Scotland of India - Madikeri (Part I)

(Raja's Seat. Captured on Honor 4X. 1/40, ISO 100)

9th to 11th December, 2015

Before we get started, let's hear a quick word from our sponso-- nah, just kidding. But seriously though I want to make a couple of things clear. I do most of my editing on Snapseed mobile or Adobe Lightroom mobile or sometimes using Gimp (which is a free and open source application that you should check out if you are interested). I will try to add screenshots wherever possible and also the device with which the picture was captured and the metadata.

The trip

This is a trip that I will cherish for years to come. This was the first time that I went on a trip without my parents. My two friends and I planned for this in three days' time. This was new to me. Earlier, in other trips, there was nothing to do except to listen to my parents. No worrying about accommodation or food or more importantly, money.

We left Bangalore on 8th night and reached Madikeri on next early morning. And thankfully, we didn't have to worry about accommodation or food this time around because we stayed at my aunt's house. We all enjoyed the stay there.

Day 1 - Talakaveri, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat

Our first day was quite productive. We covered all the three places in a day.

Talakaveri

(View from the Brahmagiri Hill. Honor 4X. 1/1585. ISO 100)

 

We started early. The bus facilities were quite good. We went from Madikeri to Talakaveri, then returned on the same bus. The place was good. And if you climb some hundred odd steps to Brahmagiri Hill you could see the panorama of magnificent Western Ghats hills. There was greenery all around. Although, to visit any hill station the best time would be after monsoon.

Abbey Falls

And then we had lunch at home, rested for a bit and left to Abbey Falls. It is a place which everyone should visit at least once. We have to walk for approx. 1.5 kms from parking space. But the path leading to the waterfalls is also so good that you wouldn't notice how far you've walked.

(On the path to Abbey. Nikon S6500. f/3.4. 1/30. ISO 220)

From the parking space you hear the water falling vaguely. Then as you move towards the falls it starts getting louder and louder. It's like those slow reveals in horror movies, except, this is good. And you finally arrive and see it for yourselves how mesmerizing it is!

 

(Abbey Falls. Honor 4X. 1/100. ISO 100)

Raja's Seat

(Raja's Seat. Nikon S6500. f/4.4. 1/200. ISO 125)

 

Raja's Seat is the most easily accessible place of all three. It is in the Madikeri city. And the best part is you can visit it at any time of the year. The place is best known for sunsets. But there's more to it than just sunsets. The flower garden is quite nice and peaceful. You can take the mini train ride while enjoying the tasty bhel poori or tomato slices. And then at night you can watch the fountain show. But I must warn you, it gets pretty chilly quite early. So, make sure you are packed.

 

(Raja's Seat water fountain. Honor 4X. 1/20. ISO 2400)

Conclusion

I have tried to keep it short and simple. I hope I gave you an idea of how my day was and how wonderful the places are. "Day 2" will come soon. Keep reading and keep supporting. Happy weekend!