I feel fortunate to have the ability to travel freely and comfortably. On the evening of the 20th, I embarked on a memorable train journey to Bangalore, where I was set to attend the reception ceremony of my nephew, Vadiraj Bhat, at the Krishna Vadiraja Mandira in Shankarapura, Bangalore.
My journey began with the arrival of the Panchaganga Express at 9:55 PM at the Udupi station. I have always found train travel to be enjoyable, but this trip was particularly delightful as I had a confirmed ticket in the Second AC compartment. Here, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Vasanthi Koradkal and her husband, Dr. S. Koradkal. We engaged in enlightening conversations about various topics related to their impressive work.
The train arrived in Bangalore at 7:10 AM the following day. Opting not to disturb any relatives so early, I rented a retiring room at the Bangalore railway station. These rooms, equipped with a bed, locker, and bathroom facilities, provide a convenient respite for travelers. I rested there until 12:30 PM before heading to the platform for my return journey. It was then that I learned that the same Panchaganga Express, heading back to Karwar, would be departing from Platform number 8.
Next, I made my way to the Bangalore Metro Station to catch a metro to the National College Station, which is conveniently located near the reception venue. After purchasing a ticket for just Rs. 15, I arrived at the National College Station by 2 PM. I took a moment to survey the area around the station before walking the short 400-meter distance to Krishna Vadiraja Mandira.
On my way to the reception, I stumbled upon a celebration of Mahavir Jayanti at the nearby Jain Campus. Curious, I decided to join in and enjoyed a simple yet satisfying lunch there before continuing on to the reception venue. I arrived at 3 PM and spent some time waiting for other guests to arrive.
The reception commenced at 4:30 PM, and I fully immersed myself in the joyous celebrations. I met many of my relatives, Nishkala, her husband, Kasturi, her husband Somanath Karanth, Prashanth, Santhosh and his wife, son of Jalaja Chikkamma, and many others. By 6:30 PM, it was time to head back to the railway station. The return journey started at 6:50 PM in a First AC compartment, where I relished some fruits I had purchased earlier. My train reached Udupi at 4:45 AM, and I concluded my journey with a short auto ride home, arriving at 5:30 AM.
This whirlwind trip aboard the Panchaganga Express was a truly wonderful experience, filled with new acquaintances, delightful surprises, and heartwarming family moments. It reminded me again of the joys that travel can bring.
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