We may not be able to travel just yet, but it doesn't mean we can't keep it on our radar! Channelizing all the good that can happen on a road trip.....
The freedom of traveling by car and discovering the roads with your chill out company makes the way seem shorter.
Tucked in the foothills of Mullyangiri range, lies the charming city of Chikmagalur. The land of coffee, verdant valleys, and green vistas. If you are in Bangalore, Chikmagalur is a must to visit place. A 5-hour drive from Bangalore, windmills, rain, villages, perfect roads to explore. We reached our home stay Shanthi Kunnj, one of the best homestays in south India. Here in Karnataka homestays are quite a famous concept and alot more indulging experience. Hospitality will be top class but the food is homely what else one could ask for a home away home. Shanthi Kunnj Homestay is not just a place to stay, it’s an experience. They have three options available like a cool glasshouse, or a rustic log house, or a humble mud house, you will enjoy the stay anyways. Their glass room is probably the best room to stay, situated above the Bhadra river, one can embrace the river flow from the balcony. And the owner of the homestay, worth to mention Carol, is incredibly friendly and takes care of guests very well.
This trip, I will always remember until my memory faints, all shades of green painted across the road on spiral trees of coffee, mountains, vast stretches of stunning natural beauty. Mullayangiri, the highest peak in Karnataka with an altitude of 1930mts.
Trekking lovers can take the 5 km long route starting from Sarpadhaari.
And who loves off-road experiences can opt for 4 wheel jeep safari at the cost Rs 850/pax, which will take you through beautiful places of western ghats and let you witness the wonderful scenes of coffee estates. To be honest, it is "a thrilling ride", vision blurred due to rain and monsoon mist (in the month of September), wet dark brown soiled slippery sleek mud road, and driving one way on the same with deadly steep edges, you will love it! After such a shaking ride Maggie point was divine, from there 450 steps will take you to a temple with Nandi statue and the view will lead you to the state of non-existence. For a while, I felt those lines from a movie -"Dilon may agar apni betaabiyan lekar chal rhe ho tum, toh zinda ho tum." Endured, on our way back with this strange feeling, ended a day well spent with piping hot coffee at The SIRI cafe.
The next must visit place is Hirekolale lake, a man-made lake, virgin and untouched, stands for its beautiful packed view of mountains.
A beauty, with lush green landscapes, with the cotton candy sky while sunset, will certainly amaze you. The listing does not end here though.
Chikmagalur was a delightful transition.
Above and Beyond!
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