3 Day Trip plan from Bangalore to Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur

3 Day itinerary to Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur

Bored of Forest and Beaches, I decided to explore the lofty peaks of Chikmagalur the ‘Coffee Land’.  Here is the list of attractions in Sakleshpur and Chikmagalur. Hope this article will allow you to Plan an amazing trip to Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur.

Below was my travel plan during June 2018. 

Day 1 : Travel from Bangalore to Sakleshpur and Belur. 

Start from Bangalore around 4 AM. This will help you to reach Sakleshpur early. On the way you can have breakfast.

1. Manjarabad Fort

Distance                  : 225 (From Bangalore)
Duration of visit     : 1 Hour
Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM
Entry Fee                : No Entry fee

About the Place:
A Fort built by Tipu Sultan. The climb to Manjarabad Fort can be be done by walking on a muddy road for about 500 meters and then 250 steps to reach the fort. But those off-road trail gives a fascinating spectacular amazing views. This place is good for photography. When we went there, we were lucky to experience the fort with drizzle, mist and a rain. Clouds and fog always fondle this fort :)
Note: The gate close by 5:00 PM Sharp.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. On Road. 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No 
• Restaurants And Hotels : No Shops at the top.

After exploring Manjarabad Fort, Reach Belur and check-in to Hotel. The hotels in Belur are good. Even an amazing 3 start hotels can be booked at the cost of Rs.1000. Hence, I suggest you to book any hotels near Belur. Contact me for the Hotel Name. 

After freshen-up, get ready to explore the beautiful Hoysala architecture.

2. Kalyani Tank, Hulikere 

Distance                  : 20 KMS (From Belur)
Duration of visit     : 15 Minutes.
Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM
Entry Fee                : No Entry fee

Kalyani Tank/Hulikere Tank

Kalyani Tank or Hulikere Tank, -  I was fortunate for finding this fascinating place. This pond has twenty-seven super structure miniature shrines dedicated to twenty seven nakshtras. Dont miss this place. This gives a unique Mesmerizing experience.

If you face difficulty in finding this place, the villagers are kind enough to help in finding the place.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : No. Have to park on Road. 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No 
• Restaurants And Hotels : No Shops near by. 

3. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu. 

Distance                  : 3 Kms (From Hulikere Tank)
Duration of visit     : 1 Hour (If you love architecture, then 2 hours)
Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM
Entry Fee                : No Entry fee.

Like Gangaikonda Cholapuram for Chola's the Hoysaleswara Temple is for the Hoysala kings. This temple is an architectural wealth of Hoysaleswara Temple, their styles are awe-inspiring. This is one of the largest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India and was build with Soap stone.

The temple building activity was taken up in competition to Chennakesava temple at Belur, a Vaishnavite temple. The Sculpture here narrates Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. It has 240 Unique Images. (Like Ganesha dancing).
Star Shaped – Reason “the moon and sun have eclipses but the stars shine continuously”.

Ensure to Visit Halebidu Archaelogical Site which is in Temple. The Halebidu Archaelogical Site closes by 5:00 PM.

You can take a guide, But the youtube videos explain's everything.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : Yes (Paid)
• Restaurants And Hotels : Yes. 

If you cover all the above 3 places by 5.30, plan to visit Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi.
From there you can visit Chennakeshava Temple, Belur.

4. Chennakeshava Temple, Belur

Distance                  : 18 Kms (From Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu)
Duration of visit     : 1 Hour (If you love architecture, then 2 hours is needed)
Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM
Entry Fee                : No Entry fee

There will be a pooja around 7:00 PM. The city does not get dark even at 7:00 PM, so you can spend rest of the day in the temple, since its relaxing. Ensure to book stay in Belur, this will help you to reach hotel early.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No 
• Restaurants And Hotels : Plenty of Shops. 

---

Day 2 : Travel to Chikmagalur

1. Yagachi Dam

Distance                  : 3 Kms(From Belur)
Duration of visit     : 10 Minutes.
Timings                   : 7AM–6:30PM
Entry Fee                : No Entry fee

Yagachi Dam

A reservoir which is located close to Belur. Since its on the way, you can just stop by and have a view of the dam for 10 minutes.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No
• Restaurants And Hotels : No. 

2. Yagachi Water Adventure Sports Center

Distance                  : 5 Kms (From Yagachi Dam)
Duration of visit     : 2 Hours (If you want to have some water sports)
Timings                   : 7AM–6:30PM
Entry Fee                : Free.

Few rides likes Kayaking, Speed Boat Ride, Banana Boat, Bumper Ride are here and you can choose the rides by paying individually. The Location has a peculiar charm, spend some peaceful time sitting and admiring the nature and river charm. Lawns and sit out benches are available here.

Yagachi River..

You will get wet for sure, hence carry another pair of clothes. You have a decent place to change the dress.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. (Ample)
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : Yes. (Separate room for Shower as well as Changing room)
• Restaurants And Hotels : None. 

After spending time at Yagachi Water Adventure Sports Center, drive towards Chikmagalur.

Ensure to start towards Siri Cafe by 12:30 PM.

3. Siri cafe/Siri Coffee.

Distance                  : 30 Kms (45 Mins) (From Yagachi Water Adventure Sports Center)
Duration of visit     : 10 Mins (The time you wish to spend)
Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM
Entry Fee                : Free.

It is a private coffee shop and its on the way to Chickmaglur to Mullayanagiri/Baba Budan girl.

There is only one attraction here - The mother statue, representing the mother nature. It leaves us in admiration as it is gorgeously decorated with flower pots as ornaments. The elegance of pergola lends a sense of sumptuous feel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available. Coffee was not great, but you can try. A nice place to spend some time. There is a small pond with ducks. Children play area is also available. A bit crowded.

Mother Statue

Sleeping Duck...

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. 
• Drinking Water : Yes
• Restrooms : Yes 
• Restaurants And Hotels : Siri Coffee itself is a Restaurant. 

