Recap of 2020

I was wondering whether I need to write this post this year. 2020 has not been a good year for travel. But when I look back, I see that there are few highlights worth mentioning.

• Reduction in International travel: I had been mainly travelling abroad in the last few years. The pandemic put a break to that pattern. The only trip I made was to the USA on an official visit. I had managed to see Washington DC before returning.
• Increase in local travels: This year provided an opportunity to visit the places in Karnataka which I had kept it in the backburner for the last few years. I also went on birding a few times.
• My visit to my native place had been on the decline for the last few years as I focussed mainly on travelling outside. This year I visited my native four times, which I think is a record after I finished college.

The travel this year can be categorised into following buckets.

Pre lockdown

The year started well with a nice trek to Meesapulima, the second highest peak in South India. Then, a visit to Washington DC as part of my official travel to the USA. I returned to India just before the lockdown.

Lockdown and rest at home

From mid of March to August, I stayed at home. I have written about my experience here.

Day trips from Bengaluru

Post-August, we slowly started venturing out. It started with the visit to Gaganachukki and Barachukki falls. Visited Somnathpur, T Narasipura, Mudukuthore and Talakad in another day trip. There were birding trips to Hoskote and Hesaraghatta lakes. Finally, short trips to Yathiraja Swamy Betta and Thimmappana Betta near Ramanagara.

Day trips from my native place

I visited my native place during Ganesha Chaturthi, Deepavali and Christmas. Being in western ghats, there are innumerable places to visit near my native. We went on many day trips covering Jog falls, Bhatkal, waterfalls, Basadis and more. I even struggled to keep my writing pace with my travel.

Week-long trip at the end of the year

With Sankara, I visited Goa and Dandeli for 6 days for birding. It was my first stay at hotels after COVID-19.

Post which became famous

I have a limited presence in social media, especially my Twitter reach is even lower. But the post on Bhatkal temples received a lot of attention. Unknown to be me when I wrote the post, it struck a chord with few people!!

Plans for near year

I have not planned anything as there are still uncertainties. It all depends on how COVID-19 situation and the vaccine progress. Hence I have decided to take it as it comes.