Discovering the Unexpected: A Memorable Unplanned Trip to Coorg

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Journey to Coorg's Beauty:

Starting our day with a refreshing cup of tea  ☕💻✨ #EarlyMorningTea

We continued our journey, with the hope of reaching Coorg in 20 Kms. We lost network connectivity and were completely reliant on our instincts and locals to reach our destination. After crossing 30 kms, we finally reached a point where we could get some network connectivity. We searched for the location of Coorg and realized that we were still 80 kilometers away from the main point of Coorg. However, we were determined to make it there as it was just a 1 hour 30 minutes drive.

We set out on our journey once again and were greeted with a breathtaking view via Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. The lush greenery and the stunning road views made the long journey worthwhile.

After driving 80 kilometers, we reached the location that the map showed us as Coorg. But to our surprise, it was just a forest! We soon realized that we had reached the Coorg district, but to explore the places, we needed to go to Madikeri Town.

We searched on all the travel websites, but couldn't find a single hotel to stay. We realized that it was already 3 pm and hadn't yet found a good restaurant to eat.  

After deep diving for Coorg Cuisine Restaurant on Google reviews and reaching the recommended spot for lunch, we found it to be extremely crowded and didn't have the time to wait any longer as it was already 3.45 pm. As we were parking the car, a friendly local recommended that the hype around Coorg cuisine was overrated and suggested we try the Paris Restaurant instead. We gorged on the delicious food, and our spirits were lifted. With renewed energy, we set out to explore the rooms for the stay. 

Unplanned and Unforgettable: A Tale of Finding a HomeStay in a Forest in Coorg:

We managed to book Ananya Greens Resort through Booking.com. However, our plans hit a snag when we received a call from the hotel manager informing us that no rooms were available and the availability as showing due to a technical issue. We were stuck in a difficult situation, as it was peak season, and we had nowhere else to go.

Desperate for a place to stay, we requested the manager Pranav to help us out and give us a room at any cost. Thankfully, he referred us to another person Sandeep who could help us out.

Meanwhile, we started walking on foot, going road by road, street by street checking all the hotels in the vicinity for availability. We must have called over 30 hotels, but all in vain. We were running out of options and had almost given up hope.

However, our luck changed when we received a call from Sandeep. It was a Homestay inside a forest with coffee estate located far from the city, but at that point, we were willing to take whatever we could get. The location was so secluded that it wasn't even displayed on the maps, but we decided to take a chance and check it out.

Our host had instructed us to come near the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences and follow his route to the homestay. Little did we know that our destination was located at the end of the forest, surrounded by mountains and mist, coffee plantations, and beautiful landscapes

As we arrived, we were struck by the beauty of the place. We were completely surrounded by nature, and it felt like a paradise.

In the evening, our host took us to a private waterfall, which was exclusively for us. It was just my husband, son, nature and me, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The beauty of the waterfall was breathtaking, and we felt like we were in a fairytale. 

We returned to our homestay for dinner, and it was fantastic - unlimited food, and the flavors were exquisite. We were pleasantly surprised when we met another family at dinner, and they turned out to be very social. We instantly became good friends with Ambika and her family, and our kids hit it off as well. Our son, Hethvick, had a great time playing with their kids. Occasionally, they would hit the football, and it would roll into the forest. In the dark, they searched for the ball, and it added to the adventure. Including Hethvick we all had stayed up late, chatting and playing games until midnight. 

Experience at Dubare Elephant Camp:

Next day, Monday, We woke up to a beautiful misty morning.

We had planned to visit the Dubare Elephant Camp (Open Timings: 9 am to 11:30am) and were excited to see the majestic animals up close. However, as we arrived at the camp, we found it to be extremely crowded. Due to the shortage of water, boating was canceled, and we had to cross the river to reach the camp.

We soon realized that we were not going to be able to bathe the elephants as planned. The line to do so was incredibly long, and by the time we got there, it was already too late.

We decided to explore the camp and feed the elephants instead. We spoke to  mahouts and Hethvick got the opportunity to feed an elephant, and it was an incredible experience for him.

After lunch, We bid goodbye to our Ambika and family, hoping to meet them again soon.

On our way back to Bangalore, we encountered heavy rain and traffic. However, we were delighted to see a beautiful rainbow, which made the journey more enjoyable.

With memories we returned back.

Sometimes, it's good to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.

Our unplanned trip had turned out to be an unforgettable experience. We learned that even when things don't go according to plan, there's always a way out. All you need is a little bit of luck and the willingness to take a chance.

Sometimes, the best experiences come from unexpected situations.

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Homestay Experience at Kudajadri Drizzle: Finding Hidden Gems Amongst the Average

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Day 3 : A Trip to En Ooru: A Mixture of Adventure and Disappointment

On day 3, We woke up to a breathtaking view of mist from our beds in the morning. We bid farewell to our host, who had been incredibly helpful during our stay. 

As we set off on the next leg of our adventure, we reached En Ooru. After two days of trying tickets, we finally managed to book online tickets and hopped onto a jeep, excited for the adventure ahead.

Despite the rush of the weekend, we enjoyed the Jeep ride and the thrill of traversing through rough terrain. However, our excitement was short-lived as we reached En Ooru. The weather was hot and uncomfortable, and we were disappointed to find that there was little to see in the area.

There were few huts, and there was nothing of interest to explore. Perhaps if the climate was pleasant, we might have appreciated the beauty of the surroundings. 