Book a Hotel/Homestay in Chikmagalur. Check in to Hotel. Ensure to have lunch and packed snacks,fruits, water bottles as its extremely tough to find shops. Ensure to start by 2.00 Max. 

Second Option, you can check-in at night after exploring the below places.

4. Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint 

Distance                  : 12 Kms(30 Mins) (From Siri Cafe)
Duration of visit     : 20 Minutes.  (View Point) ((The time you wish to spend))
Timings                   : NA
Entry Fee                : No Entry Fee

Painting at the Kavikal View point

View Point from Kavikal..

This is on the way towards Baba Budan Giri. This has breathtaking aesthetic view points and bracing climate. Climb 50 steps to reach the top.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : No. (Bit difficult) 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No 
• Restaurants And Hotels : No

3. Honnamana halla Water Falls. 

Distance                  : 4 Kms(8 Mins)(From Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint)
Duration of visit     : 10 Mins(Dont spend more time here)
Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM
Entry Fee                : No Entry Fee

Nothing great about this place, but since its on the road, its a nice stop over place while you ride towards baba budengiri. Not a good place for bathing.

Dont miss to have Bajji and tea from shops nearby. Those small shops has loads of lip-smacking foodie. Hot bajjis on a cold weather...ummmm!!!

Amenities:

• Parking Space  :No.  There's no a place for parking. You need to park on the road.
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No 
• Restaurants And Hotels : Bajji, Bread Omelet and Tea Shops.

4. Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswaamy’s Darga

Distance                  : 8 kms (20 Mins) (From Honnamana halla Water Falls)

Duration of visit     : 20 Mins (Depends on the crowd)

Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM

Entry Fee                : No Entry Fee

Visit Sree Guru Dattatreya Baba Budan Swamy Durgah (temple and a durgah). Yes, I typed it right. Temple and Durgah. This is the place where it had dispute between Hindu and Muslims. Bababudangiri/Dattatreya Peeta - Hindus believe it is the final resting place of Lord Dattatreya where as Muslims believe it the place of Dada Hayat Mir Qualandar. Hence the Conflicts.

Milestone from Sree Guru Dattatreya Baba Budan Swamy Durgah

Its a cave where Baba Budan and his disciples are buried. It is also believed Baba Budan, who brought coffee to India had mediated in this place. The walk in a bent-over position inside the cave gives a different religious experience. Its a holy place for both Muslims and Hindus. The place is amazingly covered with mist.

There are 200 well built steps to reach the bottom of the cave.

Driving:
The drive is quite Challenging.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. Ample parking place.
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : Yes
• Restaurants And Hotels : No

5. Baba Budan Giri Peak

Distance                  : 3 Kms from Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswaamy’s Darga

Duration of visit     : 1 Hour (View Point) (The time you wish to spend)

Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM

Entry Fee                : No Entry fee

Ridge Walk @ Baba Budan Girl

Road access is also available till Budangiri peak. If you are not comfortable with driving, you can take a jeep from Baba Budan Swamy Durgah. They have a to-fro package to Baba Budan Giri, Gallikere Pond and Maniykadhara falls.  If there is no time you can skip Manikyadhara Falls and return to homestay/Hotel. 

6. Manikyadhara Falls

Distance                  : 7 Kms from Baba Budan Giri Peak

Duration of visit     : 1 Hour (The time you wish to spend)

Timings                   : 8AM to 5PM

Entry Fee                : No Entry fee

Manikyadhara Falls

There are 250 well built steps to reach bottom of the falls from road. If you expect a waterfall similar to Kuttralam or Jog Falls, then you will be disappointed. To be candid, its just a sprinkle of water (form of small pearls)located at a very high altitude, but the falls has a resplendent view of the forest and chain of hills. Good place to take a bath. But if crowded, you might not get place to stand also. There is a room to change the cloths, but its not so good.

Medicinal plants, seeds & roots can be purchased here.

Remeber, the drive is extremely difficult(strenuous than Baba Budan drive) with lot of bad patches, slippery mud and steep dangerous cuts.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No
• Restaurants And Hotels : Have few stalls. 

Return/Check in to Hotel. Book a Hotel/Homestay in Chikmagalur.

---

Day 3 : Chikmagalur and Return to Bangalore 

1. Mullayanagiri 

Distance                  : From your Resort

Duration of visit     : 1 Hour(The time you wish to spend)

Timings                   : 6 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee                : No Entry fee

Mullayanagiri and Seethalayanagiri is very close by.

Driving and Parking:
The drive is quite Challenging. It has steep cuts, drive only if you are comfortable.

2. Seethalayanagiri

Distance                  : 225 (From Bangalore)

Duration of visit     : 1 Hour(The time you wish to spend)

Timings                   : 6 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee                : No Entry fee

Most of the resort for a trekking to Mullayanagiri and Seethalayanagiri in the package. Please check with them.

Driving & Parking:
The drive is quite Challenging.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No
• Restaurants And Hotels : No

3. Jhari Falls/Dabdabe Falls/Butter Milk Water Falls

Distance                  : 225 (From Bangalore)

Duration of visit     : 1 Hour(The time you wish to spend)

Timings                   : 6 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee                : No Entry Ticket. 

One can take a jeep and drive down to the falls. The jeep cost Rs 600 for one trip. You have an option to trek to the falls as well.

Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. 
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : Yes
• Restaurants And Hotels : No

4. MG Park/Rathnagiri Bore (If time Permits)

Distance                  : 

Duration of visit     : 20 Mins (The time you wish to spend)

Timings                   : 8AM to 7:00 PM 

Entry Fee                : 10 Rupees. 

Play Area at MG Park

Dont miss to enjoy the scenery from the park Entrance. A beautiful view of 'Mullayanagiri' can be seen from the park entrance.

The experience of Toy Train is good. Even adults can take the toy train. Toy Train is 15 Rupees per person. They take you 2 round in the train and through a tunnel.

The park has a artificial cave and a good place for an evening walk. If you have buffer time, you can visit this place. Kids will have a good time here. It has some musical events. Check the timings while you purchase a ticket.
Amenities:

• Parking Space  : Yes. (Ample)
• Drinking Water : No
• Restrooms : No
• Restaurants And Hotels : No. Only Ice Creams are available. 

