Pranic Healing.....What the hell is that?

Location: Kailas @ Bhakti Kutir
Tele: 09823595891
Child Friendly: n/a

Cost: take it as part of an ayurvedic package

Well I know what my dad's reaction would be and although he would not ridicule it, the raised eyebrows would say it all. The rest of my family are all 'tree huggers', 'crystal owners', and general 'paranormal aficionados', so they would really be up for it! I am somewhat of a skeptic, all depends on my mood, (which reminds me , our son asked me one day how I met his mom, through the Ouija board was my reply ), anyway, today I was in the mood, so carrying my flask of holy water and 1 kg of garlic cloves I met Vijay.

Vijay explained that Pranic Healing is the balancing of energies in the body; it involves lying down, fully clothed in a darkened room with relaxing music and leaving everything up to Vijay. You close your eyes and the ‘healing’ begins. There is no physical contact, you are told to simply relax and focus on a point on your forehead, (third eye, I suppose….see I do know something!)

Lying with your eyes closed in a dimly lit room with someone ‘doing something’ around you, does feel a bit odd, but then I began to get different sensation around my body. A tingling on the arm, I initially put down to mosquitoes, but there was no sting! I then felt my feet and legs getting warmer and what I felt most strange, I consciously began to feel a change , I began to feel more positive, which wasn’t that difficult, I’d had a sh…. morning! I thought I could sense where Vijay was ‘operating’ and apart from a couple of words to check if I was comfortable, there was no conversation.

I can’t tell you how long the healing lasted; it did not seem to matter. At the end Vijay told me how he had balanced the energies in the chakras and a prognosis about both my physical and mental state, which was surprisingly accurate, bearing in mind there, is no physical contact!

If you combined this with one of Vijay’s ayurvedic massages I am sure it would be awesome, Vijay by the way has probably the best Ayurvedic Centre in the area, if not Goa! He is extremely experienced, totally in tune with what he does and with his clients and one of the nicest people I have ever met.   

Anyway, back to ‘Pranic healing’ , I am not sure if what I experienced is the norm, I know someone who I recommended to Vijay to for Ayurveda and she was totally overwhelmed by the experience , I was not overwhelmed by it but definitely affected by it. My mood had changed; I was positive, enthusiastic and even hugged a tree on the way home!    

for more info check out http://www.goabuddy.in/ Kailas Palolem

The "Magical Spice Farm".

I must have driven my friends crazy talking about this place and basically how wonderful it is! Every time I visit I get yet another insight into a different world, a different Goa, a different way of life that many believe has been lost for good and that many aspire to!

Wow, sounds interesting but why this special place is and why is it that of the countless people I have introduced to the Farm, not one has not come away dis-agreeing that what Chinmay and Gauri have is truly fantastic.

Well the truth is that The Tanshikar Working Organic Spice Farm works at all different levels, whether you are a hard fast botanist, an eco-warrior, a foodie, a historian or whatever, Tanshikar has something! I was going to say something ‘to offer’ but this suggests it’s a commercial venture in the true sense of ‘ring ring’ of the cash register; it’s simply not like that.

The farm has been running for many years, Chinmay is 4^th generation and together with his wife Gauri decided after seeing the commercial spice farms in the North, that they could do something similar but with a different emphasis. This really is a working farm, spread across 30 acres with 20 or so staff.  They live in their 220 year old family house and live a virtually self sustainable life. All of the produce is 100% organic.

So what does Tanshikar offer? Unlike the competitors, Tanshikar takes a maximum of 12 persons per day, with 6 per group being the optimum number per tour. The walk round is carried out by Chinmay or Gauri so you are sure to get personal service. The time it takes to have the ‘introduction to spices’ varies according to a number of factors and depends really upon the interest the guests have in the plants and the environment, so the tour can be anything from 30 minutes to 3 hours! I have brought people here for a quick ‘look-see’ expecting a 45 minute wait and had to wait 145 minutes!
The farm grows 6 varieties of spice and various sub varieties, you will be introduced to each spice and get a brief explanation of how they grow, what the spice can be used for etc etc.  Did you know nutmeg can be lethal?  Picking the spices or fruit to be used in your lunch adds a nice and tasty touch.

Part of the walking tour takes you to the boundary of the farm where you will find , as they put it ‘the mysterious bubble tank’, actually I think it’s just a natural spring around which a tank attached to an older temple was constructed , the tank is probably a few hundred years old . You can take a dip or dangle your feet, tiny fish come up and start to graze on the dead skin……a very different pedicure and it’s free! Don’t worry it’s not like a Spielberg movie or a clip from ‘Piranha’ , there only a few fish and to have a full pedicure would probably take six years…...Watch out for the priest, he is very hot on not wearing shoes at the tank and will soon tell you so! There is also a great photo opportunity here; they have rubbish bins, very unusual! For those wanting to trek further, Chinmay will offer trekking options to three local waterfalls, (when I say local, the nearest is 45 minute walk), so this would be perfect for those wanting to spend the whole day here and perhaps stay over.

The small shop has a selection of spices for sale, everything is produced on the farm, as well as the spices they also sell forest honey and coconut oil infused with hibiscus. The spices come ready wrapped and wherever possible in recycled paper. A small description of the spice, what it can be used for and a recipe is also provided a very nice touch that will probably ensure you use it! Attached to the shop is a tiny farm museum, probably just a dozen or so exhibits but enough to keep you interested if you are waiting for the other group to return.  Chinmay should perhaps have a quiz to see if people can determine the use of some of the objects, could be fun… 

To give guests the opportunity to enjoy the environment even more, Chinmay has constructed a number of rooms traditionally made from ‘mud’ and timber, naturally cool they have a rustic charm totally in sync with the surroundings. For all you  Brits , when we talk about ‘mud’ we mean something similar to wattle and daub, so don’t worry it won’t get washed away in a shower or you bathroom walls disappearing while taking a shower.

For those taking the tour or staying in the rooms, Gauri and Chinmay’s mom prepare fab vegetarian meals, simply delicious. I am pushing hard for Gauri to give me the recipes, (not for my wife of course, who would simply keel over from shock if I gave them to her and expected her to cook something),  I have  offered to blog them, fingers crossed and if you are a foreigner ‘knife and fork ready ‘, or Indian ‘fingers poised!’

The farmhouse for me is the highlight of Tanshikar, built just before the turn of the 19^th Century; its style is Goan not Portuguese! It has a courtyard with the obligatory Tulsi tree, mud floors and a charm that captivates, the kitchen is amazing basically it’s a ‘living museum’. Wonderful detailing in the doors and fittings make it truly memorable and loved by the whole family and ME!!

 By the way, the drive itself to the farm is breathtaking; it’s about 45 km from Palolem, just head for Neturlim.  As you drive towards  the mountain pass you will see paddy fields, waterfalls  and charming vistas, the journey is a must- do anyway, the road is excellent for biking, usually quiet with  simply  stunning scenery. Make a point of stopping and enjoying the peace and quiet and a chai! This is a different Goa.

Back to business, when you get chatting to Chinmay, you realize how focused he is on keeping things as they are; they have no intention of changing how they live or how they work. They see that opening the farm gives people an insight into their life; the farm itself is getting a lot of interest both locally and internationally and has been featured in an Austrian Travel Magazine, a Czech Style Magazine and half a page in Mid-Day Goa. A local TV series has also featured this amazing place and will be aired locally and nationally, I was interviewed as a tourist on what I think of the area! (Please send 500 rs for autographed photo sent by return post).    

So there you have it! Tanshikar Working Organic Spice Farm, a truly memorable experience. I wonder what will be the highlight of your visit; will it be the spices, the house or the warmth, gentleness and hospitality of your hosts Chinmay and Gauri?   

 

'Tanshikar' sounds magical doesn't it? Well it is!

The ‘Devica’… Experience 'On board’ Goan Hospitality

The Devica is a traditionally designed fishing boat that has been built purely to cater for people to experience Goa from a different perspective.

Devidas, the owner and Captain is the perfect host and will design your cruise to suit you. Want to party? Want to simply cruise and bird watch? Want to fish and cook the catch? Want to have a romantic dinner just for two?  Then ‘The Devica’ is moored and waiting just for you.

