge route from Sagar to reach Kollur though not very frequent. But quite frequent buses are available from Sagar to Sigandhoor. Barge services also are operated only till 5PM on all days.

Recently, it was passed in the Parliament to dedicate some of the rivers as National Waterways and Sharavati has been announced for the same. Once it is marked, may the services might undergo a change and cover higher distances from this place.

Location:

Sagar is located about 300 kms from Bangalore and is situated on the Bangalore-Sirsi-Honnavar Highway connecting to the Coastal Karnataka.Inside Sagar Town, divert via the Private bus stand road to Holebagilu on the Kollur road. at 20 kms you will get the barge point where you can use the same to cross the water

Accommodation and lodging is available in Sagar town. Food is mainly south Indian food with the Malenad (Hilly region) type preparation.

How to Reach:

By Rail:

Sagar is connected by train to Bangalore and Mysore. 16227 Talaguppa Express leaves Bangalore City everyday at 11PM and arrives Sagar at 7AM. in return direction, the train leaves Sagar at 8:30PM and reaches Bangalore at 4:30AM. 16201 Mysore Intercity leaves Mysore at 6AM and reaches Sagar at 1PM. In return direction 16202 leaves Sagar at 2:45PM and reaches Mysore at 10:15PM

2. By Road

KSRTC as well as private buses operate both Ordinary and Luxury services from Bangalore via Sagar towards Sirsi and the Coastal Karnataka towns of Honnavar, Kumta and Gokarna. NWKRTC operates regular services from Hubli via Sirsi

Best time to visit:

Monsoon are beautiful in Western Ghats but the barge does not have cover. so better to visit post monsoon season of September to December.

Where a demon ruled

Mahisasura ooru to Mysooru

Our Mythology has various Towns and Cities named after major rulers. However once Town has been named after a demon who is believed to have ruled there. The demon had power of invincibility and at last in the end was assassinated by the power of the God. Now the Town is famous for the Temple of the Goddess

Welcome to Mysore !!!! Mahisasura’s town Mahisa-ooru eventually turned to Mysooru!!!

p1010866-copy — Mahisasura at the enterance to Chamundeshwari Temple

Mahishasur was a Demon with a Bull’s head who performed severe penance to Lord Brahma and got the power of invincibility. However, he could be destroyed only by a Woman. Getting the power of invincibility, he terrorized the 3 worlds. Sages and the Gods approached Lord Brahma for help and getting to know the boon granted to Mahisasura, turned to Goddess Shakti, the creator of Universe for the help. Goddess Shakti, with the powers of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, incarnated as Goddess Chamundi and slayed the demon. However there was a flaw in the clause.. The blood drops of Mahishasura could turn into Mahisasura and hence slaying him became tough. Goddess Chamundi summoned her Sister Jwalamukhi Tiruparasundari, who drank the blood as it dropped. Thus Mahisasura was slayed, and world was happy again. Goddess Chamundi got the name “Mahisasura Mardhini” or the one who destroyed “Mahisasura”

Celebrations of this victory continue even today. Goddess Shakti went into penance for 9 days and Mahisasura was slayed on the 10th day. This celebration of victory is marked as Dusshera and the entire town of Mysore goes into grandeur this 10 days with people from all over the State visting the Town for this 10 day celebration.

The temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundi was established on a hillock just outside the Mysore City. Believed to be built by the Hoysala Rulers in the 12th Century (about 900 years ago), the temple is flocked by devotees and tourists alike. during the Dusshera season.

Located about 12 kms from Mysore city through a winding ghat road, the drive provides a wonderful view of the Mysore Town. enroute to the temple, a road branches its way towards a huge statue of Nandi, the vehicle of the Goddess. Down the road from the Nandi near the foothill of the Chamundi Hills, is the temple dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi Tirupurasundari, who assisted the Goddess in slaying Mahisasura.

Chamundi Temple is open for darshan from morning 7:30 to afternoon 2PM and again from 4PM to 9PM.

