Shimogga
date
Sep 11, 2023
slug
shimogga
status
Published
tags
personal
summary
a micro-getaway
type
Post
2023 - it's been 3 years since the pandemic. I usually have a vacation and a mini-vacation every year. The pandemic had an impact on this habit. I've only had one vacation since the lockdown hit us.
This year, for the “mini-vacation”, I gathered a couple of friends and went to this town called Shimogga. A small place on the western ghats surrounded by lush forests and hills.
The reason for choosing Shimogga was, Jog falls. This waterfall is the tallest in India, stands at a little over 250 metres in height, in-between 2 massive reservoirs.
The problem was, Shimogga was over a 100kms from the waterfall, and it was the most decent town that was the closest. I still looked for alternatives - which is when I found Thirthahalli. Thirthahalli was 60 odd kms from Shimogga and almost the same distance to Jog falls but there were other places we could visit if we stayed at Thirthahalli.
We quickly drew up an itinerary, booked a resort one day before our travel and booked tickets to Shimogga as well.
We stayed at this resort called “Vihangama Holiday retreat”. Amazing place if I'm being honest. And Tunga river runs just by it. Like right next to it. It was a real flip in lifestyle compared to living in Bangalore.
We visited Agumbe valley, looked at the sunset for over an hour. Surreal. The next day - we chilled at the resort, changed rooms, went to the river, and had good food.
And on the final day, we went for an easy-moderate rated trek at Kodachadri. I swear it was anything but easy. Fell almost twice, intrusive thoughts on top of the hill don't help either. It was super fun though. Make sure to wear light, comfortable clothing - in case you do visit. The path to and from the beginning of the trek is incredibly nauseous, off-road experience for 45 minutes. So, pack your lemons.
And then, we came back. 5 AM in the morning. Bangalore was just booting up. It felt comfortable.
Doesn't matter how chaotic Bangalore is, it will always be my home. Our home.