For the new season we are introducing the Cookery Class, this will be a totally new experience,  following a short trip to spot dolphins, the boat then returns to the calm waters of the River Sal, here the boat will moor and the classes will start. Prices will include lunch and complimentary wine /beer to complete the expereince.  

The packages can be made to suit and whether you want an hour dolphin spotting or full day cruise along the coast taking lunch on a deserted beach, it can be arranged.

Remenber 'The Devica'  is owner managed, so the prices excellent!

Our guests have always had a wonderful experience so if you want more details or to book contact Chris on 0091 8007053818.

Wooden teeth and dishwashers

Its pouring down and here I am sitting on the porch of my fisherman’s cottage and deliberating...I really like my house, or as my son calls it ‘The Hut’.  

That got me thinking, yes my roof leaks, only a bit, but yes it does leak and I have atrocious and an outrageous drainage system , I tell people I am recycling the washing up water by letting it just run into the garden, the Cannas like it, but actually its simply because the bloody thing is blocked. It’s great being ‘green’ when it saves you money, why have I left it? Well, I just know that if the plumber arrives to fix the sink, something will go wrong with the washing machine! 

There's a shock for a number of you…yes we have washing machines! And guess what we also have dishwashers both electric and two legged versions, but I digress!

But what type of accommodation would I recommend?

I have come to the conclusion that most people in the West, especially in Dudley are under the impression that we actually live in huts! I suppose my son referring to ‘the hut’ does not help, but the fact is my mother has not yet been to see me in India, perhaps that’s the reason, and she only lives a few miles from Dudley so I know…..alright!.

To be fair, the ‘shacks’ on the beach really are generally speaking  ‘shacks’ but thats the subject for another blog ......

As an alternative I have been looking at independent properties for rent in Goa, there is a whole spectrum out there, but you really do have to do your homework or go with a Company that has pre vetted the accommodation so you don’t get any nasty shocks.

Speaking honestly I have been asked to put properties on the Goa Buddy site and I am always happy to do so, but you have to be truthful in the comments. I have one house, quite pretty but there is not a single piece of furniture let alone a bed or even a hob to cook on and when asked how do they think their clients will cope they answer ‘Its ok they will bring everything with them!’ . Okay Okay Okay. So now you know why you have to do your homework, if you turn up at a beautifully restored Portuguese mansion to find you have to sleep on the floor, you might as well go into the garden and move the lawnmower over!

 I really believe that there are three categories, independent luxury, independent basic and ‘Oh my God!’ On Buddy I have some lovely properties , if they are very basic you will know but it’s all reflected in the price One thing you should consider, especially if you are staying for a long time is that proper bricks and mortar…….’hold it!’ ….’bricks and mortar?'..... Ok something more substantial than a wall made of grass and used tooth picks can be cheaper and give you more space!   You might even get a garden and a fan and a fridge and a hob and a bed and hot water! Get the idea? It’s not that I am ‘anti shack’ I just think people should be aware of the other options...

The old fisherman’s cottages are generally inexpensive, young fisherman’s cottages are about the same price, all the houses look the same anyway, my house is about 7 years old but has all of the charm of something from the 17^th Century, including a leaky roof,  all I need is wooden teeth to feel totally in character.  The preferred colour of the fishermen’s houses is ‘zinzi pink’ or ‘lycra lime’.

Newer properties, are a little more in the rental stakes and often owned by chaps working on the cruise ships, you can tell as the architectural style of all the ports he has ever visited will be reflected in the building……Greek columns, Portuguese tiles, Spanish balconies, French windows, Italian marble, German car on the drive or at least a Hyundai with a German Manufacturer ‘go faster stripes’.  Generally, these properties are well fitted and inside look like your grandmothers, crochet doylies and brown. These properties tend to be clean and spacious and offer good value; unfortunately they tend to be located away from the main tourist areas so you will probably need transport. Perhaps the Maruti 800 with Ferrari stickers can be part of the package?

