Coorg Calling…
Written by – Deepika Devendra Kumar
Picture Credits- Chetali Surti, Mohak Gupta
Characters from Real Life
Abhishek Nautiyal
Chetali Surti
Chinmay Bodhe
Gayatri Thotakura
Mohak Gupta
Pooja Raikar
Yash Velaskar
Chap 1. A Day before Coorg Trip
Don’t know how to begin this, already a month after the Coorg Trip. Today Saturday morning wanted to ink all my memories into these white pages, imprinting it not with just seven colours of rainbow but eight colours of friends. Days when you feel everything’s just the same old like rice and curry and you want to spice it up, then you plan for Goa trips which are never successful. Fortunately not Goa this time, because it is Scotland of India-Coorg. During our lunch hours how these guys planned out everything about the trip, asking me a week before if I would like to join in the trip.
Here is the major twist getting approval for 4 days outing. Convincing is one the finest arts which human race should learn. I’m married, now all the approvals went from my mom and dad to my love, this time it was really easy with all trip plan details in his hand and I had his approval. There just three days before the trip I got the approval. For others it was easy, different statements in different houses. Some were Hitler, some were rulers of their own life. One said “I’m going to Coorg tomorrow!” The other just left with the bag.
Busy with my work always a Monday scene, I was so unaware of what date it was. We lunch mates were walking down to canteen for lunch. Chetali asked me if my packing was done. I was so clueless about what packing, where I was going. I asked her, she reminded me of the date it was 24th Dec 2019 the next day, we were leaving for Coorg that day. I was so shocked I had forgotten about it totally, with no preparation done for the trip. Later learning from each of them no one had started the packing and I was relived. Let’s eat lunch peacefully (Some onomatopoeia “Chomp chomp, Nonsense talks by Mohak and Questions by Shruti”).
No trip is complete without the list of things to carry, it was really kind of my experienced man for sharing the list what all things to be carried on the vacation. I shared the same list with my Troop and we were good to start our packing. I am sure no was able to sleep with heart and brain filled with excitement and sheer joy. Good Night! See You Tomorrow.
Chap 2. Departure
It was Tuesday 24th Dec 2019, I enter office at around 10 and had a look at lobby area it was packed with my friend’s luggage. I approached the receptionist, he himself asked are you along with these pointing towards the baggage, I agreed and he kept my luggage aside handing a token to me. I was very happy and excited at the same time.
Everything else was same, we were working towards the day. Plan was that first they will leave later I will come down at 6pm. They left for lobby and I was stuck in some work. I had clarified to my team I was leaving early that day, after that urgently I left my desk and rushed to lobby. As bus to Coorg was to arrive at Vashi Toll by 7. I came down had to change into comfy clothes, everything in hurry I rushed to lobby changing room and then we were ready to leave. In group of 3 we left in autos towards Vashi Toll Naka.
Reaching Toll naka was another level adventure, making the auto driving going crazy.
In one rick was Nauti, Gayu and I. In other was Mohak, Yash and Chetali. Chinmay and Pooja were coming directly to Toll Naka. One from each auto was the leader who dropped respective locations over the whatsapp chat group. We all were following Yash, Chinmay was standing at the right location. But we overwhelmed by Yash’s over confidence we all blindly followed Yash and even Chinmay followed Yash, as Bro love and love Is blind. Finally after travelling 20 mins away from exact location thankfully we realised we are in the wrong direction, we asked driver to go back from where we started, yes Ringa roses. After lot of struggles and after lot of driver saying “Lao me baat karta hun” we reached Vashi Old Toll Naka at 7:30 pm to be specific.
After all the hustle we come to know the Bus to Coorg is late by 1hr.
So there we are instead of standing it was better travelling in an auto for 1 hour more. My body being there but heart was thinking of 7:45pm. I called him up (Obviously who else, my love). While on call these guys were continuously saying that bus has arrived for any random bus that came by. Without any spice and laughter how would trip even start. These Girls and Gentlemen were talking and laughing while standing in a circle.
A little far was I standing and on call, nearby I saw an auto standing, so I went inside to sit. And these people startled and shocked where I went. I suddenly came out and they started laughing aloud, warning me not to go again.
After few minutes and lot of patience our bus arrived and it was time to say goodbye to him, Adios! We all sensibly got arranged in a queue to on-board the bus.
Chap 3. Bus ka Dum (Fun in Bus)
After all the luggage being dumped inside the bus, we got ourselves seated randomly, I would correct myself- seated with strategy. Bond like Ram and Lakshman that’s Chinmay and Yash got seated together. Mohak and Nauti’s love got them seated together. Gayu had different level of strategy, lean one sits with chubby ones. That way I got seated with chetali. And Gayatri with Pooja. I never thought Gayu would leave Chetali alone. This was just a TRP stunt to avoid Gayu-Chetali talks later. Just kidding! One more I couldn’t believe was, how could Chetali and I talk for longer hours as she usually talks really less.
Later in the night, when the Snacking session was over, we were clicking random pictures of Mohak while sleeping. Bus kept moving towards Pune, at about 10pm or so bus took halt to have cold beverage petrol and for us some food. Like herd of sheep’s we all eight walked towards hotel like school kids in pyjamas. Entering in the hotel as if we had not eaten for days. One order Masala Dosa and all orders the same, as we are herd of sheep but Chinmay being the leader ordered Biryani. Stomachs and Kidneys were full, it was time to unload the Kidney as it was a long journey ahead of us. Another half an hour in the pee session.
Speciality of the bus was, it was well lit by the blue lights and recliner that we could rest comfortably. Comfortless and painful for the neck but good for the leg. Dinner made everyone sleepy I doubting the chef adding something in the meal. Later realized Chetali and I were the most active chatter box throughout the night. We would sleep for few minutes and start talking random shit all over again. I kept showing her stars and moons and she gave me 5star, after saying this “Bohot bhukk lagi h” that too in midnight. We both were awake till 4am, till then we were continuously whispering about everything in this world and watching bright stars outside.
