We were really excited to begin our Chikmagalur journey with the only exception being that while others plan their weekend gateway to the place, we came here to beat our Monday blues in one of the best possible ways. So from Bengaluru’s NPG hotel near Airport road, we headed off to Chikmagalur early in the morning on Tuesday, 20th June, 2023. It was nearly a four hours journey and as they say God always shows you what’s coming soon with a small trailer and the beautiful roads surrounded by enthralling greenery leading to Chikmagalur were just that. Starting from the calm and simple roads of Bengaluru, it gradually culminated to a breathtaking beauty !
On our way we stopped by at the Udupi Garden cafe and had one of the best filter coffee.
Afterwards we headed off to the Samaram cafe and had a lavish Ghee Roast Dosa at only 74 rupees which was probably the best start to our day.
The ghee roast dosa along with a quirky chitchat about life gave us an indication that it’s definitely going to be one of the best trips of our lives.
On our way we were surprised to spot a wine shop in the midst of the greenery filled streets in the outskirts.
The journey on the long stretched highway, the sight of the luxuriant green trees around and the cool breeze blowing made us forget about our everyday worries, most pressing problems, thereby making our minds calmer and more peaceful, transcending us to a different world altogether in the midst of busy weekdays where everybody is juggling with work and other chores.
Finally we landed up in Chikmagalur and were instantly awestruck with its splendid and ravishing beauty which made us smile in joy and even more when we stepped on to another fascinating wonderland, which is the CoffeeBerry Hills resort, situated on 10 kms of coffee plantation with an alluring mountain view and amenities such as the Infinity Pool from where one can have a jaw dropping as well as a calm view of the hills. Away from the town hustle, it is a tourist attraction on its own and is nearby to many exotic locations. When we reached there it was 23°C with light rain showers, which turned the sight into something really surreal and eye-pleasing. At that moment we knew that we had made the best choice by deciding to stay there for our 3 day trip.
After reaching the hotel we were greeted by a glass of fresh Nimbu Pani and were totally delighted by it.
Then we entered into our room and were touched by its tranquil beauty with a wall picture of Lord Buddha and warm lights. It totally aligned with the serene silence which the greenery around and the hills were speaking of.
Soon we had some yummy onion pakoras and egg pakoras with a hot cup of tea and were totally amazed by the experience.
In the evening we witnessed bon fire and had a conversation with two other tourists. The cool wind blowing accompanied by the warm smoke of the fire soothe our tiredness of a long journey. Then we had delectable Gobi manchurian.
The day after we had our free breakfast at the resort which completely resonated with the weather and vibe around. We had fresh watermelon, aloo paratha, yogurt and home cooked style chowmin.
Later we went for a trip around Chikmagalur and had one of the best experiences of our lives, blown by the wind at the hilltop and witnesssing a foggy air along with cool drizzles. It was a surreal experience to make a quick transition from the busy city life of Bengaluru to being present in the midst of the cool and windy hills within one day. Then we had some hilly maggie and a cup of coffee. It was still raining lightly at that time. Going to the hills and having no maggie would have been an injustice !
On the third day of our trip we went to visit the beautiful Hebbe Waterfalls in Kesavinamane, Karnataka – 57731. On the way to the Hebbe Waterfalls one has to take a jeep along with other tourists present there. The journey to the waterfall area is totally serene with greenery all around and one has to trek for a while to reach the spot. However someone planning to visit the place have to be conscious about the presence of leach on the way and have to take adequate precautions before going there such as wearing covered shoes, carrying little salt and a water bottle.
When we reached the place, the days of waiting to visit a waterfall area near Bengaluru, finally came to an end and as much as we were scared by the presence of leaches, our minds and tired body was totally soothed by the sight of the mesmerising waterfalls and the feel of the free flowing beautiful cool waters. It was one of the best experiences we had so far on our trip to Chikmagalur. The previous day we set out to visit the Abbe falls but were unable to locate it, however found a simple and beautiful house amidst the hills. The owner was a woman in her sixty’s and greeted us warmly in her garden area.
We could not stop admiring the beauty of the waterfalls and feel the healing coolness in the wind blowing. At that time, while looking at the ravishing waters, all our fears regarding leaches disappeared and we got lost in the rythym of the free flowing water and the nature.
We ended our day by a stroll around the nearby forest area in warm sunlight and by a refreshing bath in the Infinity pool in the resort. It was definitely one of the best and memorable trips of our lives which gave us the enthusiasm and energy required to carry on with our routine life gifting us a number of moments to cherish for life, making us want to come back again. The silence and coolness of the hills calmed our restless minds and gave us a new perspective about life and our own selves with a scope for introspection. We would suggest everyone to visit Chikmagalur atleast once in their life either with family or friends.
Atlast we bid goodbye to the place which was our home for three days. And promised to come back again some other day in some other phase of our lives.
