Thankfully, I found the service to be good enough. It, certainly, wasn’t as bad as people were saying it was (read the Team BHP’s members’ comments to know more).

I was present at the service centre by 9:30 AM. A pleasant woman (the receptionist) greeted me and asked me to wait for my “service advisor”. The said person appeared in 5 minutes and took in all the notes, prepared the job card, requested for the service book (that comes with the manual) and updated it.

All this took around 20 min. He informed me that once the car is ready, he would call me up (which he promptly did!). I also requested for dropping the car to my office. He said he would try since we have to book for pickup and drop service 2 days in advance.

I left the place around 9:50 AM and actually, got a lift to the nearest bus stop in my car!

Around 2:30 PM in the afternoon, my “service advisor” called me to inform that the car was ready and if needed, they can arrange for a drop to my office and of course, that would lighten my wallet by 200 Rs (only the drop not the cost of service), to which I agreed.

The driver reached my office around 3:30 PM and gave me a call. When I went out to meet the person, he showed me the bill and the maximum amount was spent on the engine oil – a whopping 3574 Rs without VAT of 13.5%!!!!. Oil filter, air filter and other miscellaneous items consumed another 1400 Rs and with VAT, the total serivce amount added upto Rs. 5641!

Add Rs. 200 for the drop and the whole thing came upto Rs. 5850 or roughly the amount of money that I would spend on getting my Pulsar 180 serviced for 3-4 years!

Anyhow, the service quality was good enough and my interaction with TAFE Access people was positive. So, as they say, all’s well that ends well.

Actually, I’ve booked the 3rd of May as the date of my car’s first service! Will keep you posted on the quality of service provided, the charges and any other things worth blogging.

Oh! By the way, I am planning to visit Mysuru and its sorroundings the coming long weekend (2-4 April). Hopefully, that trip would be interesting enough to blog!

Date: 29-Dec-2009

Destination 1: Marikamba Temple, Sirsi

Checked out of the hotel around 09:00 hrs and proceeded towards the famous Marikamba temple in Sirsi. The temple is built in the typical Mangalore style and is quite elegant.

Marikamba Temple, Sirsi

Paintings inside the temple

Endgame

Route: Sirsi –> Haveri –> Ranebennuru –> Davanagere –> Chitradurga –> Sira –> Tumkuru –> Nelamangala –> Bengaluru (a distance of around 410 KM).

 After seeking the blessings of Marikamba, we left Sirsi around 10:00 hrs and headed on the above route towards Bengaluru. The road from Sirsi to Haveri for the first 30 KM is in a poor state. It is a single lane road and because of the constant rain, the ends have been chipped off. This makes the road very dangerous whenever any vehicle comes from the opposite direction. Be very careful on this road.

Upon reaching Haveri and NH4 (Pune Bangalore Road), the road is pretty good in patches. The golden quadrilateral project (the project that AB Vajpayee government had envisaged and started) is still going on and on. Seems like the the present union government is not interested in finishing the project lest the old government take the credit.

Diversions are the norm with some good patches thrown in between as exceptions. This continues till Chitradurga whereupon the road becomes a 6 lane highway and one can zoom away and easily maintain speeds above 100 kmph till the tollgate before Nelamangala. Also, note that all these roads are tolled roads.

No good hotels to have lunch at, unfortunately, on this road, till Tumkur. This is because the highway by-passes all the towns on the way. Anyway, reached Sira around 15:00 hrs and had to stop there at a not so good hotel to quell the growling in the stomach.

Left Sira around 15:30 hrs and headed straight to Bangalore. Reached the Nelamangala tollgate at around 16:30 hours, the NICE tollgate at around 17:05 hrs and we were home by 18:00 hrs.

Thus ended my first (of the many more to come, I am sure) long trips on my Skoda Fabia! Till next time, namaskaara and take care.

Date: 28-Dec-2009

Destination 1: Unchalli Falls

Sights: Unchalli Falls

Route: Sirsi –> Aminhalli (14 KM from Sirsi, on Kumta Road) –> Heggarane –> Unchalli Falls (35 KM from Sirsi)

Unchalli Falls in one of the most scenic falls that I’ve seen and I love it! It is around 35 KM from Sirsi, situated amid dense forests and seems like a virgin fall i.e., one untouched by humans, YET! The falls are 5 KM from Heggarane village (Kannada: ಹೆಗ್ಗರಣೆ). Earlier, one had to walk for at least 2-3 KM after crossing Heggarane. However, now new roads have been laid and one can travel upto 0.5 KM from the falls.

Though the falls is full of water perennially, thanks mainly to no dams obstructing the river’s path, as yet, the best time to visit it is between October – December. Avoid visiting Unchalli falls in the rainy season (June to September) since there are a lot of snakes around and also Leeches.

Once I had visited the falls in June 2004 and there was NOT a soul in sight during our 6 KM trek to the falls and back and once we were back in Sirsi, we were actually scolded and advised not to visit Unchalli falls or any other falls that abound Sirsi, because of the snakes & Leeches and hence, my advise.

We started from Sirsi around 08:30 hrs after breakfast and reached Unchalli Falls around 10:00 hrs. The road, as mentioned earlier, is newly laid and is very scenic. There are also clear signposts on the way making it very easy for us to reach Unchalli Falls. When I visited Unchalli falls in 2004, we had to ask every other person on the way (and there were very few to speak of!), to make sure we were  on the right track and there were hardly any milestones/signposts. The signposts, though helpful for the tourists, also spwans commercialisation (and over utilisation), which is not so good.

Without digressing further, let me take you on the right path to Unchalli Falls! We were the first people to reach Unchalli (that day), thankfully and without further ado, parked our car and proceed to the falls on foot. The route is steep downhill all the way to the first view point of the falls. Even my parents were able to make it to the first viewpoint without much difficulty nor did I expect any given that it was all downhill. The way back (steep uphill climb) is what is was worried about. More about that later.

Before proceeding further, let me warn you that, as far as my knowledge goes (I know it doesn’t go far but still), there is no route to get to the base of the Unchalli falls. We can only trek till 2 viewpoints from where we can ONLY see the falls in all its glory but can NOT experience it (like Joga or Shivanasamudra).

Since it was only 10:00 hrs in the morning, the falls was still misty and consequently, milky! Though the water is not as full as in the rainy season (when I visited it last in June 2004), it was still good enough. Certainly not as dry as Joga (I could not resist the temptation to take a dig at Joga). From this viewpoint, one can only see half the falls and the base is not visible.

Waited for around 10 min for my parents to join us. Then, I and Nandini with Vishnu in tow, climbed down a series of around 150-200 steps to reach the 2nd viewpoint. The view from there was stunning and we could see till the base of the falls. It was a wonderful sight and if one has the right company or no company (ideal!), one can sit in silence there and enjoy the water cascading down the gorge to their heart’s content.

On the way to Unchalli Falls

Milky and misty Unchalli Falls (as seen from the 1st viewpoint)

Unchalli Falls from 2nd Viewpoint

After taking in the exhilarating scenry, we returned to the 1st viewpoint and rested for around 10 minutes on some benches, strategically placed, just before beginning the long climb back! There is a water tank there which supplies (badly needed) COLD water to thirsty beings like us. While we were resting, it flashed upon us that to help my parents climb up with the least difficulty, it would be useful for them to carry a wooden stick. Found a lot of wooden sticks, conveniently placed near the 1st viewpoint! So, anyone who has difficulty in climbing back, can take the support of these readily available wooden sticks!

Returned to the parking area where there is a small tea shop run by the local farmer. This person is very knowledgeable about the local sightseeing options and is a veritable encyclopaedia when it comes to routes! Inquired with him the route to Yana and found that there is a short cut available to Yana from Aminhalli!

Destination 2: Yana

Sights: Bhairaveshwara Shikhara, Mohini Shikhara

Route from Unchalli Falls (40 KM from Unchalli Falls): Unchalli Falls –> Heggarane –> Aminhalli –> Left at Kumta Road –> Proceed for 0.5 KM on Kumta Road –> Right at Kumta Road towards Hegadekatte –> Hegadekatte –> Devanalli –> Yana.

Route from Sirsi (35 KM from Sirsi): Sirsi –> Kumta Road (10 KM) –> deviation towards Hegadekatte –> Devanalli –> Yana.

I don’t think anyone needs an introduction to Yana. It is a very popular trekking and picnic spot. Alas! Now, there is no need even to trek. The roads are laid such that you need only to walk (steep downhill, of course, like Unchalli Falls) around 0.75 KM from the parking spot to reach Yana. The roads are newly laid and in pretty good condition albiet a trifle narrow in some places. So, do be careful while driving.

Again, the route is very scenic. The journey itself makes it worth the while to visit Yana (or Unchalli Falls, for that matter). Anyhow, left Unchalli Falls around 11:45 hrs and proceeded on the above route towards Yana. The tea owner and Unchalli Falls also mentioned that since there is not much distance to be covered on foot, even my parents can make it to Yana. Reached Yana around 12:40 hrs and proceeded on foot to the renowned volcanic rocks.

The first sighting of Yana is that of the Mohini Shikhara to one’s right (if one approaches Yana from Sirsi/Hegadekatte side) and the view does take your breath away! A furlong of steps and one can see the magnificient Bhairaveshwara Shikhara to one’s left and we’ve arrived at Yana!

On the way to Yana!

Bhairaveshwara Shikhara @ Yana

Mohni Shikhara @Yana

Inside Bhairaveshwara Shikhara

Inside Bhairaveshwara Shikhara - 1

Vishnu@ Gopalakrishna temple Yana

After resting for sometime at Yana, my parents had already returned to the parking lot. They again did the reutrn climb with the help of wooden sticks available aplenty at Yana. We explored Yana to some extent and returned to the parking area feeling tired but happy at the same time! My parents were quite happy that even they could make the trek to Yana a success! Parents happiness at seeing Yana – priceless.

Left Yana around 14:30 hrs and reached Sirsi around 15:45 hrs. On the way, it started raining too, just to add to the already excellent environment! Partook some lunch at Hotel Madhuvan and we all rested for around 1 hour.

Destination 3: Sahasralinga, Sonda.

Sights: Sahasralinga, Sonda Matha, Swarnavalli Matha, Jaina Matha, Muttinakere Venkataramana Temple etc.

Route to Sahasralinga (15 KM from Sirsi, 20 min drive): Sirsi –> Sahasralinga (travel 14 KM on Sirsi Yellapura Road. At the signpost, take a left turn and travel 1 KM to reach Sahasralinga).

Route to Sonda (20 KM from Sirsi, 30 min drive): Sirsi –> travel 16 KM on Sirsi Yellapura Road –> Take a left turn at the signpost –> Sonda (4 KM from the left turn).

After resting for an hour in Sirsi, we left for Sahasralinga and Sonda around 17:00 hrs. Reached Sahasralinga around 17:30 hrs. Sahasralinga, on the banks for the river Shalmala, is a place where one find Lingas carved on stones that abound the river. Read more about Sahasralinga here.

After staying for around 10-15 minutes in Sahasralinga, we left for Sonda and reached it around 18:10 hrs. We first went to the Muttinakere Venkataramana Temple, which is around 500 years old (if not more) and is a quaint little temple. It seems that the daily pooje is not performed anymore at the temple. We met a student of the Sonda Matha, who had taken a sankalpa to perform pooje to Venkataramana and hence was performing his pooje there. Anyhow, we somehow managed to have darushana of Venkataramana on Vaikunta Ekadashi!

It was 18:30 hrs by the time we got out of the temple. The sun had already set and darkness had also settled in! We also found, to our dismay, that the road to Sonda Matha was a mud road. Moreover, the rain earlier had made negotiating it quite tough. So, decided to visit the Matha during our next visit and headed straight back to Sirsi.

Sahasralinga - 1

Sahasralinga - 2

 On the way back, I took a wrong turn and found that out after travelling around 5 min in pitch darkness. The road was so narrow and dark that it became quite difficult to even reverse my car. My father had to step out and guide me in reversing the car! I wonder how people travel on these roads in pitch darkness in 2 wheelers or on foot. God help them.

It also started to rain, just to add to the fun, I suppose. Anyway, there were no more hiccups and we reached Sirsi by 19:30 hrs. Had an early dinner and retired to bed, early too.

Notes:

1. A wooden stick to support you is very useful in Unchalli Falls and Yana for anyone with climbing difficulties. Just look around and you can find a lot of them around.

2. Beware of leeches  in both Yana and Unchalli, especially if the conditions are wet! Though it is supposedly good for one’s health if the leeches do manage to suck blood, since they suck blood only from the veins, thus relieving one of the “bad” blood in the system.

Date: 27-Dec-2009 

Destination 1: Sakkare Bayalu 

Sights: Sakkare Bayalu Elephant Camp, Gajanur (or Tunga) Dam, Harakere 

Route: Shivamogga –> Gajanur Dam –> Sakkare Bayalu (via NH13, 15 KM from Shivamogga, on the way to Tirthahalli) 

On Day 3, we planned to visit Jog Falls and and some sights close to Sagara (on the way to Jog). However, we also wanted Vishnu to enjoy seeing the elephants being washed/bathed at Sakkare Bayalu! The Hotel people said that all elephants come at around 7:30 hrs to have a bath. Believing him, we left Shivamogga at 7:30 hrs and reached Sakkare Bayalu at 8:00 hrs. 

Sakkare Bayalu is a sleepy hamlet (but for the elephant camp) on the way to Teerthahalli from Shivamogga and no doubt, gets its name from a lot of Sugarcane fields that abound. The practice here is that the mahutas early in the morning go to the forest to locate their elephants and cajole them (as if they needed any cajoling) to have a bath in the Tunga backwaters (formed by the Gajanur Dam). Beacuse of this reason, there will be a continuous and asynchronous inflow of elephants into the camp. 

To our surprise, we found that it was closed and would NOT be opened until 8:30 AM. So, what better way to utilise the time than to visit Gajanur Dam (situated 1 KM before from Sakkare Bayalu on NH 13 – Teerthahalli Road). 

Earlier the dam was small with only 4-5 crest gates. The dam was expanded in the year 2000 and now has a lot of gates! The view it provides is pleasing to the eyes and if not for the elephant’s calling, we would certainly have spent more time there.

Lovely view of Gajanur Dam

Another view

Reached Sakkare Bayalu around 08:45 hrs and found that a lot of people had made their way in (by paying a fee of Rs. 30/- per adult) and in fact, all of them were ogling at a solitary elephant being bathed by its mahuta. It was too crowded to rendering photography meaningless.

However, myself and Vishnu (and a LOT of otheres) also joined the mahuta in bathing the elephant. Vishnu, instead of (or in addition to, dpending on your point of view) bathing the elephant, also drenched himself with water and totally enjoyed the experience as we also did! Again, if not for the Jog Falls trip, we could and would have spent a lot of time there. It is a beatiful place and worth visiting again. 

Harakere is a small village in between Sakkare Bayalu and Shivamogga and has a Shiva temple. There is a big statue of Shiva seated in a padmasana which is the temple’s highlight! Stop by if you have time. We didn’t because of the lack of it. 

Left Sakkare Bayalu around 09:15 hrs and reached Shivamogga around 09:45 hrs. Had sumptuous breakfast, got our lunch packed (pongal + Madduru vade + pakoda), checked out of the Samrat Ashoka hotel and headed towards Sagara! 

Destination 2: Keladi/Nada Kalasi 

Sights: Keladi Temple complex, Nada Kalasi Temple complex. 

Route: Shivamogga –> Sagara (73 KM from Shivamogga) –> Keladi (right turn at Sagara onto Soraba road, 15 KM from Sagara) 

Route only till Sagara is shown. Google Maps says that we have to turn left in Sagara – DO NOT go by it. Ask around in Sagara, if you are unsure! 

View Larger Map 

Keladi is a temple village located on the way to Soraba from Sagara. It was the first capital to the erstwhile kingdom of the Keladi Nayakas, of whom Chowdappa Nayaka (founder) and Shivappa Nayaka are its two famous sons and Rani Chennamma, is the famous daughter. Won’t bore you with any more details because I can go on and on and on and on…… Below are some wonderful photographs of the Keladi Temple. 

Wooden carvings at Keladi

Navagrahas with their Vahanas @ Keladi

Vaastu Purusha @ Keladi Temple

Secret passage from within Keladi temple to without!

Shiva Linga with a tiny Ganesha at the top!

Ganesha zoomed!

Ganesha zooooooomed!

Bison (Kona) and Elephant Sculpture

Bison (Kona) and Elephant Sculpture

At the Keladi temple, we met a tourist who said that a place called Nada Kalasi (only Kalasi to the locals) is also a place worth visiting and thence we headed. 

Nada Kalasi: From Sagar, take the road to Soraba. After 6-7 kms is a nada kalasi bus stop. Take a right turn here and follow the tar road. You will cross nada kalasi village, and then contibue on tar road and the Temple is on the left side of the road. 

From Keladi, proceed toward Sagara. Around 2-3 KM before reaching Sagara, you will have to cross a railway line. Take a left just before that and continue for around 5 KM to reach Nada Kalasi. 

The sculptures at Nada Kalasi are very good and a blog, which describes its history, with photos, well enough.