The sleep that we had from 4 to 7 am was the best sleep of lifetime. Waking up early morning we saw Gayatri sleeping like a butterfly on the seat. So tiny all cuddled up like a human butterfly. I know such things doesn’t exist but for us it does.
Next was our early morning breakfast in Karnataka, we left Maharashtra when the sun was deciding to wake up or not to wake up.
Early morning 8 we reached Karnataka and bus took halt again for petrol and food for us. We all headed towards washroom to clean up and ended up not cleaning teeth, directly attacking food in food war without preparations. The restaurant was made up of red roof with least walls and just cylindrical pillars. Front opening into a beautiful garden with small pathways and few cemented chairs in between the garden area. We all order idli and wada not expecting any of Poha that we love. We didn’t have much time for breakfast just half an hour. Soon we were back into the bus, our joy ride, with much more energy.
We had just entered Karnataka and we were completely taken aback by the beauty of its cities, it had to show us. We all went frenzied and kept clicking pictures of lakes and local blue back waters, clean roads, tall beetle, palm and coconut trees.
After all the scenic beauty we all were drained and felt asleep till afternoon where we reached main bus stop Bendoor, Mangalore. Last stop for our bus ride from Mumbai. In afternoon finally we brushed our teeth and got ready at the bus depot for proper south Indian Plate meal. What I love the most, Sambar-Rice, and rasam too.
Next stop was Madikeri-Heart of Coorg. Everywhere we could see just Jalebi like alphabets and not understanding a word. We had with us a naïve Kannada Translator aka Pooja Raikar (wink). We opened our google translator and scanned front board of each bus to know where the bus was headed. One to Pududcherry, one to Madikeri and others to other locations. It was getting hot in the afternoon, we all got into the non AC bus. After getting seated, journey started along with other local commuters. The bus took us from busy market place to vacant ghat roads, we decided to play games while on bus, because we cannot stay idle. We started of playing hand cricket, stone paper scissors, sooner the heat wave took everyone down to sleep, but it had no effect on Pooja, Gayatri , Chinmay and me, we over enthusiastic people considered the bus as rock band stage kept singing songs until we reached foothills of town Madikeri. Singing songs from 90s and from our childhood. That moment was mind-blowing, as it was getting cold as we were reaching the top of ghat as well it was getting darker in the evening.
We reached Madikeri by 6 in the evening, we had to walk until our Homestay named Shri Kaveri/Cauvery/Kauvery, don’t know which one, we couldn’t figure it out even at the end of our trip. It got completely dark as we walked towards the stay. We
had to pass by small lanes and vacant roads, with least sounds and hustle around. Not even signs of dog or any other animal. The small lanes were bordered by small and big, lit and unlit homestays. Some seemed haunted and scary too.
Pooja and I were walking at the end of our troop, we kept running ahead as no one was behind us, we both were scaring others, saying whoever is walking last will be taken away by ghost and talking ridiculous things even after being science students.
Finally after long evening walk we reached our home stay. We threw away our baggage and shoes literally anywhere. We checked out each room and the whole mansion. It was huge even for just 8 people, 3 bed rooms, 2 living room, 2 bathroom and 1 kitchen and a big balcony with sitting area and small potted flowering plants along side of the stairs. Even the lobby/parking area was filled with flowering pots of various types. It was already dark so we couldn’t figure out the balcony view. After analysis it was time for execution, we all so tired were waiting for our turn to get a chance into the washroom. While waiting the Bluetooth speaker was already turned on and light music played in the background. Turn by turn we all got refreshed.
It was time for some good food. We went to Veg hotel, confused between deluxe and super deluxe south Indian thali, we thankfully ordered 8 deluxe thali. We all finished everything in the plate like good kids. Next destination was Church.
Chap 4. Christmas in Coorg Madikeri.
It was 25th Dec 2019, Christmas celebration going around, but first priority was to get the bikes and scooters from Zoom Bike rental store.
We were tired but also crazy, walking down after dinner, late at night to get the bikes. Later we had 8 people and 4 automobiles. We quickly started towards the church in the city. We reached at around 10:30 pm, not many people around the church as it was too late. Hardly handful of them. The church was huge with a big Star hanging on top of the structure, whole church was well lit and was decorated colourfully. Church had a vast open ground entering the church, wide stairs to enter, a cemetery at the backyard and a very small garden on the backside.
Figure 2: Church on Christmas Eve
There was crib in the front arranged and decorated with statues of Jesus, Mary and others. We all went inside, completely serene and quite, we sat and prayed for a while. We wanted to stay a little more, but the church lights were being put off at it was already 11pm. We were lucky that we could visit church in time. We clicked a lot of
pictures on the stairs as it was the first time I got the vision and the game of vision was on. We had to leave the church soon but few gutsy went and sat near the cemetery, Gayatri and I couldn’t go out of fear. We called upon them so that we can leave soon.
On the way back to homestay, we took a halt near a shop for alcohol, maaza and cake. Gayatri’s forever urge for cake was well taken care of. We had to reach homestay soon, as we were tired but still crazy. On reaching we planned for games and snacking. Carpet was spread, we all sleepy in pyjamas ready to play UNO and dumb charades. No one can forget that face Mohak made as he pulled off his skills and his turtle neck Yellow dress. We loved that one. The cold drink and chips were served by Chef Chinmay. Jokes cracked over chakli and pit song (Ignore) only those who know can laugh. Our energy levels were not getting low even at 2am midnight. Finally after all the chips was over, it was a wrap. We went to our respective rooms to sleep as we had to wake up early morning to see the sunrise at Raja Seat.