Mysore City bus services on rout&e 201 route 100 connect frequently from the Mysore city bus stand to Chamundi Hills operating both Non-AC and AC services

Jwalamukhi Temple located close to Nanjangud town is connected via buses on route 100(Via Chamundi Hills) & route 203(Via Nanjangud road) frequently

p1010938-copy — Mysore Palace lighting on a Dusshera Evening

Celebration of Dusshera in Mysore is a wide affair continued since the Hoysala and Vijayanagar empire and carried on through the present day by the Wodeyar linage. The Palace of Mysore is still in their possession and the roads leading to the palace are well illuminated to commensurate the festival.Jambu-savari or the elephant parade is the most important aspect of the festival and the Elephant march on the 10th day of the Dusshera festival is the major highlight attracting locals and tourists alike

The palace is located right in the City centre .A Fort marks the boundary wall of the palace, built during the Woderyar regine to protect their palace from invasions. Well laid roads circle the place with each circle having a roundabout with a statue of the ruler standing.

The Palace is located at a walkable distance from Mysore city bus stand. A section of the palace is open for visitors from 10AM to 530Pm on all days while the remaining portions are prohibited for the privacy of the owners of the palace

p1020162 — Giraffe at mysore zoo with Chamundi Hills in background

The rulers of Mysore wanted a created a seperate park for themselves and housed certain animals in 1892 and was popularly known as the Mysore zoo where the rulers enjooyed their leisure time. Later the same was open to Public as the Jayachamarajendra Zoological Gardens as it is known today. Spread over 45 acres, the speciality of the zoo is housing of certain exotic species such as the Giraffee, Zebras, Gorilla, Wallaby (A Kangaroo type Marsupial from Australia) and most recent addition to the lot , a Green Anaconda from South America. An artifical lake is situated inside the park which attracts water birds such as Pelicans and Storks and also peacocks can be found moving freely around the lake

The zoological garden is located about 4 kms from the palace and is connected via buses on route 201 & route 100 from the city bus stand. The zoological park is open for visitors from 9AM and 5:30PM and visitors are charged at Rs.25/- per head. The zoological park is closed to visitors on Tuesdays for maintainence

p1010674 — Brindavan Gardens on a late evening

The water supply to Mysore Town is met by the famous river of the South “The Cauvery”. The river, having origin about 100 kms from Mysore Town, passes very close to the Town at 18 kms. The famous engineer of the South, Sir M. Vishweshvaraiah was the chief architect over the construction of the dam across the river at Krishnarajasagara, most famous now called the K.R.S Dam. in the year 1927.

To add to the beauty of the dam, a beautiful garden was laid out, work for which started in 1927 and ended in 1932 and was finally opened to visitors. This gardens, the most famous Brindavan gardens, turnded out to be a major shooting spot right from the 1950’s. In 1964, Indian Railways started a train from Chennai to Bangalore named after this park as Brindavan Express(Bangalore Mysore was in Meter Gauge then , and hence the train was terminated at Bangalore even to this day) This park attracts all visitors to Mysore and is famous for night lighting and musical fountain show held after 7PM.

K.R.S & Brindavan Gardens are located about 15 kms away from the City Centre in Srirangapatna taluk. Mysore city bus service on route 313 connect the City bus stand and Brindavan Gardens and passes about 100 mtrs close to the City Railway station.The park is open from morning 10AM and closes after the Musical Fountain function at 730PM

About Mysore:

Mysore is strategically connected via State Highway 17 from Bangalore City, the Capital of Karnataka and is about 140 kms from Bangalore. Despite the overburdening of the Capital City, Mysore enjoys a peaceful life. Though IT has penetrated into mysore too, the effect is neverthless very lesser compared to its bigger counterpart. Overall, Mysore= a calm quiet life with comfort of Bangalore. Located on a connectivity point to Madikeri, Mangalore, North Kerala and West Tamilnadu from Bangalore, the floating population of the Town is very high during holidays and weekends

Vareity of Restaurants are available close the city centre offering wide vareities of South Indian and North Indian delicacies. Accommodation is also available in plenty providing comfort accommodation including the State run loding facilities belonging to KSTDC.

