Seegegudda Windmills !

 While watching windmills in some of the movies, I have always fancied going close to a windmill some day and it finally worked out when I visited Seege gudda

Located in Hassan district, this is approximately 200 kms from Bangalore. In case you plan to visit this place, make sure its a bike trip since cars would not go all the way to the hill top (unless you are fine with a long trek)

Also, this being a secluded spot, it would be better to go in groups.

On a sunday morning, we were all set for a bike trip (after ages!). 

We followed the google map and reached a spot which looked very far from the windmill. We had reached a field where bike wouldnt go and trek looked very difficult from the distance. The friendly localites guided us to reach the windmill. We could see the windmills from a far distance and we were all thrilled to go close to them. 

We reached the spot seen in google images and the windmills were just a stone throw away

The only scary part about the place was that it was secluded and there was a long stretch of road which barely looked like a road ! But there were spots where we could stop by and get a good view from the hill top.

We finally went close to a windmill and captured few snaps  

                              

 

When we stood beneath, it looked like a "Sasta Eiffel Tower" :D  

 

After spending some time far from the madding crowd, we returned back. Thanks for my 14 year old Unicorn for bearing with us :P 

Adichunchunagiri Peacock sanctuary

 The peacock sanctuary located close to Chunchunagiri temple (renowned pilgrim center) hosts several peacocks and serves as a good place to trek. You could either climb the steps and reach the hilltop or go hiking on an off road path. We chose the off road path since the steps were too crowded. 

The walk towards the hilltop seemed quite tiring and initially scary too (since we saw a warning on one of the rocks "beware of leopards"). We then saw a priest walk by and he said there are no leopards which gave us some relief. 

We continued walking past the huge rocks on either side hoping to see peacocks but unfortunately we couldn't spot any peacock (probably because we went there at the wrong time) 

We then noticed a temple and an adjacent lake. The lake looked beautiful and it looks like it is being developed for tourist attraction (though not complete).

The actual trek started from the temple which was at the foot of the hill. We had a temple priest to accompany us to the top of the hill. It was a short trek (a little tiring since it was during the afternoon) and we reached another temple which was filled with pilgrims. The crowd scared us (COVID !) and we returned back quite disappointed that we couldnt spot any peacock. But nevertheless, the trek was good. 

On our way back, we noticed a religious pond where devotees were hosting religious ceremonies along all 4 sides of the pond. We spent some time sitting near the pond and then headed back home. 

Note : After reaching home, I read another blog and was surprised to know that there are/were leopards in this place so I'm guessing the warning that we saw was true !... and I remember posing at a spot very similar to the one where leopard was spotted :P 

Source for the above note - Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary: Of Rocks and Rosettes | JLR Explore

Shettihalli church

 A very popular destination for bikers since many years - Shettihalli Church

Here's a small history about this church - Built by French missionaries during 1860's in Hassan (Shettihalli). After the Hemavati dam was constructed, the church got submerged in water but the ruins still remain ! For some of the localites this is a haunted ruin, for movie makers this is a popular shooting location and for travel enthusiasts this is a travel destination. 

If you plan to visit this spot, your experience would depend on which time of the year you visit. For most parts of the year, the church isn't submerged and the surroundings are dry. Initial monsoon days, the church is surrounded with water and during peak monsoon, the church gets submerged in water.

Early monsoon when the church is surrounded with water - The best time to plan your trip ! 

We carried tents for kids to spend some time on the green pastures on the way to church. There is enough space for kids to play around and you could even plan to have your breakfast/lunch/snacks here. 

We then proceeded towards the church which was at a walkable distance. Though we couldnt enter the church, the surrounding view was great and perfect for a photoshoot. 

After spending some time at the church we started our return journey.

Note : Make sure you check the weather forecast. Rains can ruin your plan since you might not find shelter if it starts raining when you are at the church (cars have to be parked on the roadside which is far from the church, when the muddy road leading to the church becomes difficult to drive) 

Pre monsoon when the surroundings are dry ! 

For most parts of the year, you can take your bike/car till till the church entrance (or inside too). This is when the film-makers plan their shoots too. We could enter the church and even walk around the church. We had to walk for a small distance to reach the water body. 

  

         

 

 Peak monsoon when the church gets submerged ! 

All you can do is stare at the church being submerged in water.

