Travelling into the Wilderness

Travelling into the Wilderness

This is about my recent trip to Sangam. Sangam which is around 96 km from Bangalore city is a confluence for three rivers namely Cauvery, Arkavathi and one remains unknown. Sangam can be reached by taking as diversion to left after reaching Kanakpura road (NH209) its 30 kms from there.

“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe”

After a quick discussion with my friend Porush(expert at this) it was decided that Sunday will be spent away from the concrete jungle amidst the true beauty of nature, finally came up with the itinerary to visit this serene place. Packed our bags with the essentials required we three started our journey by 7 am. Bangalore was peaceful with people in their much needed Sunday slumber. Even I wanted to have a good sleep after long tiring week but the idea to be close to the perfect surroundings untouched by man cud’nt but tempt me to be there. With petrol refill and basic checks we were cruising through the city. After hustling around the dusty and potholes filled streets of Kanakapura Road, we hit the main highway (N.H no. 209) towards Sangam We decided to go to Sangam first and Chunchi falls later on our way back home. The entire track (from Kanakapura Road to Sangam) was an entirely different hue from the highway. One good thing about the entire journey was that there were no right and left turns, we just had to follow the straight road. A recluse for unplanned travel freaks like us.

All along we were crossing typical Karnataka villages which were quite a sight. A village here are so well done and speaks of the prosperity. All of them are perfect replica of each other, with starling similarities like low ceilings made of brick red roofs, wide front porch where literally anyone can sit and relax and will not be frowned upon. We came to our first Pit stop, a small local tea shop with straw huts serving steamy Hot Idlis which were quite large than their normal size and piping hot Tea which was just what was required to re-energize ourselves. After having the sumptuous breakfast we headed back onto the highway. I highly recommend this place worth every penny.

With some cool music and smooth drive I trailed off into my own world watching the landscapes changing from skyscrapers to villages to long stretches of tall coconut and palm plantations. I was in my best mood me and my thoughts J  & the lovely ride. Nothing cheers up my mood than travelling such places love exploring. As we reached the last 3-4 km near Sangam, the downhill was full of twists and turns. Then we reached Sangam, it was quite a splendid scene, one could see lots of tourists was little put off but we had something on our minds. If you are fond of fish then would love this as you can get fish fry straight out of water and cooked for you!! As my knowledge goes about the Cauvery river, it is regarded an angler's paradise, protected by the people who have exclusive angling rights on the river. The swim offers diverse biospheres to the fish.

 One has to cross the river to get on the other side of Sangam and go to famous gorge called at "Mekhadaatu, also known as Goat's leap", 4-5 km away from the Sangam. Although buses do ply from there but we decided to continue on foot and trek the stretch. While trekking we saw stones of different hues, green, gray, black and dark red can be seen spread like a huge banquet all along this deciduous forest cover. This trek was amazing as we came across goat herd which was in fact guiding us onto the destination our companions on the trek, we were walking close to the river bank and trust me the trek along the river was simply spectacular as we could reach the places which were purely untouched by humans, the valley surrounded the river, it was a breathtaking view with hills engulfing us and the river was dazzling. We decided to first complete the trek reach the gorge and then on the way back come and enjoy the Cauvery waters. It was sunny so bogged down by heat we decided to get into those rickety buses of I don’t know which era they belonged. After some time we reached the beautiful Gorge. The waters are squeezed into narrow channel, and from there at every 400-500 yards, one can see incredible power of water of the river Cauvery creating deep pools and huge rapids. Getting few good shots we left the place to be in river water. Found a secluded spot we were into the sparkling water, the best part of it was we carried watermelons and with being dipped in water having watermelons and grapes seemed to be a perfect life of a princess!! How I wished that would be paid for such a job! Harsh then privileged us by singing song with background music too. The river is full of fish so one can always spot shoal of fish wandering about. An hour or two we realised we have to head back to reach on time, Porush was the one who seemed to have lost complete track of time and Harsh who tried to take a dip in water lost his googles J ones I was eyeing for ! So not wanting to leave we left the place to get to next location which was Chunchi Falls.

Chunchi Falls
It was a rocky region unlike to the plains and deep waters where these reptiles habituate. Well, we trekked down to the falls crossing a dam. Finally we reached the sight was splendid all around us, shimmering rays of sun falling into the small falls and sparkling it way through the plunge pools was all so elegant. We were hungry so unpacked our food kit and binged on sandwiches we prepared on the spot, life seemed to be so relaxing and wonderful, next to the falls with water splashing on face and enjoying our snacks. Ah , I wished to touch the falls but getting there seemed to be little tough but then we finally managed to rock climb and be close to the pure gushing water wanted to take plunge but resisted as it was getting late

I managed to get close to the falls but to come up again was a strenuous task had to make quite a lot of effort to be back on the track route. Somehow, we tore ourselves away reluctantly from such a beautiful locale, wishing if we could spend more time to unravel the beauty of the place. Past the falls we were back in the car heading towards the city with lots of wonderful memories which will be cherished and remembered and would revive my soul once again whenever I would think of it.After another pit stop, the rest of the journey was pretty silent. We all were exhausted. The day had started innocently enough; who knew all this was in store!!! Maybe because we just went for the travel without any prior plans. Listening to the soft numbers we reached Bangalore around 9 pm. Well, just few hours, but few brilliant hours. And that seemed like a lifetime!

“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment”