Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Bangalore to Neelamangala to Hassan to Chikamagalur and Back - 32 hours

"Manish! we really need to do this, I cant hold it any longer" Anjana (my wife) told me while riding on  M.... (Dont get any ideas)... Motorcycle.

It was more than 3 years, we did any long rides on Motorcycle because we had shifted to Delhi. We came back to Bangalore and there we are on a highway(Old Madras Road) trying to plan our BIG ride again.

Day decided was Sunday(14th Oct, 2012) morning 4.00AM. But 13th night, because of tiredness, Anjana gave up the idea of tour. And we got up only at 10.00 AM on 14th. By 12.30PM my wife's inner self bounced back and here we are on Tumkur road at 2.00PM. So my travelougue begins now

14th Oct - 1.45PM - I stuffed my saddle bags with necessary utilities and fastened it on my bike. I got one soft double bed blanket as seat extra padding on my Avenger 220. We took Outer  Ring Road from Kamannahalli signal towards Hebbal and further onto Yeswantpur. At Hebbal we got some cash for our journey ahead.

Time check at 2.15 PM - We were on a surprise flyover (atleast for me) bypassing entire Peenya's maddeing traffic and dust which I faced 4 years ago while my trip to Mumbai. And in no time, we were on Hyderabad open highway. I had already checked map on my android device. Anjana was doing cross checks at turns and signals.

We reached Neelamangala by 2.30 PM where took a left towards Hassan. Please note for Neelamangala you have to exit the highway/flyover at Neelamangala. if you go on that, you may have to take a long turn before you come back on the track.
First pic of the journey. Notice the blanket on seat for extra cushioning

Ohhhhh the highway was smoother than ever. and my bike was touching 110kmph on Speedo. We stopped at one point after thte toll as the blanket beneath us was slipping towards left. We got down and took our first break and picture too.
Dhaba where we had lunch. Shacks at back

Journey continues when we stopped at a Dhaba (not very great) for lunch. It was around 3.10 PM. Oh I missed this. We had to stop once again as it had already started drizzling. We got our rain suits on. Coming back to Dhaba, we ordered Dal fry, Veg Kolhapuri, roti, rice and cold drink. food was ok but it was paradise for drunkards as there were small shacks built for them to have all the privacy and darkness. At this point, heavy rain came down pouring on us( we were under cover). We waited for sometime but we had to move. So we moved on.
The Big Fat Dude

When we started we thought its over, but it was just the begining. Hardly 10 kms ahead, we were intercepted by the most terrific rain I ever faced. it was literally impossible to see even 10 meters ahead. I was feeling like 20 needles are pierced into my each hand at once(no gloves). Still we drove as stopping was not a solution. And that was the key. We drove for about 20 kms or so and the rain was over as it never rained. I believe we were near Kunigal.

We got rid of our rain suits, packed it back in the saddle, got the soft blanket out to provide us extra cushion and there we go.

Again my bike was kissing 3 digits on speedo when I suddenly realised that vehicles on other side have started coming on same side as I was. I abused Indian traffic but then I realised that construction was going on the other side of the road (future is good).

So to update you, the good great highway stops at somewhere near Dadaga. And then the pleasure of single road begins,

I was 110 kms past Bangalore and I drove for about 77 more kilometers to reach Hassan from this point.

At Hassan, I left the main highway and entered the town which is terrible. The roads are worst than my village in Bihar and it was too dusty also. We were there at about 5.00PM. We took a right at Hassan and now headed to Chikamagalur.

Hardly about 10 kms past Chikamagalur, Anjana revolted for a cup of tea/coffee. And I had to give up. We stopped at this place called Green Food Court. It was again boozer's paradise. We had a cup of coffee and water. Coffee was really good.

