India

Unadulterated Nature Bliss – On the Banks of Bhadra

Deriving its name from the Bhadra River, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary has once declared a protected tiger reserve. Tucked away amidst the lofty peaks of the Western Ghats the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many hidden treasures of the Western Ghats. In summers, the backwaters of Bhadra witness one of the largest congregations of… Continue reading Unadulterated Nature Bliss – On the Banks of Bhadra

India

Winter Wonderland – Trek to Fairy tale Place – Kuari Pass

Himalayas always work as a magnet for me and I can never be away from them for long. A few years ago, I made a resolution to try and do at least 2 Himalayan trek a year. While 2020 was almost a complete wash out, I was eager to go back to Himalayan ranges as… Continue reading Winter Wonderland – Trek to Fairy tale Place – Kuari Pass

India

Beautiful HariHara Temple and lovely Ranganatha Swamy Ashrama – Kommaranahalli

Ranganatha Swamy temple of Kommaranahalli My father was always fascinated with  “Helavanakatte Giriyamma Story” and envisioned visiting this place. That story was a part of my Father’s education curriculum. When he told us, we will stop at this place, none of us were very keen.  We weren’t interested in visiting this unknown remote unheard village.… Continue reading Beautiful HariHara Temple and lovely Ranganatha Swamy Ashrama – Kommaranahalli

India

Tranquilizing Kudalasangama

After exploring full day in Badami, we started towards Kudalasangama in the evening. Kudalasangama in Bagalkot district of Karnataka is an important center of pilgrimage for Lingayats. It is located about 15 kilometres from the Almatti Dam. This place is more enticing to me than Badami caves. I m spell bound by the beauties of… Continue reading Tranquilizing Kudalasangama

India

Alluring Badami Caves.

We got up early in the morning, freshened up and went to Banashankari temple again. Our elaborate “Abhisheka Pooja” took 3hours. Once we finished that, we had our breakfast in the local hotel and started towards Badami Caves around 10 AM. There is definitely something magical about these boulders and rocky cliffs city of Badami.… Continue reading Alluring Badami Caves.

India

Ancient Archeological Temples of Aihole and Charismatic Monuments of Pattadakal

Ancient temple town of Aihole Our next destination post Banashankari temple was Aihole. Its located around 35 kms from Badami. Aihole was the cultural capital during the period of Western Chalukya dynasty of Badami. Main attraction here is the archeological park. This tiny village is located on the banks of River Malaprabha. Durga Devi Durga… Continue reading Ancient Archeological Temples of Aihole and Charismatic Monuments of Pattadakal

India

A visit to Ancient Adobe -Banashankari Devi Temple – Near Badami

I have been going to caves of Badami and its nearby places from my childhood days as our Home Deity goddess “Banashankari” temple is located at cholachagudda near Badami. My mom wanted to do an elaborate ceremonial worship in Banashankari temple and welcome our new family member. We all jumped in to make our offerings… Continue reading A visit to Ancient Adobe -Banashankari Devi Temple – Near Badami

India

Hike to Kathachi Temple – Amidst Mystic Peaks- Himachal Pradesh – Mandi – Trip log

Kathachi is a small village in the Mandi tehsil, Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh. This village is close to IIT Mandi Campus. During our brief stay in IIT Mandi we explored several hike routes which will lead to Kathachi temple. It’s called as Baba Barnatri Shri Mandir by localities. This temple is so strategically placed,… Continue reading Hike to Kathachi Temple – Amidst Mystic Peaks- Himachal Pradesh – Mandi – Trip log

India

Alluring Khanahr Peak – Himachal Pradesh – Mandi – Trip log

This big beautiful mountain was so alluring to us from the balcony of our home in IIT Mandi. This is called Khanahr Peak. Small Himalayan village of Khanahr was perched closer to other side of the peak. On a lazy Sunday morning, we decided to climb that.   View of Khanahr peak and Dhauladhar Range… Continue reading Alluring Khanahr Peak – Himachal Pradesh – Mandi – Trip log

India

Hike to Devi temple in the midst of pine forest

From the time we reached IIT Mandi campus, I was eager to explore these surrounding mountains. We decided to explore the surrounding area around this Devi temple which is located in the midst of Pine forest. View from local bridge My kiddo hiking up This temple is located bit away from village and is only… Continue reading Hike to Devi temple in the midst of pine forest

