I just woke with the sound of a fellow, who was trying to get me out of his purse and an auto rickshaw driver. I was in the middle of my elder brother (20Rs) and younger (5rs). I was sure that I am going away from the temporary family.
The fellow holding me was shouting something like” why do you want money more than meter??....etc”. Ricky replied to him with a clumsy smile “ chai….pani…sir, its 0200 am in the morning”. This guy also replied that he was an call center employee and he works late in the night without chai pani. I then realized what the time was and how handy I was in that situation. With a lot of hesitation I was transferred to the khaki shirt of the auto rickshaw driver.
A few minutes after that I heard him start the auto and murmuring with some ____ ____ ___ words for the call center fellow. I thought of continuing my sleep but was lost in the interaction with my new relatives. We heard a sound outside, there seemed to be a new passenger in the auto. While others were playing around, I tried hard hearing the conversation with the new passenger. Ricky “where do you want to go sir????” a middle aged family man’s voice was heard the other end, who just said “Railway station”.
On hearing that, I was so happy after a long time, because I had never been to a railway station. I always wanted to roam around places or atleast to the states whose languages are printed on me. If I am lucky enough I may be out of the ricky’s pocket and move with the new passenger. Waiting for that one moment, I started dreaming about the places, am I going to Mumbai, Delhi or Chennai?
Time now is 0330hrs, the radio jockey was trying to keep all of us awake with some nice songs and some chit chats. We reached the railway station and with the passenger even I got ready praying for my luck.
I think at that early hour, even god was sleeping and forgot to hear my prayers. I was still inside ricky’s pocket. We had some new relatives, and the passenger gave the ricky exact change and rushed into the railway station. All my dreams are now shattered. My grandfather (100Rs) then told me, “son we are made to satisfy others dreams. Whether small or big we are there to only satisfy them. In turn we don’t have any rest or we are not supposed to dream about anything. For example see your younger brother”, pointing a wounded 5rupee who was covered fully with tape, he continued “he is still alive with those bandages, but his value has never gone own”. Grandpa continued to say some more things, which I voluntarily decide to ignore.
While I was still sad about my adventure, which didn’t even start at this moment, I was pulled out from the ricky’s pocket and was placed in a saucer. It was a road side tea shop and ricky had put me in that saucer to pay for his tea. The shop owner picked me up and put me inside a rusted steel box.
I couldn’t find any of my older generation in that box; I was one among the oldest fellows inside that noisy tin. Rests of the guys were totally different species. I have heard about these people from my other relatives, but for the first time I am seeing these much noisy people with a rigid body built with steel. They were called as the COINS………………………….To be continued………
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Monsoon Memories.......
It all started with one single email from my colleague. The email read, “Shall we go for one more trip” with great scenic photos of Goa and west coast. Within seconds after receiving that email, everyone started forcing each other for the trip.
Finally, I alone started checking for availability of tickets and as usual, our road and rail transports denied us tickets. However with a map I had, I tried to look out for other options and decided to go to Gokarna, a village near Karwar.
I checked for tickets and found a last seat in KSRTC to Jog falls. So I booked it and also I booked the return ticket from Gokarna.
This was my tour plan:-
October 2nd:- Jog falls, Murdeshwara and stay a Gokarna
October 3rd:- A trekking trip to Yana and come back to Gokarna and stay there
October 4th:- To Explore Gokarna and its 4 beaches. And return from there to Bangalore.
And I was ready to make any change for myself as and when required, because I am all alone in this trip.
October 1st:-
My first step itself was filled with a lot of thrill. I was told that it would take one and half hours usually for me to reach the bus stand from my office. However I started by 1915hrs itself to reach the bus stand early and have a light dinner. When I boarded to local Volvo, I asked the conductor if that bus would reach by 2130hrs (because my bus was at 2145hrs). He asked me to pray for that. What on earth!!!! Still with my fingers crossed, I started.
There were hundreds of doubts around me now, will I reach I time, what if I get delayed, what if I don’t get an alternate bus, what if the 2145hrs bus was the last one?.......and so on. However, I wanted this, I wanted my trip to be like this whatever happens, I will proceed as planned.
2045hrs, I was not even half the way.
2100hrs, I was near Domlur, from where it normally takes 45 mins. But now it was showering dogs and cats.
2125hrs, I was 4 kms away from bus stand. Enough is enough it was time for me to decide quickly on how to reach bus stand. Immediately I got down to take an auto. It was raining, and to my luck no auto rickshaw driver was ready to take me to the bus station. I was running late, that local Volvo could have taken me on time. However, I took the next bus and almost reached the bus station. I was almost 1km from it. But now the vehicles were moving like snails.
2143hrs, now I jumped out of the bus and started running towards the bus stand. Almost after 200 meters I saw the same Volvo bus on which I was travelling initially. Within the next few minutes, I understood the ill effects of smoking. I was gasping like anything, so had to walk faster than running.
2153hrs, I reached the bus station and saw there was a bus to Shimoga, it seemed my bus had left. I enquired the conductor and he showed me the bus on platform 3……..”adhe hogethe sir”. I ran to that bus’s conductor and showed him my ticket. He said “ah, we were waiting for you only….get in soon”. But I had to go to loo…with a hesitation he gave me permission and again I ran and came back to the bus.
Atlast I sat in my seat, with a great relief. There was a stout guy next to me, didn’t care about my arrival. But seemed to be a lucky guy, as he was having a sound sleep. I managed to sit down and started explaining this great start to a couple of my friends. I think I slept till midnight after that we all were jumping inside the bus. Last seat, nasty road, driver who doesn’t care about the bus…….rest you guys can imagine.
October 2nd:-
I was dropped at Jog falls at around 0630hrs. All the way I was enquiring about the stay in Jog and almost everyone said I would find rooms. But only a tourist home welcomed me and offered a room for 300 bucks. I didn’t want to waste so much for around 30 mins, which was required for me to get ready.
Anyways as I wished, I roamed around for sometime searching for some other rooms. I was told that there are a couple of hotels and a hostel, one kilometer uphill. With that information I took my life’s best morning walk on the wet hill side road covered with lots and lots of mist.
The road which turned like a snake, green grasses on the side, tiny streams to my right side, tall old trees at a distance, also it was drizzling early that morning. These made my walk better. I reached the youth hostel around 0715 hrs I found a tourist bus taking rest there. I wondered after giving shelter to a bus full of tourist, will this hostel be able to provide me shelter?
Without any delay I walked through the tiny rotating gate and saw an old lady sweeping the wet floor. She gave a questioning look and without any delay I asked her for a room. “Sirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!” she called out for her master. I heard only a reply asking what from other side. She shouted again informing him that there is a guy who wants a room. Within few minutes a neatly dressed gentleman came out asking till what time I would stay there. I said it won’t take more than 30 minutes, as I had to just get fresh and proceed. He waved his hand inside the hostel asking me to get in.
Youth hostel, was a typical south Indian type house, which had around 12 – 15 rooms. There was a common path and a square open area around which the rooms were built. Almost all the rooms had a similar set up with 3 cots, one window, a 100 watts bulb, 2 plastic chairs, one old ceiling fan, a mirror on the wall and exactly 4 switches.
Initially I was offered room number 9, when the lady too me there, we saw that the room was opened and someone was already sleeping in. The gentleman instructed her to give me another room. Now I got room number 7.
When I entered the room, I remembered that I didn’t buy any tooth paste. I kept my bag and tried to lock the room again to go out in search for a tooth paste. With a small hesitation, both the doors kissed each other and allowed me to lock it. I walked down the hostel and found a very small shop to my right side.
I went there and asked if a paste was available. The shopkeeper with a bedi in his hand said, yes. I took the one which had the name I had heard before. Also I asked him for a tea and cigarette. Within minutes, tea was ready and I sat down with a sip and cigarette.
