The Wanderlust Nomad

It was the wedding ceremony of RangeGowda, one of my best university friends, who I hadn’t seen for at least about a few years after our graduation from the university because we were busy with our professional lives. So, when I received an invitation from RangeGowda to attend his marriage, I felt really happy and excited, not only because it would allow me to witness one of the happiest days of my friend’s life, but also because I could finally meet him after a long time. Anyway, the wedding was to take place at Shivamogga in the home town of bride, so keeping this on mind. I had planned a ride to explore Chitradurga, the home town of my friend. It would be great, if i could go before take part in their marriage ceremony and lend a hand to it. My friend was awaiting for my arrival, he was very much excited to see me traveling so far on my motorcycle. His family members were happy and generous. So as i told my friend, let me explore some nearby places and then will come for his ma

Thottikallu Falls, located just 35kms away from Bengaluru off the Kanakapura road and more popularly known as TK falls. Its is also known as 'SwarnaMukhi' water falls. SwarnaMukhi translates as 'Golden-Faced'. A must-visit place for the wanderlust souls and nature enthusiasts. Secluded waterfall with powerful cascades during monsoon (September - January). The falls originates from a pond on the top and there is a small check dam which overflows on to the stone to become Thottikallu Falls.     The route at Kagalpura (Kaggalipura) off the Bangalore - Kanakapura road will lead to a place called Byalemaradadoddi , from where a road leads to the falls. The place also has a small shrine,  Muneshwara temple which is revered by the locals. The majestic banyan tree and the lush green surroundings bring out the serenity of this temple.    Continuing straight on the banks of the river will lead to the waterfall. Be careful while walking along the banks of the river, as it might

Becoming a Rider can be a exciting time and a life changing experience. Many bikers may feel overwhelmed by a blend of physical and emotional changes while learning new tasks and skills of  biking.  I was also excited to buy a new bike, as it was a dream come true. On 13th September 2013 - a shiny black and blue Discover wonder arrived , gliding gently on to the seat with legs on the saddle. I turned the keys to right and pressed on the Push Start Button , the engine was roaring and i could feel the throttle and the heart-beat of my bike. The moment was like a baby  making her first cry after its birth. Twisting the throttle , the bike started gliding on the roads making it's entry to the world. Sitting on the bike with only few meters off the ground affording a slightly different perspective on the world. You spot things you wouldn't normally spot and totally immersed in the natural environment. You can reach out to destinations to explore the world, bring the bike to a halt t

Many tales of valour and glory are tucked into the folds of the unassuming island town of Srirangapatna , former Capital of Mysuru. If stones could speak, probably every tiny pebble on the banks of the Cauvery would make the English go read with reminiscences of  Tipu 's victories over the 'Unconquerable Empire". But if you're not keen on going 'historical' on a weekend and need other diversions, Srirangapatna wont let you down. The ride itself, past the Cauvery River and through the paddy fields of Mandya, is rewarding in itself.  Mandya On 7th March 2020, The Wanderlust Nomad was on a road trip to the historical town of Srirangapatna. It's not too difficult to find your way around Srirangapatna, Cross the river to enter the town, then turn right for the abode of  Lord Ranganathaswamy Temple and the legend of  Tipu Sultan.Turn left to commune with a beautiful river, whose melodious movement you will carry in your heart for a long time to co

Promise is a big word, it makes something or breaks everything. Today is the day, to make that promise make something happen with Chimps (friend)  on a road trip. Soon the golden rays of the sun will smite  me in the face, i am on my way and picked Chimps on a journey to Melukote . Making the sun to follow us and riding on NH75, we stopped at  Tatte Idli Shop. Steamed, puffy and delectable, Idli doused in the ever-so soothing sambhar sure makes for one of  the nation's most favorite breakfast. Continuing the ride, we took left on Belur Cross to reach Melukote. Melukote is one of the holy and sacred pilgrimages of South India in Karnataka.The holy city is located on the hillock called as Narayanagiri , which is towards north of  river Cauvery. Melukote is also the birthplace of late Tamil Naidu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Jayalalitha.The name of the place is derived from the temple of Narayanaswamy which is built on the hillock, surrounded by a fort. Yoga Narasimha Swamy Tem

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is the least populous district in Kerala and is known for its mist-laden mountains, lush forests and green paddy fields stretching up to the horizon. With an altitude ranging from 700 to 2100m, the climate of  Wayanad is  pleasant  throughout the year. If there is a place in Kerala where we can experience the ultimate charm and the extraordinary creativity  of nature, its the one and only Wayanad. This was a unplanned trip, until last minute no one were interested. Finally, my friend wanted to visit  Wayanad from long time and it was dropping due to unforeseen circumstances. Me and my friend were all set on our bikes to explore Wayanad. Riding through green forests of  Nagarhole  and waters of  Kabini, we reach Wayanad in the evening. Lodging in a home stay, we went to the nearby Banasura Sagar Dam. Banasura Sagar Dam across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of  River Kabini, is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and second largest

Embarking on a journey with your best friend is an unpredictable voyage that every person should experience at least once in his or her life. Exploring a different place, conquering fears together and discovering new perspectives ultimately progresses our relationships to levels never imagined possible. On the last day of the year, i was on one such journey with my friend - Vibrant to one of the beautiful hills - Devarayanadurga. Devarayanadurga Devarayanadurga is a temple town and hill station located in Tumkur, 70kms from Bangalore.We had been to a lake down the hill,  fallen to the beauty of the lake, felt to stay there. But Vibrant told, lets move on and adventures are waiting on the other side. Bending on every corner, the road takes you up the pleasant forests surrounded by the hills. The road up to the hills gives scenic views of nature and ever the wonderful climate and charming beauty. The undulating roads was one heck of ride that can never be forgotten.

Early in morning the artistic golden sun got up like a baby and started painting the dark black sky into a bright blue sky. The bright looking milky clouds got up from sleep and started traveling around the sky visiting the wonderful environment. It's the paradise view of the first sip of coffee in the morning, as me and my friends en-route to Lepakshi . Lepakshi is a village in the Anantapur District and approximately 120 km north of Bangalore. There are several myths associated with this temple town.  According to Ramayana, when sita was being abducted by Ravana, the vulture demi God Jatayu tried to protect the queen. However, Ravana had chopped the wings and it fell to the ground. 'Le pakshi' said Lord Rama to Jatayu, the bird , asking to get up. That's why the place is called Lepakshi.  As we enter the village, the biggest monolithic Nandi (bull) of  India,  in a couchant position that has been created out of a single rock. A few meters further,

Happy Occasion like Wedding Ceremony, brings a lot of joy among the people while also witnessing a rare moment of the new beginning of life. Attending a wedding ceremony with friends while on travel to a different place, gives more joy and fun to be with them. It's amazing how you can seldom see friends and yet be so connected. Lot of old memories, discussions going on with friends, we stop on Hassan Highway for Breakfast. After having the delicious Thatte Idli (Karnataka's Flat Idli) soaked in Sambhar and butter on top of it, we left to the marriage hall. With the boisterous and the exuberant notes and beats from the Nadaswaram and the Thavil, the Bride and Groom make their way to the stage, we also have our seats down on the left corner. The ritual of  Kanyadaan takes place after exchanging of garlands. It is emphasized during the ritual, that the parents are entrusting him with the most precious ‘gift’ in this world. It is expected of him that he will always take care of