Mookanamane falls & Hoysala temples

A quick visit to Gandikota was on the cards but as always, with only few people confirming and the long distance overwhelming us, we rather chose to explore few Hoysala temples around Hassan as well as visit the Mookanamane Abbi falls near Sakaleshpura.

Impromptu decisions and next morning me, Prashanth (Payaniga) and Avinash were off towards Sakaleshpura in search of the Mookanamane falls. Prashanth had a vague idea of the location of the falls having visited it few years ago. Sakaleshpura town was very quiet considering that the Shiradi ghat roads were closed for repair and also that the tourist flow is low during the rainy season. We were happy with the almost non-existent crowd and had a heavy breakfast at Surabhi restaurant, right next to Hotel Ashritha where we planned to stay for the night. With packed lunch we proceeded towards the falls but it turned out to be trickier than expected as we lost sight of the route and had to scout for people at many crossroads on where to go. Google maps assisted to an extent but considering the patchy network, it was not very reliable.

The landscape changes as soon as you cross over Hassan and being monsoon time, it was all shades of green everywhere all along the route and the smell of the earth after the rains is infectious. Cool breeze, drizzling rain and the shades of green along the countryside kept us company throughout the day infecting us with some wonderful vista views, pure air and dollops of energy to keep us going.

Sometimes, asking the locals for directions can actually detour you as we experienced this and after losing a couple of hours of going around, we finally reached closer to the falls. Rains were reluctant to leave and stayed with us and those umbrellas we carried came to our rescue as we embarked on the path to the falls being half a kilometer away. We could hear the roar of the falls getting louder as we moved closer and finally we reached the upstream area navigating ourselves on the slippery track all along. The water flow was heavy, strong currents, muddy water (due to soil erosion) and it did look scary at first sight but then, monsoon is the only time when you get to see a waterfall in full glory.

We had to navigate through the bushes, rocks holding on to them dearly and watching every step or lunge we took to finally reach the downstream or rather bang in front of the mighty falls. The umbrellas we carried became defunct as we were all drenched due to the rain and the splashing water from the falls. I was mighty impressed by the size of the falls being very wide and the water gushing down from a decent height to create the roars we were hearing. We were thrilled to be there enjoying the nature’s beauty in its rawest form but were also skeptical in staying long in front of the falls as a heavy gush of water would be trouble for us standing exposed in front. At times we had to shout to communicate to each other in front of deafening sound of the falls.

After the customary photo shoot and with growling stomachs, we cautiously made our way back to the parked car where the packed food was devoured in a flash. Manjarabad fort remains unseen as the delays during the day ensured we would be late and the gates locked. Back to Ashritha hotel, we spent the evening chatting through the night and making plans for the next day.

(Kondajje temple and below Chennakeshava temple, Saalagaame)

Early next day, we left early as we had quite a few places to cover and the intention to see the historical Hoysala temples that are spread around the Hassan region. We did manage to see the Kondajje temple near Belur followed by Chennakeshava temple located in Saalagame near Belur and then Boocheshwara temple located in Koravangala and finally the Aanekere Chennakeshava temple near Channarayapatna (CR Patna) before heading back to Bengaluru. Of all the lot, the Kondajje temple presents a sorry state of affairs to such an extent that you cannot make out that it’s a temple of the Hoysala era.

(Boocheshwara temple, Koravangala & below Aanekere Chennakeshava temple)

Frogging in the Western Ghats

Call it luck or chance, I joined a group for some frogging lessons and amphibian watching by the frog expert Dr. Gururaja Kv at Bisle Ghats, located closer to Sakleshpura town in the prime Western Ghats region.

(out in the field... looking for frogs)

This camp was a continuation of their last year camp (that very well I was unaware of), and many thanks to Avinash that I grabbed this opportunity to attend this camp. I had just begun having interests in frogs/snakes and had purchased the book of Gururaja, Frogs and Toads of the Western Ghats. Vivek and Deepika were the key planners and organizers and we camped at the Samudaya bhavana at Bisle village, completely cut off from the rest of the world.

(art in the rain)

Got to know a whole new bunch of people from diverse backgrounds and interests and I should mention about the youthful, cheerful, smiling Mr Ashokavardhana (of the Athree book centre, Mangalore fame) who was always infusing us with his energetic enthusiasm (that many of us lacked at times) and infectious smile and whistles. You should have a look at his blog in Kannada here.