Destination 3: Ikkeri/Varadamoola 

Sights: Aghoreshwara Temple at Ikkeri, Varadamoola 

Route: Shivamogga –> Sagara (73 KM from Shivamogga) –> Ikkeri (left turn at Sagara, 5 KM on the way to Sigandhuru) 

Route from Nada Kalasi: Proceed to Sagara (on Soraba Road),  pass the BH Road (NH 206) and continue straight on the Road to Sigandhuru. There is a signboard after travelling 4 KM on that road, which says: 1 KM to Ikkeri (right turn), 4 KM to Varadamoola (left turn). 

Proceeded to Ikkeri first to have a glimpse of the magnificient and overwhelming Aghoreshwara Temple. It is a huge temple purportedly built by Chowdappa Nayaka. It appears similar to the Beluru and Halebidu temples but the sculptures are not that great here to warrant even a comparision. SIZE is what this temple is all about. Don’t believe me? See for yourself! 

HUGE Enterance

Nandikeshwara @ Ikkeri

Aghoreshwara Temple in all its glory

I’ve never seen such a huge temple in my life! As I said, it’s all about SIZE. The sculptures are good but not as great as Beluru or Halebidu. The interior of the temple is also pretty huge and the ceiling itself is around 25 ft in height! There is a (relatively) small Ammanavaru (Parvathi Devi) temple beside this huge one. Overwhelming is what you feel when you see it for yourself.

From Ikkeri, we proceeded to Varadamoola (route described above). Varadamoola is a quaint, quiet and a sleeeeeeepy little hamlet wherein the river Varada takes birth. A lovely place, if only for its idyllic beauty. There is a Pushkarini (a small pond) and I presume a temple beside it. We sat at the Pushkarini for around 10 minutes in TOTAL silence. Not a sound to be heard, apart from the chirping of the birds, the whooshing of the wind and the Moo Moo (or Amba Amba) sounds of the cows.

My Fabia in all her glory @ Varadamoola

Varadamoola

Varadamoola

Overall, it was wonderful sitting in silence for at least 10 min! Anyhow, had to tear myself away from Varadamoola coz we still had to visit Jog Falls!

 

Destionation 4: Jog Falls

 

Sights: Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket waterfalls

 

Route: Sagara –> Jog Falls (BH Road/NH 206, 32 KM from Sagara)

 

Left Varadamoola around 15:00 hrs and headed towards Sagara and thence to Joga (Jog Falls in English). On the way, stopped at a quaint little bridge to finish the Pongal + Madduru vade + Pakodas!  Consequently, reached Joga around 16:30 hrs.

 

To see Joga in all its rugged beauty is a sight to behold. Alas! To see Joga bereft (well, almost) of all its water is a sight for sore eyes. Yes, the famed Raja, Rani, and Rocket waterfalls were nothing but a trickle save for Roarer, which was the saving grace. Overall, seeing Joga without its elixir of life was quite disappointing.

 

To overcome this disappointment, we decided to have our photograph taken and superimposed (morphed, to be precise) onto another photo of Joga with LOTS of water! It cost us Rs. 120 but I think it was worth it. What do you think?

 

Anyway, left Joga around 18:00 hrs and reached Sirsi around 19:15 hrs. We had booked a room in advance in Hotel Madhuvan, which was pretty decent but not as good as the one in Shivamogga (Hotel Samrat Ashoka).

 

Route from Joga to Sirsi (distance of around 58 KM). One caveat is that the road is a ghat section for some distance. The route is also very scenic. So, take in the beauty as you drive and be careful!

View Larger Map

 

Sirsi stay details: Hotel Madhuvana, College Road, Sirsi Taluk, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka – 581402

Phone: 08384-237799, 237759

Notes: Again, If you are planning to visit all the places listed above on the same day, there is no decent hotel to have lunch at. So, better have your lunch packed at Shivamogga.

 

Date: 26-Dec-09

Destination 1: Kemmannugundi

Sights: Kallathgiri Falls, Kemmannugundi, Z Point, Raj Bhavan, Hebbe Falls etc.

Route: Shimoga –> Bhadravathi –> Tarikere –> Lingadahalli –> Kemmannugundi (around 72 KM from Shimoga)

Had breakfast (a sumptuous one at that) in Hotel Samrat Ashoka and left for Kemmannugundi around 08:30 Hrs. Also, got our lunch (pongal) packed since the food available at Kemmannugundi isn’t of the best quality, or so I’ve heard. I don’t think Kemmannugundi brooks any introduction! It is located around 72 KM from Shimoga (map above).