Figure 3: Night View from Homestay
Chap 5. Story of Eclipse
26th of December In the morning 6am we all without even bathing, at least we brushed our teeth. Chetali said nothing but “Bhukk Lagi h”. With no makeup, only In Pyjamas and sweaters on, we moved to the lobby cum garage. Ready to ride on wheels, everyone had already decided who will be pillion for which rider. Yash for Naughty the riskiest decision ever, Pooja for Chinmay, Gayatri for Chetali and me for Mohak. Without wasting any moment we headed towards the Raja Seat point as we didn’t want to miss the sunrise. It was cold morning, the location was hardly 3 minutes’ drive from the homestay. The entrance to the point was timid and low, but the opening to the garden was vast. The view was mesmerizing and breath-taking. There was a vast stretch of Land covered with n number of flowers of variant colours, in between were statues of various animals and a small pathway cemented pavement for us to walk. I don’t even know those adjectives to describe the garden and the Mountain View. Coming down till the dead end of Raja Seat the whole of mountains were covered in cottony clouds, with passing time these clouds were passing by us.
There were tall, bushy tree encircling the complete Garden, there was seating arrangements just near the dead ends into the valley. We all eight so sensible, keeping our phone into the pockets and living this moment. Breathing in the cool calm air into us, rejoicing in that moment. We were trying to capture each and every beautiful sight we could. Not forgetting that we were waiting for the sunrise. Slowly and steadily the orange hue of sun was taking over the Blue sky. Slowly the cool winds were taken away by chilly and sunny yet soothing sunlight. Pictures clicked here and there, and there was a complete photo session at one spot because I had a vision once again (Laughing in the corner).
Suddenly we all started getting messages and calls from our respective home stating it was going to be Solar Eclipse at around 8am until 11pm. Pooja’s family was strict about staying at home. Thence we had to rush back home and have breakfast too before eight, as a ritual we cannot eat during an eclipse. We started immediately towards the restaurant. No time wasted as it was race against time, we had to finish eating and reach home before 8am. Everyone was okay with going out during an eclipse except Pooja. It was on me now to make a sensible decision and quickly I decided to stay back with Pooja as we couldn’t had have left her alone at homestay at an unknown place like that. It was just matter of 3hours. Pooja and I finished breakfast as soon as possible, later that Chinmay and Mohak dropped us back at homestay as rest others were still having their meal. Because of this Mohak missed his special coffee and made sure Pooja and I reached stay before 8am exactly. Soon everyone came back got ready before us and left for the Fort and Museum visit. Pooja and I had totally different plans together. We both alone at homestay decided to get into the blankets and rest for few hours as there was long day ahead of us. We played good music and had a good chat. Crying over mothers songs and hugged each other. Later we decided to take bath and get ready as it was going to be 11am. We played Makhna song and she tried to sing too. As I began to record the troop was back.
Figure 4: View from Raja Seat
Chap 6: Coffee Beans, Endless Roads and Adventure at Peak
26th Morning 11, All 8 ready to head ahead, every pillion ride had google map handy and music player too. The bikers were half hour ahead of us, we Scooter riders had different plans, and we were heading to Baghamandala Temple first. We didn’t reach directly, we took halts in between. We were riding amidst farms, betel nut tall tress like Yash and Chinmay. We came across a small village took halt to buy water cans. Next we stopped near a beautiful spot where there was an old vintage house and well near to it. We were tired riding for long, we four scooter riders (Gayatri, Chetali, Mohak and I) stopped at the old house, no one was there, it was stranded. It was a perfect spot for photo session, we stopped by to click some pictures and chit chat under the shade of the house. Soon after few minutes we left, riding for a while, again getting mesmerized by the view and tired by the riding, we halted at an exquisite coffee garden hanging over a tall wall. We were happy to see raw coffee beans for the first time. Forgot to tell Coorg is famous for Kaapii (Coffee) and Spice. Coffee to dekh liye aur apni dosti me to wese hi bohot spice h (wink) (Now we have seen coffee and our friendship is already spicy). After Coffee garden there was no halting, we rushed to Baghamandala temple as 4 bikers had already reached. The Ride in itself was a joy filled experience. We were yelling and shouting travel Bollywood songs as we drove past Ghats and patchy roads, sometimes good smooth roads. The roads aligned with betel nut trees and forest on one side and heavenly valley on the other side of the road.
The weather being the most kind to us in coorg. Sunny yet pleasant, cold yet soothing and no hint of polluted air, fresh aromatic air we could breathe. Finally we had reached Baghamandala while we still dreaming and dancing to our Coorg Anthem. There was stopping us and our energetic vibes. As we reached bikers told us the story of Horny Uncle seducing Pooja from far across the Triveni Sangam Lake. These bikers (Chinmay, Nautiyal, Yash and Pooja) got a chance to get into Triveni Sangam Lake.
Baghamandala is a pilgrimage place in Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is situated on the river kaveri in its upstream stretches. At this place Kaveri is joined by two tributaries, the Kannike and the mythical Sujyoti River. It is considered sacred as a river confluence (Kudala or Triveni Sangama, in Kannada and Sanskrit Scriptures)
(Sources Wikipedia).
We Scooter riders, missed the opportunity of going into the Triveni Sangam near Temple as it was getting late it was already 2pm. But still we went around the lake via the bridge and captured some good moments. Later we realized how important and holy place it was. My mom told me later that I should had at least touched the Holy water as she has religious faith. Let Bygones be bygones. Parking out vehicles at triveni we crossed roads to reach to The Baghamandala Temple just to find it was closed and will open at 3pm. We had no other option than skipping it and visiting it on the return journey. Without wasting much time we headed on the route to Thala Cauvery. We were hungry and pet se awaaz arahi thi by Chetali announcement. We paused on a restaurant on the way. The restaurant was huge but with self-service. Boys on work for getting lunch and Pooja helping us in Translating Language, and she was counting 160 in Kannada on her fingers (That’s a joke you know). We girls were finding Table so
that we could sit and eat. Simultaneously scanning for handsome boys. Gayatri and I were still searching for Guys with Beard and black shirt. Not much time had passed, boys brought 8 Thali of lunch. The food just ok. It was just so okay that we needed papad, Pooja had no chill. She was scanning others plates too and she found papad in theirs. She couldn’t wait and called out a random customer and said,”Bhaiya Papad nahi dia, do na”. We laughed as we were embarrassed but had no choice. After that she herself left the table and came back with 8 papad and we all rushed in to grab one as if we never had eaten one in our whole life. Yes, definitely it was a relief to get the ok ok food down our oesophagus [You didn’t read that right. ;)]. After Lunch and pee break, we kick started to reach Thala Cauvery. It was sunny by then, all the sweaters off the shoulders and down to the hips.