Return to Bangalore. 

Additional Points to Note:

1. The scenery on both sides of the road has a unique beauty. Dont miss to admire throughout the Journey.
2. Due to rain, sometimes the road towards Mullayanagiri, Seethalayanagiri and Baba Budan giri might be blocked. So, Prepared for it. 
3. Drive towards Mullayanagiri, Seethalayanagiri and Baba Budan giri is extremely challenging. 
4. Food might not be available everywhere. Plan a head before. 
5. The above plan excluding Mullayanagiri and Seethalayanagiri is very much comfortable for a senior citizen parents as well as People with kids. 
6. Drive through Hassan-periyapatna Road. Trees, hillocks and the scenery with crystal clear clouds on both sides of the road gives the drive a natural feel.

Recapitulate

Day1:

Start around 5:00 AM from Bangalore

1. Explore Manjarabad Fort. Check-in to Belur hotel. 
2. Kalyani Tank, Hulikere 
3. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu. 
4. Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi(Optional)
5. Chennakeshava Temple, Belur

Day2:

1. Yagachi Dam
2. Yagachi Water Adventure Sports Center
3. Siri cafe/Siri Coffee.
4. Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint 
5. Honnamana halla Water Falls. 
6. Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswaamy’s Darga
7. Baba Budan Giri Peak
8. Manikyadhara Falls

Check in to Chikmagalur Hotel.

Day 3:

Early check out

Hirekolale lake, 

Seethalayanagiri

Mullayanagiri (trekking)

Jhari Falls  (jeep drive) 

4:00 PM start back to Bangalore 

"I am making memories, not assets", Says Shruthi BP

Travel is the best way to gain energy. It gives us meaning and inspiration to our life. Wilderness, Mountains, beaches, wildlife, isolated forest would give an unique experience which one cannot experience again.

Here is an inspiring interview from a Shruthi BP, who travels and lives according to the quote, "Get Back to What You Love". I’ve been surprised by the new places she explores every now and then. Let her interview be the power to inspire people. 

Welcome Shruthi!!

When did you start Trekking/Travelling?
I spent my 23 years in Chitradurga. My first step towards adventure was in 2010 after joining my first IT job at Cognizant. There was this group called Adventurizants and they were so passionately sharing about things they do in mailers. I couldn’t stop myself from taking that plunge and join them for a trek to Mullayangiri.

What was your inspiration to start trekking/travelling?

I was like a fish taken out of her comfortable aquarium and thrown into a rough sea when I moved to Bengaluru after spending 23 years with my family. Everything felt difficult – managing time, money, communicating in English, choice of clothes and even crossing roads. I realized there is so much more out there and I need to be strong. I am a movie buff - esp. Into the Wild & The Motorcycle Diaries were kinda inspiration to take a step ahead and explore life beyond education and job.

How do you manage time and money for travel?

I love my job. I have no interest in quitting everything, selling everything and head for travelling. My motto is simple, outta everything a part goes to savings and a part goes to travel fund, rest is for day-to-day expenses. During travel no luxury accommodations or fancy foods, I usually stick to basics. Above all its a conscious choice to spend money on passions and not to invest on gold, car, home loan or a car loan. Basically I am making memories, not assets.

Which is your memorable experience?

Himalayas Himalayas Himalayas - Forever & Always.

Did you ever face any pain points/bad experience?

Like everything in life, traveling also has both sides – the good and the bad. Some places you absolutely find no facilities, some places people aren’t helpful, some places are overrated, some places tend to be freaky expensive than you thought, and it goes on. But the whole point of travelling is not just about finding everything rosy, it’s about embracing everything and growing as a person.

Have you ever faced problem due to food? How to deal with food problem during travel?

I grew up in a typical south Indian household with rice, sambhar, idli, chapatti as my staple food. Now I definitely wouldn’t find similar things that taste equally similar in other parts of India or while travelling abroad. I carry ready-to-make soup, oats, upma etc. packets while travelling, so that after weeks if I feel like having some familiar taste, I cut open a packet. Plus every place will have its own version of street foods and variety of fruits/vegetables/bread etc. So it is not so difficult to manage food unless you aren’t expecting similar luxury you have at home. And if cost is not an issue, every big city has Indian Restaurants, but what’s the point of travelling if you can’t get out of your comfort zone?

What would be your advice for the people who has passion to explore places but not doing it due to reasons like fear, money, or family?

If you are afraid, start your first step with your best friends or cousins or even family. Don’t expect miracles from that travel, just go with the flow. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t go as planned. With time that fear will go away. Travelling is not just about spending lakhs and going to Rome or Paris. It is about starting with places around you. Trust me one will be surprised when one realizes they can go on treks/travel just with 200 INR a day and there are beautiful places worth exploring all around us. But if you are interested in international travel and long travels, then you need to make a choice. You cant get an apartment, car, luxury things and yet have time/money for travel.

What specific advice would you give for the ladies? What should be taken care by them?

• Be aware of the local tradition and culture. And respect them.
• Wear comfortable attire, ditch heels and other attire which hinders your movement.
• Travel light and carry only those things which you can handle on your own.
• Do not keep too much money on hand. Keep excess in your baggage.
• Do not take anyone or anything for granted. Be cautious. Do not give personal information easily to anyone.
• Be friendly but be guarded.
• Generally places are safe, as long as you are street smart and not over confident, its gonna be just fine.

What’s your bucket list when you started trekking and what’s your bucket list now?

I had no list to start with, and now I still do not have a bucket list. I believe in doing things as and when possible. This keeps me happy.

Since you found your better half through travelling, any advice for woman who stopped travelling/trekking due to their husband or family?

