Muttathi on Cauvery

We drove towards Bheemeshwari fishing camp on a scooter on 23 November 2006. A distance of about 100 km from Bangalore (J P nagar), made difficult by the unsuitable mode of transport.

We stopped enroute at a rocky view point in the forested valley. Divinely peaceful place, no crowds, except on the river banks at Muttathi village.

Not wishing to provide dessert to the crocodiles, we did not step into the inviting waters. We kept a sharp lookout at the hopeful monkeys, but could not prevent them from tearing the scooter seat cover, perhaps in vengeance at being denied their share of our lunch!

Thippagondanahalli reservoir

We visited T G halli dam on 10 Nov-2006. BTS buses ply from City market upto gates of the BWSSB colony, from where it is a 15 min walk to the dam.

The water level being low, part of the submerged temple is visible in the picture.

T.G. Halli dam, situated 30 kms from Bangalore amidst rolling hills, boasts a reservoir that stands at the confluence of the rivers Arakavathi and Kumudavathi. Sixteen kms down start of Magadi road , you will arrive at Tavarekere. From here onwards the road winds and weaves through hills. You can either enter the main gate leading to the dam after fulfilling official procedures or you can head straight for the water. To reach the water, proceed for 2 kms from the dam gates and turn into a small road to your right. This road, which passes through a forest for about 1 km, leads directly to the dam waters.

To visit the dam site and take a tour of the filtration and pumping process, you have to obtain permission from the BWSSB head office in Bangalore.

Dad's birthday at Meenakshi Temple, Bangalore

Dad turned 90 today. We participated in abhishek of Lord Sundareshwaraya (Shiva) and Goddes Meenakshi at the Meenakshi Sundareshwaraya temple, Hulimavu, Bannerghatta road, Bangalore.

Sitting close to the God, hearing the mantras as milk, curds, sandal... are poured over the idol is a wonderful experience. But I wish our rituals were conducted with more finesse. Hindu temple priests go about rituals with mechanical eficiency.

Yogavana hills, near Kanakpura

Yogavana hill is 3 km off Kanapura road, about 25 km from Family Mart, J P nagar. You will see a small sign on Kanapura road.

Hill is an easy climb, has a small temple on top, and offers great views. Drive from Kanapura road is through paddy fields.

The Yogavana ashram is at the base of the hill

This place offers peaceful green surroundings for a quick get-away from Bangalore.

Visit to Bhavani Sagar Dam, Satyamangalam

We visited Satyamangalam town for meeting NGOs. This provided a great oppotunity to stop at Nanjangud temple and Bhavani Sagar dam.

The lake at dam offers a beautiful view, ringed by low hills. An idyllic place, with no madding crowds! Unfortunately, inaccessible except by privtae transport.

The Nanjangud temple bathed by setting sun was a 'golden' photo opportunity. Tippu Sultan is is reputed to have donated a lingam here.