With smoke coming out of my mouth I asked the shop keeper about the climate. He said it was raining heavily for more than a week now. I got excited because, more rain would get me more water in the falls. I probed him more to know about the water level in the falls and to check whether going down near the falls is allowed. He nodded and told we will be allowed, however after reaching back our legs for apply for a two day leave.
Slowly he asked where I was from. I said I was from Coimbatore, with a grin he said he was from palghat, kerala. I wasn’t surprised, because I have heard that even in moon you would find a malayali chetta in a tea shop.
I said bye to him and came back to my hostel. By this time another college gang was there with their bus and the hostel warden (the gentleman) asked me to use the toilet as soon as possible. I ran into my room, changed and with a brush and soap I came out and stood in the queue.
After 15 minutes I was able to get inside a bathroom. I got fresh and came out. I packed my things and came to check out. The warden took me to his office, I was charged 50 bucks. I looked for the old lady to give her some tips, but she wasn’t there.
Bidding bye to everyone, I walked down the same snake road. By now, the rain grew heavier. Who cares, I was there to enjoy the rain only. There were a couple of vehicles moving up and down, but I didn’t want to take lift in any of them
I reached back to the jog falls entrance, and by this time I stomach started crying for some inputs. It was a Friday; usually I skip my breakfast on Fridays. But I decided to have something very light so that I have enough energy for the trekking. I only had 4 idlis and a dosa with tea.
After the breakfast I walked towards the cliff from which usually on a bright sunny day, jog falls would be visible. But today it was covered with mist. I walked down the steps, which was built towards the falls. Like a portrait being revealed, I was getting the glimpse of this beautiful natural formation.
The water was less when compared to ones, which were shown in internet, but still it was very beautiful. The sharp cliffs, all around and the sound of the falls made me urge to the falls and get a clear and better view.
Almost after 20 minutes I was there standing just below this gaint rock watching water falling all over. I made my way through the rough rocks and water streams and reached very near. Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed more near by the police because some adventurous guy lost his life over there. I prayed for his soul to rest in peace and sat over an isolated rock and started looking at the falls.
5 different falls, with a numerous small streams falling down, proved that no matter where you come from, or how big your group is the destination is one. With the hizzzz sound from the falls and rain still showing no mercy to the tourist and the tourist who didn’t care about the rain, around me I sat on the rock admiring at this beautiful mammoth water body. I saw many tourist coming towards to falls like small ants from a distance.
I didn’t know how long I was there, but I had to leave now. I walked to the steps which led to the cliff back. Now it was a tough job, the cliff was almost straight once again the number of cigarettes I smoke daily showed, how inefficient I was, while trekking.
All the way I was motivated by the people who had constructed these steps and especially that great person who had numbered them. I managed to reach the hilltop after one hour of struggle.
I was fully drenched now, whether it was my sweat or the rain, I still don’t know. I was feeling very thirsty for the first time in the last 24 hours. I ran to a shop and had a cold drink. With a sigh of relief I checked the map and decided for the next destination.
I pointed out Murdeshwara to be the next and then started enquiring about the next available bus to reach the konkan coast. 1215hrs said one of the two passengers with a small umbrella on the bus stand. They were discussing about the bus frequency to Jog and how it has to improve. Beside them 4 guys, who also were waiting for the bus, were playing with a monkey. To my right 2 couples, with heavy luggage were waiting for the bus.
With a green jacket a stout person came directly to me and asked if I wanted to go to Murdeshwara, I nodded yes. He offered a taxi on sharing basis and promised to drop at Murdeshwara temple. My co passengers would be the two couple with big luggage. I accepted that but still I wanted to take a bus. I stood there for the others to decide and after 15 minutes with a lot of hesitation the couples agreed.
A Maruthi Omni came towards us, with its doors already opened. I took the front seat, leaving the family behind. The driver, whose mother tongue was tulu, promised me that it was going to be a perfect tough ride. The rain wasn’t tired yet……………
My journey to Murdeshwara was as tough as promised. But the road till Honnavar( a konkan coastal town) was better when compared to the other half. The roads became anaconda again. I figured out atleast 100 small Jogs one the way. The trucks with heavy plywoods, Inflammable items, containers, fish and some empty ones were passing across us.
To the driver I asked about going to Yana, and Gokarna. He warned me not to go alone because it was raining heavily in those areas. I voluntarily became deaf when he was talking about this.
After Honnavar, the roads gave surprises every kilometer with deep pot holes. There was a small brigde over the sea which in a state of getting washed away by the rain water. We reached Murdeshwara at 1430hrs
From outside I was able to see only this gaint man made art, a 20 storied gopuram with 15 kalasam over it. But the temple was closed and I was told they will open after 1500hrs. Suddenly my stomach gave me a low fuel indicator. I had to find some hotel to refuel it. I turned around to find a proper hotel to have some food and identified hotel Kamat. It was too crowded with some tourist groups. I went in twice only to see around 50 to 70 students booking the tables for themselves and their friends. Everyone had the same look in their face “This is reserved for my friend, if you come near, you will be kicked”. I was really not in a position to mess with them.
I came out; however I again went inside the hotel to check my luck. Still the same looks in those faces. Now the next hotel was very small, like a tea shop but it served meals and fish. Friday??? Fish???? After that Temple???? Aaaaaaaahhh no…..
There were atleast 10 small shops on carts, selling bhelpuri and gobi munchurian. I didn’t want to have it and kill my appetite. I gazed around and pointed a small tea cum Tiffin shop. I entered asking whether there is anything available to eat. “Chittranna and Roti sir” answered a tall, lean, white haired shop owner.
Happily I ordered roti sabhji and sat on the big stone, which I assumed correctly to be the bench. While waiting, I heard the showers growing heavier again. The old man came back from inside with an oval shaped plate and 2 rotis and side dish. My stomach already started appealing that this wouldn’t be enough. I asked him to prepare another plate and started having this. That little shop had almost everything like, soap, paste, chips, cold drinks, cigarettes, noodles, bread, biscuits….. Couldn’t count more than this because I was really having a nice lunch.
After placing the second plate to me, he went to a customer, a lean, dark 20 years old guy. That guy had bought cigarette and wanted it to be lit. He asked for matchstick and the shop owner started scolding him. The only thing I was able to understand from their conversation is, almost all the matchboxes were wet and the shop keeper would only sell a complete match box, not provide the sticks for free. He claimed that each matchstick costs around 2 paise.
Actually I was planning to buy a cigarette after having lunch, which automatically got cancelled. I took a tea instead. By the time I finished the tea, the rain slowed down and it was just drizzling. I got permission from this shop owner to keep my bag for 30 minutes, while I can go to temple and come. To my luck that guy agreed.
I don’t know if I was walking over a river or a road, but all I can tell is I was totally wet again within minutes. I entered the temple and to my right, for the first time in my life, I saw a lift within the Gopuram. By the time, I was out of that surprise; I saw a very huge statue of Lord Shiva. It was as if a giant sitting in front of me. I then went inside the temple from, where I was able to get a very beautiful and clear view of Arabian Sea. There stood a small queue to have darshan and I also joined them.
I entered inside and saw lord murdeshwara. I have not seen any Jyothirlingam with a mustache before. But this one seemed to be different that other lingams. I don’t know still, what I prayed but came out with some satisfaction and walked out to the gate directly. Rain was taking rest now and I decided to look around the beach and other places within this time.
I quickly took a walk around the temple and beach. I saw some people returning back after a busy day of fishing on their ferries, while some were playing with the waves. It seems rains get recharged sooner than us. It started raining again and I ran to the same shop and was packing my things. I heard some people were talking about a Tsunami threat around Gokarna, Karwar and other coastal areas. But I was in don’t care mood and took an auto to main road from where I was told that I would get a bus till Kumta.
