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Unveiling the Beauty of Karnataka: a 10-day Road Trip Full of Adventure, Heritage, and Serenity with Friends
The school WhatsApp group was suddenly abuzz one morning. It's not often that so many of us are free at the same time for banter. Except that, when I opened the app, I realised this wasn't just banter. My friends were planning another road trip, this time through Karnataka. I wasn't too excited at first because I'd seen so many of these plans get postponed indefinitely till they're cancelled. There's always someone or the other who gets caught up with some important work. So when they asked me, I responded in the affirmative but unenthusiastically. Little did I know that this time, the plan would materialise, and we would soon land at the Kempegowda airport, ready to hit the road.
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Our pre-booked cab was waiting for us at the airport. Without wasting time, we embarked on our ten-day day road trip and headed to Mysuru, a city steeped in history and culture. We began with a visit to the magnificent Mysore Palace, immersed in its royal heritage and architectural grandeur. Next, we climbed Chamundi Hill to seek blessings at the Chamundeshwari Temple while admiring the cityscape below. Afterwards, a boat ride at Karanji Lake offered respite amidst nature's beauty. We concluded with a visit to the Brindavan Gardens, which delighted us with its captivating musical fountains. We drove by the illuminated Mysore Palace and admired it again from afar.
Next, we headed to Coorg, the "Scotland of India." The journey took us through winding roads amid coffee and spice plantations. We stayed in the picturesque town of Madikeri and explored the historical marvel of the 17th-century Madikeri Fort. Then the natural beauty of the cascading Abbey Falls was followed by a visit to Raja's Seat, a perfect vantage point for a breathtaking sunset. Coorg's pristine beauty and the warm hospitality of the locals gave us many sweet memories to savour for a lifetime.
Our road trip continued towards the coastal gem of Mangalore, where modernity and tradition exist in a harmonious mix. As we approached, the salty sea breeze filled the air and we savoured the delicious seafood at a local restaurant and strolled along the Panambur Beach, feeling the soft sand beneath our feet. We followed this with visits to the Kadri Manjunath Temple and the St. Aloysius Chapel which offered us a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and religious heritage. Our journey continued with a visit to the Mangaladevi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mangaladevi, an ancient religious site which gives the city its name. We then ventured to Sultan Battery, an old watchtower and a historical site built by Tipu Sultan, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
A short drive from Mangalore led us to the spiritual town of Udupi. Known for its ancient temples and delectable vegetarian cuisine, Udupi offered a unique experience. The Krishna Temple, with its peaceful ambience, allowed us to seek solace amidst the daily bustle. We relished the famous Udupi dishes like Masala Dosa and Medu Vada, leaving our taste buds in ecstasy. A trip to St. Mary’s Island by boat from Malpe Beach was one of the highlights of the day. The thirty-minute boat ride each way and the time spent exploring the island and walking on the beach was a fabulous experience.
Our journey continued to the tranquil beaches of Gokarna. The small town had an alluring charm, and its beaches were untouched by commercialization. We embraced the serene ambience of Om Beach, enjoyed the tranquillity of Half Moon Beach, and relaxed on the sandy shores of Kudle Beach. The sound of crashing waves and the view of the setting sun created a perfect symphony of nature.
Heading inland, our road trip led us to Davanagere, a town rich in history. The magnificent Chitradurga Fort stood tall, narrating tales of valour and bravery from the past. We also explored Davanagere's Subramanya Swamy Temple, a significant religious site and its intricate architecture. We indulged in one of the town's famous Davanagere Benne Dose. Served sizzling hot and generously slathered in butter, the crispy yet soft texture of the dosa delighted our taste buds. This local delicacy is a must-try for anyone visiting Davanagere.
Tumkuru beckoned us with its intriguing blend of history and spirituality. The Siddaganga Mutt, a revered spiritual institution, left us inspired by its humanitarian work and devotion to education. We explored the ancient temples in the town and admired their architectural brilliance. Tumkuru offered a unique perspective on the state's cultural diversity.
Our road trip circled back to the vibrant city of Bengaluru. With a mix of excitement and nostalgia, we visited some iconic landmarks like Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and Bangalore Palace. The city's thriving food scene treated us to an array of flavours, from traditional South Indian delicacies to international cuisines. We spent our evenings reliving the memories of the trip and sharing laughter over cups of filter coffee.
As the final day arrived, we bid farewell to Karnataka, cherishing the incredible memories we had created on this 10-day road trip. The diversity of landscapes, the richness of culture, and the warmth of the people had left an everlasting impression on us. We promised to reunite for more such adventures, eager to explore the uncharted territories that lay ahead.
Our 10-day road trip through Karnataka was a journey of a lifetime, filled with laughter, exploration, and the joy of friendship. Each destination unveiled a unique facet of Karnataka's beauty, from historical marvels to serene beaches and lush hills. This road trip not only strengthened our bond but also left us with a profound appreciation for the incredible diversity and hospitality that India's southern gem, Karnataka, has to offer. It is a place we shall forever hold dear in our hearts, and we eagerly await our next adventure on the open road.
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