A memorable drive

While we were planning for a short trip to places near banglore - we decided to hit those places that were less crowded during weekends. Mysore palace had been visited by us several times before and walking it again with a toddler amidst the weekend crowd didnt seem like a good idea. We visited Sangam, Ranganthittu bird sanctuary and Shivasamudram falls. The drive was amazing amidst fields and small streams. Sarah was a good baby throughout but the day before she had a bad sneeze which had started after she inhaled her talcum powder - so she had a runny nose which was irritating her, but the homeopathic medication kept it under control. First, we visited Tipu's summer palace and a river nearby it.

Walking till the falls of Shivasamudram was bit adventurous as the steps to the base seemed to never end. Miriam and myself had rubbery legs by the time we climbed it down. However, we kept giving each other the emotional support and encouragement needed to reach down. We teased Babitha, calling her "Iron lady" as she fearlessly climbed down the steps before us. Sarah appeared to go in a long and deep thought seeing so much of water around. The water was cool and fresh. It was so sad to see how people have polluted the base of the waterfall with plastic covers, broken bottles and garbage. We could also find people selling fried pakodas and fish along with bottled water.

Eventhough the sun was shining high, Ranganthittu bird sanctuary was cool. We saw many birds resting on the banks of the river and even crocodiles who kept staring at the visitors. A monkey or two were seen loitering around. We saw some rare storks with blue beaks - this place indeed is a paradise for bird watchers.

On the banks of Sangam, we saw some puja going on. There we could find many pujari's and sadhus. I was in search of wooden spoons that costed 5-10 rs and finally, we managed to get three sets of 10 wooded spoons - all for 300 rs. I also got some post cards of Mysore and Vrindavan.

On the drive to Mysore, we passed Chanpatna and saw many shops selling wooden toys. The toys were brightly painted. Nearby Sangam too, the shops sold many wooden stuff like crocodiles, vintage jeeps, spoons, key hains and mobile phone holders shaped like cycle rickshaws.

We had packed sandwiches and also Puliogare - with regard to food, all the credit goes to Babitha - as she planned, shopped and packed the needed stuff in different bags carefully. We also had a stock of chips and aerated drinks. On the way, we stopped to have coffee at different places. While coming back, we all craved for Cappuccinos; so the Coffee Day near the outskirts of Chanpatna came as a blessing. The chocolate-drenched pastry was also gobbled down without fail.