Each and every ride was a fun in itself, even I drove for sometimes, I was driving with Gayatri, and we were racing most of the times, we used to wait for others to catch up so that they didn’t forget the path on the way. If we were behind then Mohak and Chetali used to wait for us but others bikers didn’t wait. Gayatri and I were in the impression that bikers didn’t care for others and they didn’t wait. We kept bitching about them. This time Mohak was way too ahead and bikers were ahead of us, we kept talking they won’t wait for us. But after few minutes of drive we found Nautiyal and Yash waiting for us on their bikes. On that sight Gayatri and I both felt such guilt. We apologised to them in our hearts and laughed a lot on our own stupidity. We reached Thala Cauvery without much trouble on our way. On reaching the temple entrance, it was very steep slope, I couldn’t drive with a pillion, I asked her to get down and walk till the parking. I remember it was very steep. After lot of struggle I parked the vehicle, what a sight on reaching. I could see the entire village established at the bottom of the valley. My vision was blurred by passing clouds. It literally felt we reached the heaven. It was cold at that high altitude even in the afternoon. We started all together keeping our boots outside the temple and washing our hands and feet. This was unique experience while entering there was a small, narrow depression on floor with continuous water flowing through it where you just dip your feet and cleanse it. We saw people and family together moving ahead of us for worshiping. Many of the men with just Munda (Lungi). We stopped at the stairs to click good picture of our group. I still remember while capturing the photo there was clouds covering the sun and clouds were lined in golden light, it looked so gorgeous along with the temple, I felt I just came here to have this view captured in my memory for lifetime.
Later we went up the stairs, worshiped and felt the serenity we didn’t feel until now. It was around 4 pm and about to get dark and we had to even drive back home. I just prayed to lord that we all are safe and sane while in this trip and take care of us lord. Few minutes after photo session, all the vision coming from me I was the one arranging all of them for a photo. It was fun as they said, “Chalo Deepika ko Vision aya and uske rules.” There were foggy winds passing by us. It was an indescribable moment. We only know how it felt to our souls. Soon everyone else was planning to climb up the stairs above the temple. As the view from there would have more and even more mind blowing. But I was pleading to them let’s not waste time as we have to drive back home. But they didn’t listen to me. As they started to climb up, the authorities displayed a board saying “Going up after 4pm was not allowed”. It was
exactly 4 in the evening. Later everyone started saying God had listened to my prayers. I felt really blessed.
Coming back out of the temple we found a wishing pot inside a well kind of structure (Figure 6). Everyone was gathered around it. All of them trying their luck to put the coin on Shiv Linga Pot and outside of it. In our troop everyone tried but failed. I was the last one in troop to try. First time I failed and coin hit the edge of the pot, but
later I decided to try once again and everyone supported me. I prayed again and this time with lot of suspense the coin flipped and sat in the pot. Again I felt so blessed. Even while am writing this I felt really touched by god. Gayatri hugged me and we left from the temple thanking for everything.
We forgot we had to visit a temple at Baghamandala while on return journey, and reach home stay before it gets dark. As planned we drove back and reached the temple. It was cold by now. There was a hand pump outside the temple. We spent few minutes cleaning ourselves and heading into the temple. I waited outside while others worshiped to take care of the bags as bag was not allowed inside. Later the Pundit’s in the temple told us, no one would steal anything, but we were still cautious about. Soon I was inside the temple, Pooja and I went around the temple folding hands and we later discussed how calm and soothing it felt around the temple. As if some super power was walking along with us as winds. We all sat in front of the temple stairs. After the discussion with Pundit, he was inquiring about us, from where
we were, what we did, why we were here. He was explaining history about the temple and the story behind it and its localities. After the talk we sat in front of the temple. As we started making lot of noise as usual we left from there.
I was going to drive back from Baghamandala to home stay, taking Gayatri as Pillion partner now. But she wanted to drive so I let her and I sat behind her. We started speedily as it was getting darker really fast. The bikers were again 1 hr ahead of us. We four scooter riders at speed of 60km/Hr trying to catch up very hard. The return journey was feeling so long, we didn’t even reach the village where we had stopped earlier. I and Gayatri were rejoicing at every spot that we found familiar from the morning while coming journey. We both shouted in Unison all time, yippee we reached till here. With this it got a little darker each time. Luckily we had Chetali and Mohak riding just ahead of us in our eyesight reach distance. And nothing worst it started drizzling. It got really cold. Gayatri was still driving and her cold shoulders were cold now along with hands and cheeks. Suddenly some insect went into Gayatri’s naked eyes. She very calmly stopped at the side, along with her, Mohak and Chetali stopped as well.
After Gayatri was fine, we started again, this time I drove. It was really fun driving in such dark and dangerously wet roads. I had never done anything adventures in my life ever. While driving I thought to myself this would be the first adventure of my life but hope not the last one. It was so dark that I could only see head lights of just one vehicle ahead. This time Mohak was driving from Behind. He kept guiding us on each turn. I constantly asked Gayatri to hold the back seat handle but she didn’t do. On one turn I lost balance and went directly into leftmost end of the road, into a small pit. The scooter was still but fell ahead on scooter on the dashboard and Gayatri fell over me. Then she understood why I had asked her to hold the handle on back seat. After that she didn’t leave the handle even for a while. We learnt that we were 1 hour away from the homestay and the bikers had already reached the spot and they decided visit Omkareshwar Temple near the home stay. And here we were struggling to reach home stay. We were so tired by now, that we didn’t want to drive and just reach home stay anyhow. We had now reached the village of our home stay. It was completely ghat road filled with trucks passing ahead of us. Mohak had taught me how to give way to other vehicles while you drive. I was using all my driving skills that dark night. We were now slowed as the road was all watery and we didn’t wanted to risk ourselves. We all were just praying that we reached save. Suddenly due to sandy and wet road, my vehicle was about to skid but I balanced, hence I stopped and so did Mohak. We were half an hour away from the home stay. And I let Mohak drive as I got scared, and sat behind Chetali. She said she didn’t feel anything when I sat, but she had to apply much force on brakes when Mohak sat behind her. I know you understand Physics better.
