Siri Cafe - Chikmagalur

What if nature were depicted as a woman?

Grass could become her dress. Colourful flowers could form its border. Small flower pots could turn into a necklace.

That is almost exactly what you see at Siri Cafe in Chikmagalur.

Located on the road from Chikmagalur towards Mullayanagiri, the cafe is difficult to pass without noticing the gigantic reclining female sculpture in front. The dark face and hands emerge from the landscape, while much of her body disappears beneath the green lawn.

Look a little closer.

Rows of flowering plants run along her dress. Small pots form ornaments around her neck. Even the surrounding garden seems to have been designed as part of the sculpture rather than merely placed around it.

The sculpture appears to personify nature herself.

And it works.

You may be driving towards Mullayanagiri with no intention of stopping for coffee. Then this enormous face appears beside the road.

You slow down.

Most probably, you stop.

The sculpture has become as much an attraction as the cafe itself, with visitors spending time taking photographs before continuing their journey into the Chikmagalur hills.

There are grand monuments that demand our attention.

This one uses grass, flowers and a little imagination.

Sometimes, that is enough.

Happy travelling.