After last weekend's failed attempt to locate Nrityagram (due to misreading the directions and my stubbornness not to find out the right directions), I was determined to find it this time around. This time too I was risking it by deciding to take an off beat route that I last traversed during my college days. What the heck, I was feeling nostalgic and one must have a sense of adventure.
However at the back of the head was worried of losing my way once again and earning the ire of my fussy friends who were all eager to visit Nrityagram. Taking this route has it's advantages as one avoids the traffic snarls due to the Metro work on the already burdened Peenya road as well as the busy Hessarghatta main road. I would also get to enjoy the rural rustic aspect of the country side, the greenery, the music as well as the Linea.
We were 6 of us in 2 cars - my Linea and a friend's Optra Magnum. The roads for a majority of the distance were pretty all right with a lot of patchwork/repair. The Linea's suspension just soaked up the resultant unevenness/bumps quite easily and as usual felt good. Was cautious not to over rev her or drive her harshly.
The more I drive this car on the highway,the more I'm loving it. She does not induce the urge to surge and I like that. Overall it was a leisurely drive, like weekend drives are supposed to be.
Armed with my camera, was all set to capture a bit of Nritygram's essence, only to be disappointed. We were greeted by a sign that informed us that it's closed till May 19th as the troupe's touring! Great! Then it hit me - one more reason to take the car out for a drive in the near future, to one of my favorite rural drives.
Not to be dampened we decided to atleast enjoy the Taj Kuteeram that's right opposite Nrityagram.It's a lovely place that's designed along the lines of NG and has a nice earthy, rustic charm to it. Green, natural and breezy. The more I live in the concrete world the more I understand why previous generations blended architecture with the elements. Will let the photos do the talking I guess.
Lunch is expensive at Rs.619 per head but was more than happy with the taste. I guess one is definitely paying for the ambiance and serenity.After a leisurely lunch we stopped at the Hessarghatta Lake/reservoir which is all but dry. Hopefully a good monsoon in the coming months will fill it up.
The sun decided to stop blazing and the clouds turned grey, the climate was cool and breezy. After hanging around the tank bund we decided to head back to B'lore taking a longer route again to enjoy a nice drive and soak in some soothing greenery.
We drove about 70-80kms. I did not bother to set the trip meter. All in all was a wonderful drive and the Linea was sheer pleasure.
Another 40kms to go before I hit the 1000 km mark. 1000kms that I have thoroughly enjoyed and looking forward to more than a few hassle free 1000s in the next few months.
I sorely miss a good ICE setup and hopefully that will happen in good time, to contribute to the pleasure of driving the Linea. Oh just imagine Floyd, Clapton, Dire Straits, Buddy Guy, Dylan, ACDC, Santana, Beatles, Al Dimeola,and the rest all sounding their best......