As soon as I hear the word Chikkamagaluru, a broad smile pops up on my face. I think it’s synonymous with its name. The reason being - I have a lot of “First-to” memories with this town dating back to 2007. This place is special and will always be. My frequent visits have made me eligible for a Chikkamagaluru ration card. My dad always has one question about Chikkamagaluru – what’s there to visit the same place again – the magic that this places weaves is beyond anyone’s imagination and explanation. The numerable places, plantations, trekking spots and waterfalls - all combined make it a perfect weekend getaway. It’s located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range. The town with its favorable climate, coffee and spice estates attract tourists from around the world.

Before I continue here’s a little etymology about the town and the coffee -

Chikkamagaluru takes its name from the Kannada word “Cikkamagaḷa ūru” that translates to "younger daughter's town". It is said to have been given as a dowry to the youngest daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakharayapattana.

Coffee was introduced into India through the Chikkamagaluru district when the first coffee crop was grown in the Baba Budan Giri Hills during 1670 AD. Per the articles on Origins of Coffee, the saint Baba Budan on his pilgrimage to Mecca travelled through the seaport of Mocha, Yemen where he discovered coffee. To introduce its taste to India, he wrapped seven coffee beans around his belly and got them out of Arabia. On his return home, he planted the beans in the hills of Chikkamagaluru, which are now named Baba Budangiri in his honor. We have multiple blogs talking about things to do, places to visit and the list goes on. So, this is going to be just be a first-hand account of an offbeat thing I did during my recent visit.

We bid a short goodbye to the city chaos and busy lives, headed off to an exciting itinerary ahead. It was a re-union after a long gap of 6 months. Everything was perfect when we arrived – little drizzle, fog and mist, green valleys, fresh smell of air, birds chirping. Nature was at its best. We all were excited for the much-awaited evening. We played, sang, danced, talked, shared stories and there was no dearth to topics or speakers. Time was slipping away faster than the speed of light. As the dusk progressed, the weather started chill down and we started to pull up our shawls. It was a perfect place, group and fun. Little did we then know that the best thing was yet on the cards. We bumped onto dinner, filled up our tummies awaiting eagerly for the night story to begin.

Our night continued, party continued. It was around midnight that one our friends suggested we go to Mullayanagiri for a short visit. Little background about Mullayanagiri is – it’s the highest peak of Karnataka at 6316 ft. Its hosts a small temple dedicated to Tapasvi Mulappa Swamy. That is where it gets its name from. On any non-rainy day, the sunrise and sunsets are very picturesque here.

Switching back to the context – I was wondering, I have seen breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at Mullayanagiri during my previous encounters, but what am I going to see in this pitch darkness. Didn’t know what to look for. But was eager to explore the unexplored. We immediately readied and started our jaunt with 13 people, 2 four-wheelers and one beast. From our resort, it was a mere 3 kms travel, but the task uphill wasn’t an easy one. We had two very skillful artisans without whom I don’t think we would have been reach the heaven. Kudos to them!!!

We had a mid-stop at the place. From there, the night view of the town of Chikmagalur was so very mesmerizing. The city lights were seeming like tiny bulb lights on an electric board. When the clouds engulfed us, we couldn’t see anything, only pitch darkness and when the clouds moved away, lights were back. It was as though we were switching the lights on and off. We didn’t want the night to pass by. Ah what a place it was. After that we moved ahead for a couple of minutes and there we were at the last accessible point... wind was splashing right at our face, pushing us from place to place. We had to be stoned to be able to stand still. I was floating among the clouds, one among them. What a flighty feeling that was – to be able to feel them. A cold nerve ran from my head to toe, touching each of my nerve, each cell and muscle as though they were cleansing them. They say when you stand there facing the strong winds it recharges your battery and strengthens you to face the world again. I was all set to begin again, a new day, a new innings. I don’t have words to pen down my feelings. Thank you guys for this wonderful moment. 

Many such wonderful moments and places are awaiting us… let’s rock guys!!!