It was a busy week here working on the ‘Tour of Less Known Hoysala Kingdom’. The monsoon edition of the tour was well received, and was thankfully not interrupted by rain.
Weather gods were friendly to us through the journey. Carpet of greenery had sprung up on the countryside, thanks to the recent showers. Sunflower fields brightened the earth and kept our spirits high. It drizzled constantly as we sped past villages, fields and open countryside. Earth was wet, ponds had filled up, puddles had formed in depression and all forms of life were at their active best. Sun rays barely filtered through the ever present rain-clouds. The moody, romantic atmosphere persisted all through the journey.
At our resort hidden in a coffee estate, I spent most of my free time rocking on the swing and watching the water drip from the tiled roof. The ‘tip-tip’ of the water was relentless, sometimes accelerating into a constant pelting. Ebullient cicadas performed their symphony as the light fell in the evening. The stream that ran past the estate had gathered strength and was flowing with vigour. As darkness fell, peacocks hiding somewhere in the jungle faraway added voice to the conference of frogs, cicadas and the dripping rains. Monsoon had infused a new life into the creation.
The monuments enthused me as much as the rains did, despite having been coming here again and again. The Veeranarayana Temple at Belavadi with its 108 finely polished pillars was not just about art in the stones; it gave me a feeling of peace. In Doddagaddavalli, I was overwhelmed once again to see the nine hundred year old temple appearing suddenly behind a curve, with a vast expanse of rolling landscape behind it. Hulikere’s ancient tank and its surrounding shrines seemed like a new discovery yet again. A mystic feeling always haunts me as I look at the shrines here and muse at the poetry carved into these stones.
Now sitting back at home and letting memories of the places linger in my mind, I am stuck with an unfulfilled feeling, and a wish for more of these indulgences. I could always do with more days of sitting on the swing staring at the dripping water. I could do with more of the cool moisture laden wind that brings in momentary shivers and prolonged happiness. I could do with a lot more of the quiet moments of leaning to the parapet wall at Belavadi Temple and staring at the array of finely polished pillars. Happiness lies somewhere out there!
I always feel enthusiastic whenever i think fo these Temples. They are simply great!!
Wishing you the best for your tours.
Pictures of the sunflower fields?
Thank you Aravind.
Mridula, no pictures. Hopefully, next time.
Yep… we could sit in that swing forever…. and i wish those elusive Peacocks come out and show themselves!!!
Looks like yet another wonderful trip!!:)
see ya soon!!
yep.. those peacocks have been very elusive..