Saturday, 27 April 2024

Camping at KRS Dam Mysore

Camping near KRS Dam in Mysore offers a great weekend getaway option for Bangaloreans

KRS Dam in Mysore is definitely a must-visit place, and spending a weekend camping there sounds like a perfect way to unwind and connect with nature. 🏕️ The serene and peaceful environment is perfect for activities like kayaking ðŸšĢ‍♀️, hiking ðŸĨū, fishing ðŸŽĢ, and bird-watching ðŸĶœ. It's great to hear that the campsite has all the necessary amenities like tents 🏠, bathrooms ðŸš―, and a bonfire pit ðŸ”Ĩ. I am sure you will have a wonderful time enjoying the beauty of nature there. 🌄

Trip map 

On weekends, many people in Bangalore make plans. Some go to parties, some take long rides, and some stay home. But I'm like a bird—I always want to be near nature. My weekend plans usually involve camping. I like to spend time in forests or by lakes. It makes me feel refreshed and ready to work for a few days. When I'm feeling down, I like to go on long rides alone or drive to quiet places nearby. It helps me feel better.

One day, I found a good camping spot near Bangalore. It was my first time camping near Bangalore; I usually camped up north. Feeling unsure, I decided to go to a paid camping site. I asked my friend to come too.

We started our journey on December 30th, 2023, leaving Bangalore at 6:00 AM. The sunrise on the road was beautiful and made me feel awake. Around 8:00 AM, we stopped at a famous dhaba on the Bangalore-Mysore expressway near Bidadi called Sri Renuka Hotel. We ate some yummy Thatte Idli and lemon rice with tasty chutney. It made us feel refreshed and ready for the day.

We hit the road again at 8:30 AM and made our way straight to Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple. We arrived at the temple around 10:30 AM after driving on a beautiful expressway and a bit of offroading, about 5 km before reaching the temple.

I was amazed by the vast space surrounding the temple, which was well-maintained and peaceful. The temple has been renovated and showcases the impressive Hoysala architecture of Karnataka.

The temple is open from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and there's no entry fee. It's situated near the banks of the Kaveri River, and the refreshing breeze adds to the experience. You can even take a dip in the water, which offers an amazing view. I think the best time to visit the temple is after 4 PM when the weather becomes pleasant, and watching the sunset adds to the calming atmosphere.

Note: There's no shade outside the temple, and there are only a few restaurants nearby, so it's a good idea to carry some snacks. Let's remember to respect nature and avoid littering.

Below is the notice board for the devotees. 

We entered the temple and were surrounded by statues of various gods and goddesses. Unfortunately, I couldn't read their names because they were in the local language, and there wasn't a guide available.

After receiving blessings, we went to the backwater behind the temple. Whenever I see water, I'm tempted to take a dip, but this time I decided against it. We spent about half an hour there, but I felt really disappointed. People had made the area dirty, leaving garbage and bottles behind. It was disheartening to see such a beautiful place being treated this way.

Finally, we made the decision to camp near the temple and found a good spot that I had researched earlier. It was about 9 kilometres away from the temple. The road leading to the camping site was quite adventurous; it passed through off-road terrain and a small jungle. 

At one point, I began to doubt Google's directions, but we decided to keep going. Eventually, we spotted a gate. The camping area was on a secure property, hidden from view. It felt completely isolated, which added to the enjoyment of camping.

The camping site we found was well-maintained and had a charge for staying. It was called Wild Earth Jungle Camp. I want to make it clear that this blog isn't meant to promote any business; I'm simply sharing my personal experience with you and the reason for choosing is a dog-friendly property. 


They offered options for camping: you could bring your own tent or rent one from them. The owner was friendly, and their service was good. They had a tariff that included tent stay, food, and some activities.
You can find more details on their website.

We were greeted with a welcome drink upon arrival, and I noticed that a few other people were already there, enjoying the camping area. If you're a family searching for a spot, you might want to consider adding this one to your list of options.