That brings us to the ‘luxury independent’ category. This is the category that would shock everyone from Dudley, I have lived in India for 8 years and I know that anything that is considered ‘luxury’ in the West is available here. Goa is a rich state and the money is flowing in, with the money come the professionals and architects and interior designers to graze on the rich folk who decide to build a second home. These independent luxury properties are just that and can stand up against anything the west has to offer, whether its design, style, comfort, impact! Expensive?  Well you are not going to get 4 bedrooms, a swimming pool, chauffeur driven cars and private garden opening onto the beach for 200rs a night but when you do the math’s they work out extremely good value, plus generally if you are going on holiday you want to experience something new and perhaps something that gives you a dream rather than experience something that makes you feel sorry for your lawnmower.

Buddy has a few of these top end properties, ‘Lazydays in Goa’ have some of the best in North Goa and South Goa Villas have a small number around Palolem, both have fantastic Management Teams and don’t worry its ok to mention Dudley!   Needless to say my little house does not appear in the luxury  listing but you can stay here providing you feed the cat and bring your own wooden teeth.

Bangalore to Goa Roadtrip : Option 2 Hubli

Distance: 580km
Expected Travel Time: 9.5 hrs   Actual 12 hours
Vehicle: Maruti Jeep


The Reason:

It just had to be done; I arrived in Bangalore and just had to get the jeep back plus Patrik of course!


The Route:

The Jog Falls option was very nice but in a jeep, just so tiring, unless of course it morphed into a Mercedes overnight. So it was back to Google. The route I planned was up top Hubli and turn left, the directions seemed clear but decided to double check, the directions said come off at Bankapur, so I thought I would be clever and get the exact mileage from Yeswanthpur Station to Bankapur....good thinking eh?  

Set the alarm for 5.30 a.m. so I am able to get off at 6 and only have to drive in daylight, my usual strategy.
The Reality:

The strategy would have worked if I had not been dragged off 'kicking and shouting' to a Glenlivet Malt event at the Taj, I blame the wife, actually I blame her for everything......I missed the 5.30 alarm, woke up at 6.00 and ran round like a headless chicken for 20 minutes. Wifey, in the meantime had raised an eyelid and was complaining I had not left yet! Another 5 minutes and I think I am ready..........the other eyelid was raised but not synchronized with the left, just before you go can you make me a cup of tea and walk the dogs!!!!! 'Yes Sweetheart, of course ' is probably what I should have said....

I eventually leave at 7.15 a.m.; perfect timing to hit the traffic and realize I did not know the way to Yeswanthpur from where we lived......Tiring and annoying and decided we should have stayed in the previous apartment where I knew the way!  
The Remarks:

Within 500 metres from home:
Horrendous traffic, Patrik is already asleep amongst the jungle of foliage that we have decided would be better off in Goa plus a few more bags of stuff we never used in the UK, never used in Bangalore and unlikely to use in Goa......but you never know when they might be useful.

At least it’s warm and dry

After two or three kms:

In a dead end road near Malleshwaram. Real fun

 After an hour or so:

Finally I get on a road I recognize and join the traffic jam....

After an eternity:

I am at Yeswanthpur. 'Yippee' I cry and Patrik starts to howl!

Once on the toll road you realize how boring 600kms on your own might be. Within 15 kms I have completed my medley of Bee Gee 'hits' with the odd  "Shililtes' thrown in ( no,  they are not an radical extremist cell, ask anyone who was around in the 70's who they were...Funny to think they are probably all gone now or smell of cabbage) and I can tell Patrik is getting worried. I recognize the look, ever since I started to train him to wear a crash helmet, he has a adopted this "I don't believe it' look and I can see it now.
I ask Patrik if he has any requests, no reply.

The toll booths come and go and the scenery changes but you are driving too fast really to take in what's happening either side of the highway, unlike wifey who can drive down a road, and not only tell you who has not washed their windows but what TV Channel they are watching and still manages to drive!

I have worked out that as soon as my mileometer, or is it kilometer meter reaches 220 I have to turn left! That’s my plan!
Mmmmmmm...

At 220 exactly there is a turning to the left. This cannot possibly be it, it’s no wider than a footpath, signposted Bankapur but seriously 'rural'!!!!

'Sod it! ' There were no other junctions in sight so decided to carry on to Hubli, after a couple of km all the signs for Hubli disappeared.............then up popped 'Hubbali'....come on guys, someone knows what’s going on....is it the Bombay / Mumbai or Bangalore / Bengaluru thing kicking in?

