Starting Point: Whitefiled, Bangalore
We have started our much awaited jouney to the legendary village of pelicans and Painted storks in the dazzling day break - 4th Jan. 2009, Sunday(5.45am) -from Whitefield, Bangalore, by one of our friends's newly purchased Santro car. There were 4 members in our team-Prakash, Kuttan, Renjini and Anil. Since Prakash and Kuttan have already visited the place a few months before(sep 08), we had some what fairly good idea about the routes and the condition of the roads leading to Kokkare Bellur.
It was a foggy morning, and a bit cold too; Prakash was on the driver's seat and Kuttan nearby. Renjini and Anil were behind.. We carried some snacks, fruits and hot water.. Also a writing pad and pen for recording each and every details of our jouney. Our plan was to reach the village by 7 am and could observe the bird activities from the morning to till evening. We slowley headed towards Silk Board from Whiltefield via the beautiful villages Varthur and Gunjur-Sarjapura Signal-Outer Ring Road-Agra Circle. From there we drove towards Jayadeva Fly over, where the route towards the Mysore Road takes a diversion. The actual road towards Mysore road was blocked due to some construction activities(It was in the same state when we went during Sept.!!!)- So there were two options before us- Either take a left turn from the Jayadeva Flyover towards Banargatah Road and reach Nice Road, then go towards Mysore Road or to drive Staight(without taking the left) from the flyover towards(A bit confusing, so better clarify with' taxiwala') Mysore Road. We took the second option and reached Mysore Road by 6.40am.
Now its the straight Bangalore Mysrore road.. The road is really good and so be careful in driving. Afew Kms drove on the Mysore Road we could see a signboard written 'Kokkare Bellur 74Km'. We were on 60-70Kmph speed. Between we have shared our previous visit experience. As we have mentioned earlier, our 1st visit to Kokkare Bellur was on Sep. 2008., though we were aware there were no bird activities during that season, Kuttan and Prakash have decided to visit the village at that time and gathered maximum information from the villagers. Then the villagers reminded us the ideal time for visiting the village is Jan to March when the bird activities are in its peak. However in our first visit we understood how close the relation between the birds and the villagers. That was the time when all the birds left off from the village and villagers were welcoming new agricultural year in their fertile soil!
After 10-15km from Bangalore on Mysore Road(Hotel- New Mandarathi on the left side of the highway, Place-Kumbalagodu) we had our breakfast-nice chow-chow bath, idlis and coffee. Then we drove towards Channapatna, which is about 65Km from Bangalore. We have covered Bidadi, Ramanagaram(the silk city), Honiganahalli and reached Channapatana at 8.35am. Six Kilometers after Channapatna you will find a few good resturents- Shivali, Indradhanush, Drive in resturant etc. If you are in need for gasoline for next 40Km drive(to and fro)then don't forget to visit Bharat Pertroleum Bunk(BPCL) nearby these resturents.
Four Kilometers after BPCL, on the left hand side you will find a signboard to Kokkare Bellur. This circle is called Rudrakhipura(If you are not watchfull you will miss it!!! ).Now its 13 Km to Kokkare Bellur.
From here we need to take a left turn and go through the badly maintained country road for about 6Km. for the next deviation to your right you will find another signboard- Kokkare Bellur 7Km..
Immediateley after entering into this road, we saw a number of Bull Bulls, Ibis and so many other varieties of local birds.
It is the time of harvesting.. The farmers are busy with managing the harvested crops. The hay spreaded all over the road slowed down our pace considerably.
As we rolled on to the tiny village the sight was elating. Amidst the vast expanse of greenery were the Pelicans perched on the treetops..Few were feeding their offspring in their winter sojourn.
But most of them were returning from the Shimsa river and Igguluru dam after their morning session of forage. Their landing on to the nests was an awesome scene. We were really lucky to catch the entire sequence on Camcoder.
In a europhia we were; yes we were in a land very few could claim to have visited. Really we were in one of the most unique villages in this part of the world.
We roamed around, Kuttan with the Handycam and Prakash with the still cam Nikon L4, and Renjini & Anil enjoying the birds. Then we met the president(Mr.Linge Gauda)of “Hejjrle balaga” (Pelican clan- A group of localities who are doing appreciable work for the conservation of pelicans).
We had an interview with him; a remarkable person. As a penance he has been protecting the birds for a decade and half, nursing the fallen chicks in their nursery pen and provide the birds with fish during the breeding season, especially in March when birds crowd in.
He told us a legendary story: during 40`s when plague attacked , the whole village shifted to a place a few kms away; the birds too congregated there!!! That was the bond- bond of generations... between the masters of air and the rich villagers, rich with love and passion. More>>