(find the frog...!)

We had field sessions and indoor sessions to study the distribution of frogs in and around the place and this is planned to be done every year so that there is a base of data collected over few years that helps us study the amphibians and their distribution better.

(field discussions)

What we did? Ganged up on Saturday morning and after a filling breakfast did a small hike inside AshokaVana (pvt land purchased by Ashoka sir and others and completely let grow wild) till Dr Guru and team arrived, then a brief introductory session by the master followed by a homely filling meal and then two field sessions in search of amphibians around. Next day was more relaxing with an early filling breakfast followed by a field session collecting data and then an indoor final session and lunch followed by dispersal.

(art in the rain 2)

Why was Bisle chosen as a place of study? May be because of the copious amounts of rains it receives, less exploitation of the habitat so far and an environment conducive for the amphibians to exist. We will have a trend and some amazing facts coming out in a few years time from now basis the data collected every year.

Personally for me, I got to learn quite a lot of things about amphibians, their life cycles, differences and also was able to connect with a very diverse and vivid group of people, such groups infuse you with the energy at levels that you can only think of. Overall, was a great learning experience and I hope to be back this monsoon again to collect and contribute to the data.

(an indoor session by Dr Gururaja, Priti and Sudhir are seen standing)

Dr Gururaja was accompanied by his wife Priti and good friend Sudhir of Gubbi Labs who themselves are experts in their own fields, related to each other.

(art in the rain 3)

Many things I picked up over the two days:
> Frogs do not hibernate, they are present in their regular places but are less active.
> There are no poisonous frogs in India.
> Frogs and Toads are called amphibians because they have a 2-staged life, tadpole and adult stage and not because they live in water.
> Most of the frogs are territorial, they fight for territories and they kick and choke the opponents.
> No major differences between frogs/toads excepts for the feature that toads have got poison glands on their back (from which they discharge poison) and have rounded snouts.
> Sexes do differ. Males have got vocal sacs and have glands on inner legs called fermonal glands and the males have got nuptial pads on the thumb that differs them from the female who do not exhibit these features.
> Success rate is considered higher in less egg laying frogs, nearly 100%.

(how to hold a frog!)

How to handle Frogs?
They are very sensitive creatures and need to be handled with utmost care else you could suffocate them or break their limbs. Some tips on handling them better...
> clasp them with soft hands and not by force
> hold it gently by its forelegs or hind legs and by abdomen in the case of bigger sized ones.
> allow it to relax before you start inspecting them

Some interesting facts:
> 6000+ species of frogs in the world
> around 340 frogs/toads found in India
> around 180 frogs/toads found in Western Ghats alone
> 36 cecilians found in India (endemic to India)
> 1 salamander species found in India
> 94 species of frogs/toads found in W.Ghats are data deficient meaning we do not have proper scientific information about them as yet!

(L-R: Sudhira, Vivek, Ashokavardhana, Sandeep, Suman, Aparna, Shishir, Ashrita (partially seen), Rohit, Santosh, Vinayaka, Ananth, Avinash, Karthik, Anup, Navya, Guru, Gururaja, Priti Gururaja, Chinmayi, Deepika, Sowmini)

How to Reach: Bangalore - Kunigal - Channarayapatna - Holenarsipura - Shanivarasanthe - Bisle State Forest OR
Bangalore - Hassan - Sakleshpur - Shanivarasanthe - Bisle State Forest

Note: No accommodation facilities available, small shops are present that serve tea/coffee and light food. Have no expectations.

And, finally here is the link to the android app of Frog Find, the e-version of the frog book of Dr Gururaja.

Awesome Waterfall locations for that awesome adventure

Location: Unknown falls located in the Sakleshpur area of the W.Ghats, Karnataka

(a hidden falls, photo by the author)

A falls located close to a motored road yet not known to many, the falls that is all about serene and serendipity yet not many travelers are aware of it, the falls where you can get lost for hours together yet not many to disturb your peaceful stay, the falls whose clear, pure waters can fill you with freshness and life, yet many people don’t take a dip, an adventure missed by many, an adventure experienced by many, an exotic adventure bathing location that makes you quiver alive is awesome.