Tribal Archery Museum: A Fun-Filled Adventure

In En ooru, there was a tribal archery museum that offered an interesting opportunity for Archery. My husband was excited to try his hand at it. The museum provided us with three chances to hit the target, and if successful, we would win a gift.

To our surprise, my husband managed to hit the bull's eye on his third attempt and won the game. Myself and Hethvick were thrilled and couldn't stop applauding him for his incredible shot.

The Key Mishap: A Halt in Our Journey

After a tiring morning, we decided to head towards our next stay Kudajadri Drizzle. However, just as we were about to do so, we received a call from the owner of the Bodhi Hut. It turned out that we had accidentally taken the room key with us. We rushed back to return the key and continued our journey. 

Although the food at the India Gate Restaurant was excellent, we were keen on exploring other dining options. However, we soon realized that finding decent hotels during our journey was a challenge. 

Despite this, we continued our journey with high spirits and stopped at Taste and Mist restaurant in Kalpetta, and while the food was delicious, it did come with a hefty price. However, what truly made the experience memorable was the breathtaking view of the forest from the restaurant. It was a truly enchanting sight, and I found myself lost in the beauty of nature while enjoying my meal. 

Boatless Bustle: Banasura Sagar Dam : A crowded Saturday

On the go, we decided to visit Banasura Sagar Dam and later check into homestay to unwind in the evening. The weather was hot and the place was crowded on a Saturday, which made it difficult to get tickets for the speed boats. In light of our Hethvick and the weather conditions, we opted for a van to reach the top and admired the stunning view of Asia's second-largest dam. Hethvick was traveling in van for the first time and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Our Homestay Experience at Kudajadri Drizzle: Finding Hidden Gems Amongst the Average

We checked into Kudajadri Drizzle Homestay, a 95-year-old Jain Tharavadu (ancestral home of nair Joint families in Kerala). Though it was amidst the lush greenery, upon arriving I was initially disappointed with its average appearance, considering the cost of around 3500 INR per night (without food). The homestay would cost at a mere 1500 INR only.

Having previously stayed in a treehouse amidst nature for two days, it took some time to adjust to the room.

As we explored the homestay, we stumbled upon an inviting pond and a variety of big blooming flowers. It was a delight to take a walk in the natural beauty. Upon encountering large, red ants, we quickly fled the scene.

A Traditional Family: A Story of Love and Care

On seeing our car's registration from Tamil Nadu, One uncle, who looked around my dad's age, struck up a conversation with us. We quickly bonded with him and his family, as they were from our hometown of Erode.

They came as a group of 14 people, consisting of 6 families, and were making their own food. They graciously invited us for dinner, and since we couldn't find any good restaurants nearby, we shamelessly agreed.

I joined them and helped in cooking by chopping vegetables, making dough and washing utensils. It was an amazing experience to connect with them and be a part of their cooking process. The family were so traditional and could sense their love and care in making it healthy and tasty for the family rather than eating out.

Despite heavy rain, lack of power backup, and leaking water due to an old building, we couldn't help but reminisce about our childhood and grand mother's house.

The next day morning, We were fortunate enough to pack a couple of delicious idlis for Hethvick that was prepared by the kind family whom we met last night. It was a heartwarming experience, and it reminded me of the kindness of strangers becoming friends or family and the beauty of sharing a meal together. 

Warm Send-off: A Touching Connection:

The grandpa from the homestay gave me a warm send-off, feeling a connection with me, perhaps seeing his missing daughter-in-law in me.

We had plans to visit Kuruva Island and return to Bangalore so that we can take rest on Monday. However, my son and I never wanted the trip to end. Little did we know that was an even more beautiful experience was waiting for us.

Kuruva Island to The Journey That Never Was:

We started our journey on the sunny Sunday after a lovely send-off from the homestay thatha. Kuruva Island was our destination, a beautiful and serene island located in the middle of the Kabini River.

We were filled with hope that we would be able to get tickets to the island. We knew that only 575 tickets were available per day, and we were anxious that they might be sold out. Upon reaching the island, we were greeted with a massive crowd, reminiscent of a carnival festival. It was overwhelming to see so many people in one place.

My husband was looking for a place to park the car while I went rushed to get the tickets. However, to our disappointment, the ticket counter had already closed for the day(even after 9.30 am) and we had missed our chance. We were disheartened, as were eager to explore the island.

At this point, we were feeling a bit lost and disheartened. As per our plans, we decided to head back to Bangalore. As we wandered, we stumbled upon a quaint tea shop. The shopkeeper was friendly, and we struck up a conversation with him. He was a local, and we learned a lot about the near by places. While sipping the tea, the shopkeeper suggested to explore Coorg, which was just 20 km away. He described the route as mesmerizing, and we decided to give it a shot.

With no network on our phones, we set off on our journey.  As we drove towards Coorg, we kept asking locals for directions since there was no network for 20 kms and we could not rely on Google maps. The excitement of the unknown and the thrill of the journey had taken over us.

As we continued, we were awestruck by the scenic beauty of the route. The lush greenery, the winding roads, and the cool breeze made for a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. 

Traveling can often lead to unexpected adventures and experiences that one would never have imagined. One such experience happened to us is on this trip to Kuruva Island, which ended up turning into an unplanned trip to Coorg.

As we neared Coorg, we realized that finding accommodation would be a challenge. It was a long weekend, and most places were booked. However, we were determined to find a place to stay and continue our adventure. 

Click here to read the next post to discover whether we were successful in securing accommodation for the night.