How to Reach:

Rail : Mysore is well connected by almost 15 pairs of daily trains running at regular intervals from Bangalore. Apart from that, 2 daily trains connect Mysore to Chennai, while Thanjavur, Madurai,Tirupati, Hubli, Shimoga ,Gulbarga ,Bellary are connected by single dailies. Bi-weekly trains connect Mysore to Secunderabad, Jaipur, Varanasi, & Ajmer while Weekly connect Mysore to Howrah (Calcutta), Bombay and Delhi

Road: Mysore has a strategically connected road. Located in the Southern part of Karnataka, Mysore acts as a midpoint in connecting Western Tamilnadu and Northern Kerala to Karanata specially Bangalore. Hence regular KSRTC buses connect Mysore from all over Karnataka, with Bangalore topping the chart with a bus every 2 minutes and a non-stop Non-AC services every 15 minutes once. Apart from them, TNSTC connects Mysore regularly to Erode, Coimbatore and Ooty while KSRTC (Kerala) connects Mysore to Calicut at regular intervals.

Self Driving: State Highway 17 from Bangalore is 4 laned and provides comfortably laid but weekend traffic snarls are higher than Bangalore’s daily traffic snarls. Variety of restaurants dot the highway and so refreshment is not an issue anywhere between Bangalore & Mysore

The Train journey through the Ghats

Descending from 980MSL to Sea level

Being a Railfan, its always fine that my blog starts with a train Journey… and hence here comes the 1st post combining a train journey with travel

This train journey is not a premium service.. Its a normal daily service. No special bookings no special permissions required. Book it on Indian Railways online service http://www.irctc.co.in and enjoy the journey through the lap of the Western ghats

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The train journey begins in the Capital City of Karnataka- Bangalore from Yeshvantapur Railway station located about 6 kms from City Centre and ends at the Coastal City of Mangalore. A daily overnight train and a Tri-weekly Day express does the job of traversing through the ghats. The night journey undertaken on a Full moon night can give eerie feelings unless you sleep while the day journey is a beautiful one especially Post monsoon and in winters when the mountains are in lush greenery

Well the day train- Train No. 16515 on the Yeshvantapur Karwar route, providing Non-AC and AC Seating arrangements , a 18 coacher hauled by a diesel engine,to be run on tracks with 1.6M width (Broad gauge line) leaves the Yeshvantapur station at 7AM and proceeds through the National Highway towards Mumbai before deviating towards the interior at Tumkur at Arasikere.

Well nothing much to expect in this section as it is through the normal urban and rural landscapes of Karnataka towards the town of arasikere. The train then reverses its direction towards the Town of Hassan. The route taken is a slightly roundabout compared to the road as of now, but the direct line to Hassan is being laid and once done, the journey can be accomplished with a saving of 1 hour. After Hassan, the train winds it way close to the Bangalore-Mangalore Highway with slight changes in sceneries with coffee plantations too making their way. The wayside stations and streams done away with, the train reaches the town of Sakleshpur situated at 970MSL almost the same height as the starting Point. But the plateau now has paved its way to the Oldest mountains of the Country “Western Ghats”

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Its almost Lunch time with the time ticking 12:30… Sakleshpur is the main station to finish of food with arriving vendors. The train too takes a much required rest here.. The journey ahead is major and the engine knows what lies ahead. As we have food, the joints and nuts and coupling are checked. 2 other locos joins the one ahead making it a total of 3 locos to haul the train now. The halt at Sakleshpur continues for almost 30 mins.. enough time to finish lunch and get the camera ready

A loud hoot from the leading engine and the signal turns green. It is time now to move on and grab the doors. If not the doors Windows can also provide comfort. A non-Ac coach provides a better viewing comfort from the seats. the points of Sakleshpur is crossed. The next official halt is just 55 kms away from here.. but the halt is 700mtrs down the Western Ghats @ 180MSL

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We are now into the lap of the ghats.. The Western Ghats tower over us at each and every point showing its superiority. The train would seem like a caterpillar to them. When the line in this section was closed for gauge conversion, this was a trekking point. But with trains making a comeback, trekking is now restricted. We move past coffee plantations and past human habitations. All that we now have are Hills, Forests and Lush greenery. Post monsoon waterfalls give us company as ferns give a brush against the faces..