Location: Unknown falls nestled deep in Coorg, Karnataka

(the estate falls, photo by the author)

Coorg is one of the most preferred destinations to visit for a relaxing holiday, for that hill station getaway, for an adventure weekend, for river rafting, for virgin forests and lush green estates, for that rich wildlife and colorful birdlife, for those trekking trails and for more alive is awesome experiences.

A remote falls located within a lush green coffee estate in Coorg - aptly called the Scotland of India that can be visited any time of the year and reaching here needs a mild trek worth all the effort and time. The falls gorge down from a decent height and located in Coorg, the waters are chill enough to send shivers down your spine and bathing / swimming here is sure an adventure in itself. Standing below the plunging falls, soaked in the creamy white waters, exhaling those roars of joy; the pains and pangs vanish with the flow of water infusing you with freshness, energy and life every time you take a plunge making it an alive is awesome experience none the less.

Location: Sangama and Mekedatu, Karnataka

(the wide river before narrowing, photo by the author)

This cannot be classified as a waterfall location but merely a flowing stream at Sangama that becomes wild and adventurous as it reaches Mekedatu making it a destination for adventure here. While the river Kaveri flows wide enough for bathing and swimming at Sangama, the river shortens to flow through a deep narrow 10 meter wide gorge thereby increasing the force and intensity of the flow and it flows through a deep ravine of hard granite rock making it an extremely dangerous place to get down into.

Adventure, when in limits and with safety measures is a thrill and memorable but when done without the concern of safety leads to loss of life and this exactly happens here. But nevertheless, for all the people who take care of themselves and stretch to their adventurous limits, it’s an awesome location that is a true example of having an alive is awesome experience. Watch the video to live the alive is awesome moments from Mekedatu.

Also do have a look at these amazing alive is awesome videos from Cinthol:

1. The Polar Plunge Bath

2. The Geyser Bath

3. The Desert Shower Bath

4. The Ocean Bath

5. The Deep Cave Bath

6. The Elephant Bath

7. The Waterfall Bath

8. The Village Bath

Tube Rafting – Staying Alive!

Rafting is very popular and considered an adventure activity. Over the years as it has become popular, so have the safety measures to ensure the safety of the rafter. How about rafting all alone... on a tube... on a rousing stream... with just a stick... with nobody to help... you survive to live... you turn turtle to drench... the adventure is all about the mini version of the rafting, if you can call it!

Place: Deep in Western Ghats near Sakleshpur

Setup: Flowing water (river, canal or a full stream)

What you need: A tube, lifejacket and a stick and loads of guts

Wear the life jacket and enter the flowing stream (the cold water makes you scream…). Place the tube and hop on to it in a sitting position so as not to fall till you are comfortably seated. That’s it! The stream or the river takes it from there and it’s up to you to decide to live or not to, all of your energy needs to be utilized to move ahead and not spin off or turn turtle and keep praying the tube does not burst hitting the rocks or any sharp branches, the only spirit of being alive keeps you moving and conquering the challenging hurdles as you wanna shriek aloud being ‘Alive is Awesome’ – you need to fight each turn, each, hurdle, each obstacle, each rock that comes in your way to stay afloat and keep moving forward.

By this time, you would be drenched in the cold waters to the core and to the last bit of clothing you have, to unnerve each and every nerve of yours, to the last strand of hair on you that has been spooked, to the last teeth in you that has been unable to stop chattering, to the last drop of water that is oozing out from your ears, eyes and the nostrils, to those shivering hands that are fighting to control the movement of the tube with the stick, to those legs that are been savaged hitting the rocks in all directions, to that moment when you are praying to stay afloat and alive, to the moment you realize being alive is awesome, cursing your friend who pushed you in deep shaky waters and as you surge ahead fighting like a warrior, a wry smile, a moment of glory, the sings of courage, the happiness of being alive, the pride of doing it, the moment of feeling alive is awesome engulfs you as you come to a standstill on placid waters and try to get off the riveting adventure you had and recollecting those moments when you barely ‘lived’.

Now with confidence oozing out from everywhere, you stride ahead with big steps, chest beating and ready for another saga of the adventure to live it, do it, come out alive and feel alive is awesome again and again…

Butterflies Part III

Part I and II respectively here and here...


