‘Jolada Rotti’ (rotti–flat bread–made from sorghum floor) is one of the commonly available foods in the restaurants of north Karnataka. Traditional eateries of this region are called ‘Khanavali’ where you can expect Jolada Rotti to be served with a side-dish, fenugreek leaves and chutney-pudi (spicy powder as accompaniments).
Seen in the photograph is a kitchen of a Khanavali in Badami, Karnataka, where women are preparing Jolada Rotti on a wood-fired stove. They work for a good part of the day and make several hundreds of them everyday.
Some of the finest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country are well off the mainstream travel itineraries. They may not be the largest in volume, tallest in fall or the most well-known. And yet, they are easily among the prettiest waterfalls I have ever seen.
Magod Falls, Unchalli Falls, Satoddi Falls. Have you heard of these waterfalls? The answer is likely to depend on how far you live from these places, how active a traveller are you and how intrepid are your journeys.
Brilliant view of Magod Falls dropping into a deep valley.
If India for you is a diamond shaped country somewhere between middle east and [South-East] Asia, chances are you only know about Taj Mahal in the entire country. If you live somewhere within India and your idea of travelling is the yearly holiday to a luxury resort, chances are that you may have heard about a Jog Falls here and a few others around your city, no more. If you live within Karnataka, there is some chance that you may have heard a passing mention unless you are a frequent traveller. But for those who jump at the first opportunity to explore, especially in Karnataka, these places are either in the must-do list or they have already been ticked.
I have heard from a countless number of my travel-buff friends about Satoddi falls and Magod falls. Everyone of them has unfailingly mentioned not only about the size and height of these falls, but the dramatic location in which they are set. Often so dramatic that I wouldn’t be easily convinced.
A rainy day in Badami, Karnataka.
Am off to Badami later today, on my three-day travel photography workshop. Looking forward to being there again and witnessing the rains showering on the temples.