After a lot of adventure we finally reached home stay, most important reached safely without a scratch. You might the adventure night has ended not yet.
Chap 7: Dead and Tired, Still Craziness Uninterrupted
We got freshened up one by one, by that time everyone was on call with their parents, I was on call with Vikash ji. Everyone had assembled in the hall, waiting for the last person to get ready. We had to disconnect call as we had to leave for dinner. We all were searching for eatery on google maps, somebody found a restaurant named Tiger. We left home stay in search of The Tiger Tiger. It was showing very close to Home Stay, but as we reached google maps destination, but there was no Hotel just a Valley down the road. We decided few will wait, and few will head of valley up hills to check if there was any hotel. We waited and Mohak went to check.
We were all very hungry by then and even tired. We could have eaten literally anything. Then after failed search of tiger we moved to restaurant at that the same place but it was a bar and restaurant not safe for us. So boys and girls decided not to go there. So we went a little far from the village in search of restaurant, we found a man near an auto we asked him if he knew any famous eatery nearby. He gave us three option. We ended opting for none. We moved near to homestay and found one good restaurant. Our search has finally ended. We were so tired and still we had to climb 3 floors to reach to dining table. It took very long for our order to arrive. We were sleepy by then. It was my decision to eat here. Everyone was going to blame me if the food wasn’t good. We had ordered Non-Veg food, I still remember it was really good. As I saw their faces bloom in happiness after the meal. I was relieved that no one was going to blame me.
We bought ointments for muscle pain and bandage for my foot that was gone worse just because of a small shoe bite 2 weeks ago. We were back to our homestay we had eaten a lot and we were charged again to do crazy stuff. Gayatri had already slept away. So we girls went upstairs and just had chit chat and some boomerang session with everyone. We were laughing at our own pictures taken since morning. Soon everyone was drowsy, there we girls decided to head to our beds and sleep off snoring away our tiredness.
Chap 8: When the fog rolls in.
It was 27th December 2019, early morning six. We don’t know how even after sleeping late at night we woke up early. Thanks to Pooja today, she woke me up and luckily I didn’t say her this, “Mom 5mins more please”. I woke up and waited for my chance to get ready. We all very timely, all girls ready in time, instead boys took more time to get ready. We had to go long way hence we didn’t each much, in fact we didn’t eat anything. Mohak offered us kachori that no one ate, Sorry Mohak. I carried water and a single apple. We ate small bits of whatever we found in front of our eyes very soon. Today Gayatri did no mistake, carried a jacket. Everyone carried a jacket today because it was cold this early in the morning.
Today I was pillion ride with the safest rider Chetali. We began ride with “Kachra wala Gaadi”. The music played in Kannada most probably. I was the one who was handed over the responsibility of closing the main gate or fence of the home stay and home keys handed over to me. With no delay we began our ride. Unlike yesterday, today we were going to places via the Concrete roads across the city not via the village mud roads. Current ride was very smooth with less bumps and jumps. We took a halt to get out Vehicles filled with fuel. We girls left no place to take selfies. We took early morning selfies with rising sun.
Everyone was ahead of us. Chetali was driving, there was a time where the whole road was covered with fog and nothing was clear ahead of us. We drove slow as it was difficult to see what was ahead. It got so cold as we drove up the Ghats. Tears drops were trailing down from both of our cheeks and hands went numb due to cold. We had to stop by the road side to warm it up. It was really cold. As an hour passed the numbness and cold was gone and the fog too. Now we were enjoying the scenic beauty that coorg was gifted with. Scooter drivers were driving slow we were the last one to reach Dubare Camp. Bikers had already reached and had also completed half of their photo-shoot with the betel tall trees amidst the road leading to the Dubare camp. It was already 10:30 pm by then. We scooter riders were doing photo-shoot at the entrance of the Camp. Soon after that we drove a little to reach the main area of the Camp.
And we ended up seeing a huge line to enter the elephant camp. First we felt it was for Shallow River rafting hence we left the queue. Later on enquiry we found it was the only line to enter the camp. We then stood there in the queue like idiots, standing so close to each other. Everyone was hungry and thirsty by then, we saw few food stalls. We asked few people to get some food and rest will stay in queue so that we don’t end up waiting for long time. This time was filled with laughter, the way Mohak carried Coconut water in coconut shell. He held two shell in front of his chest making it look odd. We captured his pictures from afar still waiting in the queue. After the drinks break, we had to find a loo for pee break. While in that break we kept an eye on a girl. Everyone in our troop was astonished by that girl who was there near by the queue. One by one pee break was done and we were still waiting for the queue to move
ahead or at least the camp too open. It was getting hot. All the jackets came down to the hips. Finally the Organizer of the camp started taking people one by one into boats so that they can ride till the camp. We all clamped together in the small boat with shed. We were so happy like kids while into the boat. As we approached the entrance of the camp we could see lots of Elephants been showered in that lake. We got off the boat carefully. The entrance pillar was made with fake Elephant head, written Dubare Camp on both head sides. In the centre of the entrance was a statue of a goddess. We were so exited on seeing the gigantic animal that we were least bother to check which goddess was that, maybe Goddess of Elephant, let’s assume.
