After spending 3 years in USoA, we had moved back to India in 2010. We were three in the family then - myself, better half and my 5yrs old little girl. We had enjoyed the life overseas and had all kind of touring experiences. What we missed is Indian food, our reserved forest trips and long journeys in the esteem! We were the family that never looked at maps and ventured out on the roads we felt calling. We were so used to travelling, that my little girl is almost on the road with us since she was 3 months old! But then, after we returned back to home country, India, things slowed down.
Fast forward to 2013, we had a new addition to the family. The cute little devil had arrived in Jan 2013. So many months before and after he arrived, we did not take any long trips/ overnighters other than visiting our parents and in-laws far away in Goa and Maharashtra
Everyone in the family - wifey, daughter and myself were very much craving for the holiday that is away from any relatives and something that we can rewind ourselves. Many discussions happened on where we should head out and when, but nothing really materialized. We kept discussing and scraping the plans. Our little one had developed allergies that would make him suffer with cold and runny nose every time he goes out on Bangalore roads.
Will our little master cooperate for long drive?
...umm.. not sure.
Will there be proper food for everyone?
... no guarantee..
Will we be able to return from there without picking up any contagious diseases?
... Can't say!
Oh, will we get a day off from work or school for my girl?
... may be.
And what if the the younger devil of the family troubles when we are away from home?
...but if not now then...?
We kept deliberating but nothing had happened so far. The questions and counter questions and some answers were flowing until one day the miracle happened! An old friend of my wifey sent her whatsapp messages with her family pics of elephants bathing from their holiday trip in summer. And wifey asks me with a mellow tone - where is this place? is it worth visiting during august? I knew this is the opportunity I have to seal - after all the cravings for a vacation had grown so much! With all innocent and detached reactions I continue to build her curiosity...
Wifey: Hey look, this seems to be good fun for Kids [Shows pics..]
Me: hmm... but you know its not going to happen. [wicked smile within. I have figured out after around 10 years with her, when I reject, its gets through!]
Wifey: And why is that so? Because my friend said so?
Me: No, not because but you know our kids, school work, weather and allergies. You are so tired taking care of them and did not want to take vacation that will create more trouble for you.
Wifey: Yeah, you are right but maybe you find out if this is worth it.
[I knew this is not concluding soon. so the plan to hit bull's eye hatched.]
Me: Sure. But you know what, lets show it to our daughter. If she likes, we will think seriously...
[Wifey calls our daughter... while she is looking at the screen, the little master grabs the phone and sees the elle on it. There is no bound to his joy. He jumps off and super happy. That was moment..]
Me: Wow, he is so happy looking at picture, lets go there. It will be more fun.
Wifey: Sure, go ahead.
And the next moment, I am onto the task. Searched through the tLogs, asked friends and Tbhp fellow members. Learned few things -
- Its off season
- The Safari, Bon fire etc might not happen
- JLR is great option but few years ago they did not even have electricity..
- Its just one day trip, why overnighter there?
But then, I was determined to make this happen. A quick call to JLR office in Bangalore and further contact of the Manager at JLR Dubare Camp ensured that we have all the info we needed.
- They have 20% off, still total cost for double bed riverside cottage that can host 4 of us was Rs. 9200. But that's not going to be the showstopper anyway.
- Safari, Elephant Interactions are ON
- Not much crowd there so we are sure to get our privacy and relaxing time
- This was more of a dry run for all our upcoming trips! So come whatever may - rain or shine, we are going.
I swiftly book the JLR for one night very next day and announce at home - there is heavy cancellation fee
So no one dares to think of cancelling this. Actually that's not true. But then Lord Krishna once told this - its ok to lie if there is something good happening from it. I interpreted that if something good happening for me, why not?
And so the plan is hatched up -
Route: https://goo.gl/maps/W0zeO
Bangalore-NICE-Mysore Road-Sri Rangapatana-Hunsur-Periyapatana-Kushal Nagar- Dubare
Total Distance: 475Kms (236Km One way)
Friday, August 8 : Its holiday for Kids and so perfect day to start.
Depart from home @ 7am
Breakfast enroute @ Kamath or Cafe County
Reach Dubare Camp by 1pm
Saturday, August 9
Leave Dubare @ 11:30am
Visit Golden Temple @ Bylakuppe
Reach Home by 7-8pm
And we shall have Sunday for our weekly family work and grocery trips!
JLR Program -
Friday:
1:30pm - Lunch
4.30pm: Tea followed by Jungle Safari
6:30pm: Tea and Snacks followed by Wildlife movie screening
8:30pm: Camp Fire provided that its dry
Saturday:
6:30am: Nature Walk in JLR Campus and River side
8:30am: Breakfast
9:30am: Elephant Bathing and Interaction
11am: Elephant Ride and
11:30am Checkout
Everything was set and we were all geared up to make this happen! Thursday evening, we tank up the car, pack our bags, collect necessary things such as Camera, Essential Kid's Medicines, Umbrellas etc.
And when you have everything planned considering our family habits of getting up before time, no surprises - we left home by 6:30am itself! Kids woke up on time, no tantrums whatsoever. All excited for our first vacation after a gap of almost 4 years!
And Paulo Coelho in his The Alchemist said - when we wish something from bottom our hearts, the whole universe conspires to make it happen!
To be continued...