The site was lush green and spacious, with a large area that included the backwater and some small trekking trails. It seemed like a great place to relax and enjoy nature with loved ones. I got one place to keep my car and setup the camping. 

Is was time to satisfy our hunger 😋. We made some tea ðŸĩ and had a delicious lunch 🍔 that Alexa ðŸĪ– prepared. Eating food ðŸī in a location like this is always a great idea because everything tastes better, no matter how it's cooked ðŸĪĪ. 

After lunch, we decided to take a short nap. When we woke up, we passed the time by chatting and playing with Joy and the kids.

Around 5 PM, we decided to head to the water for a bath because being near water and not taking a dip wouldn't do. We brought along a toilet tent and spare clothes.

After a 15-minute trek, we reached the water's edge and set up our toilet tent to change clothes. Joy couldn't contain his excitement and jumped into the water before the rest of us. We spent over an hour in the water, enjoying ourselves as time flew by under the beautiful sunset.

We returned to our campsite ðŸ”Ĩ and set up a bonfire ðŸ”Ĩ. We enjoyed a dinner ðŸī under the beautiful stars ✨. Then, when we heard the sound 🔊 of a DJ nearby ðŸŽĩ, we decided to go there and dance 💃🕚.

We danced for a while, then went back to our campsite. It was around 11 PM, and it was time to sleep in a peaceful spot. I could hear insects and frogs. We fell asleep quickly in our tent, feeling tired but happy after our busy day.

The next morning, we woke up early because we had planned to go for a one-hour trek to see beautiful birds and scenery near the campsite.

After having a cup of ☕️, we all set out for a morning walk. ðŸķ Joy led the way because he was so eager to explore. We spotted several ðŸĶ like ðŸĶ…, ðŸĶĒ, small ðŸĶĒ, and ðŸĶ† along the way. The birds' gentle chirping and rustling made me feel calm because we rarely get to hear those sounds in our busy daily lives. ðŸŒģ

After 45 minutes, we reached the campsite, and breakfast was already prepared as it was complimentary and we hadn't brought our own. However, I didn't feel ready to eat yet because we had sweated a lot during the walk, and I had the urge to take another dip in the water. I asked my friend to come with me, but he thought it might take too long, so he stayed back. I couldn't resist the temptation, so I went back to the water and had a good bath. I returned in about 20 minutes

I was the last one to have breakfast, so I ate whatever was available because I was feeling hungry. We took some beautiful pictures and captured videos. You can watch my KRS Dam vlog on my channel: [YouTube link]

It was time to leave as the checkout time was around 11 AM. I captured some beautiful memories in just one day that will stay with me forever.

We started our journey back to Bangalore at 11 AM and reached around 3 PM.


After our fantastic camping trip, I'm feeling thankful for the memories we created and the fun we had together. 

TIP Summary



Have a safe journey and don't forget to mention me if this really helped your planning. ðŸ§ģ🙂

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions! I'm here to help.
abhartiyarider@gmail.com


My Blog is dedicated to the Indian Army, Please do support. 

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Thursday, 25 April 2024

Camping at Cabo-De-Rama Beach, Goa

Camping at Cabo-De-Rama Beach Goa ðŸ–️ - A Small Piece of Heaven


When people think of the beach, they usually think of parties and fun, and I'm no different. The beach has always been my happy place, but I never considered camping there before.

Camping at the beach is often talked about romantically, but not many people actually do it. While a lot of folks like going to the beach during the day, they don't usually think about spending the night there. But I am here to tell you that beach camping can be really fun! Here is how it started for me.

Camping in Goa wasn't something I had planned before heading to Bangalore. My journey started from Pali to Bangalore via Goa. I arrived in Goa on December 14, 2023, and stayed at my friend's house. Originally, I had intended to go to North Goa and check out the famous beaches in the evening. However, after talking with my friend, he suggested visiting Dudhsagar waterfall, which was 40km away from where I was staying.

