Karla caves are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves believed to be dated as old as 160 BC built over period of time. It's location being close to Mumbai and Pune make it a popular outing spot. The famous Ekvira Devi temple is adjoining the Karla caves and both tourists and devotees flock this place on weekends. If one is looking for a calm place to spend time, then this is not the right place. The location is good and off old Mumbai-Pune road. The Karla caves is a protected monument and there is a charge for taking your vehicle to the parking.
One has to climb along the stairs for 15-20 mins to reach the top. The view from the top is quite nice, not extra ordinary though. The path is crowded with vendors selling flowers and garlands for the temple. Also, The place is not quite well maintained. When I visited there were group of people carrying beer and drinking while walking to the top. Was a bit shocked too see it as the Ekvira temple is located with families being regular visitors.
Overall the place OK to visit, not highly recommended though. The caves are good to see however time has taken it's toll and the structure is not very well maintained.
Flower vendors on the way to top
The main cave entrance with Ekvira temple to right
The Chitradurga fort is a massive and striking fort about some 200 odd kms from Bangalore. The name itself is derived from Kannada word which means picturesque. It is a perfect destination for a one-day outing taking you close to India's rich history.
At Chitradurga fort
For quite sometime, visiting the Chitradurga fort was in my mind but since the place was not such of a popular spot, it used to go down the list everytime. Infact Chitradurga was the place where my bike first broke down while returning solo to Bangalore from Mumbai back in Oct 2008 and since then name had been in my mind. Finally in April 2011 I made it to the fort.
As usual I had planned a weekend ride along with Arun. Our plan was to ride to Pondicherry for the weekend. However, it got cancelled at the last moment. While we were about to leave for Pondicherry at about 7:00 am, it struck us that there were elections in Tamil Nadu and the last thing what we wanted was a Dry-day in Pondicherry. To avoid that disappointment, we made a last minute plan to visit Chitradurga fort.
One of the entrance of the fort, strategically made in
zig-zag fashion so that armies cannot stomp in with full momentum
We started off via Nice road then onto Mumbai-Bangalore road. The fort is located in Chitradurga town also know by the locals as 'Durga' which is about 170 kms from Bangalore. A trip from Electronic City should make it to 200kms.On our way we stopped for some snacks near Tumkur and then continued till Chitradurga. The town being small the fort is easy to locate. Some help from locals should make it an easy task. The fort is around 10 mins drive off the highway.
There were a few carts selling snacks and lemon juice at the gate entrance. Since the fort is a protected monument, it is under the ASI. There is a nominal entry charge after which we were approached by a guide. Just by looking around we could guess that the place was very vast and to know about it's historic significance, we hired a guide. The guide charged us Rs.150 and took us around the fort showing us the various strategic points and places of importance. It was a pleasant experience to listen to him. However, carrying all the biking gear along made it tiring in the hot sun.
There was a small temple on an elevated rock which was a beautiful point to get a 360 view of the place. Also there was a place near the fort where you need to trek up a steep rock which looked really good. But with all the gear with us we opted not to cover it.
On our way back we met this guy known as 'Monkey Man'. Got a chance to see him conquer the steep walls of the fort without any safety gear. A humble man, never asks for money, performs his feats. If one is happy and offers money, he takes it after a bit of hesitation. Spoke to him for a while and he narrated his story. Seem this man now called Kothi Raj came from Salem in search of work. Earned his living as a daily wage worker. Unable to find job he sat idle near the fort in frustration. That is when he saw a group of monkeys climbing the fort walls. After watching them move around so easily, Kothi Raj himself tried to do so. A tourist around saw it and was happy and offered him money. That is when he realized what he wanted to do for living. Now he scales the wall like an expert, learning it by watching nature's experts- the monkeys.
There are certain times every weeks he performs for the tourist. When we went there we just saw him by chance and requested he to perform. Without hesitation he obliged. He did hesitate when i offered him money!
The pillar was hit by lightning about 10 years back
Mud walls
Temple with secret room
Hidden room to hide away treasure
It took us about 3 hours to look around the whole fort and surely this last minute trip which we made was worth it.
Myself With Kothi Raj
Things to carry:
Light snacks and water is available at the fort entrance.
The walk around the fort is quite much and it is advisable to carry Relispray just in case one has joint pains
The Ranganathithu Bird Sanctuary is located about 3 kms near Srirangapatna and approximately 15kms from Mysore. It is formed by a cluster of 5 islets on river Cauvery and is breeding and nesting ground for a varied species of birds. Also, can be spotted are marsh crocodiles, Indian Mongoose and monitor lizard. Being a protected area and undisturbed, the place if heaven for migratory birds.
Marsh Crocodile resting along banks
I visited Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in first week of December mainly to test my new camera. Although I am not a big bird lover, the number and variety of bird that I saw int his place truly amazed me. The place is very near to Srirangapatna and when approaching Mysore from Bangalore on Mysore Bangalore Highway. Once you enter Srirangapatna, continue on the highway and just when you are to exit Srirangapatna toward Mysore, you need to take right turn and travel about 3 kms to get to the sanctuary. There is a gate indicating the sanctuary after you take the turn and travel about 1 km. Vehicles have an entry fee which are subject to change but charges are not too high.
Eurasian spoonbill
The place is ideal for a family picnic and food and other stuff is available inside. The calm vicinity of the place makes it a favourite for couples. The area near boating is well maintained with garden and picnic area. There are also bird watching towers surrounding the water. The islets make the place look like a big lake, birds and crocs are easy to spot from the towers. Shutter bugs will have a good time clicking around.
To have a close look at the birds and crocs, the boat ride is a must. There are two options available, a common boat which charges Rs.25 per person. This boat ride will be around 45 mins and in the main waters. If you are planning to get some good shots, better take the other option of hiring a private boat as the common boat is very crowded. Hiring a separate boat is expensive around Rs.400 if I remember it right. I also promised the boatman a good tip for taking me between the islets.
Thick Knee
Cormorant
For about an hour and half the boatman patiently took me between every islets where the other boat did not venture and the place was a total bird paradise. Never in my life had I seen so many variety of birds. The boatman was very informative and told me the names of the birds too and would hold the boat still when I used to click. It was a bit difficult to click long range shots on boat but was very exciting.
White Throated Kingfisher
Black Headed Ibis
The sight of huge marsh crocodiles resting along the banks was amazing. After the boat ride I had some light food and started back for Bangalore. Enjoy looking at some of the shots I managed to click on this trip. I am also looking forward to re-visit this place with a Tripod this time and do some prior homework on names of bird before visiting.
Pied Kingfisher
White Browed Wagtail
Eurasian Spoonbill
Red Wattled Lapwing
Pied Kingfisher
Best time to Visit:
June to November
Suggested to avoid monsoons as shutter bugs won't be able to get good photographs
