Mekedatu Trip

It was a boring week and a long weekend. So my classmates planned a trip to places in and around bangalore. After lot of discussions and arguments we decided to go to MM DAM. We got into a van in the morning and started off at 6 am. As we headed towards our destination we realised that MM DAM was no more existing. Already we were 2 hrs away from Bangalore. There were 14 of us and we split into groups fighting over which other place to visit. Meanwhile one of us suggested we go to a place called Mekedatu, which most of us had never even heard of. Moreover, Mekedatu was totally in the opposite direction. So many of us opposed the idea. But somehow she convinced all of us. So We travelled a long way back to reach Mekadatu. What would normally take 2 hrs from Bangalore took us about 5 hrs to reach the place.

None of us knew anything about the place. After reaching the place We found out that we had to cross a small rivulet in a dingy boat or walk through the waters to reach the other bank, from where there were a couple of buses taking us to the actual interesting spot. It was unanimously decided to go in the dingy boats. On reaching the other side of the river, we boarded one of the available buses which took us to the point. It was around a 3km drive on a tortuous road. And there we were- Mekadaatu, a rocky terrain with a beautiful stream running through. The slopes were not threateningly steep. Mekedaatu, the name says it all! It is believed that the place got its name from the fact that Goats(Meke) used to jump(daatu) from one hillock to the other over a stream of water flowing between the landmasses. In order to reach the actual point we had to walk up the hillocks or rather trek to reach the spot. We climbed up the rocky hillock and sat on the edge of the cliff watching the gushing waters flowing beneath it.

We took several pics drinking in the nature's beauty around. We looked around for some shallow wateers so that we could get in and play.So instead of taking the bus back to the rivulet we walked for a while. We heard the sound of flowing water cpming from somewhere nearby. We blindly walked towards the origin of the sound. There was a small pathway which deviated from the main road and took us to the waterbody. For a brief while we thought we were lost in forest walking along the narrow pathway. But we desperately wanted to get into the water. So we kept walking towards the sound. The sound grew louder and clearer and Lo! Waterfalls!! :) One of my frns who reached there a little ahead of us shouted with joy on finding it and beckoned all of us to get in there.It was very picturesque and looked as if a page torn from a calender came alive. We were overjoyed and we jumped into the waters at once!! It seemed to us like a cool Natural Spa on a sunny afternoon. The waters were indeed shallow and safe for us to play. We got wet from head to toe,lazed around on the rocks, splashed water on each other and clicked loads of pics till we got tired of posing. As dusk approched,we had to force ourselves out of the water as we had to get back to blore before it got darker. We waited for a bus to take us back to the rivulet. But there was no sign of one coming our way. We were terrified at the thought of never being able to go back home. But luck smiled on us after walking a little distance. We spotted a bus going towards the rivulet. The driver was kind enough to stop it for us as we waved out to him. We ran towards it and hurriedly got in. We came to know that it was the last bus for the day! Phew!

We took the dingies again. This dingy travel was quite excitng. Alighting, we quickened our paces towards the van waiting for us.During the journey back to Bangalore We shared our excitement with each and chatted away till We realised that we had missed our lunch for the day. It struck us then that We were so captivated by the surprises all along the adventurous trip that we had forgotten abt food altogether. Now our tummies started growling and we had nothing but a packet of chips, a small cake and a single soft drink bottle left to suppress our hunger pangs. But there was nobody complaining.

Altogether, it was a memorable trip for all of us as none of us expected it to be so wonderful. We finally reached blore with loads of exciting memories and yeah lots of pics in our cameras as well! ;)

PS: I strongly suggest that u visit this awesome place with frns n family, kith n kin, kids n elders, pets n .... :P

India, a land of plenty; rich in resources and vibrant in cultures. Through the ages, tribes and communities have thrived and added colour of their own to music and dance which have become an integral part of Indian culture. Variuos forms of classical and folk dance, originated fron different backgrounds and they have their own speciality and grace.

Some forms of the Indian Dance :

BHARATANATYAM: This is a highly traditional and stylized dance form, originating from the dances of devadasis in temples of South India. It has three major elements, Bharata(facial expression), Raga(melody) and Tala(rhythm). Bharatha Natyam is known for its rhythmic, vigorous footwork, crisp movements, sculpturesque poses. Rich and colourful, the traditional costume is gold bordered and pleated front unfold into a fan of rich colour lending beauty and grace to every step of the dance.

KUCHIPUDI: The indigenous dance style of Andhrs Pradesh. Associated with religion, Kuchipudi was originally performed only at temples by men of Brahmin origin. This dance-drama form of Nitta(jatis), Nritya(sabdams) and Natya(mudras). This dance form is marked by the Bead and Gold jewellery and red and gold costumes contrasted against snow white flowers adorning the dancers.

ODISSI: This dance form is soft and lyrical. It depicts the ambience of Orissa and the philosophy of its most popular deity, Lord Jagannath. The head and the body move in soft flowing movements expressing specific moods and emotions. The Odissi jewellery is uniquely in Silver. The dancers have elaborate hair-do in a knot with the "Tahiya" which represents the temple tower.

MOHINIATTAM: This is a feminine dance of Kerala,performed in temples. This form is gentle and enchanting. It is delicate and lyrical in quality. Wide swinging steps and the swinging movement of the torso from side to side are traits of Mohiniattam.

KATHAKALI: This is a spectacular dance drama form of Kerala. Through graceful mimetic emotions and expressions and highly stylized colourful make-up that resembles masks. The dance relates to stories of Heroes, Villans, Gods and Demons. The use of colour is very vivd and characteristic - the good have green faces with ridges of white and the bad have beards and white mustaches silver fingernails and red eyes are common with all dances.

MANIPURI: This dance style from the North-Eastern part of India is delicate and graceful. The dancer creates rich and exotic patterns. This dance form is intricate and complex calling for high levels of discipline and patience. It is highly decorative in its steps marked by gliding movements.

The rich cultural diversity of India is personified by the various forms of dance that flourish here adding colour to life.