Getting up early in the morning in the midst of nature, in beautiful Coorg is rejuvenating. Why? because you wake up to the sound of birds, the fresh sight and smell of nature, and the cool wind blow past your face. But then how do you wake up early from the lap of luxury , when you still want to catch a few winks more

However, we were through with our elaborate breakfasts, which deserves a post by itself – fresh juices, piping hot tea or coffee, muffins, cakes, a variety of breads, sausages, scrambled eggs, a variety of dosas, poha, idli, poori sabji, and still more!.

Dosas – Hot, More and right there!

By 8:30 AM we were ready for our first leg of the trip was Bhagamandala, where the river Cauvery joins Kanike and legend has it that Sujyoti, a subterranean stream joins the two rivers.

This confluence of rivers is considered sacred, and it is a common practise for pilgrims to dip and perform sacred rituals here. Not far away is the Shri Bhagandeshwara temple, and is an important pilgrimage center in Coorg. Pilgrims proceed to Talacauvery only after worshipping at Bhagamandala.

At Bhagamandala

A Perspective Shot – At the Shri Bhagandeshwara TempleOur knowledgeable Lawyer cum RJ (Dhruv) even explained the significance of the temple structure and the sanctum sanctorium. The RJ advocates! no pun inteded After persistent reminders from the affable Joe, the shutterbugs (read us) finally conceded, and we headed for our bus and en-route to Talacauvery.A winding bus ride, and some 40 odd kms from Madikeri later, we reached Talacauvery considered generally as the source of the river Cauvery. There is a small tank kundike erected at the position considered as the origin. It is said that during Tula Sankaramana, an auspicious time of the year, there is an upsurge of water in the small tank, and one can see the gushing of water from it.For me however, the sight of the surroundings and the ambience around it was a sight to behold. With clear, pristine blue skies and contrasting green of the trees, the undulating misty hills at a distance altogether lent a magic charm to the place. Though my photos don’t do justice, you can still imagine the splendour of the place.Talacauvery – beautiful backdropAfter spending some time soaking in the beauty of the place, we decided to head to the peak of the hill, that were a few hundred steps up, though it seemed like infinity as I went up. Kiruba the athlete of the group, had already reached his way up (no pun intended ) much sooner and I could almost sense his gleam of Not-so-easy-I-told-you-so!  I mustered every bit of what my Physics professor would have called “potential energy” and along with my co-tired-climber Dev, we finally managed to reach the summit.

Up there I realised, it doesnt look as daunting from down there, wonder how a trip to the Everest would be! I can already hear you saying Nah don’t even think!

Stairs up the summit! Dont be fooled – Its more than you think!

Beautiful view from up the summit

It was then time to leave this beautiful place, after washing down the exhaustion with buttermilk. Joy was mindful of the schedule and the delicious lunch that waited us. How could we not heed to that!

Back at the Club Mahindra resort, some of us were tired and wanted to stay back, and not take part in the latter half of the trip schedule. But a sumptious lunch awaited us, and we would attend to that first . For those who didn’t want to join the second session of the trip, the swimming pool awaited and that was enough to liven up their spirit.Later that evening, I headed to Dev’s room where a small party was in session. I knew there were more photographers than I had anticipated (read Nikon D80s!), but never expected a bunch of talented singers and guitarists in the group! Dev surprised me with his length and breadth of musical knowledge and so did Amogha and Sudhir. But the surprise package was Apurva, who played the guitar with such ease, at times it seemed like Eric Claptop had manifested in him. The array of English songs (occasional Hindi songs), and melodious music – not to mention the drinks!, kept up entertained.  Me, Dhruv and Kiruba were mere spectators in this small party – but privileged at that.Apurva strums as Dev (not in the picture) hums