15 August 2024,
Keeping weather watch as hobby turns out fruitful at times. This long weekend plans turned out positive due to my weather monitoring hobby. Despite the hefty rains for 50 days, it was predicted that monsoon would slow down both in ghats & west coast by 5th August. The pace would be back only by August 20th. Hence I booked in advance since it would be difficult to reserve accommodations when vacation is nearby. The plan was to cover reservoirs, waterfalls & prominent temples. We started from Bengaluru early morning and drove via Mangaluru highway. Mysore highway would have been convenient but I specifically wanted to travel via Mangaluru highway for below reasons
(i) Mysore expressway restaurant stops are not easy
(ii) Mangaluru highway restaurants are plenty and excellent
(iii) The nature from Channarayapattana till Madikeri is absolutely mesmerizing.
(iv) The toll is relatively less via Mangaluru highway and as well traffic
(v) Mangaluru highway route adds just few kms of additional commute.
We expected traffic to be higher on highways but it was relatively thin since we started early morning. It was smooth commute all the way till Madikeri I can confirm. The breakfast was tasty and healthy in Harsha Grand near Yediyur. We consumed combo tiffin which samples each variety of breakfast in one plate. That was sumptuous and tasty breakfast to start the day!
We resumed journey once breakfast concluded and reached Kushalnagar relatively early. Barring few bad stretch from CRPatna to Ramanathapura, the roads were manageable. Thanks to google maps which navigated us through relatively smooth village roads bypassing primary highways which were in dilapidated state. Harangi was not in our list on first day. But once we reached Kushalanagar, The signboard towards Harangi just showed 7kms which prompted me to drive towards Harangi first and conclude the visit. On reaching harangi, there was disappointment. The authorities are not allowing public to visit dam top. The entry was restricted only to garden area which we were not interested. We finally decided to have token visit to the garden to mark our journey. Fortunately, luck and surprise was on our side while buying tickets. The ticket issuer asked us to visit Elephant camp nearby which also involves jet boat activities. Alongside, we can even enjoy the beautiful backwaters of Harangi reservoir she guided. The Harangi garden was replaced by elephant camp in our journey. We reached the elephant camp around 10:30AM and bought tickets.
The entrance fee is Rs.50/- per adult and Rs.30/- per kid. One has to walk till the backwaters for 800m along the muddy trails. Enroute, you find one watch tower which is natural enveloped by tree. We kept this for return journey. The weather was sultry which was never expected. This weather is common in west coast but never thought would infest the hilly areas as well. 15 mins walk lead us to the backwaters and were mesmerized by the natural views amidst lush greenery.
The first visit was to Elephant camp would conclude by 11AM since the animals need rest past till noon. Perhaps, the elephants need shower in this humid weather. Our family touched the trunk of elephants. Even though kids were reluctant initially, they were overjoyed after fondling the trunk.
The Elephants hopefully are taken care well without much pain. Doubt arose because only one elephant was active but rest of them seemed nervous. There is also an option to feed the elephant which may be charged. Food looked like paddy wrapped in hay.
After brief merry with jumbos, we headed for jet boating. The jet boats were on our hotlist once we heard about it from ticket vendor. The activity was costing 300 per head which we opted as one time experience. The life jackets are good in quality. They take rounds for approximately 10 mins. Also the boats are made to wobble to have some fun. Initially kids were frightened but later they adjusted to it.
The boat men has additional option to carry to nearby island which would cost additional 400Rs. Perhaps you can negotiate as well for lesser money. We did not opt for it. While having ride, one can view other side of harangi dam as well. Since weather was congenial, it was pleasure to enjoy boat ride.
We took few photographs from nearby watch point to conclude our journey.
On way back, kids played in play area for a while. I snapped last picture from the backwaters.
We took some photographs from the intermediate watch point which was bookmarked earlier. The views are refreshing from vantage. The setup is well maintained too.
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While strolling back, the elephants seen walking towards nearby pond. Till 3PM, its refreshing time for them!