We set off early in the morning, around 8 AM on December 15th. Travelling along a beautiful road surrounded by jungle, we felt the wonderful vibes of being immersed in nature. Upon arrival, we parked our car in the parking area, which cost us 100 rupees for the whole day. Choosing to park there was a good idea, as they also offered private parking options.

Afterwards, I made my way to the reception area to purchase tickets. The ticket price was around 900 rupees per person, which included the jeep ride, a life jacket, and the forest entry fee. It's important to note that plastic items are not allowed, so make sure to leave them in your car or locker before entering.. 

And that's when the real adventure began, navigating through the jungle on a bumpy road, surrounded by lush greenery and flowing rivers. It's definitely worth a visit; we even spotted a train passing over a bridge. It took around 30-40 minutes to reach there by jeep. Dudhsagar waterfall was the largest waterfall I had ever seen, and swimming under it was an incredible experience. It truly felt like a "paisa visual" adventure! They give a total of 90 minutes to spend there, which is sufficient to enjoy.

Here are some important reminders for your Dudhsagar Falls:
- Keep the area around the falls and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary free from plastic. 
- Don't litter and avoid bringing plastic bottles.
- Maintain a friendly atmosphere during your tour.
- Alcohol consumption is not allowed during the tour.
- Wear comfortable, high-quality shoes and avoid uncomfortable clothing like saris.
- It's not recommended to bring jewellery or valuable items.
- Washroom facilities are shared for all participants.
- Participants are prohibited from carrying sharp objects, lighters, luggage, alcohol, blades, etc.
Having a great adventure in Dhudhsagar we reached Calangute beach in the evening. there was a lot of rush and traffic but struggling in traffic for half an hr we parked our car and started walking through the street which took us to the beach. We enjoy doing shopping there and you can easily get cashew nuts and liquor shops everywhere. 

People say "Goa mai Daaru paani ki tarah bikata hai" and that's 100% true.

My wife and I spent some time sitting by the sea, enjoying the view. Later, we headed to a bar where we danced a lot. After grabbing a bite to eat, we faced some difficulty finding a hotel. Eventually, we managed to book one through Airbnb. Finding a pet-friendly hotel was particularly challenging, but we were lucky to find one and stayed at Sidney's place Calangute

This was my second time in Goa, and I hadn't seen such a crowd before. What I realized is that visiting Goa in December might not be the best idea if you're looking to escape to a calm place, especially in North Goa.

We decided to visit South Goa the next day because I was craving peace and quiet. I called up my friend to ask about South Goa, and he suggested Cabo De Rama Beach as a beautiful spot where we could even spend the night.

That's when the idea clicked in my mind, recalling all the camping experiences I've had in remote areas. I thought of giving it a try if it was allowed there. The next day, on the 16th, we set out from the hotel around 10 AM after having breakfast and reached Cabo De Rama in the afternoon.

The journey itself was mesmerizing, especially the road trip. I'm certain you won't get bored if you travel from South Goa to North Goa on a scooter or bike.

The weather was quite hot and humid, around 28 degrees Celsius, and I hardly saw any shops nearby. During the daytime, the area gets hot due to its hilly terrain. Although the location is remote, you can find some resorts and a few local shops that are open during the day. We stumbled upon a restaurant called Boozebums Goa, which was quite nice. We parked our car there and headed straight to the restaurant as we were feeling hungry.
We ordered noodles and two masala papads. Having such delicious food in that area was a unique experience. Additionally, we were offered two complimentary drinks. The staff was really nice and accommodating.

On the other hand, I was contemplating where to pitch our tent for camping, considering I was with my family. So, I inquired with the restaurant staff and some other local shops. I had heard that many campers come here and spend the night in their own tents 

So, I made the decision to stay there and pitch my tent on top of my car. It was the perfect opportunity to test out my rooftop tent 2.0.

The beach was just a two-minute walk downhill, and the view from the top was always my favourite.

