Down memory lane in Madikeri

Day 80.. ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

Her eyes lit up as she spoke describing her smallest memories. She became a child again as we entered her town of nostalgia. She soaked in pride as she understood that she had brought 'home' her daughter and grand daughters to her forever home. This place always featured in her must visits while she guided everyone who enquired about Coorg. Then how could we not see her slice of childhood that witness her evolve from an infant through her school and college years till she was married out of this place and became an army wife. She described in joy and we listened in pride. We were honored to see such charm of a place that gave this woman her joy.. The woman I admire and love with all my heart... my mother.

There is always something so charming about history, heritage, stories of an era gone by and so much more. What makes it more enticing is when those stories belong to your mother and you start connecting all the dots that she shared with you recollecting her stories of the time she was growing up.

So had my day yesterday going down memory lane.. three generations comprising my mother, me and my two daughters pacing each location and travelling through time attempting to relive our stories.

You would call it Madikeri but we fondly remember it as Mercara. We have been there so many times before but each time we experience a new sentiment. This time as we drove into this quaint yet bustling town we gathered that just like cities this little town is buzzing too. Shops have gotten bigger and so have the brands. Streets are no longer silent, empty stretches of green lush, where mum used to rush her way through to get to school, before the morning bell. It now houses shops, clusters of homes, traffic and development.

The 5 acre coffee land that housed mums home is now modern without the tiled roof - yet as we stood in front of it, we caught ourselves listening to mum telling us about the house layout, reminiscing about the plantation made by my grandfather, the tree that seemed to be my aunts favorite spot and so much more. We were in awe of my grandfather's planning and forethought as he constructed that house large enough for homing a big family. The famous Gaddige which is the Raja's tomb spot, has evolved from a large playground for their fun evenings of 7 stones, to a beautiful park that the Government is attempting to create and protect. Gardens are laid but weeds are disturbing the well laid plans. Work is in progress so we are hopeful the results will be magical.

We further traced the route towards her school and college to be amused with sprawling campuses. The kids were thrilled to bask in so many stories of their favorite Naanu with curiosity around classes where she studied , the famous tree where she took her breaks amongst others. As we walked down memory lane we didn't forget to stop at the scenic Raja Seat where the gardens were planned by my grandad - the horticulture expert of the yesteryears . In addition we tried to relive innocent pleasures of the struggling toy train which chugs slower than a leisure walk but has the same thrill. Next we treaded to the fort which overlooks the jail which bring up so many possible stories of people there - their crimes, the punishments, their families and their sadness.

As the three generations continued our journey of blessings we drove past the sprawling golf course towards Taj Vivanta where we chanced upon one of the most spectacular visuals - a scenery so calm, yet deep, green yet lush, scenic yet dangerous. Decked high up as we looked down at the valley we applauded development and joy of such large chains like Taj, Mahindras etc who continue to offer the magic of Coorg by complimenting the warmth and hospitality of the charming home stays that have sprawled across Coorg. In this endeavour I was glad that we are part of this tourist revolution with our home stay near Siddapur which will be another story to tell.

So as we cherish our memories I urge you all to escape from modernity and look for the secrets that made our parents the wonderful people that they are. We don't need fairy tales or make believe histories when we have so much to learn from our generations gone by. So don't forget to relive, recreate and imagine while you appreciate simplicity and pure joy. It was our day of magic well spent.