Figure 7 Foggy days
Chap 9: Dubare Mein Hathi Mere Saathi (Dubare: Elephants my Friends)
The camp was a huge space, an open area to stand, a lake in front, a forest and elephant training area, and lot many fenced area to keep elephants in different sections. There was little pup as we entered, we played with the pup and the pup followed us. There was a small show going on with elephants. The Mahout would bring many elephants together in to the Lake and let the elephant take bath. One Elephant was assigned to shower people with water from his trunk. It was a happy sight to see. Kids were cheering up more for little baby elephants around. We were busy capturing slow motion videos of elephants showering water over other people.
Later we left that place to explore other areas. There was area named on the basis of action of elephant. For instance there was human interaction area, where people could interact with the huge but gorgeous mammal. We noticed tears near his eyes, of that elephant. Seeing that Mohak got little emotional about their situation. He was talking with me about he felt. He shared what he felt about them. Later I asked him to cheer up and enjoy with the gang. Exploring the area we found an elevated area a bridge kind of construction. There we spent half hour or more than that, clicking pictures with the muddy road and an old house in the background. Everyone liked the vision and stood there giving their best poses one by one, I stood there clicking pictures, as if I was their paid photographer. If Gayatri and Pooja liked one pose of others, they would again go and stand with the same pose to get clicked. This was not stopping until we decided to go down and explore other area in the forest as we had to go back and visit other places too. It was already 12 noon. We didn’t have breakfast and we were very hungry by now. All of us. We left that place but got stuck in traffic in between the camp and exit till the main road. It was such a narrow road and hell lot of vehicles on that single one way. It was even getting hot. It took time but we were out by then. We were hungry we had to take halt by the road and one single apple was cut and shared amongst eight. It didn’t fill our belly but we were happy sharing and chit chatting. We left to find a restaurant.
We were at the restaurant no breakfast it was brunch. Brunch the way we never had one. The restaurant was completely vacant. We eight people were enough to make hell lot of noise but not now. All were tired. We ordered ghee roast dosa, puri bhaji, soft dosa and one plate of idli. By the time order was coming we got fresh in the washroom. Pooja had ill stomach that day, she was in Loo. The order arrived and was gone. The waiter kept the food on the table and everyone pounced upon it and it was gone. We kept ordering, he kept bringing in the same ordered and only puri bhaji was left. But we were so hungry or the food was good. We kept on eating as the order came to the table. We kept a little piece of ghee roast for pooja as the restaurant was going to shut and food was over. We left that ghee roast with lot of heart and hopes. As Pooja came as she sat, she checked what all was available, as she said she didn’t wanted the ghee roast. Others got so happy they thanked pooja and finished the ghee roast dosa too. Finally after long hours of hunger our tummy were happy once again. We got outside the restaurant to see a souvenir shop which was selling cheap goggles but they
were fancy, we checked few of them and bought one of those which we liked. As it was very sunny, we needed one to protect our eyes.
Figure 8 Friends Poster
Chap 10: Last day in Coorg
Even to write about the last day in Coorg makes me feel emotional. It is where we found each other’s best versions. From Dubare we had to go to Buddhist Monastery. We all were expecting peace and serene surroundings there. But it was total opposite. We reached there it peak afternoon very hot day. We had to park our vehicles first. Here too we faced traffic but boys managed to park. We entered the monastery and landed to find again yet another souvenir shop. We planned to shop later after we saw everything in the monastery. Let me describe to you the view of this place. There was one big square area surrounded by building area coloured in maroon, where the one area was taken up by souvenir shops, eateries. The front section was taken up by the administration people. As we moved ahead there was garden on both the sides and in front of that there was an ancient structure old but so vibrant, filled in lot of colours. People were clicking pictures, most of other people who were around were the monks in Orange and maroon clothing of their culture. Ahead there was a small passage for tourist to enter in, left side of the passage was a blue coloured cage like structure protected by glass fence. Inside that visible glass fence were many lighted diyas inside. It was such a peaceful sight to see. The major attraction was the main temple or stupa it was a huge hall with tall pillars carved with Buddhists cultural themes. We had to leave our footwear at the stall to enter that stupa, we did so. We entered the area or window were we could see the main hall were monks would study or get the learnings from their gurus. We could see old style notebooks, sitting area, conch shells and drum like structure to ring the bell. The hall was bright, clean, it really felt godly.
Figure 9 the Main Hall
After the sight-seeing we collected our boots and sat by the side to wear it and wait for a while, we could see a huge garden very plush, besides that was a two storied house were the young monks were playing, we could see that they were happy. We were about to leave for our next spot named Nisargdhama. But Pooja asked the monk standing behind where is Nisargdhama or something like that. But he was speaking some alien language that we couldn’t understand. Neither he was able to understand our language. We all felt quite embarrassed and we left that area. We came back near the passage, by the end of the passage there was a large bell hanging by the side, where people were taking pictures with the bell. One of the tourist was posing or you can say was holding the bell in such a way that as if he was holding someone’s balls. We were so embarrassed and yet we were laughing at that sight. We left from there before anyone could see us laughing on him.
We were out at the souvenir shop, few of us were posing with small bells this time, and some were buying them. We all bought small set of Buddhists flags. I guess it was afternoon 2 by then as it was very hot. We took halt to have some drinks break nearby. Chinmay was already on fire by now. I was waiting with him for others to come from the parking lot. We were waiting with our bike ahead in the lane of that monastery. Chinmay kept asking me where these guys, how much time will they take? Does it takes so much time to get the vehicles out from the parking lot? I kept calming him down, wait they’ll come soon, there is traffic on the four crossing road. After all this all others arrived and we drove fast to reach the Nisargdhama.
Some of us were lost in the path going on wrong roads, we had to wait for them too. Soon in no time we were there. Nisargdhama was basically a fake recreated park or amusement area for tourist. At the entry there were billions of shops selling variety of things from food to games, clothes to boots all you need. We glanced trough few of them and kept watching a lady riding a fake robotic bison until she fell.
