My Camera Log

The Nethravathi trek is managed through the Aranya Vihara portal , and getting a slot can be challenging, especially during weekends. This time, we decided to check weekday slots—and luckily, we found availability! 😍 Without wasting any time, we started planning the rest of the trip. For our stay, Gani found a beautiful homestay close to the Nethravathi base camp. 🏡 Mavina Kombe Homestay 📍 Samse Village, Kalasa, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka 📞 7676850171 / 9380525143 🚗 Bengaluru to Kalasa – A Scenic Monsoon Drive We started from Bengaluru on Thursday night and reached the homestay around 6:00 AM . It was raining heavily, and Google Maps wasn’t exactly our best friend that morning! 😂 After a few U-turns and some left-right-left confusion, we finally reached the homestay. But honestly, the journey itself was worth it. 🌧️💚 The heavy rains over the previous few days had brought the Western Ghats to life. Streams were flowing at full speed, and we spotted a couple of beautiful waterfa...

After seeking blessings at Shri Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple, Kallahalli , our journey continued towards the peaceful village of Anandur , near the KRS backwaters. This hidden spot is famous for a unique sight—a temple that appears only when the water level of the KRS Dam drops during summer. 🌊 🛕 A Temple That Rises from the Water The submerged temple is dedicated to Lord Narayanaswamy . During the monsoon, it remains underwater, but as the water recedes in summer, the ancient temple slowly emerges, attracting visitors, & photographers. Watching this hidden temple come back into view is truly a fascinating experience. We reached Anandur at around 4:30 PM hoping to enjoy a beautiful sunset. The place was already filled with families, photographers, and nature lovers relaxing by the backwaters. It had a calm and refreshing atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind. 😊 Unfortunately, it was a cloudy evening, so we missed the sunset. Even so, we spent some peaceful time walking a...

Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Hemavathi River near the KRS backwaters, Shri Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple in Kallahalli is a peaceful and sacred destination. Dedicated to Lord Varaha, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this ancient temple attracts devotees seeking blessings and spiritual peace. 🚗 Our Journey We reached the temple at around 1:00 PM , a little later than we had planned. Since it was a busy day, the temple was packed with devotees. We had to wait for nearly two hours before we could complete the darshan . Even though the wait was long, the moment we had the darshan made it all worthwhile. Standing before the deity filled us with peace and positivity. It was truly a blessed experience that we will always remember. 🙏✨ The temple is currently under renovation , so photography inside the temple was not allowed. Still, the calm surroundings and the spiritual atmosphere made the visit special. One of the highlights of this temple is its beautiful location. Situated ne...

Some places never lose their charm, no matter how many times you visit them. One such place is Somanathapura, a small village near Mysuru that is home to the magnificent Chennakesava Temple. Although our main destination was Sri Bhoo Varahanatha Swamy Temple, this unplanned stop turned out to be one of the highlights of our journey. 🚗 Our Journey The main purpose of this road trip was to visit Shri Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple near Mysuru. Joining me on this journey were my friends Pradeep, Sunil, Gani, and Shashi . Before heading to our destination, we took a small detour to Shashi’s hometown near Malavalli . We met his wonderful family and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at his family-run hotel. ☕🥞 It was a refreshing start to the day and made our trip even more memorable. On our way, we decided to make a quick stop at Somanathapura . Even though I have visited this temple several times before, it never feels boring. Every visit reveals something new in the intricate carvings and peacefu...

Sometimes, the best part of a road trip is an unplanned detour. After visiting the Avani Ramalingeshwara Temple , I noticed a signboard pointing to nearby attractions. Most of the places listed were already familiar to me, but one name caught my attention— Bethamangala Dam . It wasn't part of my original plan, but since I had enough time before heading back to Bengaluru, I decided to explore this new destination. 😊 🏛️ About Bethamangala Dam Located in the Kolar district of Karnataka , Bethamangala Dam was built across the Palar River during the British era in the early 1900s. It was originally constructed to supply water to the famous Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) and nearby villages. Today, it serves as a peaceful getaway, especially during the monsoon when the reservoir is full. 🏍️ My Experience Even though this year's monsoon had been disappointing, I thought I'd try my luck. The dam is located about 20 km from Avani , and the ride through the beauti...

After completing my refreshing trek at Avani Betta , I headed to the nearby Avani Ramalingeshwara Temple , located just 2 km from the trekking point. Surrounded by peaceful surroundings, this ancient temple is a perfect place to relax, reflect, and experience the rich heritage of Karnataka. 🏛️ A Glimpse into History The Avani Ramalingeshwara Temple Complex is believed to date back to the Nolamba, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties , making it a place of great historical and architectural significance. The temple is closely associated with the Ramayana , and according to local beliefs, this is where Maa Sita lived at Sage Valmiki’s Ashram and gave birth to Lava and Kusha . 🙏 My Experience As I entered the temple complex, I was surprised to find that I was the only visitor there. The silence, fresh morning air, and peaceful surroundings created a truly divine atmosphere. I felt incredibly blessed to have such a calm and uninterrupted darshan . One of the highlights of the temple i...