Without a cue, Kalkere Lake nonchalantly shows up with a hill in the background, that has a bevy of windmills perched on top if it. Nestled between Hassan and Belur, this lake is commonly referred to as Windmills Viewpoint, and many travellers are lured into taking a break here to enjoy the picturesque vistas.
October 2025
Clear blue skies, undulating green hills, floating white mist, unruly brown tracks, loitering cows and fresh air are what greets you at this stunning viewpoint near Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru. The off-road drive here is absolutely an exhilarating experience, and the views are worth every bit of the adventure.
December 2023.
Like the goats here, sometimes the traveler in me needs a bit of guidance. Else, I always prefer to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination! As the saying goes, isn't traveling also about the journey, as much as it is about the destination?
Myriad shades of green blanketed over obscure and undulating mounds, with fog intermittently draping the setting, and the road making its presence felt by snaking through, makes this view from Thamarassery Churam, one of my all time favourite landscape frames.
At a time when we are slowly going back to travelling our backyards, my visit to Thippagondanahalli Reservoir threw up a surprise. The gates were closed and access to the dam was denied, but further search on the maps led me to a different route through a village to the reservoir. It proved once again that maps aren't totally trustworthy, as the road turned into a mud trail and came to an abrupt end without a cue. However, it was serendipity, as the trail led to lush green pastures and sprawling farmlands where farmers and bullocks toiled away. Beyond the farmlands I could see glimpses of the blue waters of the reservoir with the intimidating Savanadurga Hill in the backdrop. Absolutely picturesque frames on offer!
Sometimes a wrong route takes you to the right destination!
Travel Information:
Thippagondanahalli Reservoir is 46 km away from Bangalore.
Built over River Arkavathi, this is one of the largest reservoirs near Bangalore.
The pandemic, lockdowns and norms that we live amidst at present are like a good break for all travellers. Hopefully, travel will be back in action soon, and we all will be on the road again. Until then, let's enjoy a nice and well needed pit stop.
Wayanad, Kerala. January 2021.
Bharathappuzha River, also referred as Nila is considered to be an integral part of the culture of Kerala. Here she flows nonchalantly under the blue skies while meandering past lush greenery and sandy banks.
Shot from Kuttippuram Bridge, Kerala. January 2021
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