We went inside to fetch tickets to the park. It was cheap I remember. There was a long hanging bridge taking all the tourist inside the jungle type area. It was not much fun. But we all made it fun. We reached a little inside the park to find a sitting area. Already it was heated. And Chinmay’s anger could be seen as I said I got vision. He was pissed taking pictures he wanted to chill or his brain got hot and it wanted to chill. I requested all of them to come near the bamboo tree area, where I saw vision for good group pictures. Photo-shoot was done. But there was something more to chill out everyone’s mood. Pooja became the dancer, Abhishek, Mohak and Chinmay were the band masters. They started banging whatever they had with whatever they found. Stick, branches, nothing less than bare hands. Pooja was dancing on the song “Rangeelo bharo Dholna” sung by the band masters without missing any beat. Chetali and I were busy behind clicking pictures again one of my vision. Later we joined in without missing the fun. We had a laugh and that marked the end of Nisargdhama.
We stopped outside to eat some softy ice-cream. All ate softy, sprinkled with salt in Yash’s language and Mohak ended up eating Ice gola for reason at all. I guess that wasn’t that good enough. Anyway after the chillax break we came to our vehicles and deciding who will ride with whom. I ended up again with Mohak. I wasn’t aware
on how was the roads heading to our next stop and the final stop Abby Falls.
We started our ride google maps were on to head for Abby falls. As we were getting closer and closer to our destination, the roads started getting worse than earlier. At one point google maps showed here is Abby fall but there wasn’t any. We had to ask the locals to get the direction. We had to head downwards the road. The road was had a very steep slope, I was so nervous and afraid about the road and Mohak’s driving. But we reached safely till the foot hill. The area was jam packed, the guys had to still go ahead to park. We waited at the entrance of Abby fall, there were stalls, selling water and snacks. To reach the fall we had to climb down stairs. It took us such a long time to reach the fall we were so tired by then. As we got closer to the fall, it got more and more crowded. I was so tired by that time, I waited up stairs and sat from where I could see the falls. Others went down in the crowd for the view. They took away my phone to click good pictures. I sat there eating chips and enjoying the view.
They all returned back and it was time to climb up the stairs. We climbed up few and we used to get seated in between. We could see other young kids moving ahead faster than us. We need to be ashamed. After lot of tiny breaks and cursing the location, why did we even come here for what? We finally reached at the entrance. We were still deciding how to go up till the main road, while other boys where bringing the vehicles from the parking area. We ended up deciding that all the pillion rider would go up till the main road by walking up the steep slopes. Hence Yash, Gayu, Pooja and I started walking amidst traffic, all the cars going down to Abby were at halt in jam. We decided to yell aloud, “What is there to see in Abby, nothing. Don’t go its waste.” We kept trying as if they would really listen. We kept walking, we were tired too. By then Chinmay came with his bike and Pooja went with him. Even we were asked to join on bikes but we had lost trust in Abby roads, we trusted our number eleven buses. We climbed up till main road, Yash, Gayu and I kept talking and walking by then it started raining. We could see rain, sunset and valley all at once. We were so happy at that point of time. We didn’t bothered if we were getting drenched. Our souls were happy till the core. Finally after getting wet in the rains we had reached were our other friends were waiting for us under the shade. We joined them.
We all started to plan what to do next while it was still raining. We planned to sit and rest for a while until the rain stops. The place where we were standing was not clean for us to sit. We saw tea stall in front of us. Chinmay went in to check if the tea stall was open. Luckily it was open. Nothing could have ended our trip so perfectly. It was raining, all of us were seated together, and it was pleasant weather with hot brewing tea and good loving music on JBL. What else could have made it better? We made few dance moves, boomerang sessions, nonsense talks, and house fly falling in Mohak’s tea had made this moment just more memorable.
Chap 11: Every Good thing has an end
We were still in mood this shouldn’t end. This was a lifetime memorable trip. Immortal and deep in our hearts. Tea was done and it was time for us to return back to our guest before it got dark. We drove happily watching the last sunset in coorg. We had dinner on our way. Having the worst biryani we could have, but no problem we were happy. After dinner we came back to our guest house, feeling like we were back home. Again we had to get ready one by one, I guess Gayatri was the last one to go to get ready. We all friends were fresh and ready to head out for dinner. We were all waiting in the hall area and sharing about the whole day and laughing on our crazy dances.
Suddenly a plan popped out from someone’s head don’t remember who it was. The plan was that all will hide in a single room scaring Gayatri as she returned. Accordingly we all hid in room right side of the washroom where Gayatri was getting ready. The room kept dark, lights were off. We had to keep quiet. But we kept giggling. We were trying to keep our voices low, but we were constantly laughing. Gayatri is a girl who is very scared of ghost and such things. Suddenly all fell silent as she came out of the washroom. For few seconds she said nothing. She felt we were upstairs, she went upstairs we could hear her footsteps going up. Even when she didn’t find us upstairs she called out for Pooja and chetali. Her voice was shaky, I got nervous that she is too scared, I started to move towards the gate while Mohak pulled me back my hand and I thumped into the bed loudly. Gayatri kept calling out the name. She went near the main door, but was scared enough to open it. Last call from Gayatri I knew she was about to cry from her voice. Then I came out calling her name slowly. I saw and hugged her, later everyone came out. And she was in tears seeing Chetali. There she started abusing Yash for this worst prank and loving me more for coming out first. This was how the scary prank was executed successfully.
Now we had to buy souvenirs from Coorg as memory. We thought will have a good walk and bring some good stuff too. We went walking near the junction where the roads lead to all the other place where we went to few days ago and had made memory. We reached the store, it had varied section from spices to chocolates, dry fruits to perfumery. As we started querying the store owner about the prices he started ignoring as all others used to do to us. We all then called our respective parents what all they want. We bought all we could. I alone had spent around 1k buying spices, amla candy, marshmallow, etc. Others total bill was close to my bill. Not only this we tasted all the dried fruit candies we didn’t even intend to buy but ended up buying it. Each one of us did. We were headed back to guest house Nautiyal was carrying the bag of goods that we bought as if he was a santa claus at night in coorg that too after Christmas. You were late Nautiyal.