Reached Kallathagiri falls around 10:00 Hrs. Kallathgiri is a 1 KM deviation on the way to Kemmannugundi and located close to the kallatti (kannada: ಕಲ್ಲತ್ತಿ) village. It can NOT be called falls since there is no fall! It is only a rivulet flowing over some rocks. Anyhow, had a wonderful bath in the water with Vishnu, who was enjoying it to the hilt (photos below).

The water in the falls was COLD – freezing is the word I am looking for. Vishnu, though, was unhindered by it and dipped into the water with gusto. The consequences of which, he’s facing now, in the form of cold & blocked nose! But his (& mine too) motto is – “give me water and I’ll take the cold too!” Both of us enjoyed the company of the water for sometime and came out and dried ourselves. Then, we climbed on some rocks to go above the falls and again, enjoyed the flowing water without getting in.

I & Vishnu enjoying Kallathgiri Falls!

The water is cold, isn't it?

Teacher admonishing his students with a Stick!

On the way to Kemmannugundi!

A beautiful view, a handsome man!

Beautiful view of the forest@Kemmannugundi

 Once done at the falls, moved on to Kemmannugundi enjoying the wonderful greenery on the way. Reached Kemmannugundi around 11:30 PM. Visited the park there wherein Vishnu played with gay abandon. Also, enjoyed the view of the Baba Budangiri hills. Took in the atmosphere for some time. Wanted to visit Z point and shanthi falls but found no place to park my car! It is best covered on foot with the car parked near the hotel. As we weren’t in the mood to trek for around an hour, what with my parents also travelling with us, we moved on.

Planned to visit Hebbe falls (13 KM from Kemmannugundi) but found out that cars can’t go till that point and did not find any alternate transport . There are jeeps available that take you there from Kemmannugundi but none were available when I inquired, even after waiting for 15-20 min. So, dropped the idea of Hebbe falls and headed straight towards Shivamogga after partaking of lunch on the way (pongal packed from Samrat Ashoka).

Destination 2: Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Sanctuary

Route: Shivamogga –> Tyavarekoppa (9 KM from Shivamogga on NH 206 towards Sagara/Jog Falls).

On the way to Shivamogga, after a prolonged and heated debate, decided to visit Tyavarekoppa, which has a lion & a tiger safari akin to Bannerughatta National Park. Reached Shivamogga around 15:30 hrs and headed straight towards Tyavarekoppa, which is 9 KM from Shivamogga on NH 206, on the way to Sagara/Jog Falls.

Reached Tyavarekoppa around 16:00, hunted 10 min for parking my car, found that it  was packed to the hilt with fellow tourists, waited 35 min to get into the safari van and found that it was all worth it! I have previously compared Tyavarekoppa to Bannerughatta. Though the comparision is apt in most aspects, it differs in 3 crucial aspects -

1. Bannerughatta is larger in size as compared to Tyavarekoppa

2. The number of animals and the range of them is less in Tyavarekoppa as compared to Bannerughatta

3. The main difference though, and this is the most important one, IMO, is that the Lions and Tigers of Tyavarekoppa are allowed to “roam freely”, yes, freely but ONLY within their enclosure.

Seeing the Lion and the Tiger circling the safari van gave me goosebumps. A semblance of freedom is the least that the majestic beasts need and that seems to have been provided in Tyavarekoppa. Consequently, they roam around freely even with prying human eyes upon them and display something close to boredom/disdain whenever a safari van comes along to break their monotony. It must be monotony indeed, since Lions/Tigers are the only creatures in their enclosure.

So, after watching the majestic beasts and some deer (Black Buck, Sambhar etc), headed back to Shivamogga for some rest!

Thus Day 2 was a trifle disappointing, because I could neither make it to Hebbe falls nor to Datta Peetha (3 hour journey from Kemmannugundi) but was lightened up in the end by the majestic beasts of Tyavarekoppa.

Before signing off, a few notes/suggestions/caveats:

1. Suggest you make your own arrangements for lunch if you are planning to visit Kemmannugundi. Best thing is to get it packed while having breakfast, like I did!

2. The road to Kemmannugundi is in a really bad shape at a few places after Kallathi village. Moreover, it is also narrow at some points. So, exercise due caution while driving.

