We have been toying with the idea of going to Honnemaradu for quite sometime. This winter opportunity presented itself when we were invited to a friend's wedding in Sagara. We have been told by the same friend to book well in advance if we wish to take coracle rides or participate in any water-based activities. However, many of Tarun's friends were meeting after a very long time and we already had different plans.
Honnemaradu is at a distance of 35 kilometers from Sagara on the way to Jog Falls. There are hardly any signs directing to Honnemaradu. We were accompanied by two other friends, among them one is local. At Hirimane village we took a diversion towards left. And from then onwards the bumpy, rough, and bone-shaking ride started. Once we reached the place we were asked to sign in a register with names and phone numbers by the caretaker lady. We were told Honnemaradu camp is handled by a group of members who called themselves Adventurers. As we walked through the muddy path we could hear birds chirping and crickets twittering. We were surrounded by the lush greenery, in fact, we were in midst of Western Ghats.
Info: Honnemaradu is a quaint village perched upon the hills in Western Ghats. It is located on the backwaters of Sharavathi river and faces the Linganamakki reservoir. The reservoir covers an area of 50 x 80 kms stretch. The literal meaning of Honnemaradu is Golden Lake (Honnu-Gold; Maradu-Lake) in Kannada. Another opinion is that it got its name from Honne tree (Indian Kino Tree/Malabar Kino) that are densely populated in Karnataka-Kerala region of Western Ghats. We would soon find out what could be the exact reason for this nomenclature. After satiating our photographic itch we found ourselves sitting and gazing endlessly at the sea of blue in perfect stillness. The cool winter breeze ruffled our hair, ebbing away the edginess. In those frozen minutes we could hear absolutely nothing. It reminded us of Bhadra Bactwaters.
Honnemaradu is also known as birdwatchers paradise. To be in line with its fame we managed to spot one or two birds. We are not birdwatchers, so hardly we could identify any of two. The daylight started dwindling and we had to don our hat of photographers once again. In the golden hour the setting sun was illuminating the lake in golden hue. It looked like we had taken quite sometime there. The caretaker lady came searching for us. She told some people wander off swimming and swimming is strictly prohibited here. We assured her we are not doing anything of that sort. And decided to head back before the night falls as we had to meet people gathered for the wedding.
Tips:
Route: Bangalore-Tumkur-Tiptur-Kadur-Bhadravati-Shivamogga-Sagara-Honnemaradu
Total Distance: 460 KM
Train: Mysore-Bangalore-Shimoga-Sagara-Talaguppa
Taxis plies from Talaguppa to Honnemaradu
-Reservation needed for overnight stay, with facilities for food, shelter, and equipment rentals
-Sagara is best place to stay if you want to club it with Keladi and Ikkeri or Sigandoor
-Best Season: October-March
Who knew this small but gorgeous country would be our top favorite country in the world? Yes, Luxembourg had this effect on us. It was mildly drizzling when got down in city central station. We could feel the winter's bittery onslaught. Fortunately our hotel was just a stone's throw away. We didn't want to curl in bed and while away the whole day in this beautiful country. After dropping off luggage we decided to brave the chill and drizzle. Our receptionist Nicole was considerate enough to offer us two umbrellas. And she insisted us to take the city bus when we told her where we want to go. "Which number" we asked? Any bus you take, you get down at city center, bus is free on Saturday in Luxembourg". We were thrilled to say the list. As we have inside joke among ourselves. We would even grab poison if it is free. You don't know when it can come handy.
As we walked towards the Constitution Square a riot of fall colors welcomed us. We were jubilant to put it mildly. While we were chatting incessantly a man quietly approached us asking are we from Bangalore in Kannada. After initial introduction we had a very lengthy conversation with that gentleman. It turned out he is in the process of starting a travel business and this is one of his official tours. After exchanging numbers we parted ways.
Info: Gelle Fra or Monument of Remembrance is a war memorial. Around 3700 Luxembourgers served in French army when Germans occupied their country, among 2000 died serving the nation. To remember their bravery, sacrifice, and valor it was decided to erect a monument.
A 21 metre tall granite obelisk was built as the centerpiece. A gilded bronze statue representing Nike, goddess of victory or queen of freedom was placed atop the obelisk. The lady holds a Laurel wreath as if placing it upon the head of the nation. There are two bronze figures at the base of the obelisk, one lies at foot representing the Luxembourgish soldier died in war and another sits, grieving for his dead country man. Having built first in 1923, Gelle Fra dismantled in 1940 by Nazi forces. Most portion of monument was rescued and restored after the war. However, Gelle Fra was recovered in January 1980 beneath the main stand of the national football stadium. The monument was ultimately unveiled to the public on June 23, 1985 on Luxembourg's national holiday in the presence of grand Duke Jean.
It is a testament to pay tribute to the brave Luxembourgers who laid their life in line of duty during both world wars as well as Korean war. As it often happens we had a lengthy discussion about World Wars and what affects it had on the rest of the world. Sounds boring, well for us history is obsession.
Tips
-Buses are free on Saturday and sometimes on Sunday (we were lucky in that way)
-Day pass costs 4€ in bus
-Hop-on Hop-off: 14€ (individual) and 11€ (group)
The idea was to spend an evening along the waterside restaurant guzzling beer and let the day end relaxing. Popularly known as the party town of Singapore's quay renders many bar, pubs, clubs, restaurants. The previous evening was spent in admiring Singapore's remarkable skyline around the ubiquitous Marina by sands and Singapore Botanical Garden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guess was Clark Quay is Singaporeans Roppongi. Just showing off here as we had visited party hub of Tokyo just a few days ago, that is Roppongi. Finding quay is not much of a hassle as MRT station is just a few steps away.
Singapore river meanders through in which several cruises were passing by in a lazy pace. Named after Sir Andrew Clarke, Singapore's second governor who played a major role in straights settlements from 1873 to 1875, this area once was the commercial and trading hub. Now there are great assortment of bars, upscale restaurants, pubs, and shopping centers. The rates are bit pricey as you are on a water front. It is famed as gastronomical paradise as world-wide cuisines are available on platter.
We strolled around hand in hand. It's very small area around the river with a big Clark Quay sign. Quay is pronounced as key. We have a feeling Singapore wants to have popular of everything the rest of the world is blessed with. There is even a heart shaped love lock fence. However we wanted our first love locked to be in the famous bridge of Pont Des Arts in Paris. How we couldn't do that either is story for another day.
We were waiting for an adventure reverse bungee jumping. Boating looked monotonous after watching passengers boarding and disembarking the boats for quite sometime from the restaurant, though it reminded us of Melaka River. However after having two beers we felt the tiredness seeping in, so bid adieu in the hope of enjoying the night life the next day. Below the ruffled water one could see fish glimmering in the evening sun.
And glimpse of Marina Bay Sands can be seen at a distance. Quay is mostly for tourists or travelers like us. We don't see many locals frequenting the area. It is mostly a decent place for party animals.