We were back home again. The night had just begun and our fun was yet to begin. We were settling down bringing pillows and sheets up stair. We began with a game of Uno. We didn’t play dumb charades this time we were tired. We then started rocking music and planned to dance. I have to mention that Yash was the best DJ that night. We dance till we started sweating, we were never bothering what the time was. We kept dancing to the rhythm. Finally we all came down to the floor sat and instantly started the massage parlour of our own.
It all started with Chinmay giving massage to someone. Everyone got to know Chinmay gives best massage, then there was long queue to get massage from Chinmay. Till then others were giving cheap massages to every other person. Good music running in the background and this relaxing massages relaxed everyone. Now DJ had changed the mood of songs from dance tunes to soulful music. We just sat there humming all the golden songs that he played. These songs didn’t end but our sleep had died long back. We were lost in that musical symphony. We lost time track. Whoever felt sleepy went back to sleep. It was already 4am by then. Mohak was first one to sleep that over two joined chairs. Later he went into the room and slept, followed by Nautiyal he took hell lot of blankets over himself and slowly moved like a zombie towards the room. We all were sleeping on the floor covered with blankets. It was our plan to end the musical journey with the best song Afreen by Rahat. There the musical night got ended and we girls went back downstairs to sleep. We still kept mumbling about how good our day was. Finally off to sleep.
The next morning at 11 we had bus from Madikeri to main bus stop near Kalyan Jewelers. So after a short slumber we all were up by 8 or so. Backing up our bags and getting ready again one by one. We had breakfast together at the guest house itself today. Later whoever was ready or waiting for their turn to get ready we were discovering good music that we had never heard or never seen for instance Sugar, memories by Maroon 5, Boulevard of dreams, Up Town Funk to name some few. After all these sweet activities it was time to say goodbye to our guest house home. Home that gave us family, and bunch of crazy friends. We said good bye to house by taking bunch of good pictures with it. And then we had to leave with heavy hearts. Once we left we couldn’t see it. We walked down those lanes which we walked at night after dinner with laughter and giggles running down the lane.
Whole day went in bus, luckily this bus was sleeper bus a double bed one. We all eight went and sat at the end seat of the bus. All of us crammed on a single seat. Two three were seated on the conductors bed where his lungi was hanging. We all shouting, yelling, and laughing loudly as we watched 3 idiots on the small TV. We kept laughing over random funny comments of ours, until we were scolded by an uncle sitting below our seat. Lately we moved to our own beds in the bus. Then came Mohak, Pooja and Gayatri, telling me that Mukesh their team lead had seen their coorg pictures in which I was there. As you know I had told in office that I was sick hence not in office. That discussion of all the precautions and advices to me went on for few minutes. I wasn’t even serious about it. I was fine. I had my excuse that I was sick. Can’t we enjoy our personal life out from our busy work life? Anyway I had lived what I wanted. The next morning too we were in bus. But as we woke up we were in Maharashtra. We had Poha in breakfast that made us truly believe that we were in Maharastra. Slowly as we came closer to city we were biding good bye to each other. First Chinmay it was hard to say good bye, because it was not easy to meet Punekar all the time. But he travelled all the way down to Mumbai, Kalyan just for us and just for me. Then I and Pooja had to get down at Vashi. We booked a cab and reached our homes. I was the first one to see Majesco Building (our office) while travelling down home in cab as it was on the way. I was going back home with a broad smile and a happy heart. The trip had officially ended but not in our minds, we were still in Coorg.
Ending: Well said in the movie YJHD,”Yadein mithai ke dabbon ki tarah hoti h ek baar khula to sirf ek tukda nahi kha paoge”. Even after 6 months have elapsed after the trip we are not able to get away from the coorg memories. One thing we finally realised it is not the location that matters it is people who matter with whom you are along. With good people even a trip in room would be marvellous. On the other trip to Dubai won’t be worth if you don’t have bunch of these crazy, kind and loving people.
Finally quoting from YJHD again,”Tum jaante nahi ki apne purine doston ke sath baith ke wahi purine kisse dohrana kya hota hai.” But now we all know.
This blog just for us so that these memories never get erased from our life’s.
Mene yaar nahi Parivaar Banaya hai
Subha se leke shaam tak
"Bhuk lagi hai" hai se leke "ab pach gaya" tak
"Pet ke awaaz" se leke "naughty ke dakaar" Tak
Mene yaar to naahi paagal sa yaarana banaya hai.
Subha se leke shaam tak
Sadak se leke ghaat Tak
Zero gear se leke third gear Tak
Mene yaar to nahi Nautiyal ki Driving ka khauf banaya hai.
Subha se leke shaam tak
Mummy jese daante aur khayal rakhne wali
Bin piye PK wali harkat, Jo thi Doraemon Kal Tak
Mene yaar to nahi chetali ko apni aankhon me maa banaya hai.
Subha se leke shaam tak
Bacho jese sone wali,kabhi titli kabhi cocoon jese
Bachon jese Pyaar chaahne wali
Cold shoulder se tan shoulder Tak
Mene yaar to nahi pagli si bachhi ko Gayatri banaya hai.
Subha se leke shaam tak
Stud racer se leke grumpy boy Tak
Leader se leke freaking dancer Tak
Mene yaar to naahi Chinmay me all-rounder paaya hai.
Subha se leke shaam tak
Bina hathon me jaam liye, bina chai ke tum itne din kese jiye. Filter coffee maar ke zinda rahe jabtak
Kachoriyon packet me rahi tabtak.
Mene yaar to nahi mohak me apna caring Bhai ko paaya hai.
Subha se leke shaam tak
Jokes ka pittara se leke, sensible mood Tak,
Rules ko follow karne se leke jeevan ka risk lene Tak
Mene yaar to nahi Yash me ek Samjhdaar or pagal dono insaan paaya hai.
Subha se leke shaam tak
Daya si behisaaab nachne wali
Pet ke haddiyan jiski dukhti
Uske hasi me hi sukh thi
Mene yaar to nahi par Pooja me ek Paak Rooh ko paaya hai. @dp_writes
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