Research has indicated that a person’s olfactory senses, or sense of smell, are the most powerful trigger for the memory. It is why we feel a certain nostalgia at the scent of the rich earth during the first rain of the year, or when we’re transported back to our childhoods when the smell of a certain snack wafts our way.
Scent is an incredibly powerful association. Which is why, when you take a trip somewhere, the smallest hook can set you up for life. In this scenario though, what we’re talking about cannot be considered anything but larger than life.
Confused?
Don’t worry, you’ll soon find out exactly what we’re brewing!
ROAD TRIPPING ACROSS INDIA
Living in the midst of the bustling metro city life, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind. We often forget how large and ecologically and culturally diverse India is, and miss out on some gems that were simply a few hours away. Which is why we’re presenting – No Road Left Untravelled – a new series where we uncover popular tourist destinations, and some that are more quaint. There are miles to go before you sleep, and some of the places we mention in the series should definitely account for a few of them. Your trips should evolve with you and the world, and sometimes, non-conformity is ideal. With this series, we hope you rethink the way you travel and where you travel, in the best way possible.
Of course, we would be remiss if we did not start with an incredibly popular spot that deserves a mention in travel blogs time and again. But this time, let’s look at it from a motorhome perspective.
Let’s go to Chikmagalur!
WHY CHIKMAGALUR?
Located around 250 km from Bengaluru, Chikmagalur is a hill station in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is a hill station nestled at the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, surrounded by lush, green forests. Gifted with ideal weather, incredible sight-seeing options, and a range of activities one can indulge in, Chikmagalur is understandably one of the most popular weekend getaways in Karnataka.
One of the most pleasing parts of this road trip, perhaps, is the picturesque drive up to the district. Depending on the route you choose to take, there are a number of stops you can make that are of historical, cultural or religious significance. If you choose to go by the NH75 via Nelamangala and NH73 through Hassan, you pass the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and the Hebbe waterfalls, for the perfect mini excursions to experience the best of mother nature. If you take the NH48 and NH73, you can visit the Begur Lake and Manjarabad Fort in Donigal, and add a touch of history along with the many natural sites you would be visiting. No matter where you decide to add a stop, your RV will have everything you need and more to ease the way.
This wealth of options is what makes this trip so ideal for a recreational vehicle. The roads are well-made and connected, across city lines and also along the foothills that you will have to undoubtedly drive by. The pleasure of a smooth drive is not one that can be often savoured, but when combined with the gorgeous view of an Indian jungle in its true glory, it is simply unmatched!
Travelling in your camper van is where you can let true indulgence take over. Slow the vehicle down, park it at the base of Hebbe waterfalls and take a trek up to the falls. Spend a few hours listening to the serene flow of water, unchanging and everlasting. There is no rush (except for the rush of water) to get to your destination or fear of driving late at night.
Whatever you need is right there, situated in your motorhome, safe and ready for you. You do not have to worry about your meals or your safety. An often underlooked advantage of an RV is how they allow you to simply be, and take in every moment as they come. Slow travel is a luxury, but it can be indulged in every other weekend, especially with a motorhome by your side.
Once you choose to drive on to Chikmagalur, what greets you is a beautiful district that has seen dozens of tourists but still stays true to itself. You will find many people like you, stealing moments of serenity, away from the organised chaos that modern life is.You will also find the rich scent of coffee permeating the air in parts of the district. A smell so distinct that it seeps into your bones for however long you choose to stay there.
Which is the perfect junction to segue into Chikmagalur’s decades long love affair with coffee.
To be entirely accurate, the hill station has coffee and tea plantations. But, Chikmagalur boasts of the first coffee plantation in India, and is currently one of the largest producers of coffee in the country.
There is undeniably a rich coffee culture in Chikmagalur, as evidenced by the cafes and coffee shops that are aplenty. You can take a guided tour along a coffee estate, complete with tasting and a proper explanation of coffee production. There are also some incredible stays within coffee plantations, that you can consider, should you want to experience something new on your trip.
Even if you’re not a coffee aficionado, Chikmagalur has something for everyone.
There is no dearth of natural beauty in this part of Karnataka. There are easily more than ten waterfalls in and around Chikmagalur, all with varying levels of accessibility. The hill station also boasts some of the most beautiful treks in the country, such as the Kemmangundi Trek. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary we mentioned earlier, is a protected tiger reserve and a part of Project Tiger. The sanctuary hosts a myriad of wildlife apart from tigers, such as gaur, elephants, sloth bear and the Malabar giant squirrel to name a few.
YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Best time to visit: The months from September to March are the best time to visit Chikmagalur. The winter months lend to the pleasant chill of the district, and it is a welcome relief from the stifling city air. However, the monsoon months from June to August are also a lovely time to visit. The rain, despite being unrelenting at times, replenishes the lush greenery in the district, making it more vibrant and full of life and petrichor.
Duration of the trip: Considering the many options available, we would suggest that you make a comprehensive list of where you would like to go definitively during your trip to Chikmagalur. Make a tentative plan without strict enforcements, and then let your gut guide you through the rest. With an RV, you are not restricted by time or place. Should you choose to, you can spend a week traversing the Western Ghats of Karnataka in ease and comfort, with the added benefit of planning your own itinerary.
Preparing your RV: Stock up on some snacks, basic groceries, a few changes of clothes and some trekking gear. Your motorhome will have everything apart from your personal effects covered, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. If you’re planning on an early morning trek, remember to carry a torch and some batteries as well.
The best part about a road trip is deciding how you would like it to be. A place like Chikmagalur offers so much, and yet if you choose to simply take it slow and immerse yourself in the beauty of the place, there would be no judgement, only appreciation. Think about where you would like to go on your road trip, and if Chikmagalur makes the cut. If it does, maybe a JCBL Signature RV would be able to put the rest of your concerns to rest.
The hills of Chikmagalur are calling, are you ready?