We started again and within minutes it was dark.  I was facing problem driving in the night as my bike's headlight was not properly adjusted. Suddenly one Honda CRV passed me over and I got an idea. I followed CRV like a tail and thus saved my eyes from several high beam lamps coming from the other side. CRV was quite fast but following the car was not a problem for me. I am sure the driver/passenger  must be susceptible by now as I followed them for almost 30 kms. Almost 75% of my last 60 kms was over when I lost the car. I drove down further and reached Chikamagalur by 7.00PM.

We went to Chikamagalur thinking it is a hill station. It is anything but a hill station. We saw everything but mountains on our way. both of us were really disappointed. Also, we had no info on homestays or any stay option as till last minute Anjana was pushing for Madikeri which I refused. And now I was also under the burden of proving that I brought her to a right place. We took shelter in a city restaurant, ordered bhajjis and tea. I opened google maps and tripadvisor on my mobile and searched for homestays. I called up about 20 numbers and all waste. We left the restaurant and tried searching hotel in th town as we needed a place for night. we found a normal budget hotel asking for unreasonable amount of money for a non-AC room. We left that place and I again tried on google maps when I found a place called spectrum. I called but it went no answer. Hardly after 5 mins I got call back from a very nice lady called Ms Jaya. She offered a reasonable price for her place with all meals.

We drove for about 13 kms or so ahead of the town in dark forest. you will find this homestays signboard on the way. I took a right turn there and we entered a 8 ft narrow lane with coffee plantation on both sides. We met Kaaliya dog also on the road.

And we finally reached the homestay. It was lovely and beautiful. We had to climb a few steps before we reached our tastefully decorated rich interiored room.

We got freshen up real fast as dinner was already served. Just to note, there is no phone network here other than cellone and reliance. So i drove back for about 2 kms to find airtel network and make some important calls. We were standing in the middle of forest with one street light at 10.30 PM in the night when power went off. It was complete dark and silent like any horror movie. I completed my calls and started back for homestay when power came back.

We slept tight in the night as we were hell tired. I had set an alarm for 5.30 next morning as I wanted to see sunrise at Mullayanagiri peak, highest point in Karanataka
Me and my Machine on the way to Mullayanagiri peak

Guess what, I woke up at 6.30 when Sun was already beaming in my face through room's window. I am sure hangover was strong from last day ride. we got ready and left for Mullayangiri. It was breathtaking as we kept on riding hills to finally reach the steps count of 600. We stepped up and reached at the top. I checked in into google maps here. 
Road was all ours

We reached back to our stay where tanked up ourselves with idli, chutneey, sambar and some form of rice khichdi. Plus 2 cups of coffee each.

Then we started for Jhari waterfall. It is a private waterfall but unimaginatively beautiful. We drove for about 20 kms from our stay towards Kemmanagundi. You have to leave your vehicle outside only and then walk down about 1 kilometer to the falls. No charges.

We reached fall and to our surprise and amusement, we were the only occupant there. Without even waiting for a minute, we got rid of our shoes and valuables and jumped under the water. the water was so refreshing and soothing, both of us literally danced there.

We clicked pictures in most funny poses. You can see a few samples yourself.


Must try waterfall


Back at our stay, we had a fulfilling lunch before we started our journey back to Bangalore.

We stopped in town to meet an acquaintance and thus finally started for Bangalore around 4.40PM.

After facing several rain blows and headlamps glitter, we reached Bagalore at around 9.50 PM.

Quick Facts -

Bike first tank up - Rs 800/10.5 lts petrol (approx)
I did about 320 kms on this (very bad mileage)
Second tank up - Rs 600/8 lts (approx)
I did about 240kms on this.
Bangalore was still 45 kms ahead.
So total run of about 600kms

Bangalore to Chikamagalur - 240kms
time - approx - 5 hours
Road condition - 2.5/5
Suitable time -round the year
Stay- Homestays recommended (try the road to Kemmanagundi from Kaimara junction). there are many
Food - go traditional South Indian
Clothes - One set of warm clothes desired

Hope this helps you plan your journey to Chikamagalur.Signing off now.

Cheers!!!