I got down and with some guts to light a cigarette now. Across the lonely highway I saw an abandoned bus stop and tea shop next to it. I crossed the wet road and ordered for my favorite cigarette and a tea. A middle aged woman was running the shop. She gave me the cigarette and started preparing tea.
I then realized that I didn’t have enough change. She may not charge more than 8 bucks for a tea and a cigarette. So I planned to buy a water bottle as well. The best thing was she had water bottles in that tiny shop. I asked her for a bottle and she asked whether I wanted a cold or warm one. Wow!!! Immediately I started searching for the refrigerator. The bottles were kept in a small ice box. With a grin I started enjoying my puffs.
I saw a bus coming towards us and after getting the change I ran towards it, I wasn’t able to find the conductor, so again came to the middle of the road and asked the driver if that vehicle was going to Kumta. He nodded yes. I got into it and tried to find a seat for me. In that 3 by 2 seater bus, almost all the seats were filled. I found a window seat was empty. The seat was wet with rain drops and the guy next it didn’t want to sit there.
For me, the seat seemed to be less wet than myself. I sat on that we seat, trying to be comfortable. After taking the ticket, I started watching outside. Bus was piercing through the rain and rain drops were still making their way inside the bus, even through the tightly locked windows. I started scribbling something with the rain drops on the window. Things outside were moving backwards very fast making me realize the speed of the bus. A couple of times I saw my co passenger sleeping with his mouth wide opened.
Around 1715 hrs I was dropped at the crowded Kumta bus station. I was almost under a fully opened shower. It was like water flowing from Jog falls. I managed to find my way inside a roof. It was fully packed with people. I talked to a guy to enquire about my bus to Gokarna. With a rude tone, he said “it will come now, GRRRR”. I silently came and stood near a pillar. There were several buses trying to find place in this very small bus station, making it noisy and congested. I saw a foreigner starting at me. She had covered her backpack with a big plastic bag.
Again I checked with another guy for the bus and he showed a white luxury bus and told me to board that. I ran towards it and checked but it was coming from Gokarna. With a disappointment I returned to the shelter. Again the same guy showed me an almost broken red color box. Oh yes, that was looking like a bus. I ran towards it and this time, I was inside the correct bus. This bus was still smaller than the earlier one. And now, I understood why that foreigner was staring at me. She also boarded the same bus, and sat on a seat before me.
The best thing in this bus was, I wasn’t able to close any of the windows. But I thanked the rain which had slowed down now. With rain waters hitting my face through the window, I managed to reach Gokarna bus station at 1800hrs.
The bus station was very small, and it looked like there was nothing around it. This very small town welcomed me with darkness. I walked towards the bus conductor and enquired about the availability of lodges. He waved his hand and told; all around the bus station you will find hotels only. The white lady, who was in the same bus, was still following me. I understood that she also was like me. I smiled at her and started walking towards the gate.
I saw a white image coming towards me, in the darkness I wasn’t able identify who it was until it came near me. An old man, in his seventies, with an umbrella came towards me and spoke the words slowly “Kanada or Marathi?” I told that I was a Tamil speaking guy. In broken tamil he told that he can arrange accommodation for me. He asked how many of us where there, I said I was alone. He took a look at me again and guided me to a hotel. New Prasada Nilaya was the hotel’s name.
Later I came to know that this old man was a priest in the Gokarn Mahabaleshwar temple and his son was hotel’s owner. His son, a stout round faced man showed me a single room first, which didn’t seem to be that clean or good. I asked him for another one, and he took me to a double room, with attached balcony and toilets. This was approved by me and he instructed his assistance to help me with TV remote, drinking water and a tea.
I took all my wet clothes and hanged them in the strings which were tied near the ceiling. Then I took bath and got fresh and by the time tea came. The room boy asked me about my dinner plans and I told boldly that I wanted to have it outside. My plan was to go around the town once, have dinner and enquire about the way to yana rocks. By the time I finished my tea, this restless guy started pouring again. It almost took one hour for him to get tired again.
I came out to the balcony and saw the road, filled with water. I was sure that the water level was till my knee. I felt it was better to send the room boy now to buy me food. But he wasn’t around. I checked in the ground floor as well and couldn’t find him. That’s okay I thought of managing myself and stepped on to the road. I walked towards the nearest hotel. I was wrong in my measurements, the water was not upto my knee, it was almost half my thighs. I walked, oops swam to the hotel in 10 minutes and it was looking empty except for two foreigners having their dinner. I ran in and ordered for roti, again it was in an oval plate, with 2 rotis. Huh, do I look like a person having 2 rotis? I ordered for one more plate and started probing to the cashier about Yana.
“You cannot go alone to yana va. It is not possible a, because there is no direct bus a. There is only one bus which will take you one and half kilometers near yana va. You cannot return the same day a.” with a kanada mixed English he told me these.
Now I had to either cancel or change my plan, I then asked about going to Karwar a coastal district. He said even that was not possible because there was a road block and it may take more than 24 hours for it to be cleared. The rain becoming heavier each day, he said it may not be possible for me to even get back to Bangalore the next day or Sunday. I got little scared after hearing this. So I was forced to cut one day out from my trip. I decided to leave for Bangalore the next day itself, to avoid getting struck on the road itself.
After having food I left the hotel, to my surprise the road was clean now. It was wet, but not flooded. As a backup I took two chips packets and walked to my room. I saw some guys standing near the reception, with sad faces. They were on the way to Goa and had to return half the way due to road block. I felt lucky that I was not the one among those to have planned for Goa.
In my room, I watched tv, and rang to couple of my friends and explained them about this wonderful day. I fell asleep and by now the rain started showing its aggression more………………
October 3rd:-
The first thing I wanted to do today was to book my return ticket to Bangalore. I walked down to the bus station and booked it. The bus station was almost empty and the booking clerk congratulated me for booking the last available ticket. I was happy that it wasn’t the last seat again. I came to the room and got fresh and leaving my entire luggage to dry in the room, I walked towards the temple.
The sky was bit clear that morning. The place was cool and wet, but it wasn’t raining.
First there was a ganpathi temple and then the very old mahabaleshwar. By seeing it one can easily say that they are more than 200 years old. At these temples, people were allowed to touch the idols, but they had to remove their shirts before entering the temple. I saw a very funny board outside the temple, which read
“Only Indian dress codes are allowed” and “Please remove your shirts and banyan before entering the temple”
I walked down to the first beach of the town, the Gokarna beach. It was some was dirty and was able to see some people with their families playing volley ball and frizz bee. Some neatly parked boats and tender coconut shops told there was nothing else to see here. I had breakfast on the shore and remembered about the tsunami threat. By the time I completed the breakfast, with a “gooooooooooooooooooooood morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrning” message poured the rain.
People were running towards some shelter, while I was paying my bill. Two cows, unable to bear the weather tried to get shelter in the hotel. Without caring about the rain I alone came out of the restaurant and enquired about the other beaches in the town. The guy from a shop, showed me a small cliff next to the beach and said, I can reach the Kudle beach by crossing it. I saw a road going till half the cliff and ended near a temple.
I walked up the lonely road and reached the temple. 3 men were standing outside the temple, taking shelter from the rain. There was a small pond in front of the temple. Behind the temple there was nothing other than sea. I walked beside it and saw, the waves were trying to climb up the rocks below, failing each and every time.
I took the small stairs towards the cliff and the men from the temple were still giving a surprised look at me. That true, who in the world would be ready to walk alone, at such a cool place and during such a heavy rain.
By the time, I was above the cliff, I found 4 guys, “The Crackmax guys”. Later I understood that they were buddies from their school days. Ankit, Ankit Sethi, Piyush and Anmol, they become very good friends within minutes. We jumped to the edge of the cliff to get a better view. We saw a very beautiful view of the mighty Arabian Sea. The waves unlike us followed a queue pattern while trying to swallow the shore. One behind the other in a single lane, reminded me about the trailer of the movie, Genghis khan.