Well yeah, we met on a trek, became best friends and then got married. We both have similar interests and respect our differences. My only priority was marrying the one who understands me and who I understand completely. If not for that, if I had to go by typical marriage norms, I would have gotten married like 5 years back. So for those who aren't married, the only thing I wanna say is the most important thing in marriage is understanding, if you don't have it, don't get married. For those who are already married or facing issues with family, sit with them, talk to them, tell them how you are feeling, and keep trying till they understand. There is a subtle difference between cribbing, arguing and expressing, you have to express.

Hello Techie.. Are you worried about layoff?

A few years before when I was with an organization, they announced that there would be layoffs. 90% of my batch mates were fired. They were too young to handle this termination. Layoffs are common when the market goes through a dark phase.

No one’s career journey is perfectly smooth. At some point, one must have faced either a lay-off, low-rating, delayed promotion or stagnancy in a role for several years. Always remember, a career path will always have lots of bumps in the road. One cannot expect their Career graph to have an increasing trend throughout. It will have ups and downs in a cyclical fashion. At some point, everyone feels they are struck.

Like up-skilling or re-skilling, we should learn to face these struggles with grace and resilience.  Cultivate a habit to accept the reality. Remind yourself that this is part of one's Journey and this situation is not a permanent one. It’s just a chapter along a journey. Always contribute your best effort and focus the learning and experience. This will help you to take your career to the next step.

Always remember:

• Invest in your networks and your skills. You know that you’ll use them to make your next move. These actions will also make you better at your current job.
• Avoid emotional pitfalls. Nothing in life is permanent, yet because you see your colleagues on a daily basis, it can be easy to think of them as a second family. However, work relationships should be only one of many sources of companionship.
• Keep perspective. Your job is not the whole of who you are, nor does it determine whether you are successful in life. The happiest, most productive employees don’t rely exclusively on their jobs to give them purpose. They lead fulfilling lives outside work, too.

From Novice to Marathoner: My Unforgettable First Marathon Experience

My passion for running started way back when I was in LKG. Even at a young age, I would participate in various races, ranging from 100 meters to 1 kilometer. I had always been a sprinter, never a marathon runner. It wasn't until 2012 that I embarked on my journey towards running marathons. My passion for running was further fueled when Milind Soman, the founder of Pinkathon, organized a marathon with the goal of promoting a healthier lifestyle for women and raising awareness about breast cancer. Being an all-women's run, the event was aptly named the "PINKATHON." Back in the day, marathons were not as commercialized as they are now. They were primarily held with the intent of encouraging and raising awareness for various causes.

My First Marathon Experience... Here we go.. 

It all started when I saw the banner of The Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bangalore Marathon while travelling. On seeing the fifth edition of the TCS World 10K Bangalore Marathon banner, there was a sudden rush of adrenalin and a childish joy within me. I remember registering for the event on the same day and came up with a training target to go for, but I was totally out of practice. Still I decided to give it a shot.

During my Second Marathon @Zumba Session 

I ran my first marathon at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on 27th May 2012. 

10KMS?(eek!)?!!!

The thought of running a 10K for the first time made me nervous, but I was determined to do it. On the day of the race, I arrived at Kanteerava stadium early in the morning and set off on the course through Cubbon Park. The cool breeze and the passion of the other runners propelled me towards the finish line, but it was not an easy journey. Despite the difficulty, I felt a sense of pride in my accomplishment. However, the aftermath was not as enjoyable. I struggled to walk even a few feet and was too sick to even hail an auto. Despite feeling dizzy and unwell, I loved every moment of the race.

My second marathon was Pinkathon, and I was honored to be a part of the first-ever event. The experience was unforgettable, and I cherished every moment of it.

Following my first marathon experience, my passion for running grew exponentially, and I began registering for any 10k race I could find. I yearned to participate in races across different cities, including Coimbatore, Salem, Namakkal, Pondicherry, Ooty, and many others. While I have yet to sign up for the big half marathon on my bucket list, I am eager to test my limits and take on the full marathon. Although the thought of running 42 kilometers may seem daunting, I am determined to overcome my fears through consistent training and practice. I look forward to sharing my progress and experiences through my blog, as running has become an integral part of my life, and I can't imagine not pushing myself to run just 42 kilometers.

I have been inspired to write about several marathons that have been significant in my life. Below is a list of a few of them.

2012:

1. TCS World 10K Bangalore 2012, Kanteerava Stadium on 27TH MAY 2012.

2013:

1. Pinkathon Bengaluru, Kanteerava Stadium on 7th of April, 2013.
2. TCS World 10K run 2013 - Namma City Namma Run - Bangalore, Kanteerava Stadium on May 19, 2013

2016:

1. Salem Marathon 2016 at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium - Salem on Feb 19th 2017 

2017:

1. Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium- Coimbatore on 1st October 2017. 

2018:

1. Auroville Marathon - 2018 at Auroville - Pondicherry on February 11th 2018.
2. Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon at Tiruvalluvar Govt arts college, Rasipuram on April 29th 2018. 
3. Go Heritage Ooty Marathon at Lawrence School, Lovedale, Ooty on June 03rd 2018.  
4. Go Heritage RUN - COORG Marathon at Field Marshal K M Cariappa College, Madikeri on Sunday Aug 5, 2018

2019:

1. Bangaluru City Virtual Marathon | 21 KMS by Club MH 25 on 20 Jun 2019
2. India International Yoga Day Challenge 2019 | 21 KMS (Virtual event) Run For Health on 21 Jun 2019

2022:

1. Mutthu Marathon (13th Edition) Vaikundam 11 KMS | organized by Konganapuram Foundation and Konganapuram Sports Club | on 06 Mar, 2022
2. Erode Marathon | 10 KMS on 09th Oct, 2022
3. Walkaroo Coimbatore Marathon 2022 |  10 KMS on 11th Dec, 2022

2023:

1. Kanyathon 2023 3KM Family Run | Bangalore on 12th March 2023

Each marathon I run offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It brings me immense joy to see my loved ones inspired to run and asking if they can join me. Knowing that I can encourage others to push themselves beyond their limits and achieve their goals is truly rewarding.

our Run Timings:

If you are considering running a marathon, my advice to you is to let go of your limitations and take the plunge. Register for a marathon, and don't worry about running the whole way - you can walk or crawl if needed. You never know how completing a single race could change your life forever.

Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon 2018 : Step Up for a Cause

I recently participated in the Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon 2018, which took place near my hometown. The marathon was flagged off from the Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College in Rasipuram. As usual, I convinced my entire family to join me and register for the event!

However, as this was the first time the Rasipuram Rotary organizers were conducting the marathon, there were some organizational issues. The race categories were started every five minutes, disregarding the official start time. Additionally, there were no portable toilets or medical aid available, which was disappointing.

Despite these setbacks, I acknowledge that it's challenging to organize an error-free marathon on the first try. The Rotary Club has made a commendable start, and with time and experience, I'm confident they'll overcome these challenges and conduct a successful and well-organized event in the future.

Parents Atrocity: At the Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon 2018, there was a 3KM Run event category for children between the ages of 7-15. However, it was disappointing to see some parents losing their cool and shouting at their kids for not running continuously. The funny part was that these parents were not even running along with their children, but rather chasing them on their bikes and shouting at them.

It is essential for parents to understand that kids cannot run continuously on their first day. Today's children spend less time in free play and exercise than previous generations, who spent a lot of time walking and bicycling. Instead of yelling at them, parents should encourage their children to run using a firm and soft tone. It is important to promote a positive attitude towards exercise and instill a love for physical activity in children from a young age.

Rasipuram Marathon organizer should have set a necessary boundary for parents. They should not have let the parents inside the marathon trial. Also, lot of Vehicles were crossing the trails.

The Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon 2018 provided a fantastic platform for newbie runners and the people of Rasipuram to experience the thrill of a marathon. The cheering crowds at the finish line and the medals were a great incentive to keep going. I could see the excitement in the organizers as they handled the gunshot at the beginning of the race.

However, I hit a roadblock at the 4th kilometer. My shoes did not fit correctly, and my skin kept rubbing against the edges of the shoe, making it difficult for me to move forward. Despite the setback, I persevered and completed the marathon with great zeal. The certificate was provided in hard copy, but the medal could have been better.

On a positive note, the breakfast provided after the marathon was delicious, and we even received a free coupon for ice cream from Amilma Ice Creams as part of our registration. I have a fun story to share about our experience with Amilma Ice Creams, which I will write about later.

Interview with Rachana Krishna - Best Outgoing Student of VIT

Gone are the days where Best Outgoing Student Award are honored to the student with Highest Grades. These days, student should be highly creative, exhibit exceptional effort and must make a huge difference.

"Outstanding achiever" is every student's dream. 

I had the opportunity to interview Rachana Krishna who has bagged the VIT's Best Outgoing Student Award. In this interview, lets dive deep into Rachana's journey as she shares her interesting student life.

I hope students as well as others will find many of the tips useful and motivating.

Congratulations on achieving Outstanding Student award. Could you please introduce yourself?

Hi, I'm Rachana. I'm from bangalore, born and raised here. I did my B.Tech in Computer Science from VIT. Currently I'm working at Cisco.

What was your priority when you were a student?
When I started off B.Tech I only wanted to enjoy my engineering life but soon realised my kind of enjoyment lies in many things, achievements, accomplishments and not mere entertainment. Priorities are never a constant they keep changing with time. At each instance I had to focus on what was most important at that time and move ahead with it.

What specific activities did you engage in college to achieve outstanding student award?
Firstly, I never compromised on my main virtue as a student that is being academically good. I learnt the subjects to the best of my abilities and maintained good grades. Grades only matter to teach you school lessons but life lessons are completely outside of it. So I involved myself in a number of activities. I was always inclined towards sports and adventures and decided to become part of our college trekking club. I had a flair for speaking and writing as well and hence became a core member of some clubs and chapters like the Hindu E-plus, VIT community Radio for a short period. As I knew my strength was in the manegerial line I started working for my college fests and events.

How about your extra-curriculum activities? 
As I already stated, I'm into sports. I used to be an athlete in school. I couldn't really continue that in college however I used to swim in college as a hobby, play badminton occasionally. I also hit the gym in the evenings. I went on a number of treks and even organised trips to places like Coorg and Kerala where I had my share of adventure+learning. I did white water rafting, waterfall rappelling, kayaking, rock climbing.

What pieces of advice would you offer to the students who aspires for "Outstanding Student"?
One has to know what he or she wants in their life and there is no bigger achievement than this. A person who knows what he wants will make sure to reach the goal. By life I don't always mean the big picture but even small goals will do. Goals as small as hitting the gym everyday. They keep you motivated in life. This motivation can achieve anything in life.

Who was your mentor/s in your college? 
To be honest I have been my greatest mentor all life., because only you know what you want in life. However, My mom is my support system. I have a best friend from school who is often my go-to person to share with.

What was one challenge you faced during college and how did you overcome?
During college it's very common to look at others and compare yourselves. This is not wrong as long as you get something good out of it. But if this is something that's pulling you down its high time you understand that each one lives their own lives. I did face a lot of competition and was at many instances motivated to do what others were doing. But not everything is for everyone. When ever I thought someone was doing something really nice in their life I took that as a motivation to do something in my life. Peer-pressure if a big challenge, but I used it for my benefit. And ofcourse because I stayed in the hostel, I missed home a lot. This can often pull people down, so did it pull me. But I always remembered why I was here and what I as supposed to do.

What was your daily routine as a student and now as an Employee?
As a student first half of my day would be spent in classes and assignments. Second half I would spend some time on myself, meeting friends, gym, netflixing. I'm an early bird so my day ends a little quick. So far my life as an employee hasn't really changed much as I am still an intern and have my trainings.

Share us a time where you broke a rule for a student?
Oh I'm not a person who breaks rules usually. I don't think I have broken any major rules. Except I didn't always have an ID card around my neck. So yeah this was one small rule I broke.

