Mesmerizing Malnad

A weekend getaway from Bangalore's chaotic pace and the the hum drum of everyday life.. 

All we wanted was a peaceful place to spend a relaxing weekend. We zeroed down on a date in the month of monsoon. Destination = Malnad region of Karnataka. 

Malnad region has tropical climate, the ground is like an old Indian bathroom. (Sloppy! Eeeks)

We had booked Ammadi homestay in Koppa. That place had an old world charm. The traditional 'Totti mane' as we call it in Kannada. (which means a wide shallow tank in the middle of the house.) Check out the pictures to get an idea. 

The enthralling mountains are so beautifully clad in green that even clouds cannot hold back the temptation to kiss them in public!  

Streams, brooks and rivers come alive in the monsoon. It is divine to see water flowing by the road side. 

If you are into bird watching, this region provides you with myriad species of birds which thrive in this region. 

We did not want to travel much, so visited only Mandagadde bird sanctuary and Sirimane falls. 

Mandagadde bird Sanctuary

Sirimane falls.

Now, coming to the details for those who want to visit this region.

Place: Koppa, Shimoga.

Distance: 350 Km from Bangalore. It will take roughly 7 hours on road.

Route: Bangalore – Hassan – Chickmagalur – Aldur – Balehonnur – Jayapura – Koppa

Where to stay: You can experience the traditional cuisine in homestays. You can check from various options here. If you are planning on a budget trip, you can look out for some lodges.

Places to see: Gajanur dam, Bhadra wildlife reserve, Mandagadde, Sakkare Bayalu Elephant Camp, Chikmagalur and many many more.

Things to remember

1. Carry an umbrella.

2. If you are very sensitive to the cold weather, please carry warm clothing.

3. Trek through the estates might leave you hooked up with leaches. Shoes recommended.

4. Many insects around. I honestly do not know what to do. :-D

On the last point I remember an incident..  I asked BH to 'shoo' the flies while I slept. He had drowned himself in the twitter app of his phone. He said 'we are not so rich to 

provide all them that luxury. Let them be barefoot'

Arrggghhhh!!