We crossed some stone fences, and rain mushrooms and it seemed. We didn’t know the exact route and we didn’t care for it. The best part is, like me they also liked the rain very much. The route was awesome with all green tiny grass and stones all the way. We crossed the namasthe café farms and it realized that there was no way ahead. I jumped over a fallen tree and crossed that barrier and again found out route back.
We reached kudle beach, WE as in we five were only there in that long beautiful beach. Immediately I stood over a rock and started admiring the ocean. The sea was muddy because of rain but still we had a different experience. The Crackmax started diving into the sea and this tempted me also to do the same. I also removed my shirt and jumped into the salty waves. The waves were smaller but powerful. We played there for around half an hour, thinking that was the starting of the famous Ohm beach. A trespasser later told that we were 2 kms away from Ohm beach and showed us another cliff and asked us to cross it.
I and Ankit wanted to have tea, but the others had energy to move on. So motivated by their encouragement, we walked further towards the cliff. Waves were still failing in their attempts to cross limits set by their previous ones. Rain was still pouring and we were still walking.
We saw a sign board, saying that swimming was dangerous. We stood there only to take a snap of it. The cliff this time was steeper than the earlier one. Top of the cliff we found some auto and vehicles standing. “heeeeeeeeeey, we reached home beach I said”. The auto driver said that it wasn’t the Ohm beach, and there was just a temple there. He guided us a wrong way to Ohm beach, because we didn’t hire his auto. We had a doubt and a pedestrian showed us the right path.
White colored arrow marks were painted on the rocks to show us the correct way. With my jeans on my shoulder we walked following the marks. Half way below the cliff, we were able to get a clear view of Ohm. We all sat there to chant the Mantra and walked down the stairs to reach the beach.
There were many tourists in this beach and they never seemed to know or cared to know about the other beaches of this down. We planned to first reach the tip of the Ohm beach, which looked very beautiful and small from the cliff. We ran on the beach and reached the stones, which were the real ingredients of this Ohm shape.
While trying to walk over them, we found it wasn’t as simple as we thought, two of the guys stayed back because it was slippery. I, Ankit and Anmol proceeded. Within very few steps, we also learned that it wasn’t as easy as we thought. The Rocks were slippery and crabs were almost all around us.
I took a different direction, which was less slippery and reached a different edge, while the other two guys walked to some bigger steps and reached the next very small ridge. I sat over the rock and was admiring at the sea. The waves now were very affectionately kissing my toes and sometimes even my cheeks. I turned to Ankit to give a pose, while a huge wave covered me totally. May be it was angry because I changed my attention.
We sat there for almost 30 minutes admiring the sea and the people at the shore. We had to go back. We were forced to return back to the shore and by the time I was half way another very huge way almost touched us. This time, Anmol told me that I was lucky to be out of that edge. We ran back to the shore and started searching for other two guys. They were playing volley ball with some unknown people.
I too joined them and we lost 3 games still it was a great exercise. While we were playing volley ball, the crackmax got buried in the sad one by one and were enjoying the roars of the waves.
We were now very tired and the guys had to leave for Bangalore within the next few hours. We didn’t visit the paradise and halfmoon because; we didn’t want to walk further. We returned to the cliff and took and auto, who dropped us half the way cheating
Still it was atleast near my lodge, so I offered some space for these guys to get fresh before leaving and they agreed to it. Two of them went to get back their cab, while we others came back to the room to get fresh.
Ankit Sethi, whose character matched with me in boozing, bought a couple of beers, to have it with lunch. Lunch was not so good, but for the first time in the past two days I had rice. The guys left the room at 1600hrs and my check out time was 1700hrs.
I sat watching some boring movies, and immediately felt that I may sleep if I was there for some more time. I checked out paying extra 50 bucks for cleaning charge and walked to the bus station. It was empty, and I saw the same red buses on which I travelled the previous day coming and going.
One thing I found on this trip was in Karnataka; almost all the bus stations in the state have similar setup. They have an enquiry office, open waiting area, one hotel, one tea or pan shop, a book shop. I bought a book from the stall and walked to find some dry bench. I knew this was totally opposite scenario when compared how the journey had started. I was 10 minutes late to catch the bus, now I am one and half hours before the scheduled departure.
I had enough time to read the book end to end, but still I took a walk around the bus stand again, had a tea, enquired about the tourist season in that place and did many things which people usually do as soon as they land.
I saw again the same old man coming towards the bus stand to check for some other tourist. But this day, he wasn’t lucky enough. I wandered around and saw the same foreigner, who accompanied me from Kumta the previous day. For the first time, she smiled at me. Slowly people assembled there for the bus, and I was eagerly waiting to find someone of my kind, to board the bus in the last minute.
The bus was around 30 minutes late, but without any tension, I circled the bus station. Some people walked with their vegetable bags to their home. But this evening, rain didn’t come to say “good bye” to me. I was waiting for it till last minute, and it showed up for not more than 10 minutes.
When the bus arrived, people were trying to push the conductor out of the way and enter in, however this strong guy was able to resist them at the door and started checking the tickets carefully. The crowd was more than I expected, later I understood that they were all waiting for another bus, which was scheduled to leave at 1800hrs.
An old man was fighting with the conductor, with his 1800hrs bus ticket. But he didn’t seem to care for this poor old fellow. I took his separately and informed him gently that it wasn’t the bus on which his ticket was booked. The poor guy then went to check with the enquiry room and I boarded the bus.
After 15 minutes the bus started and I was coming back to Bangalore after more than 48 hours of journey. But still I had to travel more than 550kms back.
I thought the adventures were over and I have to get back to normal routine from the next day…………………………
But no……..Kahani abhi Bhaki hai mere doston………
Near Kumta, the driver said that the bus had some issues and he took it to the KSRTC Garage. We were asked to sit inside the bus itself. I thought it was some minor issue.
Later we all got down the bus to check what was happening; we were told that the bus had some major problem. 4 guys around me almost broke down with tears. I asked them for the reason and they told about their sad trip to Goa, where they couldn’t reach and more than 24 hours they were on the road itself. I felt lucky and hungry from inside.
I checked, what was going on, they brought another bus, which had minor problems, like battery failed, no rear view mirrors, no headlamps, no backup tier, no brakes etc…., so all these were transferred from the other bus to this and it took more than one hour for them the get it ready.
By this time, I was able to make friends with some guys, who had cancelled their Goa trip, some aero space engineer explaining about his new technology, gals playing around with chips packets etc.
We then came out of the garage and while getting out, there was a bus parked and it had reverse back for us to move. I was standing next to the driver and he just pulled out the keys from this vehicle and gave it to the co-driver. The co-driver ran towards the other bus, inserted it and started the engine and drove it back. When we had enough place to get out of the stand, he came back and the same key was inserted and we started back to Bangalore.
Around 2230hrs we stopped for dinner and I had the same roti and sabji, but this time on a round plate.
I boarded the bus again and closed my eyes, with my music player to my ears. It was Celine Dion;
”…….Love can touch us one time and last for a lifetime and never let go till we're gone........
Love was when I loved you one true time I hold to in my life we'll always go on........”
Finally, I alone started checking for availability of tickets and as usual, our road and rail transports denied us tickets. However with a map I had, I tried to look out for other options and decided to go to Gokarna, a village near Karwar.
I checked for tickets and found a last seat in KSRTC to Jog falls. So I booked it and also I booked the return ticket from Gokarna.
This was my tour plan:-
October 2nd:- Jog falls, Murdeshwara and stay a Gokarna
October 3rd:- A trekking trip to Yana and come back to Gokarna and stay there
October 4th:- To Explore Gokarna and its 4 beaches. And return from there to Bangalore.