We ventured downhill and were pleasantly surprised to find a clean beach with fewer crowds. The best part was discovering a small lagoon, where we enjoyed kayaking with our "Joy". The seawater was a beautiful shade of blue, while the lagoon water was crystal clear. Spending the evening at such a stunning beach was an experience like no other.
At first, I considered bringing my tent down to the beach itself, but as darkness fell, I noticed that there were hardly any people around. I asked some locals, and they confirmed that nobody stays on the beach at night. So, to be on the safer side, I had to find an alternate place to stay.

I decided to camp near the restaurant, as it felt comfortable and secure for my family. Camping on top of the car was definitely the right decision, considering our safety was a priority.

We prepared Daal, Chawal, and Khichadi, which felt like a taste of heaven there. The evening breeze added a romantic touch, and we could also hear live music from the restaurant nearby.


Although the surroundings were dark, the happiness we felt was indescribable. We opened our rooftop tent, climbed on top, and had dinner. Our "Joy" (presumably a pet or a cherished possession) was under the car, and we usually opened the sunroof to let in fresh air and prevent any feeling of suffocation.

We stayed awake until 11 PM, enjoying the soothing sound of the wind and the sea. It felt like closing our eyes and entering a state of meditation.

Spending the night under the beautiful galaxy, with the sound of the sea, made me wish I could come here every day and experience such nights.

The experience of staying near the beach was a fantastic decision that will always be cherished.

The next morning greeted me with another beautiful view, this time from a different perspective. I woke up before 6:30 AM because I was eager to witness the sunrise. As the sun rose, its rays enveloped me, and I felt increasingly energized. It was a magnificent sight, witnessing both sunrise and sunset from the same place, surrounded by such tranquillity.

We brewed some coffee and took our "Joy" for a walk around. I couldn't help but wish to slow down time because I wasn't ready to finish exploring the beauty of this beach just yet.

After having breakfast, I decided to go downhill again and visit the beach. If I had been with friends, I definitely would have played volleyball there in the morning. The atmosphere was so serene, and we were the only couple there, enjoying ourselves and capturing some beautiful memories. 
 
Now, I found myself reluctant to leave such a stunning place. I entertained the thought of staying there and working remotely, but unfortunately, I didn't have another option besides leaving. Sometimes, the most beautiful memories come from unplanned moments. I'll never forget the road leading to this small piece of heaven, and I'll always long to return here.
 


Note: Safety should always be your top priority. Choose a camping location near a restaurant, house, or village for added security. Avoid camping in random or isolated places. If you feel uncomfortable or hesitant, it's best not to take any risks. Always carry safety and emergency equipment with you when camping, and keep it easily accessible in case of any emergencies

Thank you for reaching the end, and I hope this experience might assist you in your planned and unplanned camping adventures in Goa. If you need further tips or advice for camping in Goa or anywhere else, feel free to reach out. Happy camping!

Below is the trip summary


Have a safe journey and don't forget to mention me if this really helped your planning. ðŸ§ģ🙂

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions! I'm here to help.
abhartiyarider@gmail.com


My Blog is dedicated to the Indian Army, Please do support. 


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Tuesday, 23 April 2024

An Essential camping checklist

An essential camping checklist: Be Prepared for Your Next Outdoor Adventure!

To begin, before we get started with the camping checklist, let us take care of a few things shall we? We usually think of camping in a romantic way and never think about such things as having to spend a night out on the mountain during bad weather or some annoying neighbors at the next campsite. The most important thing to do is to buy equipment although you have to know where you are going first. Bear in your mind that you cannot just take any place but one that will tell you what species of animals are there. Once you have made that choice, making a decision on gear becomes simple.


For a successful trip, it is essential to have a complete camping checklist. This guide will take you through all the things that are important for camping, including gear and tools as well as environmentally friendly products to enhance your outdoor experience in a responsible manner. Plus, our free camping checklist is available to download and print below, so you can check off the items when you're shopping online or at the store! There is drinkable water in numerous campgrounds. However, if it’s unavailable, you have to carry your own or be ready to purify the water when there is a source of water. The compass and map alone may not be sufficient if you are camping out in areas that are far away from civilization and therefore, navigation tools like GPS might be necessary.

