Karnataka: An offbeat adventurescape

A 48km bus ride from Bangalore, Ramanagaram is a valley canvassed against the background of the Deccan hills, giving the capital a perfect scenic backdrop. And, what’s better is the array of adventure sports this hidden escapade offers-from activities like rock-climbing to mountaineering-an entire day is just ideally spent here!

For a history addict like me, mythology seems like the mystical truth behind every fact! And Karighatta, 128 kms from Mysore Road, offers just the perfect enigmatic yet picturesque mysticism along with a little tilling adventure. Located on the banks of Lokapavani river, this hilly land calls for a tiring exercise of climbing its 300 steps, built steeply on the 2697 ft. high hill-top. Along with such a mythical experience comes a sanctuary, especially for a bird-watcher and bird-lover like me!

It is actually an island, surrounded by the rivulets of Cauvery river, encircling its banks on all sides. And, along with this comes a beautiful resort, situated amongst the lush greens of the Nisargadhama Island, right in the middle of the walkable piece of land. The hanging bridge that took me across the river was an amazing experience. And to add to this were the ever-adventurous opportunities to row a boat in the river streams, and go on some enjoyable elephant rides and mostly the exceedingly incredible views of the flora and fauna around the island. Especially numerous species of deer, peacocks, monkeys and birds - all inhabitants in their very natural habitat.

If you’re in search of paragliding across the most beautiful coffee estates, or parasailing over the most picturesque terraced hill-tops and flowering valleys, then Kodugu is where your calling is! As it is most commonly known- Coorg, this place gives for the most immensely beautiful sights amidst adventure laden land and the most fun-loving people you can ever meet! While the locals are truly hospitable and warm, their affection permeates into their famous bakeries, white chocolates and the coorgy cuisine (brought alive the foodie in me!) If I were to recommend anyone about travelling to Coorg, I'd say the best experience awaits in the houses of local estate holders and among other local villagers!

Famous for its cuisine, I hogged as though I had been food deprived for days! Yes, that's how delicious Udupi cuisine is! For a typical Punjabi like me, who’s mistaken to like any “Madras” food, I truly enjoyed the Rava Dosas and special chutneys and dishes from their local sit-out restaurants and from the kitchens of the locals themselves. Apart from that, came the Mangalorean extravaganza of cultural traditions and love for adventure and food that made the stay in Udupi, traversing through mainland Mangalore, a memorable one!

It’s a small settlement, more like a village, near the famous Jog Falls, or Talaguppa, in Shivamogga district. Lesser known than other tourist spots in Karnataka, Honnemaradu falls near the back waters of the Shravathi river, clearly and scenically overlooking the Linganamakki reservoir. This makes it an amazing getaway for nature lovers and weekend escapades, of course I added it into my offbeat itinerary for this trip. Besides, it gave way to the adventure I seek- in the form of some fun water sports like windsurfing and kayaking.

My second last destination was Murudeshwara, famously known for the coming together of mystical enchantment along with the adventure of its water sports. There features alongside the tallest Shiva statue, the Murudeshwara Temple. And along with all these architectural man-made wonders coming along with those by nature, are the array of sea-borne activities this coastal town in Karnataka provides. However, like they say, if not the Andamans, it is Murudeshwara; so I went on a 7-day thrill of scuba diving, and snorkelled along coral reefs and sea fish as I scuba dived in the waters next to the beach. This enchanting scenic beauty along with its mystical environment gives for an amazing experience.

And finally comes the last stop of my trip, Gokarna or the mini Goa. Whether it is the hippies of Goa or the shacks and amazing seafood, Gokarna made for a perfect last spot and retreat with its amazing expanse of sands mixing into the canvas of the seashores and giving a perfect picture for any traveler-whether the backpacker or the tourist! Famous for the nature’s creativity in the “Om” beach, yes, it is in the shape of an Om; All I can say is I can’t wait to go back- and this time maybe a proper road trip!