And I was ready to make any change for myself as and when required, because I am all alone in this trip.
October 1st:-
My first step itself was filled with a lot of thrill. I was told that it would take one and half hours usually for me to reach the bus stand from my office. However I started by 1915hrs itself to reach the bus stand early and have a light dinner. When I boarded to local Volvo, I asked the conductor if that bus would reach by 2130hrs (because my bus was at 2145hrs). He asked me to pray for that. What on earth!!!! Still with my fingers crossed, I started.
There were hundreds of doubts around me now, will I reach I time, what if I get delayed, what if I don’t get an alternate bus, what if the 2145hrs bus was the last one?.......and so on. However, I wanted this, I wanted my trip to be like this whatever happens, I will proceed as planned.
2045hrs, I was not even half the way.
2100hrs, I was near Domlur, from where it normally takes 45 mins. But now it was showering dogs and cats.
2125hrs, I was 4 kms away from bus stand. Enough is enough it was time for me to decide quickly on how to reach bus stand. Immediately I got down to take an auto. It was raining, and to my luck no auto rickshaw driver was ready to take me to the bus station. I was running late, that local Volvo could have taken me on time. However, I took the next bus and almost reached the bus station. I was almost 1km from it. But now the vehicles were moving like snails.
2143hrs, now I jumped out of the bus and started running towards the bus stand. Almost after 200 meters I saw the same Volvo bus on which I was travelling initially. Within the next few minutes, I understood the ill effects of smoking. I was gasping like anything, so had to walk faster than running.
2153hrs, I reached the bus station and saw there was a bus to Shimoga, it seemed my bus had left. I enquired the conductor and he showed me the bus on platform 3……..”adhe hogethe sir”. I ran to that bus’s conductor and showed him my ticket. He said “ah, we were waiting for you only….get in soon”. But I had to go to loo…with a hesitation he gave me permission and again I ran and came back to the bus.
Atlast I sat in my seat, with a great relief. There was a stout guy next to me, didn’t care about my arrival. But seemed to be a lucky guy, as he was having a sound sleep. I managed to sit down and started explaining this great start to a couple of my friends. I think I slept till midnight after that we all were jumping inside the bus. Last seat, nasty road, driver who doesn’t care about the bus…….rest you guys can imagine.
October 2nd:-
I was dropped at Jog falls at around 0630hrs. All the way I was enquiring about the stay in Jog and almost everyone said I would find rooms. But only a tourist home welcomed me and offered a room for 300 bucks. I didn’t want to waste so much for around 30 mins, which was required for me to get ready.
Anyways as I wished, I roamed around for sometime searching for some other rooms. I was told that there are a couple of hotels and a hostel, one kilometer uphill. With that information I took my life’s best morning walk on the wet hill side road covered with lots and lots of mist.
The road which turned like a snake, green grasses on the side, tiny streams to my right side, tall old trees at a distance, also it was drizzling early that morning. These made my walk better. I reached the youth hostel around 0715 hrs I found a tourist bus taking rest there. I wondered after giving shelter to a bus full of tourist, will this hostel be able to provide me shelter?
Without any delay I walked through the tiny rotating gate and saw an old lady sweeping the wet floor. She gave a questioning look and without any delay I asked her for a room. “Sirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!” she called out for her master. I heard only a reply asking what from other side. She shouted again informing him that there is a guy who wants a room. Within few minutes a neatly dressed gentleman came out asking till what time I would stay there. I said it won’t take more than 30 minutes, as I had to just get fresh and proceed. He waved his hand inside the hostel asking me to get in.
Youth hostel, was a typical south Indian type house, which had around 12 – 15 rooms. There was a common path and a square open area around which the rooms were built. Almost all the rooms had a similar set up with 3 cots, one window, a 100 watts bulb, 2 plastic chairs, one old ceiling fan, a mirror on the wall and exactly 4 switches.
Initially I was offered room number 9, when the lady too me there, we saw that the room was opened and someone was already sleeping in. The gentleman instructed her to give me another room. Now I got room number 7.
When I entered the room, I remembered that I didn’t buy any tooth paste. I kept my bag and tried to lock the room again to go out in search for a tooth paste. With a small hesitation, both the doors kissed each other and allowed me to lock it. I walked down the hostel and found a very small shop to my right side.
I went there and asked if a paste was available. The shopkeeper with a bedi in his hand said, yes. I took the one which had the name I had heard before. Also I asked him for a tea and cigarette. Within minutes, tea was ready and I sat down with a sip and cigarette.
With smoke coming out of my mouth I asked the shop keeper about the climate. He said it was raining heavily for more than a week now. I got excited because, more rain would get me more water in the falls. I probed him more to know about the water level in the falls and to check whether going down near the falls is allowed. He nodded and told we will be allowed, however after reaching back our legs for apply for a two day leave.
Slowly he asked where I was from. I said I was from Coimbatore, with a grin he said he was from palghat, kerala. I wasn’t surprised, because I have heard that even in moon you would find a malayali chetta in a tea shop.
I said bye to him and came back to my hostel. By this time another college gang was there with their bus and the hostel warden (the gentleman) asked me to use the toilet as soon as possible. I ran into my room, changed and with a brush and soap I came out and stood in the queue.
After 15 minutes I was able to get inside a bathroom. I got fresh and came out. I packed my things and came to check out. The warden took me to his office, I was charged 50 bucks. I looked for the old lady to give her some tips, but she wasn’t there.
Bidding bye to everyone, I walked down the same snake road. By now, the rain grew heavier. Who cares, I was there to enjoy the rain only. There were a couple of vehicles moving up and down, but I didn’t want to take lift in any of them
I reached back to the jog falls entrance, and by this time I stomach started crying for some inputs. It was a Friday; usually I skip my breakfast on Fridays. But I decided to have something very light so that I have enough energy for the trekking. I only had 4 idlis and a dosa with tea.
After the breakfast I walked towards the cliff from which usually on a bright sunny day, jog falls would be visible. But today it was covered with mist. I walked down the steps, which was built towards the falls. Like a portrait being revealed, I was getting the glimpse of this beautiful natural formation.
The water was less when compared to ones, which were shown in internet, but still it was very beautiful. The sharp cliffs, all around and the sound of the falls made me urge to the falls and get a clear and better view.
Almost after 20 minutes I was there standing just below this gaint rock watching water falling all over. I made my way through the rough rocks and water streams and reached very near. Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed more near by the police because some adventurous guy lost his life over there. I prayed for his soul to rest in peace and sat over an isolated rock and started looking at the falls.
5 different falls, with a numerous small streams falling down, proved that no matter where you come from, or how big your group is the destination is one. With the hizzzz sound from the falls and rain still showing no mercy to the tourist and the tourist who didn’t care about the rain, around me I sat on the rock admiring at this beautiful mammoth water body. I saw many tourist coming towards to falls like small ants from a distance.
I didn’t know how long I was there, but I had to leave now. I walked to the steps which led to the cliff back. Now it was a tough job, the cliff was almost straight once again the number of cigarettes I smoke daily showed, how inefficient I was, while trekking.
All the way I was motivated by the people who had constructed these steps and especially that great person who had numbered them. I managed to reach the hilltop after one hour of struggle.
I was fully drenched now, whether it was my sweat or the rain, I still don’t know. I was feeling very thirsty for the first time in the last 24 hours. I ran to a shop and had a cold drink. With a sigh of relief I checked the map and decided for the next destination.
I pointed out Murdeshwara to be the next and then started enquiring about the next available bus to reach the konkan coast. 1215hrs said one of the two passengers with a small umbrella on the bus stand. They were discussing about the bus frequency to Jog and how it has to improve. Beside them 4 guys, who also were waiting for the bus, were playing with a monkey. To my right 2 couples, with heavy luggage were waiting for the bus.
