First trip to Chickmaglur in 1996

My first trip to Chikmaglur was way back in 1996. I have been to many places before 1996, Hubli, Dharwad as usual, Mumbai, Goa, and some places back in and around Bangalore.

But I cannot recollect any instances of going to Chickmaglur before 1996. But this first trip to Chickmaglur was a memorable one. As memorable as it can get. I dont know how to put it, but it was magical.

I remember having summer holidays at school, during that time, my father along with the colleagues of his office had planned a trip to Chikmaglur, infact Koppa. Infact a relative of one of my father's friend had a estate in Koppa, so we were all invited.

Few collegues of my father along with their kids came along in a rented Matador, yes those days TT was considered to be expensive, since Matador was available and it could seat more people than TT.

Infact I remember catching cold a day before the trip. I was worried, how would I ever manage it. I somehow took some homeopathic medicine and started on the trip. Would you believe or not, my cold just vanished as I left Bangalore and reached out other places.

I still remember, we passed through Kunigal then to Holenarasipura, where the driver of the rented vehicle had his house. We stopped at his place, where he loaded a 25 kilo jowar sack into the back of the vehicle, so we had to keep our luggage in the seating area.

Then we had lunch at Hassan, yes, we proceeded towards Koppa. It was 8 45 pm in the evening when we reached over there. Next day, we proceeded to Shringeri, then in the evening to Agumbe to watch the sunset.

Yes these are my memories of my first trip to Chickmaglur, way back in 1996. Yes, it was as beautiful as it is today. I can write more about the places I visited. But i do not want to. You can get that information anywhere on the internet.

I can also recollect having bath in the pond which used to run across in the backyard of the estate.

I have been to Chickmaglur after this few other times, but never been to the estate, yet again. May be someday, I shall get another invite.

Cheers,
Sandeep