What is your philosophy of life? 
You take  your life decisions because nobody knows you better than you. Have goals, they keep you motivated in life. The only people who matter in life are those who keep you going, ignore the rest. Work hard, party harder. And yeah there is no substitute to hard work. I believe that there are a number of success stories with smart work, but there are no failure stories with hard work.

What are your current interest and what is your learning right now?
I want to move into entrepreneurship and finance now. I'm reading more on these.

All the best for your dreams and Thank you so much for your valuable time! 

Congratulations Once again Rachana!  You truly deserve the award!!  Good luck with Everything!!! Cheers.

When Life Breaks You Down, A Fighter Reborn

I believe every woman has TRUE BEAUTY within her in all the roles she plays. For over 18 years across 650 plus salons across the country, Naturals has been helping the Beautiful Indian Woman get more Beautiful.

Today Naturals Salutes the Beautiful Indian Woman.

Presenting Naturals TRUE BEAUTY… http://bit.ly/naturalsOF 

This is a story about the a Women whom I feel "True Beauty"

What was your most painful life experience?
A Break-up? Insult by relatives or put-down by friends? Loneliness? dream getting shattered? Losing someone? No Job? Failure in Exam?
If you have answered “Yes” to any one of the above then read on…

   

Will a person who never ran in her life, would ever run a marathon?  Absolutely, Yes! They can!? What’s so special about it!? But, will a person decide to run a marathon after losing both legs?

Yes, That's the inspiring story of  Shalini Saraswathi who turned into an avid runner (a blade runner).

She made the decision of running when her life snatched both her arms and legs.

We all know about Nicholas James who has No Arms, No legs and No worries. Here is another inspiring story from our own India. It’s the story of Shalini Saraswathi.

It was when all my colleagues were complaining about office stress, spouse problem and concluded life hardly seems a worth living. At that point of time we received an email with a subject line Meet Bengaluru’s Blade Runner Shalini Saraswathi @ Bengaluru campus.

     While I was running a TCS 10K Marathon, I have seen her running but never in my mind realized she has such a beautiful inspiring life of positivism and determination. After attending her session, I realized why she is called as an icon of perseverance and hope.

Her story in short. Like millions of people out there, she had an extremely beautiful life,  successful career, a loving family and a great soul mate. She went to Cambodia for a honeymoon. After returning to India, She had to get admitted to hospital for a slight fever. Never in her wild dreams she would have thought some rare bacteria called Ricketssial would affect her and that would change her life upside down. Slight Fever led to multi organ failure and she went to coma for few days. Doctor declared her survival rate was 5%.

Next few years, she went to the hospital only to remove few of her flesh removed from her body every now and then. Shalini Saraswathi went on to lose all four of her limbs. But, that's not the end of the story.

The next year she realized she lost both the arms and both legs, but not her courage. A Fighter was reborn. She challenged the sky. “Does not matter what comes in my way, I will never give up and Don’t mess up with me”. She moved on from her pain and trained herself for a TCS 10k race in Bangalore.

Most of the time we listen to our mind which gives a lot of excuse. “Hitting snooze button”, “From tomorrow I will hit the Gym”, “From tomorrow I will start”. We love to listen to those lame excuses which mind offers and are addicted to it.

For Shalini, when her body did not help her to have what she wants, she trained her mind and made her body listen to her mind. It was not easy for her initially. When she went for a personal training no one knew how to train her. Yet, she overcome those struggles. How was it possible for her to come out it? She chose to look the brighter side. When her legs were about to amputate, she chose to wear a purple nail polish and admired it. That's the power of positivism she carried.

The one thing which was constant in her speech was “A big smile and a positive attitude”

Now tell me friends, can’t we deal with our problems more positively and happily? 

Small disappointments should never bother us. 

Everyone has scars around us, it’s in our hands and out choice to use those scars for a self-destruction or for a self-discovery.

Few lines from her speech today, “Walk in the rain, stick your tongue out and catch the raindrops, hold hands, feel the grass under your feet, smile at strangers, admire good-looking men/women, fall in love, call someone you have meant to, give big tight hugs, dance till you drop, wear your red lipstick, join that class you have always wanted to, buy the shoes you want, write a book, sing aloud, learn to play an instrument, bungee jump, sky dive, travel to Antarctica for all I care – LIVE TODAY AND LIVE IN THE MOMENT – you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow!”

Gratitude Journal for a Positive Life

Past few days I feel extremely happy and positive. I could sense my quality of life is improving a lot. I was meeting lot of new people with the same mindset of mine. I could feel my immune system has improved a lot.

What made me to feel this change? Adding a simple exercise in my day-to-day activity.

What’s that?

Gratitude Journal!!!

I started practicing gratitude daily. Every day at the end of the day, I started writing 2 positive things happened in that day.

Here are the positive things happened in past 3 days:

March 28:

• Salary credited well in advance.
• Had a delicious dinner with my Manager and functional team manager along with my project Head. Well, what’s so special about it? The quality discussion I had with them was wonderful.

March 29:

• Meeting a girl of same mind-set. We shared same business, life and person goals. In fact both our paths were same.
• Realized I am an active person. Out of 27 person, None are interested to play Badminton I really thanked god for giving an interest in sports

March 30:

• Woke up at 4: AM and roamed Bangalore. Was searching for a zumba class and by mistake got into Sobha Lakeview Clubhouse. Yes, the doors were open and the security guy let me in thinking I have a membership with Shoba and stay in Shoba apartments. The Clubhouse was ravishing. I started exploring the 4 storied luxury club. It had a Swimming pool, Tennis Badminton, Squash courts, also Table tennis with spa,  gyms, a library and so on
• The summer was unbearably getting hotter in Bangalore and I wished for a Rain. I requested the nature, "Please sky. Show some rain." To my surprise, around 4 PM, the weather got cooler with a heavy breeze and the rain spilled on my face endlessly. 

If you are positive, positive things happens in your life. The above things are extremely Small things. But matters a lot!

What are you waiting for? Grab a pen and write 2 positive things happened on that day. When you start writing this, you feel that your entire world is full of positivism. 

Well Most of us are surrounded with lot of negativity and it makes us to think that everything goes wrong and nothing goes right.