With a green jacket a stout person came directly to me and asked if I wanted to go to Murdeshwara, I nodded yes. He offered a taxi on sharing basis and promised to drop at Murdeshwara temple. My co passengers would be the two couple with big luggage. I accepted that but still I wanted to take a bus. I stood there for the others to decide and after 15 minutes with a lot of hesitation the couples agreed.
A Maruthi Omni came towards us, with its doors already opened. I took the front seat, leaving the family behind. The driver, whose mother tongue was tulu, promised me that it was going to be a perfect tough ride. The rain wasn’t tired yet……………
My journey to Murdeshwara was as tough as promised. But the road till Honnavar( a konkan coastal town) was better when compared to the other half. The roads became anaconda again. I figured out atleast 100 small Jogs one the way. The trucks with heavy plywoods, Inflammable items, containers, fish and some empty ones were passing across us.
To the driver I asked about going to Yana, and Gokarna. He warned me not to go alone because it was raining heavily in those areas. I voluntarily became deaf when he was talking about this.
After Honnavar, the roads gave surprises every kilometer with deep pot holes. There was a small brigde over the sea which in a state of getting washed away by the rain water. We reached Murdeshwara at 1430hrs
From outside I was able to see only this gaint man made art, a 20 storied gopuram with 15 kalasam over it. But the temple was closed and I was told they will open after 1500hrs. Suddenly my stomach gave me a low fuel indicator. I had to find some hotel to refuel it. I turned around to find a proper hotel to have some food and identified hotel Kamat. It was too crowded with some tourist groups. I went in twice only to see around 50 to 70 students booking the tables for themselves and their friends. Everyone had the same look in their face “This is reserved for my friend, if you come near, you will be kicked”. I was really not in a position to mess with them.
I came out; however I again went inside the hotel to check my luck. Still the same looks in those faces. Now the next hotel was very small, like a tea shop but it served meals and fish. Friday??? Fish???? After that Temple???? Aaaaaaaahhh no…..
There were atleast 10 small shops on carts, selling bhelpuri and gobi munchurian. I didn’t want to have it and kill my appetite. I gazed around and pointed a small tea cum Tiffin shop. I entered asking whether there is anything available to eat. “Chittranna and Roti sir” answered a tall, lean, white haired shop owner.
Happily I ordered roti sabhji and sat on the big stone, which I assumed correctly to be the bench. While waiting, I heard the showers growing heavier again. The old man came back from inside with an oval shaped plate and 2 rotis and side dish. My stomach already started appealing that this wouldn’t be enough. I asked him to prepare another plate and started having this. That little shop had almost everything like, soap, paste, chips, cold drinks, cigarettes, noodles, bread, biscuits….. Couldn’t count more than this because I was really having a nice lunch.
After placing the second plate to me, he went to a customer, a lean, dark 20 years old guy. That guy had bought cigarette and wanted it to be lit. He asked for matchstick and the shop owner started scolding him. The only thing I was able to understand from their conversation is, almost all the matchboxes were wet and the shop keeper would only sell a complete match box, not provide the sticks for free. He claimed that each matchstick costs around 2 paise.
Actually I was planning to buy a cigarette after having lunch, which automatically got cancelled. I took a tea instead. By the time I finished the tea, the rain slowed down and it was just drizzling. I got permission from this shop owner to keep my bag for 30 minutes, while I can go to temple and come. To my luck that guy agreed.
I don’t know if I was walking over a river or a road, but all I can tell is I was totally wet again within minutes. I entered the temple and to my right, for the first time in my life, I saw a lift within the Gopuram. By the time, I was out of that surprise; I saw a very huge statue of Lord Shiva. It was as if a giant sitting in front of me. I then went inside the temple from, where I was able to get a very beautiful and clear view of Arabian Sea. There stood a small queue to have darshan and I also joined them.
I entered inside and saw lord murdeshwara. I have not seen any Jyothirlingam with a mustache before. But this one seemed to be different that other lingams. I don’t know still, what I prayed but came out with some satisfaction and walked out to the gate directly. Rain was taking rest now and I decided to look around the beach and other places within this time.
I quickly took a walk around the temple and beach. I saw some people returning back after a busy day of fishing on their ferries, while some were playing with the waves. It seems rains get recharged sooner than us. It started raining again and I ran to the same shop and was packing my things. I heard some people were talking about a Tsunami threat around Gokarna, Karwar and other coastal areas. But I was in don’t care mood and took an auto to main road from where I was told that I would get a bus till Kumta.
I got down and with some guts to light a cigarette now. Across the lonely highway I saw an abandoned bus stop and tea shop next to it. I crossed the wet road and ordered for my favorite cigarette and a tea. A middle aged woman was running the shop. She gave me the cigarette and started preparing tea.
I then realized that I didn’t have enough change. She may not charge more than 8 bucks for a tea and a cigarette. So I planned to buy a water bottle as well. The best thing was she had water bottles in that tiny shop. I asked her for a bottle and she asked whether I wanted a cold or warm one. Wow!!! Immediately I started searching for the refrigerator. The bottles were kept in a small ice box. With a grin I started enjoying my puffs.
I saw a bus coming towards us and after getting the change I ran towards it, I wasn’t able to find the conductor, so again came to the middle of the road and asked the driver if that vehicle was going to Kumta. He nodded yes. I got into it and tried to find a seat for me. In that 3 by 2 seater bus, almost all the seats were filled. I found a window seat was empty. The seat was wet with rain drops and the guy next it didn’t want to sit there.
For me, the seat seemed to be less wet than myself. I sat on that we seat, trying to be comfortable. After taking the ticket, I started watching outside. Bus was piercing through the rain and rain drops were still making their way inside the bus, even through the tightly locked windows. I started scribbling something with the rain drops on the window. Things outside were moving backwards very fast making me realize the speed of the bus. A couple of times I saw my co passenger sleeping with his mouth wide opened.
Around 1715 hrs I was dropped at the crowded Kumta bus station. I was almost under a fully opened shower. It was like water flowing from Jog falls. I managed to find my way inside a roof. It was fully packed with people. I talked to a guy to enquire about my bus to Gokarna. With a rude tone, he said “it will come now, GRRRR”. I silently came and stood near a pillar. There were several buses trying to find place in this very small bus station, making it noisy and congested. I saw a foreigner starting at me. She had covered her backpack with a big plastic bag.
Again I checked with another guy for the bus and he showed a white luxury bus and told me to board that. I ran towards it and checked but it was coming from Gokarna. With a disappointment I returned to the shelter. Again the same guy showed me an almost broken red color box. Oh yes, that was looking like a bus. I ran towards it and this time, I was inside the correct bus. This bus was still smaller than the earlier one. And now, I understood why that foreigner was staring at me. She also boarded the same bus, and sat on a seat before me.
The best thing in this bus was, I wasn’t able to close any of the windows. But I thanked the rain which had slowed down now. With rain waters hitting my face through the window, I managed to reach Gokarna bus station at 1800hrs.
The bus station was very small, and it looked like there was nothing around it. This very small town welcomed me with darkness. I walked towards the bus conductor and enquired about the availability of lodges. He waved his hand and told; all around the bus station you will find hotels only. The white lady, who was in the same bus, was still following me. I understood that she also was like me. I smiled at her and started walking towards the gate.
I saw a white image coming towards me, in the darkness I wasn’t able identify who it was until it came near me. An old man, in his seventies, with an umbrella came towards me and spoke the words slowly “Kanada or Marathi?” I told that I was a Tamil speaking guy. In broken tamil he told that he can arrange accommodation for me. He asked how many of us where there, I said I was alone. He took a look at me again and guided me to a hotel. New Prasada Nilaya was the hotel’s name.
