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Bhelpuri, fog and Raja's Seat
On a clear day Raja's Seat usually offers breathtaking views of the misty mountains and the lush green valleys. The road to Mangalore snakes through these hills. The sight of far off headlights of a vehicle making its way up the hills was simply astounding.
A park surrounds this area. Outside this park we had the most amazing Bhelpuri I have ever had!
When we reached Raja's Seat a dense impenetrable fog covered the mountains and the valley below was shrouded in darkness. The atmosphere was incredible. The hills were covered in fog and we were walking along slowly with not a worry in the world, clutching a shawl around us, eating tangy Bhelpuri. I should add it was incredibly cold that day. My friend developed a bad cold and sneezed for the remained of the trip.
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I clicked some photographs of the darkening hills with my new Sony digicam. Soon a laser show began in the garden. It was fun initially. But it also reminded us of city entertainment so we drifted away after a while. Instead we decided to walk back to the hotel.
There is something magical about a hill station. Narrow sloping roads with steep precipices, shops selling aromatic coffee, spices and honey. People are friendly. It's almost surreal.
We walked on enjoying the solitude. We lost our way a couple of times but reached the hotel in time for a scrumptious dinner of curd rice and egg curry.
The next day began early. My friend got up with bad grace, muttering something about it being less of a vacation and more of a labour camp. We looked out of our window in trepidation, wondering if it would be another cold, rainy day. Thankfully the sun was shining brightly.
Breakfast was Dosas. After a bit of haggling we organised a car for the day.
The first leg of our journey took us through winding mountain roads. Coffee and pepper plantations lined both sides of the road.
Text and photograph: Srinath Sridhar
Also read: The absolute serenity of Coorg
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