Date: 25-Dec-2009

Time: 07:00 Hours 

Destination 1: Amruthapura (22 KM from Birur and 11.9 KM from Tarikere). 

Sights: Amrutheshwara Temple 

Route: Bangalore –> Nelamangala (via NICE Road) –> Tumkur –> Tiptur (NH 206/BH Road) –> Arsikere –> Kadur –> Birur –> Amruthapura (a total distance of 244 KM from Bangalore)

About Amruthapura (info gleaned from the NET): The Amrutesvara temple (Kannada: ಅಮೃತೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ) is located in Amruthapura, a town which is 67 km north of Chikmagalur town in Chikmagalur District, Karnataka state, India. Located 110 km from Hassan and 35 km from Shimoga on NH 206, Amruthapura is known for the splendid Amrutesvara temple (also spelt Amrutheshwara or Amrtesvara) . The temple was built in 1196 by Amrutheswara Dandanayaka (commander) under Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. Located in the close vicinity of the Bhadra River reservoir, a short distance from Tarikere town, this is an idyllic spot. 

 Left home at around 7 AM. Vishnu (my 3 year old son) was also ready to roll at such an early hour (for him)! Took the “NICE” road to Tumkur Road (NH4). Faced a lot of traffic on Tumkur Road, no doubt because of the holidays. Seemed like the whole of Bangalore had planned to desert Bangalore in search of more peaceful locations. Wish it were true of the working weekdays too. Took me 1 hour to get to the Tumkur Road Tollgate ( a distance of approx. 13 KM) from the NICE road junction. 

Reached Tumkur around 9 AM and looked around for a good hotel (restaurant) to quell the bout of hunger gripping me and failing to find any, drove till KB Cross on NH 206 or Bangalore Honnavara (BH) Road, as it is popularly called, before I could find a decent restaurant. The point to note is that I missed the sign proclaiming in BIG letters “Kamat Upachar” a few KMs before Tumkur and paid the price for it too. Anyway, had a decent breakfast at Matha Residency and continued my drive towards Amruthapura. 

Reached Amruthapura around 12:45 Hrs. The place is very well maintained by ASI and the drive seemed really worth it! The sculptures are quite exquisite – no doubt because the temple was built by the Hoysalas! A few photos sessions later (see below), moved on to Tarikere. 

Amrutheshwara Temple @ Amruthapura

Carvings@Amrutheshwara Temple

Amrutheshwara Temple Carvings

On my return journey from Amruthapura to Tarikere, I was involved in a funny incident, which I might as well relate here, if only to lessen my guilt. One can reach Tarikere from Amruthapura by 2 different roads. I took the one that Google maps professed to be the best one i.e., reaching Tarikere by joining SH57. On the way, a Maruti Omni driver stopped us and asked us for directions to Arsikere. I, being supremely confident, told him to take the next left! I later found out that I had erred in guiding the Maruti Omni driver and the correct route would have been taking the RIGHT and then the next left! God, please save me from the Omni driver’s curses!:) 

Destination 2: Somapura or Sompura

Sights: Prasanna Someshwara Temple, River Bhadra. 

Route: Tarikere –> Deviation to Bhadra Dam (on NH 206) –> Rangenahalli –> Sompura (around 20 KM from Tarikere) 

About Sompura: Somapura is around 20 kms west of Tarikere town.  The place in one of the Panchashekshetras situated on the banks of the river Bhadra.  There is a temple dedicated to Prasanna Someshwara it was built originally in the 12th century A.D. The Someshwara Linga in the Garbagriha has a special interesting feature. The main Shiva Linga in the Garbha Gudi (Sanctum Sanctorum) was made of pachhe kallu (ಪಚ್ಚೆ ಕಲ್ಲು - Green Stone) which was stolen in 1974. Later, the Shringeri Swamiji – His Holiness Shri Bharati teertha – had a Shiva Linga made of saligrama in Kashi and got it installed in 1976 (I am not really sure about the years but the story is true!). 

Reached Tarikere around 14:15 Hrs and asked around for directions to visit Sompura. Found that it is a slight deviation on the way to Bhadra Dam. The place itself is quite peaceful because there are hardly any visitors. Moreover, the temple is nothing great to write about (espaceially after visiting the beautiful Amrutheshwara Temple). The Bhadra river flows very close to the temple and in fact, during the rainy season, the river water reaches upto the temple. Unfortuantely, could not visit the river since I offered the pujari (temple priest) a ride till Lakkavalli and he was in a hurry! 

