Chickmagalur, the land of coffee
Chickmagalur is one of the best choice as weekend gateways from Bangaluru, Karnataka.
Each trip brings so much memories, most of them are good and few may be bad. Some memories, you will never ever forget in your life. For me and my family, the trip to Chikmagalur will be memorable not only because of its picturesque landscape, but for something else. I will share this in this blog. To know how to plan a tour visit my previous blog.
About the Place, Chickmagalur:
Chikmagalur is a beautiful district in western Karnataka. This is a perfect weekend gateways from bangaluru as it is almost 245 Km from Bengaluru. Whereas South India mostly popular for these hill station -Ooty, Munar, Coorg, it is an underexplored location, which is equally beautiful. It is said that this is the first place in India, from where the coffee plantation began in 1670. We heard from locals that Baba Budan, who was a Muslim Saint brought 7 coffee seeds from Yamen. Those days it was restricted to bring the coffee in any other form than dust. He put his life on risk and for him the coffee plantation has been started in India. It is one of the famous pilgrimage for Muslims. We also heard that in 1977, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister fought her Lok Sabha election from here.
Places to See in Chickmagalur:
Mullayanagiri:
It is the highest peak in Karnataka. It is almost 12 Km from the city. The mesmerizing green view and cool breeze will make you speechless. It is one of the popular trek route, though you can travel in car also.
Baba Budangiri:
This wonderful mountain is known one shrine that was built for Sufi saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar. The interesting part about this shrine is that it is meant for both Hindus and Muslims. More than the history, these ranges and caves are scenic and intriguing.
Kemmangundi :
Kemmagundi is another fascinating part of Baba Budangiri Range.
Temples at Belur:
Belur is 22 Km from Chikmagalur. It is very popular for its some of famous temples. Chennakeshava Temple is most popular among all. We only had time to visit this one.
Our Journey:
Along with my family, I started the journey from Bangalore on 13th May 2016. We hired one 7 seater car along with Mr. Babu (The Driver; Name Changed here). Subsequently, you will get to know Mr. Babu. Yes, you are thinking in the right direction, he is the person, who made this trip more memorable. We started at 7am in the morning and.took the following route : Bangalore – Kunigal – Hassan – Belur – Chikmagalur.
Instead of pleasant temperature of Bengaluru, we preferred an AC car, as it was May. However our Mr. Babu was in favor of opening the window glass, instead of AC. We were very annoyed and asked him to close the window as the car was running almost 80-90 km/h speed in the highway. Though he listened for that moment, but again after some time he opened the window glass. After seeing his expertise in driving (2/3 sudden breaks, turns and his way of taking over other vehicles) we thought of not to have different opinion regarding the AC & Window. Thanks to the pleasant weather, later we told him to open the window and switch of the AC.
Day 1 at Chickmagalur:
We reached the place around 12.30pm, done our check-in in hotel, had our lunch and took little rest. In the evening, we went to explore nearby. We went to the Hirekolale lake, which was 10 km from the city as the hotel manager suggested us to start the popular places next day. We experienced little rain while going to the lake and after the rain, the fresh wind, pleasant temperature and clear sky made our day. We didn’t have any intention to leave the place soon, however due to less numbers of umbrella and expected heavy rainfall, made us leave the place. We came back in hotel. Mr. Babu showed his expertise again, while parking the car in hotel car parking area by hitting another car. No need to tell that the full credit goes to none other than Babu. So he was taken by the driver of that car. We were feeling pity for him and thought to help him by giving some of the money, he had to spend for the damage.
Day 2 at Chickmagalur :
The next day was the main day for travel. We were ready after taking bath and completing breakfast but where is our Babu?? We waited for another 1 hour and he came when our patience level touched sea level and anger touched sky level. Anyway by seeing his emotional face, we didn’t scold him much and started for the day. First we went to Mullayangiri range. The view was amazing as already mentioned above. As we were travelling with parents and my 1 year old daughter, so told Babu to drive safe and slow (After experiencing some of his expertise!!). We procced towards Baba Budangiri. Till that time it was ok, but wait “Picture abhi baki hai”. While proceeding towards the Kemmagundi Peak, we realized the slope is almost 60-70 degree. Having feeling of warzone (anything can be happened anytime!!) we were moving towards the peak. Other cars were also in front/ behind of us, but they might not have Babu in the driver’s seat. There was one very high slope with sharp u turn in the terrain, which we could see from far. I was murmuring “God save us for this time”, suddenly the car in front of us stuck in the mentioned location and coming towards us. I cannot tell you what we were thinking that time. All the other drivers rushed towards the car and stopped it and gave the rocks under the tires to stop its backward motion. After 15 minutes of struggle, the car moved ahead. At that time we couldn’t hold our faith towards Babu and we came out from the car and told him to proceed alone in the turn. We told him to go and wherever he will get place to make a U turn, do so. Fortunately, somehow he managed to do that. When my husband tried to scold the person, he said “Sab, then you drive”. Think!! Believe me, sometimes you will have the feeling that you have got second life!!
Wait, this is not the end of the entertainment. Next day, we visited some other places like Ayyanakare Lakes and Chennakeshava Temple while returning to Bangalore next day.
While returning, we told Mr. Babu not to open the window and switch on the AC. We decided not to mingle with him much as apprehensive about his car key handover. Though he was opening window 4-5 times while returning, we kept mum.
In Bangalore while we were stuck in Traffic jam, we got time to interact with him. (Prior to that, we decided not to talk to him, to avoid diversion of his attention while driving). We asked him, “Why did you want to open window in AC car every time?” He replied “Madam AC main mere kan Bandh ho jata hain”!! What is this!! We were interested to know more. We asked “Which car do you drive in Bangalore?” You won’t believe his answer!!
He was auto driver in Bangalore!! Just think….. We had just completed a tour in a 7 seater car! With family! In the hilly terrain! With a driver who drives Auto!! Now this, we shall call confidence of the driver/our luck or bad luck, I don’t know. But after getting this answer we laughed for min 30 Mins and thanked God.
Even today, when we think about Chikmagalur, first things comes to our mind is Mr. Babu.
Awesome pictures!
Thank you Eshita