A pic-nic @ Shivasamudram

You know how there are days when you feel like running away from the humdrum routine and congested city life into the lap of nature? We did exactly that last weekend, as we took off on a trip to Shivasamudram, popularly called Bluff, in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Situated about 12o kms from Bangalore, this is where the river Cauvery tumbles down in the form of two waterfalls, Gagan Chukki and Bhara Chukki. The Shivasamudram falls are the second biggest falls in India. The place also has its share of history as this is the location of Asia's first hydroelectric power station, from which power was supplied to Bangalore, the first city in India to get electric power! Here's the journey in pictures:

The western falls, called Gagana Chukki falls, trickling down the rocky cliffs. The ideal time to visit is in July-August, since the river Cauvery would be in full flow, and the waterfalls in all their misty splendour.



A view of the river from atop a hill. Again, I suppose the army of boulders would be totally submerged under the monsoon deluge in July-August.



The eastern falls, called Bhara Chukki falls. I liked this spot better because you can get a much closer feel of the falls by means of the round boats which take you to the foot of the falls, as seen above.



On the way to Bhara Chukki falls is an ancient dargah situated along the bank of the river. I really liked the dark background provided by the rain clouds.



This was my favourite spot at Shivasamudram, right in the middle of the river, where you can sit for hours splashing in the serene water, or enjoy a refreshing swim. I doubt if the swift current during the monsoon would afford this luxury.

Trying my hand here at capturing a picture of solitude. My pick of the pack.

Quick facts:
Distance from Bangalore: 120 kms
Road: Quite good (SH-17) most of the way
Optimum duration of visit: 1 day
Best time to visit: July-August

Yenjoy.

Sawaal ek moochh ka ....

It's over. The moustache is no more... at least for now. I know that there will be a lot of relieved "Thank God"s being uttered at this transformation of mine, but at the same time, I believe there will also be a small group which will question the reasoning behind the removal. Nevertheless, moochh or no moochh, this was one experience (albeit self-inflicted) which helped me to know a lot about the psychology of various people.

Why I did it

I was bored. Period. Bored of looking at the same face in the mirror since the mesozoic age. Plus I wanted to see how it would look on me, and what better a way than to grow one?

What I learnt

A lot. I learnt that a majority of the people, both boys and girls, of my age group weren't really inclined towards the idea. But, on the contrary, older folks seemed to have no objection to it at all. A common observation made was that it makes one look older (which apparently isn't desirable :P). Another oft-used jibe was if I had taken a liking to one of those "Gult heroes". Please note that no names were taken, rather it was always the whole actors community that was referred to, pointing to a stark contrast between the general image of a South Indian vs a Northie. I realized that it took a lot of patience, especially for unfortunate guys like me who weren't blessed with a generous growth rate of the moustache/beard, as you witnessed the gestation of your beloved moustache. I learnt that it takes much more effort to maintain one than to be clean-shaven, probably an important reason why the lazy bums wouldn't go for it - just one swoosh and you're done! No standing in front of the mirror for minutes, snipping away every single hair which is out of place. I discovered the hard way that symmetry isn't exactly Nature's favourite topic, as I struggled to offset the imbalances created on either side of my face's playing field. And lastly, I found that people always tend to object to any major change in what they have been accustomed to, a grassroots analogy of how revolutionary ideas are often met with strong public disapproval (No, I do not think my keeping a moustache was a revolutionary idea :P ... it's an analogy, remember?).

Here are some of the most interesting reactions it generated :

a) "Yeh kya ho gaya hai tereko????" - As if I had not just grown some facial hair, but been inflicted with a severe case of scabies!
b) (No words emitted, only a befuddled stare that lasted about 10 minutes, coupled with an amused smile)
c) "Woh haraami waale Nair ka feel nahi aa raha hai!" - And I thought I looked so innocuous in that clean look!

The exit poll

Even though it's all done and dusted, I would still welcome any comments on my "lost cause". I provide two snapshots from history, and would like you to state your preference. :D

My love-hate relationship

My latest music addiction : "Hate Me" by 'Blue October'. Just can't seem to take my ears off it, or my head, for that matter! The music is no doubt catchy, but as in the case of all immortal songs, it's the words that leave you mesmerized. I love the intensity with which Justin Furstenfeld screams out the chorus. And the part of the song I like the most is the line where 'she whispered: How could you do this to me??' - gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it! Following is a lyric video for you to sing along as you listen. Hope you like it as much as I do. :)