While coming back from Mysore to Bangalore, we found an enormous field full of sunflowers right beside the highway. Needless to say, we wanted to take a break from the long drive and spend some time amidst the sunflowers. The entire field looked like a painting with tall sunflowers swaying in the wind with the blurry outline of green hills in the backdrop.
Sunflower Splendour
The thought of visiting flower fields always puts a smile on my face. Flowers have a calming effect on me – chasing away any worries circling my mind, filling me with cheerfulness. Every photo of the sunflowers that I captured on my camera is like poetry in a frame. No wonder the vibrant strong sunflowers are a constant source of inspiration for many poets.
“I want to be like a sunflower so that even on the darkest days I will stand tall and find the sunlight.”
Unknown
This brings to my mind, the 1970 Italian movie of the same name as the flower – Sunflower which tells the tale of World War II and the visits of the female protagonist to Sunflower fields in the Soviet Union where one flower is grown for each fallen Italian soldier. Although ephemeral, these fields, give her hope and a will to continue her life.
Similarly, many sunflower fields across Karnataka are attracting hundreds of youths to visit. A picnic in the gardens, basking in the sunlight is a sure recipe to detox and detach oneself from the hustle and bustle of life.
Plan a visit to a sunflower field around sunrise or sunset for stunning photographs and everlasting memories, that can be cherished even years after the trip. A large spread of yellow-painted fields with a sprinkle of greenery under the blue sky makes for a surreal view!
Picture Perfect!
All these sunflower fields are privately owned by local farmers. Since, they make a great spot for photography, seizing the opportunity, the farmers tend to charge people for entering the fields. The price they charge is nominal but makes the entire experience totally worthwhile.
One thing to keep in mind is to be respectful of nature and its surroundings, and make sure not to damage any flowers while clicking your photos. Do not trespass, if a warning sign is mentioned at the entrance. On interacting with the farmers, you will get to know that these sunflowers are harvested and sent to Mysore for extracting sunflower oil which is widely used in many Indian kitchens.
The most interesting thing I was reminded about sunflowers while touring this fields was that Sunflowers are heliotropic plants which means they respond to the movement of the sun. Everyday these gorgeous plants follow the sun from East to West but at night, they again face towards the East in anticipation of the next sunrise. Nature sure works in mysterious ways!
Lately I have been watching videos of people grilling the sunflower heads – harvesting the large sunflower head, brushing off the buds and tossing it right on top of a grill. I haven’t tried it myself but I am very curious as to how the grilled sunflower heads will taste like? If you have tasted a grilled sunflower head at home or at any restaurant – comment below your experience.
The Flower Pot of Karnataka
If you are thinking to visit flower fields this summer, head on to the breath-taking sunflower and marigold fields of Gundlupete. Only 200 km away from Bangalore and half that distance from Mysore, Gundlupete is a quaint little town in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka.
Gundlupete is often known as the flower pot of Karnataka due to its large sunflower and marigold fields on either side of the road with the picturesque green hills in the backdrop. Its a one-of-a-kind experience for every couple out there, who are looking for a picturesque romantic getaway. You will find these fields an ideal place for your pre-wedding photoshoots. Even if you miss the sunflower season, you will find marigold and globe amaranth growing in its place with all their glory.
The best time to visit sunflower fields in Karnataka is from the month of June to September when the weather is pleasant due to the monsoons and the flowers are in full bloom – a site to behold.
Ah, Sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun;
Seeking after that sweet golden clime,
Where the traveller’s journal done;
Where the youth pined away with desire,
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves, and aspire
Where my Sunflower wishes to go!
William Blake
If you loved reading this post, please do share it with your friends and family. If you have been to any of the sunflower fields in Karnataka, share your experience with us!
Andrea Peacock August 22, 2020
Sunflower fields are so much fun to wander through and photograph! I always love the bright happy yellow petals 🙂
Shalzmojo August 22, 2020
Gosh I love seeing fields of sunflowers and have spotted several on my road travel. But somehow could never stop to take pics there. Your post has made me so so envious 🙂
Nicole August 22, 2020
This is so pretty, I’m planning to visit Mysore either next year or early 2022. I’ll have to add this on my next trip plans.
Curls en Route August 22, 2020
I’d love to visit one of those fields so bad!
Disha Smith August 22, 2020
I love sunflowers! What a beautiful field of them! I love that you’re color-coordinated with the sunflowers.
Katie Goes August 23, 2020
You managed to capture some great shots! I’d love love love to see this.
Deepika August 27, 2020
Such an awesome post !! Beautiful clicks of sunflowers