Proceeding ahead, we cross the bridge over a stream.. Well streams are meant to be tiny but some turn out to be too tiny to be even spotted from the height.. The bridges are innumerous, a few of them as long as 200 mtrs and a few of them very short just a cross-over.. As the bridge is crossed, soon darkness envelopes.. Not coz of the time of the day but we have moved into one of the 1st tunnels we encounter.. Track alignment need to be straight and hence engineering surveys have ensured the train runs straight through hills rather than winding.(done in independent India!!!!). the sound of the loco is diminished by the hooting of the travellers

The 3 locos ahead know their duty..The 2 others are destined for it.. ensure that the full force is given to brakes and train doesnt speed more than 30.. in some sections 15 is the destined speed.

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Dongial, the 1st station in the ghats arrive and the train takes a necessary break testing halt as the engines puff out the smoke.. they have been tired after the run and they know they have travered just about 15 kms and taken about 35 mins of time.. But the word go is given shortly and they proceed on. The train now moves further into uninhabited locations and greenery surrounds the valley. At places, parapet walls give the binding just after the tracks. We now reach the next station 10 kms away, a “quick”30 minutes later.. ! p1020270

Yedakumari!!! A Station where the platforms just face the valley and the other side the train curves around the hill…We again stop for a small brake testing halt here before proceeding

The train then proceeds through and pass the ghats and after a continous more moments that left the camera red eyed “low battery”, the train now reaches the official stop-the closest station to the pilgrim Town of Kukke Subramanya.15 kms away (Note: Dharmastala is 75 kms from here). A major pilgrim crowd as well nature lovers photographers crowd descend here to recharge their cameras and memories. 57 tunnels have been crossed and the longest of them was a close 480mtrs long.. 2.5 hrs to cover the 55 kms the mind says not enough, as the leading locos now detach and now await for the duty of a returning train uphill.. the signal says “Go” and train now proceeds

@180MSL and apt time and space, the train now picks up speed to original 65-70kmph but now the landscape is majorly rural and Western ghats are now on the Eastern side of the train. The journey proceeds past and another hour later, a curve on a bridge over Netravathi signals the arrival of Bantwala right at the mouth of the bridge.. The next major town is despatched with 2 minutes halt and now the Coastal Town arrival is signalled by a the line coming from the north- the engineering marvel of Indian Railways “Konkan Railway”. the port town is reached and the train is now ready to traverse through to the Coast to its destination “Karwar”

Travel points:

1. 1615 Yeshvantapur Karwar Express leaves Bangalore at 7AM on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays reaching Subramanya Road at 14:30hrs on same day, Mangalore Jn(Kankanady) at 17:40hrs and Karwar at 23:00hrs on same day. 16516 in return direction leaves Karwar at 5AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, reaching Mangalore Jn (Kankanady) at 10:55, Subramanya Road at 1300hrs and Bangalore at 22:00hrs on same day

2. 16523/24 daily Express from Bangalore via Mysore runs in the night and can be used for return journeys rather than entertainment

Best time to visit : Monsoon- But landslides can cause disruption; Post monsoon (September-December) is ideal

3. Trekking enthusiasts can check with the local trekking clubs regarding the permissions for the stretch from Sakleshpur to Subramanya Road which are open in specific sections..

Food: Arasikere, Hassan and Sakleshpur are food available points enroute.. Its advisable to refill at Sakleshpur as the time available is more

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