Download Printable PDF Camping Checklist

Download Excel Camping Checklist

Important Documents :- It's really helpful to have the right documents with you when you're traveling. They can make things a lot easier if something goes wrong. So, always remember to carry valid personal and vehicle documents to make your trip smoother and less stressful.

- Identity card - Payment card - Vehicle Extra Key - Cash - Driving licence - Travel insurance - Wallet - Registration document + third-party liability insurance - Important phone numbers - Car/Bike Emission Certificate - Passport Photos x4 - Offline MAP

Car/Bike Accessories :- Whether you're driving or riding, having basic vehicle tools is absolutely essential. Whether you're on the highway or off-road, if your vehicle gets stuck, everything comes to a halt. Basic tools can make all the difference in keeping you moving forward. Things like a puncture repair kit or a tire inflator can be real lifesavers.

- Tyre Inflator - Car tow rope - Car Puncture kit - Car tools - Car Jump Start cable - Car fuel pipe - Car Life Hammer - Emergency Whistle - WD-40 Spary - Duct Tape

Camping Attire :- It's really important to have the right clothes when you go camping. If you don't, your camping trip might not be so fun. Choose clothes that match the weather where you're going. Clothes made from light materials are good because they keep you warm and dry without feeling heavy. Since the weather can change, it's smart to pack different kinds of clothes. Then, you can change your outfit if you need to during the day.

- Belt - Caps and Scarves - Gloves - Convertible Hiking Pants - Long Sleeve Breathable T Shirt/Shirt - Sweater/Jacket lightweight/Fleece - Arm Sleeves - Quick-Drying Pants - Quick Dry Towels - Quick dry Undergarments - Rain cot - Flip-flops/Slippers/Sandals - Socks (Synthetic or wool) - Night Tshirt and Lower Pajamas - Lightweight microfiber bath towel - Sunglasses

Tent/Safety Accessories :- Picking the perfect spot for camping and setting up your tent properly can make or break your trip. Make sure to bring along a trustworthy tent that's waterproof, windproof, and lightweight for easy carrying. It's also crucial to have safety tools or gear to keep you protected, especially from any unexpected encounters with wild animals. Here are the essential items you'll need whether you're camping alone or with a group.

- 2 Person Tent (Minimum) - Matress - Camping light - Camping fan - Sleeping Pillow Small - Sleeping bag as per location - Sleeping Blanket - Foldable camping Table Small - Camping tarp 10x12 - Clips - Rope - Showel - Pocket Knife - AXE/SAW - Umbrella - Camping fairy light (Optional) - Fire Extinguisher - Mutipocket tool - Bungee coard - Folding Chairs - Toilet Tent - Clips for Tent tighting - Papper Spray

Electronic equipment :- These are my absolute must-haves! Without these electronic gadgets, your camping experience could be quite dim. It's essential to bring along all the electronic equipment, especially chargers and rechargeable lights, to keep your campsite bright and cheerful. Opt for solar-powered equipment whenever possible, as you might not always have access to power sources nearby. These gadgets can truly add to your camping happiness!

- Powerbank - Phone charger - Flashlight / Solar Light - Portable speaker - Waterproof mobile case - Car Laptop Charger - Extension Board - Extra Charging cable - Selfie stick - Head torch

Toiletries & Hygiene :- When you're camping, you don't need a lot of toiletries. Just bring the basics to handle small cuts, bug bites, and stay somewhat clean. If you're camping for a night or two, you might skip showering altogether. Instead, use a body wipe and some deodorant to freshen up. Skip paper towels to reduce trash and use quick-dry towels or a washcloth instead.