Danaid Eggfly butterfly
The Danaid Eggfly, Mimic, or Diadem (Hypolimnas misippus) is a widespread species of nymphalid butterfly. It is well known for polymorphism and mimicry. Males are blackish with distinctive white spots that are fringed in blue. They are found across Africa, Asia, and Australia.



Common Leopard butterfly
The Common Leopard (Phalanta phalantha) is a sun-loving butterfly of the Nymphalid or Brush-footed Butterfly family. It is a medium sized butterfly with a wingspan of 50–55 mm with a tawny color and marked with black spots. The underside of the butterfly is more glossy than the upper and both the male and female are similar looking. Sun loving and avoids shade (Sorry for the lousy shot with the wings closed, it looks dramatically beautiful with intricate spots all over the body when the wingspan is open).



Pea Blue butterfly
The Peablue, Pea Blue, or Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus) is a small butterfly found in Europe, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Australia that belongs to the Lycaenids or gossamer-winged family. The wingspan is 24-32 mm for males and 24-34 mm for females.



Gray Pansy butterfly
The Gray Pansy (Junonia atlites) is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in South Asia. The least common pansy in India, found at low elevations in regions of heavy rainfall. It’s frequently seen in paddy fields, seldom in jungles and never in dry areas. Visits flowers of various plants.

(another shot of this beautiful butterfly with a better view)

Bekal fort - Kasargod

Well, it was a quick fire visit to the ancient Bekal fort in Kasargod, Kerala merely 50kms away from the port town of Mangalore. Bekal fort is the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala currently in the hands of the ASI.
Bekal fort was constructed during the period of Shivappa Nayaka and it later fell into the hands of the Mysore Maharajas and subsequently the British Raj. History says, Bekal was a fort used for the military and defense purposes and it became an important trade route during the Mysore and then the British empire.

How to reach: Nearest towns are Kanhagad (8kms) and Kasargod (18kms). Kasargod is connected to all major ciities by road and through the Konkan railway. Volvo's and Rajahamsa services are operated by KSRTC from Bangalore daily.

As this was planned last minute, we got the last 2 seats in a Volvo bus to Kasargod from Bangalore. It was a roller coaster ride and with every bump you get a feeling of floating in air (just as you feel if you are sitting in the giant wheel). Hopefully we don't end up in the last seats of an Volvo again. It was quite surprising for me to digest the fact that Volvo covered 260 kms to Sakleshpur in flat 4 hours and we never realized it! 

Next, I was back in my senses only when we were in the Kasargod town at around 6am. Looking for an accommodation, we roamed around the streets near to the bus stand only to realize the town was sleepy and would be awake after 8am. Found a decent accommodation at State Lodge located in the MG road that has a history of 60 years. It was raining all through and a small nap for a couple of hours and later we were ready to go.

Finishing our work near Bekal, we moved further towards Bekal fort with the weather being cloudy and sunny. The massive fort is now under the watchful care of the ASI and they are doing a good job in maintaining the premises in spite of the huge crowds that converge here during the weekends.

We spent close to 3 hours here roaming around the huge complex, photographing, watching the waves hit the shore and we got drenched too in the salt waters of the Arabian sea. A lone White bellied Sea Eagle kept us occupied for close to half an hour with its antics hovering around the shore and the sea.

We had lunch at the Kia-Ora restaurant at the Nirvana resort located just outside the fort, the food was great but a tad expensive on the pockets, nevertheless it's expected at a tourist location. From here back to Kasargod town and a little rest later, we were on the streets of the town roaming around each and every street. 

Every street here is filled with shops of electronics, dresses, automobile parts, gadgets and imported stuff. The roads are all lit up with bright lights and designer lamps. Past 8pm, half the town was shut down for the day as we had some light dinner stuff and headed towards the bus stop where the Airavat was waiting for us.


A short trip but nevertheless very exciting and entertaining for me and Raja.

Makkithitta homestay

Christmas weekend and nothing to do and no prior enquiries nor bookings led us nowhere... Guru and gaitonde were unavailable as they were preoccupied and after multiple enquiries and follow ups by Raja, we were assured of a place for the weekend at Makkithitta homestay near hanubala, Sakleshpura.After Sakleshpura, need to turn right to reach hanubala that is around 17kms away. From hanubala circle, right turn to be taken (mudigere road) and from there you will find the direction boards that will lead towards the homestay. Makkithitta is located in the donahalli village and is owned by Mr. Tejpal who is very friendly and courteous and be rest assured you will be staying at an home far away from your home.

