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Mysore-based Srushti Chethan is just the kind of all-rounder one would look up to. An MTech graduate by qualification, she served as an Assistant Professor before giving birth to her lil one, whom she now has to look after all day. Her hobbies include singing, dancing and painting, and these hobbies ensure that her time passes in blink of an eye, yet each moment is full of joy and life.
Also a food and travel enthusiast, Srushti’s travel tales are a testament of her love for travelling. She has been to Malaysia, Langkawi Island and Singapore for international trips and Goa, Mumbai, Coorg and Ooty in India.
Her trip to Coorg with family in the last week of May was just the kind of trip that brought everyone close. The 20 travellers, ranging from two years to 60 years in age, were all enthusiastic on the trip, which doubled the fun. The like-mindedness of everyone in the family promised great excitement coupled with lifelong memories in the making.
Coorg, Because Why Not?
Coorg, also known as the “Scotland of India”, is a popular hill station and a weekend getaway spot for people living in South India. Srushti chose Coorg as her family outing destination for its rich scenic beauty which comprises waterfalls, mountains, misty forests and lush greenery. Being a place situated in the lap of nature, Coorg promised serenity and adventure to the visitors, making them book a 20-member family trip to the place through Thrillophilia.
Srushti along with her family members, set off from Mysore early in the morning. En route to Coorg, they stopped at Hunsur for a filling breakfast. Moving ahead, they halted at the Golden Temple in Bylakuppe. The air here was spiritual, offering Srushti and others a tranquil atmosphere. They also visited the Namdroling Monastery, which is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India today. She was left spellbound on seeing the huge, gold-coated idols of Lord Buddha. The market outside was the perfect place to go shopping and get an authentic essence of the place. Laden with ornaments, handicrafts and artefacts, the market charmed the visitors.
One after another, they came across places of interest and clicked many pictures. Nisargadhama, an island formed by river Cauvery, had adventurous activities to offer to the guests in the form of boating and elephant ride.
The Exciting One-Stop Homestay!
Srushti had booked a homestay in Kakkabe in Coorg. The road leading to the homestay was surrounded by greenery and coffee plantations. By the time they reached their homestay, it had started raining heavily. The beauty around the homestay enchanted Srushti and her family as it rained and the flora spawned its lush greenery in all directions. It was the first rainfall of the season, the owners of the homestay told Srushti. With coffee estate in one direction and green hills in the other, the homestay was totally nestled in the serene canvas of nature. Along with coffee, the owners had also grown cardamom and pepper in the estate, and everyone strolled in the estate before it got dark and started to rain.
Rain Plays Spoilsport but Srushti Shows Who’s the Boss
It poured heavily outside, and the weather was perfect for a cup of hot coffee. The continuous downpour ensured that the bonfire plan was shelved. However, Srushti and others had options to keep the spirits up and entertain themselves well under the roof. They resorted to playing indoor games such as carrom, ludo and chess. The fun was accompanied with Antakshari and Dumb Charades. The “Passing the Parcel” game peaked when the person with the ball would be made to show their skills. It was a fun-filled evening as everyone danced their hearts out and entertained others with other gimmicks. After a lip-licking dinner, everyone went to the bed for an exciting next day.
Although the continuous rains the next day shelved their plans to go to the Tadiandamol Trek, everyone kept themselves entertained by visiting the coffee estate. In the coffee estate, they learnt about how coffee is grown. A visit to a nearby pond with clean water added tranquility to their experience. While the rains stopped for a transient phase, everyone enjoyed playing volleyball and cricket in the backyard. The time spent at the homestay was great fun, as they thanked the owners before heading to Talacauvery in Bhagamandala, which happens to be one of the holiest places in Karnataka.
The temple, dedicated to Lord Agastheswara, is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year. Srushti and family climbed the Brahmagiri Hills, which offered them a splendid view from the top. They proceeded to Bhagandeshwara temple and had prasadam for lunch.
They headed to the Triveni Sangam and sprinkled water of the river Cauvery on their head as it is believed that the ritual washes off one’s sins. The moment was emotional and spiritual as everyone prayed to Lord to forgive them for the sins they might have committed knowingly and unknowingly. After the ritual, they headed to Mandalpatti, where they drove 18 km on dangerous hilly roads. The adventure peaked at an all-time high here as clouds moved around Srushti and the rest, and left them spellbound.
After witnessing the magical sunset from the top there, they headed back towards Mysore, where they reached by 11 PM.
Ever since Srushti has returned, she misses the landscapes, the coffee estate and the fun they had at the homestay. Her long bucket list comprises exciting destinations like Kullu and Manali, Ladakh, and Kashmir in India. She also plans to explore Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Thailand and Dubai in the future.