I stopped for directions, Patrik in the meantime decides to take an interest in his surrounding and eat the palms.....boredom is terrible...I was tempted to eat the dog! Anyway the guy told me to drive 'straight-a', yes that’s right 'straight-a’, no not 'straight' but 'straight-a' and guess what? He could supply me with a guide, who decided they would rather sit with his nose against the windscreen than lean back and get eaten by Patrik...still a brave move I thought. 10 km from Hubbali, this old chap gets out, and simply points! Not a happy bunny. I decide Patrik needs a wee, I stop, Patrik just stares at me, I have a wee to show him it’s ok; he's not impressed and gets back in the jeep.

Leaving the NH after about 350km is a relief but the signposting is awful and you feel you are driving through an Industrial Park, but as you leave the outskirts of Hubli or Hubbali or wherever the scenery gets prettier and prettier and when you start to see regular signs for Karvar, it helps! The road is very pleasant especially where you start to drop down onto the coastal plain. There are lots of petrol stations on the section, so no need to worry but not a single shoe shop so I know wifey would not be impressed.

Hitting the NH17 was a great relief and I felt as if I was on home ground, the road into Karwar was quite busy and heavy rain did not help but by the time I got to Karwar the sun had come out and I picked up the fish for Rani (65 sardines for 100 bucks, not bad for a foreigner!). The border with Goa went without a hitch and decided not to stop until I reached home, if Patrik wanted to wee, then he should have gone when I told him!

I arrived at sunset, absolutely knackered, Rani and Bo were happy to see me and for the record Patrik did not wee until 7.oo a.m. the next morning! Tremendous bladder control for a 5 month puppy and when he did wee it lasted for 45 seconds.      


Summary:

Well it took longer than Google predicted, the first 350 km are mind blowingly boring and you def need company or at least a radio. After Hubli the road gets better and better and the scenery greener. Would I recommend this route, well only to those in a hurry and / or any Scorpio driver, (it will keep them off the other routes...fingers crossed)!

Goa to Bangalore Roadtrip: Option 1 'Jog' It

Distance : 600km
Expected Travel Time: 10 hours Actual 13 hours
Vehicle: Maruti Jeep


The Reason:

It just had to be done, there was simply no alternative, to bring Patrik back to Goa and get the Vespa home , I had no choice but to drive.

The Route:

Route? Well Google gave me a choice of three but  were not  particularly helpful other than giving me distance and expected travel time,  what I needed was someone to tell me , that way you don't have to think!

The answer came from a friend who gave me his jeep to use.......'go down the NH17 and turn left at Honnovar, save you at least 40 kms and drive past Jog Falls!' Ok, sorted !

Set the alarm for 5.30 a.m. so I be able to get off at 6 and only have to drive in daylight.

The Reality:

I was looking at the journey with trepidation, nearly 600km at the beginning of the monsoon, on my own, in a jeep without the usual comforts such as Power Steering , Doors, Beyonce or even Radio Mirchi.

The alarm was set but I didn't need it, the storm blowing off the sea was lifting the Mangalore tiles on my roof and dropping them back down, it was enough to wake me and question my sanity.......then I realised that if I decided not to drive, the storm raging outside would be nothing compared to the maelstrom  I would experience  via Vodafone from wifey, so decided to drive......

As I locked the door and said my last few goodbyes to Mr Rani {the cat} and Bo {the dog}, I stepped out into the horizontal rain, mmmmmm........pulled back the canvas door of my home for the journey and climbed in the jeep, 15 paces and already wet through.....wet pants and twelve hours to go!