After starting this exercise, I am paying attention only to the positive things happening in my life.

I feel the sky is clear and people around me are good. My productivity in office has largely improved.

I would suggest you to start a gratitude Journal to have a positive impact in your life. Request you to pen down in notebook instead of typing in laptop.

Do post in comments what are the positive things happened today.

Running through Tranquility: My Auroville Marathon 2018 Journey

Auroville Marathon

 Have you ever experienced the refreshing sensation of cool forest air brushing against your face, or inhaled the invigorating scent of medicinal trees while running? If you seek to immerse yourself in such an experience, then the "Auroville Marathon" is the perfect choice for you. Held annually on the second Sunday of February, this marathon is a must-try for all running enthusiasts, as it takes you through the tranquil and harmonious city of Auroville.

When it comes to running marathons, my primary goal is always to "smile and enjoy the run." While many of my veteran marathoner friends aim to surpass their personal bests, I don't set such targets for myself. Simply running a marathon fills me with joy and a sense of fulfillment. To me, the ultimate achievement is inspiring my friends to register and run alongside me.

As John Elliott says, "And, most importantly, remember what got you running in the first place and use the marathon to keep you inspired and to become an inspiration to others."

In my latest blog post, I shared about my roommate and friend Ramya's decision to take on the challenge of running in the Auroville Marathon. As a first-time marathon participant (I would even say walker), completing a 10K seemed like an achievable goal. However, for Ramya, who often complains about walking just 2KMS from Forum to Maruthi Nagar, it was a daunting task. I was pleasantly surprised when Ramya expressed her interest in signing up for the 10K Auroville Marathon. Running on a trail comprised of beautiful roads and forest would undoubtedly be enjoyable, but it required tremendous willpower to complete.

On race day, we woke up well before sunrise, had a strong cup of tea, and drove to the Auroville city. The event has quickly become one of my favorites due to its unique experience of running on forest trails while celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship.

It's no surprise that the Auroville Marathon has become a beloved event for recreational runners all across India.

Vivasayee Short Film by Deepika Muthusamy

Vivasayee Short Film by Deepika Muthusamy

Ramachandran, a farmer with an unwavering love for agriculture, faces the harsh realities of farming - unpredictable weather, mounting debt, and a life that seems to offer little hope. Despite the many obstacles, he refuses to give up on his dream and clings to his fighting spirit. As the challenges mount and his situation grows more dire, Ramachandran must choose whether to give in or keep pushing forward. Will his passion be enough to see him through the toughest times, or will he be forced to abandon his dreams and surrender to the forces working against him? Follow Ramachandran's inspiring journey in "Fields of Passion".

Watch full movie here:

P.S
This film aims to highlight the struggles of farmers and acknowledge their importance in our society. Imagining a world without them is a frightening thought, and this movie seeks to honor their vital role as the backbone of our nation's agriculture.

Colgate Magical stories - Welcome to MARS

It’s never been a better time to be a space enthusiast, as more and more countries are unveiling space programmes and it seems like a new mission is launched or announced just about every week.

~~By Hamish Johnston

"It’s never been a better time to be a space enthusiast, as more and more countries are unveiling space programs and it seems like a new mission stories are launched, created or announced at BlogAdda just about every now and then by Bloggers and the creative kids.

Finally, the wait to go to MARS is over! Yup you heard me right! Last week, I received 3 Colgate Packs from BlogAdda out of which one had the Space theme. I know my nephew Sanjith, who is keen to become an astronaut, would love this pack. As soon as I received this pack, I went to my Sister home. My nephew was super excited about this particular pack that had Space theme. I stated that I would give him the space themed Colgate pack only when he weaves a superb magical stories out of it. Kids are so creative these days and he came up with this beautiful story in just 5 minutes.

In the next paragraph, my nephew will take you to the #ColgateMagicalStories space station and let you explore the mysterious MARS.

Martian returns from Space and shares his amazing experience with his girlfriend Megan Morse.

Martian: Oh Megan! You should have been there. It was an amazing experience! All MARS enthusiasts had an extra ordinary experience.
Megan Morse: wow. That sounds amazing. What did you do there?
Martian: We explored, explored and explored.
Megan Morse: Tell me more about it! What happened in the Space?
Martian: We were ready to depart at 12:00 AM.  It all started when clock was ticking Tick Tick Tick at 11:59 P.M . 60 seconds for the space ship to launch. I was nervous as well as excited. I buckled my belt and count down started… 60—50—40—30—20—10—9—8—7—6—5—4—3—2—1.
Boom! And I along with my fellow astronauts was in the space! With our captain Spike Spiegel setting up the rules - What to do and what not to while we are in the spaceship.
Megan Morse: Nice. Tell me more.
Martian: Our space scientist Mysterons started with an inspirational speech on the previous Journey inspiring all of the crew members for an amazing journey ahead! He elaborated about the struggle they faced to survive in Mars.

Megan Morse: aha, Inspiring and cool. What next!
Martian: You would love this section Morse!
Megan Morse: is it! Bring it on Boy!
Martian: After the inspirational talk there was an amazing test to test our abilities to speak with Aliens
Megan Morse: Speak with Aliens! What are you talking about?
Martian: Spike Spiegel divided the members into 2 teams and we spoke about Aliens feelings and maternal affection and much more topics assuming we are talking to Aliens. It was amazing.
Megan Morse: wow
Martian: My team spoke well and won the title of "Guardians of the Galaxy!"
Megan Morse: I am thrilled by all this. It took me into the virtual world of MARS.
Martian: Next time you are coming too. I am going to invite you.
Megan Morse: Yeah. Absolutely. I would love too.
Martian: Good, I appreciate your interest.
Megan Morse: Amazing. I am already thinking of landing in MARS, speaking to Aliens and winning the title "Guardians of the Galaxy!"
Martian: Welcome to MARS.

I am blogging my #ColgateMagicalstories at BlogAdda in association with Colgate.