Mookanamane falls

 It wouldn't be wrong to call this a hidden treasure in Sakleshpur ! 240 kms away from Bangalore and a must visit spot if you are planning a trip to Sakleshpur. 

We reached the spot and noticed few resort rooms so I'm guessing there is a resort service which might have been operational before the covid breakout. There was ample space for car parking. We then had to walk a small distance to finally spot the waterfall.

It didn't match our expectation since there wasnt much to do apart from clicking a pic. After a few minutes we noticed people walking beneath and that is when we realized that this was just the start. There was a short trek to reach the bottom of the falls. Though we started off with confidence, I must admit that it didnt look very safe for minors. There were slippery rocks and it wasn't very easy for the kids. 

After we reached the bottom, the only regret we had was that neither could the kids get into the water nor could we leave them at a safe spot and step into the water ourself. This spot is better to visit without kids but it would be cruel to not let them enjoy this scenic view ! 

Since there was nothing much to do apart from clicking pics, we spent some time admiring mother nature and then started our return journey. The return trek was also a little scary but the boys were thrilled about their hiking experience ! 

In case you are planning to visit this, post monsoon would be the right time. Stay away from this spot if its raining and also consider the age group (15-50 yrs should be able to manage comfortably)

Ayyanakere

 Ayyanakere is situated at the eastern base of Baba Budan range hills (approx 225 kms from Bengaluru)

. It is the biggest lake in Chikmagalur and 2nd biggest in Karnataka. Being well maintained, this serves as one of the best Picnic spots in Chikamagalur. 

The lake is usually crowded on weekends and it is quite hard to find a parking spot if you visit on a busy day. Once you reach the entrance gate, you would find a small deserted forest area on your right and a small canal for kids to play on your left. If you go further ahead, you would find the lake which has a unique walkway.

You may have to wait for your turn to step into the walkway since you would find tourists busy clicking pics but if you like photography, it is definitely worth the wait ! 

The lake is surrounded by hills thereby increasing its scenic value. There are few spots from where you could jump into the lake and swim around (at your own risk). If you are not a great swimmer, you could spend some time enjoying the scenic view.

                    

While returning back to the gate entrance, you could take a diversion and walk through a deserted forest area close to the entrance gate

                    

We also spent some time at the canal for kids to play since they couldnt get into the lake earlier. 

                                    

After spending some quality time by the lake we started our return journey. 

                                   

Parvathamma betta - Hassan

 Parvathamma betta - At a distance of 21 kms from Sakleshpura and 33 kms from Hassan, Parvathamam betta is a scenic hills located in Dyathapura village in Karnataka

                  

This was there on my wishlist for quite sometime and finally visited on 9th Oct 2021. Located about 200 kms from Bangalore, the place is a bliss for nature lovers and beginners in trekking. The route is perfect for a monsoon ride since you will get to ride through lush green trees, fields and pastures on both sides of the road for about 20 kms after deviating from the bangalore-mangalore highway.

Pit stop at some estate on the way
to Parvathamma betta

              

Some pond on the way

                  

After reaching the spot, we started exploring some random spots before the actual trek started. Kids would love this spot since they have ample space to play around 

     

                          

Further ahead of this spot, less than a km away we found the parking spot and starting point of the short trek. My boys were thrilled about the trek and it looked perfect for all age groups. Initially there were few steps and thereafter you are free to chose your path to trek further. 

Martin's attempt at photography and I guess he fared well as a 5 yr old !

If you aren't tired yet, you can still continue trekking and after each stage you will be greeted by a stone entrance (like the above pic), few more scenic spots, space to relax with your family and beautiful landscape for photography. 

Small break between the trek

 

After the second stone entrance, there was a beautiful pond which is well maintained by mother nature ! A mandatory photo-spot for tourists ! 

There were lot of stones placed in such a way that it looked like natural sofas/chairs. We sat there enjoying the breathtaking view

Further ahead, there was a temple but we planned to return back since the place started getting crowded. We were fortunate to have reached there at a time (3:30 pm) when there were no visitors and the whole place was free for us to explore. We started our return trek (by 4:30pm) to stay away from the crowd keeping the covid restrictions in mind. 

This marked the end of our wonderful trek and I must say this is a must visit spot if you are passing by Hassan/Sakleshpur/Chikmagalur.