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Published: February 13th 2007
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The Group at Nargahole
Selmene, Felix, Alex, Susanne, Eric, Alina, Johan, Me, Martin, Jonathan, Constanze, and Rob! We left around midnight on Friday to travel overnight by minibus down to Nargahole, a national park in southern Karnataka. There was twelve of us altogether, six Dutch, guys, one Belgium, one Romanian, three Germans and myself representing the mighty UK. Being the only Brit didn't work in my advantage as I obtained the duty of English teacher, and defendent of UK politics for most of the weekend, pretty difficult when the rest of Europe seems to know more about it than I do, but we had some pretty interesting discussions. My Hindu and Kanada language skills have not improved since i've been here, but I have aquired the 'International English' vernacular pretty well, so apologies if my writings sounds a bit odd at times.
The bus journey was all we had organised, and kind of the direction we was heading. It took us a little longer than expected so we missed the 6am tour, but managed to get a bus to take us around, this took about 1 hour. The highlight of the tour being the wild elephant but other than that all there appeared to be was a great selection of Bambi style dears, quite a treat to
begin with, but I wanted tigers and sloths and was disapointed not to see any, becuase obviously we would in a cranky old bus full of young Europeans and noisy Indians. Anyway, after our inauspicious start we still had the rest of the weekend to plan, as it was only about 9am. We headed south-west (I think) towards Madikeri in the Coorg area of Karnataka, famous for its coffee, stopping for some breakfast along the way. As you can see from my pictures it was pretty basic with a fire-burning stove, and a limited choice of about two meals. We also stopped for a small hike to a waterfall which was pretty spectacular.
Once arriving in Madikeri after another 4-hour journey we had some lunch at a hotel and planned where to stay that night, Alena, our Romanian representative, had been to Honey Valley, some accommodation which is about two hours into the hills, so we decided to go there. We had to organise a jeep from Honey Valley to meet us half way as the roads turn into mountain tracks. The villages we passed had no electricity, at 7pm it felt like the middle of the night. Twelve
Breakfast en route
This is the kitchen where they cooked our breakfast of us and our luggage piled on the back of this open top jeep, driving through the jungle, with absolutely no lights around and only sounds of the jungle, it was fantastic, one of those moments you really have to pinch yourself. Consider the fact that there are tigers, elephants and leopards in this place. We arrived about 9pm, the place looked amazing, like a little jungle resort, very simple but so peaceful. We had a big room of 7 where I stayed, and a few double rooms, it must have cost £1.20 each for the night. The place was run by a few Indians, and a Canadian guy who now helps them run it, they waited up to give us some dinner, and we sat out drinking, discussing and looking at the stars, with no lights for miles around it was absolutley beautiful.
The following morning we woke around 9, breakfast was prepared for us, a pleasure to have toast and tea. The morning view of tropical mountains around us was overwhelming, such a contrast for the polluted landscape of Bangalore, I could honestly spend every weekend there. We headed out for our morning trek around 10.30am, a
A safe bridge we crossed
On the way to the first waterfall steep hour or two climb to the top and we spent an hour or so enjoying the views around us, the pictures dont do it justice. We then headed back to the camp for lunch. After our delicious food, we decided to walk down to another nearby waterfall, which would take us near to where we left our minibus and driver, again the waterfall was wonderful, but we found ourselves getting lost and trekking through fields, avoiding bulls, and falling in rivers, was quite an experience. By this time most of us was wet and tired, we managed to find our bus and headed home on our 10-hour journey, arriving in Bangalore around 2am Monday morning. Luckily no one had to go to work Monday as there have been big strikes over water disputes so had a day of rest.
Next Friday is my next adventure to Gokarna Beach for the weekend, this time I will be the only girl, but joining me is a fellow Brit! At last! Time for some rest and serious tanning I believe!
Anyway hope all is well at home and you enjoyed the snow! Can't say I envy you though! Will update
Honey Valley
The main dining area of Honey Valley, there was several other small buildings where we slept. A delux double room costs only Rs 900 some more about work soon, nothing much happening at the moment, just doing research. Not going on the visits that was planned due to complications, but hopefully off in a week or so to Prakasam in Ardhra Pradesh, a tsunami hit area on the eastern coast, to visit our project there.
Keep with the messages everyone!
Miss you all loads!
Love Kate
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Gemma
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Looks as if you are having the most amazing time babe. Loving all the pictures. Haven't been able to get on to the internet for just over a week so been behind on what you've been upto. Must be lovely having your own place, going to America on Thursday for a week. I'll drop you an email soon. Lots of love xxx