Unwinding at Gundamegere lake, a scenic overlook from Makalidurga summit

30 August 2020

We were feeling disgruntled locked inside home, in fact many would be feeling :-). There was a need to relax in nature and spend quality time. The place we chose was Makalidurga hill. Being father of toddlers,  it is arduous task to climb hills in near term and hence decided to visit the lake which is the scenic overlook from hill. Today being a fine monsoon Sunday, the time was perfect to rejoice in beauty of nature.

We wanted to start our journey as early as possible and the plan worked out. The noon 3PM the journey began and we wriggled out of city traffic quite early. Till Doddballapur, the vehicular was dense as expected. As we drove past the town, the landscape gradually changed.

The actual beauty unfolds past Doddaballapura when you begin drive from the rural road which forks from wider highway. The nature reserve widens and carbon footprint narrows. As the destination approaches, the mighty hills welcome you with captivating beauty. As we entered the interior road which leads to lake, the scene completely changed. It looked as if the concrete jungle morphed into spectacular verdant vegetation. The roads were smooth and well laid with minimal humps. The path was abuzz with corn fields and high density of trees. The feeble vehicular traffic was added advantage. As we drove deep into the bucolic world, the high mountains and dense forest greeted and monsoon rains showered. The mountains allure heavy clouds during monsoon and provides enticing views of distant rain shafts. The winding road 5kms preceding the destination had perfect views of relaxation :-). What a majestic scenes they were! The lake view was clear from mountain top roads and maps made journey seamless too! The clean roads were extra bonus which engaged me in nature gazing than dodging the road craters :-D. 2kms before the destination, a short deviation cuts through the village which gave closer glimpse of verdant hill.

Gundamegere is charming hamlet located in Doddaballapura taluk of Bangalore rural district. The village comprises of prolific nature elements bounded by mighty hills, verdant nature, expansive coconut plantations and why not the fresh water lake. The lake situated in village is known as Gundamegere lake. This lake is famous primarily because of overlook from Makalidurga hill. You might encounter plethora of pictures in internet connected to this lake from summit of Makalidurga hill.

We alighted at the location pinned by maps and started absorbing nature. What a fabulous landscape it was. The nature was gleaming with beautiful evening light. The clouds seemed  intimidating though threatening to thwart our maiden visit. We strolled along the muddy road adjoining to lake and enjoyed the scenes whole heartedly. The enticing part was the lush green mountains and forest surrounding the lake with thick cloud cover. The monsoon has enriched both lake and vegetation. Briefly after the outset of stroll, thick drops of rain started pouring. We ran for cover inside the car. By then, the density of rain increased and the thick drops hammered the village. I had additional expectation of rainbow, when Sun broke out alongside rains :-). That did not happen eventually :-D.

We set out towards one more view point which carries us near to lake. By then, the intensity of rains enormously increased and it was impossible to step out of car. The rains lasted for nearly 30 mins and did not show signs of relenting. Finally we bowed down to nature and took snaps inside the car. It was getting dark and we still had an hour to drive. Even though it rained, we were not annoyed. The rural rains are yet another gem to rejoice. The rendezvous of the  mountain, the greenery, the lake, the rains is something landscape admirer yearns for.

The travel plan was not bad decision at all. What a picturesque view it provides! The charm of rural India is embodied here. Those grazing cattle, moving goats, that mighty mountains and what not the thick monsoon clouds. It rained heavily for 30 mins and drizzle did not abate till our departure. Even though rains subsided, the steady drizzle did not permit us to step out. Eventually we had no choice than starting return journey. On the way back, we experienced yet another spell of torrential downpour for nearly 5kms. It was beautiful drive through these rains along with nature. Contrastingly, there were no trace of rains as we neared Doddaballapura town. This is clear indication as how nature attracts clouds and rains. 

We made sure not to have contact with any villagers and in fact with no one. Being feeble with human activity, it was easy to achieve such isolation. Situated in abode of nature, the human presence was sparse at this place. It was easy to maintain social distance which is vital in contemporary time.

There is no one to monitor your activity. Don't litter the pretty village and pretty nature. Kindly maintain discipline. I suggest you to visit during August month when the landscape is verdant and clouds would be bounty.

The journey never completes with short footage. Here is one from the visit. Enjoy the scenic views with monsoon rains pelting down

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