Coffee Time in Chikmagalur

 After a long wait, it finally happened. I have visited several tea growing regions, but hardly any coffee growing ones. This last weekend, I made up, ticking one more box on my Bucket List. Very interesting place, Chikmagalur. A Sufi saint is supposed to have brought the coffee seed here, the legend goes. Believable, because Monks are supposed to have invented Beer too.

Anyway, amazing scenery, simple and clean living in a two-street town, and a 4-5 hour run from Bangalore are some of the attractions. You can stay a couple of nights, and soak in nature's bounty. My guess is monsoons should give you more greenery, but less clear views. So take your pick, or do both seasons. Some pics- 

The Western Ghats- Pictorial Journey

The Western Ghats are a treasure, with amazing scenic routes all over. One such that we traversed recently was between Goa and Belgaum via Chorla. The pics speak for themselves-

Vacationing in Coimbatore

Never shun a vacation. My motto now for the foreseeable future. This one was a good one for many reasons. Number 1, I met old friends from my days in Kirloskar and IMT Nagpur, at Coimbatore. Number 2, I played Golf. Number 3, I got to see a new resort/guest house in Coonoor with a Golf Academy attached-well, almost! Fourth, it was raining merrily all the time we were there-actually started in the air!! Delayed our landing by half an hour. Had a pilot who was from Honduras-that's a first!

Wellington Golf Club. My second visit, after 2016 December.

A Golf Academy..Pooja in training..

 We practiced too.

Brilliant view.

Another view from the Golf Academy. Coonoor Kotagiri Road.