- Shampoo/Conditioner - Toothbrush and Toothpaste - Sun protective cream - Perfumes - Nail file/Clipper - Humid wipes - Toilet paper - Lipstick / lip balm - Hair accessories (Comb, Brush) - Body lotion - Hair Oil - Hair conditioner - Sanitary pad - Disposal Bag - Sanitizer - Razor, Blade - Scissors

First Aid Kit :- Traveling through mountains or remote areas with empty roads can sometimes lead to headaches or health challenges like colds, fever, or upset stomachs due to unpredictable weather or other factors. That's why it's a good idea to carry prescribed medicines that you might need in case of such situations. Staying healthy while on a trip is crucial because otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy anything no matter how beautiful the surroundings are

- Bandage - Safety pin - Electrolytes (ORS) - Crocin Pain Relief (Paracetamol) – Relief from pain/ache and fever - Amrit Dhara - Duphalac Constipation relief syrup - Entroquinol – Relief from Loose motion (mild) - Scissors & Tweezers - Cotton wool – 1 medium - Bandage Gauze – 5 (various sizes) - Betadine – Antiseptic Ointment for wounds and scratches - Candid B – Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial Ointment for topical application (esp. skin rashes) - Dettol Antiseptic Liquid – 50ml - Vaseline/Himalaya Lip guard - Odomos cream - Zinetac 150mg – Acidity or gastric problems (only if severe) - Moov Spray - VICKS/Zandu Bam - Dolo 650/Paracetamol

Kitchen and Cookware :- If you're going camping and not cooking your own food, you might be missing out on a big part of the fun. Having the right cookware can make your outdoor meals even better. Instead of bringing along stuff you don't need, just pack the essentials. Here's what you'll want to bring:

- Camp stove and Fuel/GAS - Cooking Pots and Kadhai - Bottle - Knife/Piller - Plates - Bowl - Glass - Thermos - Scrubber and Washing Liquid - Cups/Mug - Camp collapsable Sink - Disposable plates - Stove wind Protector - Lighter - Match box - Containers - Stainer - Mortal Pestal - Spoons and Fork - Pin - Frying Pan - Cleaning towels - Water can 20 Littre

Food and Snacks :- When you're heading out on a camping trip, it's important to bring enough food for the number of days you'll be away. Choose foods that last a long time and are easy to cook. it's a good idea to plan out the meals you want to make and make a list of the food you'll need to buy

- Chocolates, Dry Fruit - Cooking Oil/Ghee - Spices (Salt, Pepper, Etc) - Protien and Energy bars - Potatoes/Onion/Tomatoes/Veggies - Bread, Spread ((Peanut butter, Jam, Pickle, Ketchup) - Spread (Peanut butter, Jam, etc) - Poha, Maggi, Daliya, Rice, Lentils - Coffee, Tea, Sugar - Wheat flour

When you're packing for camping, it's easy to pack too much. To avoid that, think about what you'll be doing. If you're going fishing or rafting, bring the right stuff for that. That way, you'll have what you need for fun outdoors without bringing too much.

Have a safe journey and don't forget to mention me if this really helped your planning. ðŸ§ģ🙂


Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions! I'm here to help.
abhartiyarider@gmail.com


My Blog is dedicated to the Indian Army, Please do support. 

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Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Leh itinerary

  




Heading to Leh and camping there is a dream for many. When I planned my trip, crafting the perfect itinerary took a lot of time and effort. I consulted numerous friends who had already been to Leh, drawing from their experiences to shape my plans. A well-designed itinerary can alleviate much of the stress along the way, sparing you from worrying about where to eat or refuel. It allows for customization and ensures a smoother journey overall. 

Here's the itinerary I followed which proved incredibly useful for keeping track of everything. I'm sharing it based on my experience, and you can adjust it as needed.

1. Leh checklist - Download
2. Leh itinerary Excel - Download 


My Leh Plans but you can adjust according to your comfort. 

2. Leh itinerary

PLAN A

PLAN B



Have a safe journey and don't forget to mention me if this really helped your planning. ðŸ§ģ🙂

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions! I'm here to help.
abhartiyarider@gmail.com


My Blog is dedicated to the Indian Army, Please do support. 



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