Later I came to know that this old man was a priest in the Gokarn Mahabaleshwar temple and his son was hotel’s owner. His son, a stout round faced man showed me a single room first, which didn’t seem to be that clean or good. I asked him for another one, and he took me to a double room, with attached balcony and toilets. This was approved by me and he instructed his assistance to help me with TV remote, drinking water and a tea.
I took all my wet clothes and hanged them in the strings which were tied near the ceiling. Then I took bath and got fresh and by the time tea came. The room boy asked me about my dinner plans and I told boldly that I wanted to have it outside. My plan was to go around the town once, have dinner and enquire about the way to yana rocks. By the time I finished my tea, this restless guy started pouring again. It almost took one hour for him to get tired again.
I came out to the balcony and saw the road, filled with water. I was sure that the water level was till my knee. I felt it was better to send the room boy now to buy me food. But he wasn’t around. I checked in the ground floor as well and couldn’t find him. That’s okay I thought of managing myself and stepped on to the road. I walked towards the nearest hotel. I was wrong in my measurements, the water was not upto my knee, it was almost half my thighs. I walked, oops swam to the hotel in 10 minutes and it was looking empty except for two foreigners having their dinner. I ran in and ordered for roti, again it was in an oval plate, with 2 rotis. Huh, do I look like a person having 2 rotis? I ordered for one more plate and started probing to the cashier about Yana.
“You cannot go alone to yana va. It is not possible a, because there is no direct bus a. There is only one bus which will take you one and half kilometers near yana va. You cannot return the same day a.” with a kanada mixed English he told me these.
Now I had to either cancel or change my plan, I then asked about going to Karwar a coastal district. He said even that was not possible because there was a road block and it may take more than 24 hours for it to be cleared. The rain becoming heavier each day, he said it may not be possible for me to even get back to Bangalore the next day or Sunday. I got little scared after hearing this. So I was forced to cut one day out from my trip. I decided to leave for Bangalore the next day itself, to avoid getting struck on the road itself.
After having food I left the hotel, to my surprise the road was clean now. It was wet, but not flooded. As a backup I took two chips packets and walked to my room. I saw some guys standing near the reception, with sad faces. They were on the way to Goa and had to return half the way due to road block. I felt lucky that I was not the one among those to have planned for Goa.
In my room, I watched tv, and rang to couple of my friends and explained them about this wonderful day. I fell asleep and by now the rain started showing its aggression more………………
October 3rd:-
The first thing I wanted to do today was to book my return ticket to Bangalore. I walked down to the bus station and booked it. The bus station was almost empty and the booking clerk congratulated me for booking the last available ticket. I was happy that it wasn’t the last seat again. I came to the room and got fresh and leaving my entire luggage to dry in the room, I walked towards the temple.
The sky was bit clear that morning. The place was cool and wet, but it wasn’t raining.
First there was a ganpathi temple and then the very old mahabaleshwar. By seeing it one can easily say that they are more than 200 years old. At these temples, people were allowed to touch the idols, but they had to remove their shirts before entering the temple. I saw a very funny board outside the temple, which read
“Only Indian dress codes are allowed” and “Please remove your shirts and banyan before entering the temple”
I walked down to the first beach of the town, the Gokarna beach. It was some was dirty and was able to see some people with their families playing volley ball and frizz bee. Some neatly parked boats and tender coconut shops told there was nothing else to see here. I had breakfast on the shore and remembered about the tsunami threat. By the time I completed the breakfast, with a “gooooooooooooooooooooood morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrning” message poured the rain.
People were running towards some shelter, while I was paying my bill. Two cows, unable to bear the weather tried to get shelter in the hotel. Without caring about the rain I alone came out of the restaurant and enquired about the other beaches in the town. The guy from a shop, showed me a small cliff next to the beach and said, I can reach the Kudle beach by crossing it. I saw a road going till half the cliff and ended near a temple.
I walked up the lonely road and reached the temple. 3 men were standing outside the temple, taking shelter from the rain. There was a small pond in front of the temple. Behind the temple there was nothing other than sea. I walked beside it and saw, the waves were trying to climb up the rocks below, failing each and every time.
I took the small stairs towards the cliff and the men from the temple were still giving a surprised look at me. That true, who in the world would be ready to walk alone, at such a cool place and during such a heavy rain.
By the time, I was above the cliff, I found 4 guys, “The Crackmax guys”. Later I understood that they were buddies from their school days. Ankit, Ankit Sethi, Piyush and Anmol, they become very good friends within minutes. We jumped to the edge of the cliff to get a better view. We saw a very beautiful view of the mighty Arabian Sea. The waves unlike us followed a queue pattern while trying to swallow the shore. One behind the other in a single lane, reminded me about the trailer of the movie, Genghis khan.
We crossed some stone fences, and rain mushrooms and it seemed. We didn’t know the exact route and we didn’t care for it. The best part is, like me they also liked the rain very much. The route was awesome with all green tiny grass and stones all the way. We crossed the namasthe café farms and it realized that there was no way ahead. I jumped over a fallen tree and crossed that barrier and again found out route back.
We reached kudle beach, WE as in we five were only there in that long beautiful beach. Immediately I stood over a rock and started admiring the ocean. The sea was muddy because of rain but still we had a different experience. The Crackmax started diving into the sea and this tempted me also to do the same. I also removed my shirt and jumped into the salty waves. The waves were smaller but powerful. We played there for around half an hour, thinking that was the starting of the famous Ohm beach. A trespasser later told that we were 2 kms away from Ohm beach and showed us another cliff and asked us to cross it.
I and Ankit wanted to have tea, but the others had energy to move on. So motivated by their encouragement, we walked further towards the cliff. Waves were still failing in their attempts to cross limits set by their previous ones. Rain was still pouring and we were still walking.
We saw a sign board, saying that swimming was dangerous. We stood there only to take a snap of it. The cliff this time was steeper than the earlier one. Top of the cliff we found some auto and vehicles standing. “heeeeeeeeeey, we reached home beach I said”. The auto driver said that it wasn’t the Ohm beach, and there was just a temple there. He guided us a wrong way to Ohm beach, because we didn’t hire his auto. We had a doubt and a pedestrian showed us the right path.
White colored arrow marks were painted on the rocks to show us the correct way. With my jeans on my shoulder we walked following the marks. Half way below the cliff, we were able to get a clear view of Ohm. We all sat there to chant the Mantra and walked down the stairs to reach the beach.
There were many tourists in this beach and they never seemed to know or cared to know about the other beaches of this down. We planned to first reach the tip of the Ohm beach, which looked very beautiful and small from the cliff. We ran on the beach and reached the stones, which were the real ingredients of this Ohm shape.
While trying to walk over them, we found it wasn’t as simple as we thought, two of the guys stayed back because it was slippery. I, Ankit and Anmol proceeded. Within very few steps, we also learned that it wasn’t as easy as we thought. The Rocks were slippery and crabs were almost all around us.
I took a different direction, which was less slippery and reached a different edge, while the other two guys walked to some bigger steps and reached the next very small ridge. I sat over the rock and was admiring at the sea. The waves now were very affectionately kissing my toes and sometimes even my cheeks. I turned to Ankit to give a pose, while a huge wave covered me totally. May be it was angry because I changed my attention.
We sat there for almost 30 minutes admiring the sea and the people at the shore. We had to go back. We were forced to return back to the shore and by the time I was half way another very huge way almost touched us. This time, Anmol told me that I was lucky to be out of that edge. We ran back to the shore and started searching for other two guys. They were playing volley ball with some unknown people.
I too joined them and we lost 3 games still it was a great exercise. While we were playing volley ball, the crackmax got buried in the sad one by one and were enjoying the roars of the waves.
