Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

There was a huge discussion at Platform no 7 of Bangalore Railway Station among us. Maheshwar was arguing that it’s not advisable to go by train to Mysore at 12 AM as the crowd was not happening. And he said he will be coming by bus and meet us at Mysore on next morning. Finally we decided to go by train :). 4 am on Saturday morning we were at Samarth's house. Our actual plan was to reach Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta (H G Betta) at 7 am so that we can feel the mist.

Road less traveled.

But it was 6.30 when all 6 of us got stuffed into Samarth's small Zen after a beautiful Breakfast. It took 3 hrs to reach H G Betta. It’s in the mid of thick forest, we could see elephants roaming around at a far distance. After spending time there we started towards Bandipur National Park and reached there at 11.30 am. Came to know that the open jeep safari was at 4 PM.. all of us wanted to come back to Bangalore on the same day. So took some rest there and went for a drive till Madhumalai (from here its only 30 kms to Ooty.). On the way we saw wildlife like elephants and dears. After all these we reached Mysore at 4 PM. Had some dosas at Mailari Hotel and took Volvo to Bangalore at 5.30 PM. Back in Bangalore at 9 PM.

Interesting parts of the trip :

* The "train to Mysore" at midnight.

* Maheshwars photography and rock climbing skills ( he climbed over the top of the car to take photographs).

* 6 Hefty people can travel in a Zen for 250 kms. Details: Distance from Mysore - 90 kms Route: Bangalore - Mysore - Gundlupet - H G Betta (ask any localities for the route and they will guide you)

Expenses: 460 rs per head.

Team size: 6 Members: Samarth, Maheshwar, Keshav, Srikanth, Prashanth and myself.

Note: Please make sure that you reach H G Betta before 8.30 in the morning or else you will miss the thick fog to which it is famous for.

Signing off -Prasanna

Photos :

Gopalaswamy Temple

View from the temple

Wildlife at Bandipur