We left early on christmas day and after a comfortable ride, reached there at 1pm. The route is as below:
Bangalore » Nelamangala (take Bangalore - Mangalore Road) » Kunigal » Bellur Cross
   » Channarayapatna » Hassan » Sakleshpur » Hanbal » Donahalli (MakkiThitta Home Stay)

Our main intention was to get out of Bangalore and relax for a day and the itinerary just suited us fine, we were welcomed with a glass of majjige and then treated to a sumptuous delicious home made malnad food that left us immobile (due to the heavy stomachs ;)). Post lunch and some rest, we went around the house for some light birding activity and back home hot cup of estate coffee awaited us. Mr Tejpal kept us occupied without boredom interfering and along with him we went up to the hillock opposite to the home, from where the beautiful sunset view against the backdrop of the house could be seen.

Back home after sunset another family were expected from Bangalore and after their arrival, it was time for another round of hot coffee and then snacks around the campfire. We and Ramprasad's family were treated to some witty card tricks by Tejpal that kept us entertained for the evening. Again after a heavy dinner comprising Malnad delicacies, its time to hit the sacks and rest for the day. The speciality out of Bangalore anywhere is that, after 8pm its dinner and bedtime and we love it ;)

Early to bed, early to rise, me and raja were up early than the others to be treated to a foggy sight outside with hardly any visibility around. The weather stayed the same for almost till 8am and the sun peeking through the fog made it all the more enjoyable to watch. Me and raja went around the place into the neighbouring estate for some birding acitivity and we were able to sight quite a handful of the winged beauties busy with their morning chores.

After freshening up and heavy breakfast, we and the others drove up to the Bettada Byraveshwara temple and then climbed up the hillock opposite to the temple for some amazing views of the valley all around. Its a sight not to be missed that you enjoy in the core and raw format without any interferences around. After a couple of hours here, we went to the Magajalli falls that is hidden just beside the main road, but a treat to the sore eyes.

Back at the homestay, our hungry stomachs were waiting to gobble up the bisi bisi malnad food served served with utmost care and hospitality that makes you to gobble more than you can handle and raja loved this fact to the core ;)

After lunch and some light rest, time to leave, Ramprasad and family left early and we stayed on a little more time and left at dusk to reach home by midnight full of memorable malnad tastes howling in our stomachs...

Bird checklist:
Chestnut headed bee eater
Treepie
Scarlett minivet
Heart spotted Woodpecker
Golden flameback Woodpecker
Golden Oriole
Black lored Yellow Tit
Blue tailed Parakeet
Racquet tailed Drongo
Rose ringed Parakeet
were the main highlights...

2011 is here

Wishing all readers and friends a "Very Happy New Year 2011"

Have a happy, safe and prosperous year ahead!

Keep Rocking, Keep Smiling, Keep Clicking!

Cheers from the team here...

Santosh-Raja-Guru-Gaitonde-Meghana

Rottikallu homestay - A place to be in!

September 5-7 2009 Rottikallu homestay It all started when one of the mails from my sister in the month of April had a .ppt attachment on a group’s experience @ Rottikallu. That’s it! I was dumbfounded by the scenic beauty and instantly I knew we had to be there. Soon called up my mates and everyone were convinced of my opinion. As it was 
summer and the Bandipur trip coming up, Rottikallu was postponed till 
September (when we thought rains would have considerably reduced… but…)!

Come September, bookings were made after much cajoling for a night there and another night at a closer by homestay. Harsha is the contact person from Bangalore while Vijay takes care of the proceedings at Rottikallu. Rottikallu is located just about 7kms from Sakleshpur town amidst the beautiful, charismatic dense Western Ghats whose beauty is endless. More information can be sought here @ http://www.rottikallu.com./

With 3 days on hand, we started off on Saturday morning with the intention to check in @ Rottikallu by 11am. Due to an unplanned, delayed stop @ Hassan, we reached the homestay by 12:30pm. Rains had accompanied us all through the journey with no signs of let off. The journey through the Western Ghats is itself magical be it during rains or after, you can’t help but get the feeling of being in heaven. The cottages were comfortable and spacious for 4 of us. After a nice heavy lunch we got engaged in some sports and water activities playing football in the volleyball court, rugby in complete slush, swing across the river all this and more in the rains. What a blast we had! Dripping wet and running around like kids falling, tackling and playing in the slush. (if our parents were there, we would have been 
definitely reprimanded for getting dirty being grownups ;)).