We were now very tired and the guys had to leave for Bangalore within the next few hours. We didn’t visit the paradise and halfmoon because; we didn’t want to walk further. We returned to the cliff and took and auto, who dropped us half the way cheating
Still it was atleast near my lodge, so I offered some space for these guys to get fresh before leaving and they agreed to it. Two of them went to get back their cab, while we others came back to the room to get fresh.
Ankit Sethi, whose character matched with me in boozing, bought a couple of beers, to have it with lunch. Lunch was not so good, but for the first time in the past two days I had rice. The guys left the room at 1600hrs and my check out time was 1700hrs.
I sat watching some boring movies, and immediately felt that I may sleep if I was there for some more time. I checked out paying extra 50 bucks for cleaning charge and walked to the bus station. It was empty, and I saw the same red buses on which I travelled the previous day coming and going.
One thing I found on this trip was in Karnataka; almost all the bus stations in the state have similar setup. They have an enquiry office, open waiting area, one hotel, one tea or pan shop, a book shop. I bought a book from the stall and walked to find some dry bench. I knew this was totally opposite scenario when compared how the journey had started. I was 10 minutes late to catch the bus, now I am one and half hours before the scheduled departure.
I had enough time to read the book end to end, but still I took a walk around the bus stand again, had a tea, enquired about the tourist season in that place and did many things which people usually do as soon as they land.
I saw again the same old man coming towards the bus stand to check for some other tourist. But this day, he wasn’t lucky enough. I wandered around and saw the same foreigner, who accompanied me from Kumta the previous day. For the first time, she smiled at me. Slowly people assembled there for the bus, and I was eagerly waiting to find someone of my kind, to board the bus in the last minute.
The bus was around 30 minutes late, but without any tension, I circled the bus station. Some people walked with their vegetable bags to their home. But this evening, rain didn’t come to say “good bye” to me. I was waiting for it till last minute, and it showed up for not more than 10 minutes.
When the bus arrived, people were trying to push the conductor out of the way and enter in, however this strong guy was able to resist them at the door and started checking the tickets carefully. The crowd was more than I expected, later I understood that they were all waiting for another bus, which was scheduled to leave at 1800hrs.
An old man was fighting with the conductor, with his 1800hrs bus ticket. But he didn’t seem to care for this poor old fellow. I took his separately and informed him gently that it wasn’t the bus on which his ticket was booked. The poor guy then went to check with the enquiry room and I boarded the bus.
After 15 minutes the bus started and I was coming back to Bangalore after more than 48 hours of journey. But still I had to travel more than 550kms back.
I thought the adventures were over and I have to get back to normal routine from the next day…………………………
But no……..Kahani abhi Bhaki hai mere doston………
Near Kumta, the driver said that the bus had some issues and he took it to the KSRTC Garage. We were asked to sit inside the bus itself. I thought it was some minor issue.
Later we all got down the bus to check what was happening; we were told that the bus had some major problem. 4 guys around me almost broke down with tears. I asked them for the reason and they told about their sad trip to Goa, where they couldn’t reach and more than 24 hours they were on the road itself. I felt lucky and hungry from inside.
I checked, what was going on, they brought another bus, which had minor problems, like battery failed, no rear view mirrors, no headlamps, no backup tier, no brakes etc…., so all these were transferred from the other bus to this and it took more than one hour for them the get it ready.
By this time, I was able to make friends with some guys, who had cancelled their Goa trip, some aero space engineer explaining about his new technology, gals playing around with chips packets etc.
We then came out of the garage and while getting out, there was a bus parked and it had reverse back for us to move. I was standing next to the driver and he just pulled out the keys from this vehicle and gave it to the co-driver. The co-driver ran towards the other bus, inserted it and started the engine and drove it back. When we had enough place to get out of the stand, he came back and the same key was inserted and we started back to Bangalore.
Around 2230hrs we stopped for dinner and I had the same roti and sabji, but this time on a round plate.
I boarded the bus again and closed my eyes, with my music player to my ears. It was Celine Dion;
”…….Love can touch us one time and last for a lifetime and never let go till we're gone........
Love was when I loved you one true time I hold to in my life we'll always go on........”
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
My First Story Ever ==> Jai Hind
I rushed into the AC Volvo local bus from Bangalore central station to my home trying myself hard to keep away from rain.
Heavy rain was washing the city and making the city worse.
Luckily I found a seat near a stout lady. I requested if she can move near some other lady seat as I was wet. She gave me a clumsy look and said a blind no.
I cursed her, while another lady seeing my situation shifted to this seat and gave her seat with a gentle smile. I thanked her.
When it was almost 20 minutes after the bus left the station, I realized that I should have walked home; I would have reached much earlier than this bus. The city was totally packed with vehicles and was raining heavily.
This was my observation inside the bus,
A mother of two was playing with her little kids.
Three college guys, with funny slogans on their T shirts were making fun of their lecturers and other class mates.
2 call center gals opened their makeup kit and were adjusting their bindis and lipsticks and were talking about their calls that day.
At the corner I noticed some youngsters watching something and giggling, I looked at the direction where they were seeing. They were watching the cartoon which was being shown in the television box on the bus.
Some where watching the rain outside the glass eagerly as if they saw it for the first time.
Some with their, ipods, mobile phones and what not hearing to some music and nodding their head.
One guy in a leather jacket was sitting next to a woman; it seemed she was his mother. The poor lady was shivering; I cursed the guy too in my mind.
2 Guys were commenting on some gals, who were dressed as if something was missing to cover them.
I was sitting all alone there to figure out what was going around me.
Other than an old man who was sitting with a news paper, the old and young mother I could say almost everyone where youngsters.
YOUNGSTERS ……….All of a sudden I heard I heard the words multiple times in my years.
I turned around and saw those were the words echoing from the radio.
It was the President of the nation giving her Independence Day address.
She was calling all the youngsters and said all of us should to make India a brighter country.
Turned around inside the bus to find there was no change in my observation earlier.
In a minute or two the driver changed the radio channel to “chaiya chaiya chaiya………….”
Jai hind
Heavy rain was washing the city and making the city worse.
Luckily I found a seat near a stout lady. I requested if she can move near some other lady seat as I was wet. She gave me a clumsy look and said a blind no.
I cursed her, while another lady seeing my situation shifted to this seat and gave her seat with a gentle smile. I thanked her.
When it was almost 20 minutes after the bus left the station, I realized that I should have walked home; I would have reached much earlier than this bus. The city was totally packed with vehicles and was raining heavily.
This was my observation inside the bus,
A mother of two was playing with her little kids.
Three college guys, with funny slogans on their T shirts were making fun of their lecturers and other class mates.
2 call center gals opened their makeup kit and were adjusting their bindis and lipsticks and were talking about their calls that day.
At the corner I noticed some youngsters watching something and giggling, I looked at the direction where they were seeing. They were watching the cartoon which was being shown in the television box on the bus.
Some where watching the rain outside the glass eagerly as if they saw it for the first time.
Some with their, ipods, mobile phones and what not hearing to some music and nodding their head.
One guy in a leather jacket was sitting next to a woman; it seemed she was his mother. The poor lady was shivering; I cursed the guy too in my mind.
2 Guys were commenting on some gals, who were dressed as if something was missing to cover them.
I was sitting all alone there to figure out what was going around me.
Other than an old man who was sitting with a news paper, the old and young mother I could say almost everyone where youngsters.
YOUNGSTERS ……….All of a sudden I heard I heard the words multiple times in my years.
I turned around and saw those were the words echoing from the radio.
It was the President of the nation giving her Independence Day address.
She was calling all the youngsters and said all of us should to make India a brighter country.
Turned around inside the bus to find there was no change in my observation earlier.
In a minute or two the driver changed the radio channel to “chaiya chaiya chaiya………….”
Jai hind
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