As Mark Twain rightly quoted if you ever want to live happily then, “Sing like no one’s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth.
Samse truly is a heaven on earth. I think God wanted us to get a glimpse and taste of heaven, therefore he created such beautiful places on earth. I always wish my camera was as powerful as my eyes to capture the things as I see it and save it till eternity. That again is a shortcoming of human technology. Every time He makes us realize that He’s the best.
Samse is 350kms from Bangalore towards Chikmagalur. It’s a very small village nestled amongst the vast tea plantations on a hill. The drive though a little long, was very enjoyable with lots of twists and turns. Numerous small lakes and waterfalls adorn this place and it’s truly a small paradise by itself.
Our friends Shrikanth and Veena recommended this place to us. Samse has a homestay called ‘Upasana’ and I feel it’s this abode that makes it even more memorable. Upasana is a dream venture of Sukumar, who is into Yoga and also imparts training sessions in Yoga. The house is very well designed with a very beautiful garden overlooking the hills. I’m sure this place would be spectacular during the rains. Every effort is made to make your stay very comfortable and pleasant, and this task wouldn’t have been possible without the help of two multitalented people Leena and Abhinandan. Besides being very good at hospitality, all of them are super cooks and you can taste some best authentic south canara cuisine in their warm open kitchen.
This place is apt to beat the city stress. There’s no better place for soul-searching and deep thinking..One wakes up to the chirping of numerous birds and flattering of multi coloured butterflies. All you need in your knapsack is a good camera, your favourite book and not to forget a small note pad to jot down your observations and tag along a guitar as this place is very inspiring.Trust me your luggage is done and ofcourse with some necessary clothes packed…rest everything is provided at the homestay.During my nature trips, I generally never miss the first rays and the last rays of the sun. The true beauty of the place always stands out during these times of the day, always giving us a sense of calm. The dawn and dusk never seemed so beautiful before. The first rays of sun struggling to beam out through the dense clouds were truly mesmerizing. Just sitting there on the steps watching the sunrise with a hot piping chikmagalur coffee is ‘to die for’. The hills are always covered with clouds and it is indeed a ‘Walk in the clouds.’it’s a perfect picture post card.
There are a lot of unbeaten tracks to be trekked and you’ll always find something new and fresh in the flora there. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted by creepy snakes on your trek; just let them have their right of way!! The scenery is breathtaking and any creative person will always get inspired to either start painting or take innumerable photographs. It was such a coincidence that I was reading a book called ‘walk in the woods’ by Bill Bryson and I could easily relate the woods to this place.
I guess every nature trip be it the hills, the beach side, the river front or the forests have their own eternal beauty and nothing man made can ever come close to it. God is indeed ‘the best artist’ you can ever find…
It seems like a photographer’s paradise! Really lovely snaps.
I think I want to go to Samse too someday.
yes indeed, a paradise..you must visit that place…
wow lovely place shubhada, very nice pictures too….
nature is the inspiration to an artist & ofcouse God is the
best artist ……….we need to be thankful as we r living in such a wonderful planet 🙂
nice post…………….
hi sandhya, thanks.
Hi Shubhada,
Lovely snaps, very well written. 🙂
Would you have the phone number of this Homestay? I am unable to connect them directly.
Also would you know if it is good to visit this place around June 20th?
Thanks
HI,
Thanks :)..that place is truly inspiring..The rains are quite heavy there and it rains continuously..so u’ll pbly be spending more time indoors soul-searching:))..plus if you have kids then it can get a lil boring for them..secondly this place does not allow non-veg and alcohol which is to be considered..I’ll give you the website details..you can contact them,www.upasana.de
Have fun and enjoy the tranquility if you happen to go there..