Quite tough was the Rope walking and the Tarjon swings. The swings are such that from the bank you place yourself on the log, hold the rope and swoosh! You swing to and fro above the stream. If you lose momentum you are stuck above the stream hanging on to a rope! A couple of falls here and there and being completely wet in the rains made me go back to dry up while the boys continued their jumps and swings in the stream. Leeches were all around but 
now they don’t excite or fear us as earlier (We are used to donating blood more often nowadays to them)! Drying up, covering up the camera I saw the boys moving with the tubes for tube rafting. I rushed to the wooden bridge 
across the stream to catch them in action.

A big stream passes right through the homestay that is a natural advantage for them and they utilize the same for water sports and tube rafting is one such activity. You are placed in a tube and let go from point A in the stream, you move forward with the current of water wading through the chilly water and rocks, avoiding the branches and rough banks till you reach B from where you are rescued! If no rescuer is available then its tata bye bye! After all enjoyment till dusk (the rains were still reluctant to leave), it was time for some fun around the in house campfire and few gulps... and after a heavy dinner, stars were visible everywhere we saw :)

Day 2: After a quick breakfast, we were ready for the trek to the nearer "Saalu Gudda" and the "Haalu Kola" peaks and the waterfall. We carried along raincoats, hats and umbrella as we were sure it would rain! Four of us, Vijay and a group of six others went on the trek that was about 8kms both ways covered. No signs of sun, overcast weather and mist all around, the weather was just wonderful to start off... As we climbed higher and higher, we could see only peaks all coloured green covered with a blanked of white clouds all around till your eyesight can stretch. After more than a hour of moderate trekking (this route was chosen because of the rains else we intended to do the 18kms Rottikallu peak trek!) we reached the peak and as the rains were holding still, the weather was picture perfect and all of our eyes gorged on the beautiful views of the valley that was very pleasing to our eyes. Soon, just as we thought, the rain gods could not hold further and for the next 10 minutes it rained cats and dogs till we were drenched to the last piece of cloth... OMG! still we were enjoying every bit of it, the weather, the scenery, cold, chillness, wet bodies... the magic of western ghats is itself such, you need to be there to "feel" it. All of us huddled at one place till the rains stopped, after a lashing downpour, the rains subsided allowing us to descent. The return back was through an alternate route after visiting an waterfall amidst the dense ghats. The water was cold.. damn cold and not all of us dipped in! Ice cold shower in the rains! We were just not willing to, while others took a dip. Rains stayed on almost till the end and finally we reached the homestay after a wonderful memorable trek!

After lunch we chose the option of staying for the night at a nearby homestay as we wanted desperately to do some birding! From there we reached our next destination Mr. Latish's house near Hanubala, a tiny hamlet on the way to Sakleshpura. We went around for a quick walk through the huge estate of the hosts. Guru had to leave and so helped him board a bus back home. Rains were still relenting to leave, the next morning we woke up to sights of heavy drizzle; still not wanting to stay indoors we wend around for a long walk amidst the fields and the estate area. Birding activity was still very measely. Back at the home and as we still had time for lunch, as the sun was slightly visible now, the field was very inviting and we could not resist but go out again, this time just in the vicinity of the home itself. Finally got to do some birding at last...

Hear Spotted Woodpecker, Black Lored Yellow Tit, Green Pigeons, Golden Flamebacked Woodpecker, Racket Tailed Drongo, Blue Winged Parakeet, Minivets, Treepie, White Cheeked Barbet, Striped Squirrel, White Munia, Water Snake, Spotted Dove, Babblers and lots of butterflies.

--> Paddy Pied Skimmer (a.k.a Black Velvet wing) <--

After lunch, we checked out straight to Bangalore (the rains had stopped now!!!). Wow! Wonderful adventure this was @ Rottikallu... Wish to be here again soon... Care for the nature and the nature cares for you!