India

Few Blissful Hours near Quaint Kabini Dam

On a lazy Sunday morning, after our breakfast, we suddenly decided to go for half a day outing. Mysore is home for several variety of beauties, it was easy for us to choose. “Serenity of Water will always bring tranquillity to my chaotic mind” With this we choose to spend some time near Kabini dam/reservoir.… Continue reading Few Blissful Hours near Quaint Kabini Dam

India

On the Banks of Serene Kapila/Kabini

After exploring the banks of Cauvery, Me and husband were eager to spend some much needed family time in the banks of Kapila/Kabini. We had no particular destination for the day as our idea was to spend a day in the banks of Kapila/Kabini. Nearest banks was near Nanjangudu. Nanjangudu is close to 20 Kms… Continue reading On the Banks of Serene Kapila/Kabini

India

Majestic BR Hills – A day Trip from Mysore

B R Hills or Biligiriranga Hills is one of the many beautiful hill ranges. When my cousins visited my home in Mysore and were planning for BR Hills. It had been a long time I visited BR hills, so I decided to join them for this day trip. Its a perfect getaway to spend a day out… Continue reading Majestic BR Hills – A day Trip from Mysore

India

Mysuru/Mysore – Aramane Nagari – Balamuri Yedamuri falls

As the popular local saying says, you can take a girl out of Mysore, not Mysore out of girl. Me being born and brought up in this city, it’s more a home than a tourist/travellers place. Several people told me on various occasions to write about the places in and around Mysore. So here I’m… Continue reading Mysuru/Mysore – Aramane Nagari – Balamuri Yedamuri falls

India

River crossing & Back to NIMAS Campus -Part 6

I left the Meerathang campsite with heavy heart. By the time I started my trek back, I was used to weight and walking. I enjoyed the scenic view around me more. We directly reached back Mago on the same day we started from Meerathang. Post that we reached New Melling next day.  We had Rock climbing test next day. You… Continue reading River crossing & Back to NIMAS Campus -Part 6

India

Meerathang to Ice wall trek, practice and back to New Melling – Part 5 

I suggest reading other parts before reading this.  The most exciting and strenuous part of our course start now. Early morning snow covered view of Gorichen was so energizing. Trek from Meerathang campsite to ice wall is exhausting, yet I was excited for snow wall climbing practice. Backpack was not heavy as we only carried equipment's. I… Continue reading Meerathang to Ice wall trek, practice and back to New Melling – Part 5 

India

Trek to Mago –Jithang – Meerathang — Part 4

I suggest reading first three parts before reading this. By now you would have got used to carrying weight a bit. But it's not over. Now endurance plays a role. If you feel your bag weighs heavy, New Melling is your last option to dump all extra luggage. Be prepared, it's one of the longest… Continue reading Trek to Mago –Jithang – Meerathang — Part 4

India

Campus to New Melling trek and details on rock climbing practices – NIMAS – PART 3

Suggest reading part1 and 2 of it before reading this part. This part will shed more light on rock-climbing practice, trek and stay in New Melling. Read Part 1 here :Basic Mountaineering Course – NIMAS Part 2: BMC- NIMAS – 1st week in NIMAS Campus I'm stressing on the point here, PACK SENSIBALLY.  Don’t pack with… Continue reading Campus to New Melling trek and details on rock climbing practices – NIMAS – PART 3

India

BMC- NIMAS – 1st week in NIMAS Campus

I suggest reading Part1 of this, before reading more about this. Read Part 1 Here - https://meander23.com/2020/09/08/basic-mountaineering-course-nimas/ I was excited and scared about this course at the same time. I had my own doubts on completing the course. I prepared myself for 10 months, yet, I knew my preparations weren't enough. I had mentally made… Continue reading BMC- NIMAS – 1st week in NIMAS Campus

India

Basic Mountaineering Course – NIMAS

Are you a Trekker/hiker? Planning to upscale that to Mountaineering? Planning for a Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) in India? This post is about my experience in NIMAS. I finished my course in Aug – Sept 2018. As several people asked me to write down the details, I'm jotting down my experience here.  Topics Covered  Institutes… Continue reading Basic Mountaineering Course – NIMAS