Weekend Adventures at Coorg

 "We need to take our cycles to MANDALPATTI", Tejas had been saying this ever since the boys began mountain biking regularly. Mandalpatti is a peak in the Coorg region. Tejas along with his friends had been to Mandalpatti on their bikes before- which made them want it even more!

Now mountain biking is not yet a mainstream sport in India, which means fewer resources and avenues. Having people with similar interests/enthusiasm is always a boon. Done- deal sealed. 3 families to start on Friday and camp for the night. 2 boys are to join us on Saturday, and we head back home on Sunday. One Kia Seltos, one Thar, one XUV 700, one TATA Nano, 5 MTBs, tents, and essentials. Rest everything was fluid, like most of our plans. 

Day 1: The Golden Temple and camping 

As planned, we, a group of 3 Snugbub families started in the morning at our own convenient time. We being neighbors, had the same starting point. Starting early helped us navigate the rush during peak hours. After a quick tatte idli breakfast at our regular Renukamba place, we hit the new Mysore highway (what marvelous work here!). 

"Where do we meet? Have you seen the Coorg monastery?"

"Umm no"

"More than a decade ago! I don't mind visiting"

"And the Tibetan food is amazing. Lunch is set"

"After Vipasana experience, I would love to visit the monastery, with a different perspective this time"

 "Even I find monasteries peaceful, especially after the Ladakh solo ride"

We enter the parking just to notice flocks of buses entering with visitors. We now were in two minds, questioning decisions. We went ahead, and to our surprise, the place was clean and quite peaceful inspite of the footfall. 

We enjoyed a hearty Tibetan lunch and some shopping around the Golden Temple. 

What was exceptionally amusing here- a new discovery for all of us: COKE (and sometimes other soft drinks) are the regular offerings made in the monasteries here. When enquired about the practice at the restaurant, he mentioned it is normalized in the culture in that area.

We then head over in search of a place where we could camp. What was our checklist?

- Clean

- Closer to a water source

- Safe

- Not crowded

Last time, 2/3 families had camped at the Kabini backwaters and we had loved it. We were looking forward to a similar experience this time.

We finalized the Harangi Backwaters this time. Reached the place around 5 in the evening. Endless expanse of backwaters, surrounded by hills, quaint houses, and grasslands. Away from the settlement, with no shops in sight. Spotted a beautiful space near a rock structure. While surveying the place, met a local and checked with him about the safety, water quality, depth, etc. (knowing the local language is a boon- another testimony). 

As we went closer, we spotted a lot of broken glass bottles, and plastic waste, which was heart-wrenching. After clearing out a bit, we headed straight into the 'nature's infinity pool'. Mist in the air tickling the face, body in cold water and the blue skies to stare at! Picture perfect indeed. We saw the sunset and stepped out to set up the tents before it got dark. 

-3 cars around the 3 tents to block the wind

- 4 kids and Tejas in charge of the bonfire (collect twigs, start the fire, keep it going, roast potatoes)

- Other 5 adults split into two teams: Khichadi making, setting up the place for food

The moon was shining bright in the sky providing us with the night light. 

After a hearty dinner, songs, playing with the dogs who came to give us some company, and chit-chat, kids dozed off in the tents. And we started looking for a homestay for the next day. Criteria this time? I started noting down as people started expressing their 'must haves'

- Big enough to accommodate a dozen of us

- closer to a waterfall

- tucked away from crowd

- amidst a plantation

Phew 'HOW'!? 

But thanks to Airbnb, we found the right fit for our needs (and wants!) :) Booked the place and tucked into our tents. 

Day 2: Mandalpatti

We woke up before dawn, made some green tea, and jumped into the water again! Wrapped up and headed to see the gentle giants- elephants at the newly inaugurated Harangi Elephant Camp. To our disappointment, the camp was not open that day due to the transportation of elephants in progress. However, we were able to see the process from the gate. The act of forcing an elephant into a truck raised a lot of questions in the minds of little ones and grown-ups too. 

With a gloomy heart we went to Santosh Bhavan for breakfast. A family-run eatery in a small house offered us Bissi Bissi idli, wadas, masala wadas, chow chow bath, and more. With our tummies full, we geared up for THE destination- Mandalpatti.

Now if you are planning to go to Mandalpatti- know that your car can go all the way to the Mandalpatti parking, which is about 4 km from the actual peak. The cyclists geared up and cycled to the entry gate, just to know that since a year ago, cycles have been banned. From the parking, you can either hire a jeep or walk up. If you have a 4*4 car, you can opt to drive it to the peak too. 

What an ANTICLIMAX! Getting over the disappointment, the cyclists planned to cycle to Kote Abbe falls instead. To save time, we hired one jeep (Rs 1200 for a round trip) and took the Thar up. The place is beautiful, clean and well-maintained. If one has time on hand and the weather is good, walking up to the peak would be a good choice too. Once you enter the gate, there are no food stalls. Plan accordingly. 

The Thar and 5 cyclists set forth for the 4km hilly stretch. Challenging yet rewarding in its own ways, the cyclists took up the challenge. One cannot enter the Kote Abbe falls, however you can spot the stream flowing on the way at a few places. We spotted an entry and went into the flowing stream to wash off the sweat. 

The Thar climbed back up, and we eagerly waited for the cyclists to come back. The walkie-talkie helped immensely in this adventure to stay connected in case of emergencies. We rejoiced as we saw the sweat-drenched cyclists pedal back up. "You made it" we shouted with a smile.

After a quick stop at the amazing Big Cup for refreshments, we went to our homestay- Midland Inn Clean and comfortable rooms, freshly cooked local food, amidst a coffee estate, it was just the right place for us to rest for the night. 

Day 3: I was expecting the cyclists to be sleeping in longer, complaining of body pain! But to our surprise, they were all set for another adventure! Biking to the waterfall. A private road, along a stream, and winding roads on the mountain took us to the waterfall view. 

After the quick bike ride, we enjoyed the steaming hot idlis and wadas at the homestay and we were ready to check out.

But how can a trip be complete without shopping!? Cane items, oils, local wine, spices, and chocolates :) 

We headed back home with our tummies and hearts full..