Salem Marathon 2016: A Memorable Event in My Hometown

The Salem Marathon 2016, the highly anticipated event, finally concluded on February 19th, 2017 after several delays. As a resident of Salem, I eagerly awaited this marathon, which held special significance to me. Despite being a small town, the event drew an impressive crowd of more than 3000 participants, organized by the Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy to raise awareness about organ donation. In this blog post, I'll share my personal experience and highlight some memorable moments from the marathon.

The Journey:

Initially scheduled for November 13th, 2016, the Salem Marathon had to be postponed multiple times due to unforeseen circumstances. Delays in obtaining permission pushed the event to January 29th, 2017. However, the rescheduled dates faced further setbacks as a result of massive statewide protests over jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport. Finally, the marathon found its tentative date on February 19th, 2017.

A Homecoming Run:

As a resident of Salem, this marathon held special significance for me. I had been eagerly waiting for this event, which allowed me to run on my very own land. While I didn't expect a massive crowd or extravagant banners due to Salem's small-town charm, I cherished every step I took during the marathon.

The Enthusiastic Participation:

Despite the initial uncertainties surrounding the event, more than 3000 individuals participated in the Salem Marathon. It was heartening to see such enthusiasm among the runners. The Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy did an exceptional job organizing the marathon, marking it as the 5th Edition of this annual event. I couldn't help but feel disappointed for having missed the previous four editions.

Categories and Start Times:

The marathon offered different categories, including a 10Kms and 5Kms run. While I cannot confirm the exact number of participants, I estimate that around 400 individuals took part in the 10Kms category. The reporting time for all participants was set for 5:00 AM, with the 21.5 KMS category flagged off from the Gandhi Stadium at 5.30 a.m. The 10Kms and 5Kms races commenced promptly at 5.45 AM and 6:00 AM, respectively.

An Unforgettable Experience:

Unlike larger marathons in cities like Bangalore, Salem's marathon lacked the grandeur of extensive spectatorship, big sponsors, and lively musical performances. Nevertheless, every stride I took during the race felt more meaningful because I was running on my home turf. The Salem Marathon offers an experience that every runner from Salem should embrace and cherish.

An Inspiring Moment:

Among the many memorable incidents from the Salem Marathon, one stands out: a 101-year-old man completed the 5Kms race. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. May he continue to live a peaceful life for many more years to come.

The Inspiration...

The 5Kms race witnessed an incredible feat as a remarkable 101-year-old man crossed the finish line. The photograph below captures this inspiring moment, and I feel fortunate to have been captured in the frame alongside this extraordinary man.

Its my luck to get clicked with this inspirational man :)

Another Inspiration

Uncontrolled Traffic: A Safety Concern in the Salem Marathon
One aspect of the Salem Marathon that left me disappointed was the lack of traffic control. Despite the early hours of the event, buses and hazardous lorries continued to operate alongside the runners. This created potential risks and dangers for the participants. I couldn't help but wonder why the organizers didn't address this issue. Some of the routes even passed through residential areas, where I found amusement in observing the curious expressions of dogs along the way.

Looking ahead, I am confident that the Rotary Club of Salem will once again organize the 6th edition of the Salem Marathon in 2017. Scheduled for November, I encourage my readers from Salem, Erode, and Namakkal to take a break from their daily routines and consider participating in this remarkable event. Running a marathon at least once in your lifetime is an experience that holds great value and is truly worth the effort.

Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer: Unveiling Concerning Ingredients and Safer Alternatives

When it comes to purchasing lip balm or any beauty products, conducting thorough research on the ingredients is crucial. Recently, during my purchase of Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer, I was taken aback by a warning message on the product that stated, "If swallowed, contact Poison Control Center right away."

Concerns and Further Investigation:

Although it's unlikely that anyone would intentionally consume lip balm, there is a higher possibility of inadvertently ingesting a small amount while drinking water or eating. Naturally, this warning raised concerns for me, prompting me to dig deeper into the ingredients used in the product.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisture:

Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Oxybenzone 4%, Castor (Ricinus Communis) Seed Oil, Corn (Zea Mays) Oil, Ozokerite, Petrolatum, Beeswax, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Paraffin, Stearyl Alcohol, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax, BHT.

Avoiding Harmful Ingredients in Lip Balm:

In any lip balm, it is crucial to avoid certain ingredients. These include:

- Parabens

- Petrolatum or Petroleum

- Chemical Dyes

- Mineral Oil

- Octinoxate

- Oxybenzone

- Avobenzone

- Cinnimate

Analysis and Recommendation:

Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer contains three potentially harmful ingredients: Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, and Petrolatum. Consequently, it is advisable to avoid using this lip balm due to these concerning additions.

When selecting a lip balm or any beauty product, understanding the ingredients is essential for making informed choices about what we apply on our bodies. In the case of Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer, the presence of certain ingredients raises valid concerns. By being aware of what to avoid, we can make safer choices for our lip care routine.

How To Throw The Perfect Oscar Party

Roll out your own Red Carpet and invite your friends to a night to remember at your classy Oscar Party. Renowned for its glitz and glamour the Oscars bring out the latest fashions and party trends for A-list guests, so why not give your crowd a magical evening that gives them the opportunity to wear their finery, eat, drink and be merry in a manner befitting celebrities and film stars.

How to throw the perfect Oscars party infographic by The Rug Seller

This fun infogrpahic offers hints and tips on how to achieve your party's success that deserves its own Oscar! Starting with the invitations, which should reflect the occasion, get your guests in the Oscar mood with a taste of what your sophisticated evening will be like.

We've also included some suggestions for activities and fun games that will ensure your party is the glitziest and most glamorous in town without being starchy and boring; after all who wants to be a party-pooper or wall-flower when dressed to impress at the most sort after night on the social calendar!

A night for social glamour and grandeur, take a look at the recommended drinks selection we've included in the piece below, this is a night for champagne bubbles, and film star themed cocktails, not pints and cider! Be inspired by the Oscar and host a party that all your friends will want to be invited to this year.

P.S : This article is a guest post by Louiss Dixon