Background: I am trying to explore India as much as I can. In my case, it cannot be done in a single mega trip. Hence breaking it down into many small trips.
State: Karnataka
Towns/Cities: Bengaluru, Chikmagalur.
Introduction to Karnataka
The 6th largest (by area) state in India.
Largest Coffee-exporting state of India.
Home to the 2nd highest plunge waterfall in India, Jog Falls (Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya is the highest).
Home to India’s technology capital, Bengaluru/Bangalore.
Home to one of India’s most historical and beautiful cities, Mysuru/Mysore.
Home to Hampi, the medieval Vijayanagara empire’s capital.
Kannada is the official language.
Karnataka is host to 13 (!) different languages.
Originally called “State of Mysore”.
Gomateshwara statue, located in Shravanabelagola, is the World’s tallest monolithic statue.
Karnataka is famous for its Sandalwood.
My Experiences
Southern Railway’s Bengaluru Mail train which I took for the overnight journey to Bengaluru, which was our starting point.My 2nd AC cabin. My cabin mate was a railway official who was getting transferred to Bengaluru. There were quite a few people to send him off, some of them had (fake?) tears 🙂 I helped them take a few photos as well.The 2nd AC compartment looks quite nice …Thatte Idli and Vada for BF. The chutney was so yummy!!!The resort we stayed in, looked vintage …The property has close to 40 acres of land, with an artificial pond/lake … There was fencing all around (Elephants!).Rooms were quite spacious … Since Chikmagalur has an altitude of over 1000m, it was quite cool while we were there.Bathrooms were spacious as well …Another one of the bedrooms …The highlight, for me, was this central lounge area … The resort had two floors and this is on the ground floor. The ground floor had 4 bedrooms, all opening into this central lounge area.The building, from outside … We tried playing some tennis ball cricket.Chennakeshava Temple, Beluru, Karnataka. From the 12th century! What a spectacular temple it is. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in 1163 A.D. by Hoysala emperor Narasimha I.The temple has such intricate stone work … Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.It was a very hot and sunny day … Walking around without footwear was not easy for me. I was literally hopping around. Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Any thoughts on how long it will take to do such work? 🙂 Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Wow … Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was inscribed in September 2023 under the serial property name “The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.”Wow … Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was inscribed in September 2023 under the serial property name “The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.”Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.We engaged a guide for a tour … Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.The 42-foot-tall monolithic granite pillar which stands entirely on its own weight without any foundational support! The pillar is not anchored, cemented, or buried into the ground. It simply rests on a flat, star-shaped stone platform. The structure was designed so perfectly that its center of gravity passes directly through the geometric center of its base. Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.That is one intricate pillar! Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Karnataka.My 1st Vande Bharat trip 🙂 The train’s arrival was 7 minutes late, but still it reached the final destination 20 minutes ahead of time (Which I am not sure is a great thing, but we have to consider the massive size and scale of Indian Railways. 25 million people per day!!!).Seats were wide and spacious. The compartments were quite clean. Of course, the usual “people watching content on their phones using speakerphones” issue was still there 🙂There are screens displaying travel information and ads …The food was quite basic and not worth it IMHO … The instant coffee they served was horrendous as well. In my next trip, I will skip the food option and bring my own, if needed.