The Remarks:

Within 500 metres from home:
The 'live' electricity cable  has blown down and swinging precariously 2 meters above the road . The jeep screeches to a halt ..... there is sufficient clearance...... just breathe in and put your flip flops on....... " Hello Sweetheart can't come because there is a live electricty cable across the road'' conversation, is simply not going to work.

still raining......

after two kms:
Get on to the NH17 and the weather brightens, a bump in the road. the Vespa lurches back and forth, I wonder will those scraggy pieces of string really hold my Vespa in place fior the next 11 hrs 50mins?
So what! The road is empty and I can see on the horizon a cloud that is less black than the rest, perhaps its going to be ok.

still raining....

after an hour or so:
The Goa / Karnataka Border is just in sight , its raining less but there are lots of Customs guys on duty and I am accutely aware that the back end of my Vespa is sticking way out,  the back door will not close  and I am without the obligatory red flag!
The Goa chappies called me through....phew......now for the Karnataka lads, I felt a bit like Steve McQueen in The Great Escape where he's on his motorcycle , jumping barricades and trying to find a gap in the border.....except my two wheeler was a Vespa and it was in the back of a jeep and it was 2011 and I was wearing a kurta rather than a leather flying jacket....and the guards weren't armed......."Stop!" The jeep screeches to a halt from a blistering 5 kms per hour, I didn't want to raise there suspicions that I had done something wrong, I really hadn't but I suppose 5 kms per hour was a bit odd....
' What's that?' "Its a Scooter....'' "Papers?'' Oh bugger I knew this would happen. So I had to park and rummage around for the Registration.......you must understand at this point that no matter what, when there is someone representing Law Enforcement around I always feel guilty! I have never done anything wrong but its just a reaction. I remember once driving in the UK and there had been a terrible accident, glass, skid marks, bits of car all over the road and this policeman was directing the traffic around the scene to allow the accident team to take the measurements, sweep up etc...I spotted him miles off, all the vehicles involved had already been towed away but as I approached, all I could see was that he was directing the traffic.....I swear to this day that he must have changed his action. just for a split second and so I followed his directions and stopped , smack in the middle of the accident scene surrounded by bits of wreckage and glass and  very bemused policemen in bright yellow jackets. I wound my window down "What did I do?  I wasn't speeding Officer honest!' ...'No sir, but you may have destroyed vital clues in how the accident happend.....' "Oh, sorry......shall I go then ?'
Back to Goa....With beads of sweat running down my brow...actually that's not right, it was rain running down my brow I take the paperwork over to the boss, I know he's the boss,  he has  bigger badges and a bigger belly. He takes the log book, 'Model?' " Its a '62, I'm taking it home to Mysore". Big smile from Big Daddy, the babies coming home "Off you go!" I nonchalantly run back to the car, throw my document wallet, behind the seat and drive off at a thundering 20 kms per !

Still raining......

After an hour or so....

Still raining......

I drive on over the River at Karwar, very pretty with views out to sea and a sand bar reaching north across the estuary. Drive on past The Udipi Restaurant where the food is cheap and more than acceptable if you are on your own but today I have to keep going. The road is still quiet and its too early to eat anyway, but must make a mental note to stop off at Karwar on the way back to pick up some fish for the cat, it's where you get the freshest of fish at exceptional prices and where all the local shack owners (south of Agonda) come if they are that interested in picking up the best quality sea food for their guests!

Following the road, its a shame I cant stop and really study the coastline, its quite dramatic  and I am sure it would be worth exploring the area more...so much to do ......

I have been travelling for some time now and decide that my friends advice to take some one along to keep me company would have been a good idea....

Mmmmmmm...

A few miutes later there's a chap, well dressed, office type struggling with his umbrella and getting very wet, as I pass he looks up. I know in Europe there is no way I would give anyone a lift but this is India, its 7 a.m. , there cant be any nutters around can there?
'Udipi?' asks the guy, "well in that direction to start with." He gets in, its then I realise the only two words he speaks are 'Udipi' and 'No'....so....... 'You ok? ', "No', 'I'll drop you off at Hanovaar?', 'Udipi'.....anyway he was ok we had a fairly  one sided conversation  but eventually got the knack of just asking the right question...."You aren't english then? ' 'No' ..."Enjoy Shakespeare' 'No'!  Anyway it passed af few minutes and then I dropped him off at my junction.

After two hours or so...

Still raining...

Thr road off the NH17, signposted 'Bangalore' was wide and winding and almost immediately starts to climb up into the Ghats. Fast and smooth and was a very pleasant surprise, the landskape is very pretty and as you climb it gets better and better, before long you are in the clouds..the rain clouds.....very dramatic and wet. The road unforunately is also wet and as you get higher it become narrower and less well kept. When dry and sunny I expect this to be a beautiful drive but still having wet pants and more than 350kms to go it was still a bit duanting!

