Nandi Hills? Where is it? That was the first question that comes to my mind. I have heard about it ever since I came to Bangalore. Amidst this concrete jungle and never-ending traffic chaos on the roads, I always wanted to get away to some place which was a little calm and serence amidst some natural greenery, reminiscent of my home town. I was very busy during the months from April to August mid. I was done with my share of the project work before 12 th August. So 15th being a monday and a national holiday, decided that the long weekend would be the ideal time to make my much awaited trip to Nandi hills along with my old friend, my back pack!!!
Jesus, its already 8.30. I overslept by an hour on 14th morning. The second bus to Nandi hills started from Majestic at 9.30 a.m. The first bus at 8.30 a.m. was way too early for a nocturnal guy like me. So, I took a quick shower and left the house along with my backpack to reach Majestic by 9.10 a.m. Then I dutifully bought a ticket , only to reach the platform 10( which used to launch the express buses to Nandi hills) and find that my express bus was a red colour smeared cranky old bus abound by noisy 2 legged creatures. I found to my dismay that my seat had already been taken over a family which included my seat number also. There were planning to take the tickets from the conductor unlike me who went through the proper process of reservation. I decided not to unseat them and instead decided to go the distance without a seat by standing. The bus started duly at 9.30 and mazed through all the city roads that came on its way.
We reached the Hebbal flyover around 11. At this time, the male member in the family got struck by the pin of conscience and offered me his seat. I refused initially but seeing him insisting, accepted it in the end. We reached Nandi hills around 11.45 a.m.
Nandi hills, 72 kms from Bangalore, was the summer retreat for Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile King of Mysore(now Karnataka). I got down from the bus and bought the entrance ticket and moved inside the fortificated structure. The first thing I saw was Tipu’s seat . It is like a pond only, so I am still perplexed why it is called seat. The area near it was abound with flora and fauna. Flora consisted of different varieities of botanical trees and flowers. Fauna consisted of monkeys, monkeys and oh God, more monkeys. There was a narrow way though the vegetation to the top. But I decided to take the paved road instead and moved along with a buch of people. Touts were hanging by masquerading as guides, looking for easy targets. I ignored them and continued to move ahead.
That day being a holiday, the place was abound by noise revellers. Even the monkeys made a quick disppearance from the places where the human population was more. I came across the parks and open spaces where kids were playing and their parents were keeping a close guard on them. Also along the way were some love-struck couples, holding hands. Difficult to surmise whether their love(?) extended beyond that 1 day.
I soon came near the commercial part of Nandi hills. Found the only hotel, Mayura pinetop choc-a-bloc with people. I selected one quiter alternative , a restaurant offering both North and South Indians dishes, the banner above the rooftop proclaiming it loudly. The food was not that great but was nevertheless edible for a soul who was yet to have his breakfast at 12.30 noon.
After the heavy lunch, I made my way for Tipu drop. The cliff above it gave a wonderful view of the vegetation around. It gave glimpses of the Bangalore highway, Tumkur-Hyderabad national highway as well as the circuitous route to the Nandi hills. The gale was blowing pretty strong at the top. That is when I laid down my backpack, made it as a pillow and decided to have a quick nap. I could see the white clouds blowing by the light blue sky . It was a refreshing sight indeed.
I do not know how long I slept till I was awoken by a substance hitting me. I open my eyes to see it was a flying disc. As I held it and was wondering whether the Martians have decided to hit back for the Rover expedition , a cute looking girl came up to me and awoke me from my wandering thoughts. The first thing I noticed was her silky long hair which was blowing away in the breeze. She apologised for the disc hitting me and asked whether I was hurt. I replied in the negative and said that it was ok. She asked me about my companions, I replied back by saying that I was alone. She said that she had come with her sis and brother-in-law and their 6 year old son.
I was still unable to keep my eyes away from her long hair. She introduced herself. Her name was Ria . Basically from Noida, she had come to visit her sister. She did her Bachelors of Engineering from a local college in Ambala and was preparing for MBA. She asked about me and I with a grin on my face replied with an answer which I reserve for the first question in HR rounds (Tell me about urself?).
Now it was becoming more difficult to keep my eyes from her long hair and I hesitatingly complimented her for the same. Boy, was she blushed? Her faced almost turned pink, literally and yes the same pink you find in our national flower , the LOTUS.
We chatted, she told about herself, wanted to know about my homeplace and said she was fascinated by the north-east and wanted to explore the mystical(?) land. I told her about the flora and fauna that nature has gifter us with. Of course, I made some of them up. She listened very intensely to what I said. I could see her face glowing with excitement and eagerness. I then brought up mu humour angle. She laughed at the same jokes which I hated and thought only idiots can laugh. She smiled, laughed, sometimes even pulled my leg.
I dont remember but I think we had talked for a pretty long time when her sister called her and she bade me adieu not before givin her cell number and promising that we will meet while she is still in Bangalore.
It was now 3 p.m. and after a quick visit to the temple decided to make my way down the slope to the bus stand. By the time I reached the bus stand, the 4.15 bus came and people rushed to board it . I managed to grab a window seat on the last row. And Goodness gracious, the entire row was occupied by a bunch of girls. Me being the only guy in that seat and 5 other girls. I made some passing glances at them. They were pretty but none as pretty as the long haired girl I met earlier today.
As the bus started to descend down the hill, I became entangled in a deep slumber only to be awoken by a loud honking of the buses. I woke up to find that we were nearing Majestic bus station. I looked at my watch. It was almost 6.30 in the evening. I got down from the KSRTC bus and took a auto to my house near IIMB.
At 9.30 I retired to my bed. Boy, it was one tiring day!!!
Adios, junta…
