MAJULI, the Island

'My friends went there. Majuli me kuch nahi hai.', said a defense guy who was journeying along.
I agree, there is nothing much in Majuli if you're not a nature lover. 

There is nothing much in Majuli if you don't like quaint places. 

There is nothing much in Majuli if you are not into learning about Vaishnavism. 

There is nothing much in Majuli if you don't like simple minded people .

 There is nothing to do in Majuli if you don't like riding to the interiors and get amused at the sights of the canoes right next to the house!

There is nothing to do in Majuli if learning about the cultures of the Mishings, Deori, Sonowal, Assamese and Bengalis isn't your cup of tea.

 There is nothing to do there if you are not the kind who enjoy random people inviting you to their home at the first meeting itself. 

It is an absolutely boring place for people who aren't interested in Shankari arts which ranges from acting, carpentry, mask making, theatre and what not! 

It is downright boring  for people who enjoy malls more than the lake like thingy formed as a result of floods during rainy season. 

Its a lifeless place for people who enjoy staring at buildings rather than the birds flying in groups. 

If you are not accustomed to enthusiastic cab drivers playing guides and explain the whole island to you rather than being greedy for passengers then please, don't go to Majuli.

                           In and around Bengaluru!   

                   

'Bhaiya ekdum jaldi jaana.'

'Purpose kya hai madam? Itni jaldi me kyun hai?'

'Exam hai. 11:00 am ko reporting time hai, isiliye.'

'Okay madam. Hum apna dost ko shortcut puchhega.'

After 2 phone calls....VROOM!Thus, started that once-in-a-lifetime kinda auto ride. The kind where you had to literally hold your breathe.After navigating all possible shortcuts and treading on the not so good roads we finally reached our destination. Even though we may have crossed the speed limit I was so happy to have reached there on time. Thanks to this Bhaiya .

I'm not gonna tell you the details of how I ended up in the wrong frisking area :P
Exam khattam! Ab travelling shuru!
I had three places in my list-
(i)Hampi
(ii)Shravanabelgola
(iii)Belur & Halebidu

Of course, Hampi didn't happen due to lack of time, so headed for Belur & Halebidu. I  never reached Belur though :D  I boarded the right bus but got down at the wrong stop- BELUR CROSS! And thus ended up in the wrong temple.

1.Saumyakesava temple: From the bus I noticed a whitewashed  temple on a hilltop. I assumed it to be Chennakesava temple (but it isn't of course). I had the nudge to go to this temple. I don't know why but somehow I wanted to. I won't tell you the details of how and when this temple was built etc. because I am not that knowledgeable.
As I was about to enter a lady, who was sitting in front of the temple making garlands called me and spoke in Kannada. I did not understand what she said but I did understand that she wanted me to buy the garland. I bought, headed inside and smelt something familiar- Tulsi. That garland was actually made from Tulsi leaves!
I haven't been to a temple in ages and I actually did not know where to place the garland. Just then a kind man showed me the plate where I was supposed to place it. After offering prayers, I went around to check the rest of the temple. This is what it looks like-

Beautiful no? Well, its much better when you actually see it. I am just amazed by the creativity and intelligence of the people of those times .

2.Shravanabelgola: Honestly, I didn't know the difference between Shravanabelgola and Gomateshwara temple. I thought both were the same (haha!) Soon after reaching Shravanabelgola a man suggested that we should first climb the smaller hill-Chandragiri before climbing the bigger hill-Vindyagiri.

Somewhere in between the top and the bottom of Chandragiri

Thus, the climb to Chandragiri started. I don't regret climbing that hill. It was less crowded and so peaceful, serene maybe the right word in fact. Legend has it that Chandragupta Maurya, his teacher-Bhadrabahu along with 15,000 monks started their journey down south. It was here that Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya performed the Sallekhana vrat. You'll get to see a cave on the hill top-Bhadrabahu cave.

Bhadrabahu Cave

Chandragupta Basadi 

It was already late but I had another hill to climb- Vindhyagiri. The locals said the gate would be closed by 6 pm and it was almost 5:30pm. I speeded up as much as I could and OMG! I reached the top in 15 minutes (phew!). I was so engrossed in the whole priestly procession and interacting with the students that I didn't know that the gate to reach the actual top was closed. Disappointed I stood there. Just then the caretaker Uncle came.
 U: Where are you from?
Me:Mizoram
U:Is this your first time here?
Me: Yes, Uncle.
U: Okay! For you I will open the gate. You must make sure to get beautiful photos and show it to your family back home. Take as much time as you want.

The caretaker Uncle, who actually came and took a photo of me

Being jubilant I climbed the stairs in all excitement and the view! OMG is the only justifying expression.

A view of the setting Sun

After an exhilirating journey it was time to bid adieu to this beautiful place and head home. Such helpful people and beautiful smiles I came across. All in all, it was a trip to etch forever in my memory.

Those curious girls I met from Bellary Government School 

P.S: This trip was not an expensive one. All journeys were made by KSTRC buses and an auto. NO CABS! Frugal travel it was.