One memorable  sight was a large lady, just off the bus, carring a huge bag and crossing the road, the rain was bucketing and then I suddenly noticed there was a cat crossing the road with her and actually sheltering under the bag.....what a clever and dry pussy!

There's only one 'T' junction that needed signposts but there's a couple of shops. (Come on what would you expect a T junction has 2 corners!)  and very friendly people in uniform, all happy to point me in the right direction........

After what seems to be forever you start to approach the junction for Jog Falls, I decided to turn right over a bridge, WRONG..this led to Jog Falls which actually is well worth a stop and stay over...but that's for another time. Back over the bridge, you see the water vapour /spray hanging over the falls, quite amazing  and I promised myself to go back.

Back on the main road, which between the NH17 and Shimoga which up until now has actually drops down to single track and possibly just large footpath in width in places, starts to descend and suddenly the rain stops! Hoorah! The road quality also gets better Hoorah! and then I realise its taken me nearly 5 hours to  there! The 'less than 10hr' Google prophecy is simply not going to happen.

Dry and warm ......

The road becomes quite fast and the signs for Tumkur and Shimoga come quick and fast. The landscape has now changed , the terrain is flat with dramatic mountain ranges and outcrops 'outcropping' on regulat basis. 50 kms or so from Shimoga there is a signpost for Bangalore and Shimoga and its simply did not make sense, so bear this is mind, I had no choice but ask someone.

Suddenly as I am talking to a chap on the right, someone flashes a police id card in front of me! OK here we go, the civilian then asks where am I heading and the next minute he is in the seat beside me . Well, he had a police id so off we go, it turns out he is a 'finger print expert'.....very odd.....in the middle of nowhere I am sitting next to a 'finger print expert'?  Be calm. he looks innocent but no ink stains mmmm? But has a 'Peewee Herman' voice  and a 'Mrs Doyle' laugh and I kept waiting for the question "Cup of Tea? '.
It didn't happen  and as we approached Shimoga I was expecting a request to stop to drop him off, no my new friend had decided to stay with me a bit longer....oh! oh!

No need to worry, I just kept waving at people so that if the cops came looking for my body everyone will be able to say "Yes, he gave us a wave , but looked a bit worried! They went in that direction."

My new aquaitance then suggested lunch, very civilised and we stopped at the Swetha Delux restaurant in Tarikere, its a veg restaurant but serves the most wonderful masala dosa, the best I have had in India! Make it a must-do, if you decide to take this route. The owner is Prakash Chandra Hegde 0826 422362. Excellent!

So on we travel eventually reaching Assikere, 180 km or so from Bangalore and where I dropped off my guest.

The road then on has surprising sights, I was astounded by herds literally herds of ponies, all brown, which really baffles me..why is everything brown , loads of donkeys, all smaller than my dog but I am sure they were donkeys.....missed photo opportunity I think and lots of women wearing what seemed to be early 80's Christian La Croix.

The road was actually a bit boring from then on and once you hit the NH it is very boring but you know you are nearly home. Just one word of warning, if you are not careful the road on to the NH actually turns out to be the slip road off the NH for traffic heading South, so be careful and when you go under the NH at Tumkur be sure to turn right!

Not alot to say really about  National Highway driving, anyway you soon arrive  in Bangalore, you    know  simply because you are in a traffic jam, but it is inevitable you will hit traffic if you want to drive from Goa in daylight.

Summary:

Well it took over 13 hours, but the scenery is spectacular and there are lots of small towns and villages and everyone had a smile, there are a few crazy Scorpio drivers but they get everywhere .
So if you  have  the time and want to make the road trip part of the experience, I would really recommend the 'Jog Falls' route.  Ideally a nice open top mercedes would make it perfect but I  was more than happy in my Maruti.....even in the rain.

100 bucks- dinner with a beer!

There are some fabulous restaurants in Goa and restaurants for every budget, here’s an opportunity to highlight the lesser known places, who either can’t afford to advertise or simply don’t want to!

The only criteria is that it falls into the ‘100 bucks or less’ bracket, ideally it’s for excellent food but maybe it’s the ambiance or whatever…you tell me!