Destination 3: Bhadra Dam

Sights: Bhadra dam (also called Lakkavalli Dam), Bhadra Wild life sanctuary (including a Jungle resort/lodge) 

Route: Sompura –> Lakkavalli –> Bhadra Dam (around 25 KM from Tarikere and around 8 KM from Sompura) 

Left Sompura around 15:15 Hrs, dropped the Pujari at Lakkavalli and continued till Bhadra Dam. The dam is really huge in size and there are many islands that are formed because of the dam which are inhabited by our winged friends! Bhadra wild life sanctuary is a purportedly a good place for bird watchers. Anyhow, the scenery was really awesome and below are some photos!  

Bhadra Dam

Another beautiful view of Bhadra Dam

Left Bhadra Dam around 16:30 Hrs and headed towards Shivamogga (Shimoga for the uninitiated). Though the distance ws only 28 KM, the road is in a BAD condition, to say the least. Around 7 KM of the road was full of stones and was in fact being relaid. Hopefully, it should be done before the monsoons else, God save your car. I took almost 1 & a half hour to cover this stretch.

The route I took to reach Shivamogga from Bhadra Dam. Avoid it if you can.

Stayed in Shivamogga for the night before proceeding to Kemmannugundi (the subject for my next blog)!

Hotel Information: Hotel Samrat Ashoka, BH (Bangalore-Honnavara) Road, Shimoga

Phone: 08182 – 404502,404511,278844

Notes:

1. If you are planning to visit all the places listed above on the same day, there is no decent hotel to have lunch at, after Tumkur or Kamat Upchar (before Tumkur on NH4). Better get the lunch packed! One good spot to have lunch would be on the banks of River Bhadra in Sompura or even in Bhadra Dam (if you can go hungry till that time).

2. Avoid the direct road from Bhadra Dam to Shivamogga. The other alternative is to come back to NH 206 (around 20 KM from Bhadra Dam) and then proceed towards Shivamogga (around 38 KM from NH 206).

Alternate route to Shivamogga from Bhadra Dam:

3. The accomodation at Hotel Samrat Ashoka is quite decent. The restaurant is pure vegetarian and the food served is excellent, especially the South Indian dishes – Masale dose, Idli, Vade, Pongal, Bisibele baath etc. Got my lunch packed for both the Kemmannugundi and Jog Falls trip there!

Is it true? Nah. In fact, the excitement is like a dormant volcano ready to explode any time now! In fact, it’s exploding on 25th Dec 2009 with a big trip to Shimoga (Kemmannugundi), Jog Falls and Sirsi for a duration of  5 days. Will post details once I am back.

Check this blog, meanwhile, to find out about a lot of places in and around Sirsi, which helped me a lot in my planning. So, thanks Bharat. May you blog long and prosper.

On the car’s performance, there is nothing much to be said. It is quite smooth now what with the engine getting used to my style (whatever it may be) of driving. Also, while checking the car’s accessories before the trip, I found that the wheel nut spanner provided did NOT fit at all implying that if the car suffers a puncture, I won’t be able to change the tyre at all. I know, I should have checked earlier but somehow missed it. Be that as it may, I have requested for an exchange of the spanner, which is supposed to be delivered today.

To be on the safer side, I have purchased a spare spanner that fits the wheel nut and in fact, is much better than the original in terms of grip.

Here’s hoping that I have a safe and wonderful journey (feels odd that I am saying this to myself!).

Till next time, Godspeed.

Engine & Clutch

The engine is on the way to its mellifluous best and in traffic signals, the engine noise is barely discernible. The clutch is getting smoother and I am also getting used to releasing it without touching the accelerator (this being my first car, one can understand my clumsiness on the clutch!).

Manoeuvrability

The acid test for any car is how easily navigable/manoeuvrable is the car when in traffic.

I would rate the Fabia in between 7 & 8 (on a scale of 10, 10 being the highest) in terms of manoeuvrability.

The rating is a trifle low because sometimes, the car doesn’t respond to throttle inputs as well as it should especially when overtaking. Of course, this is most probably because I change gears normally (i.e., at set speeds only: 20kmph – 3rd gear, 40 kmph – 4th gear, 60 kmph – 5th gear) and unlike others, do not accelerate say till 60 kmph in 3rd gear, which is typically done during overtaking (ನುಗ್ಗೋದು in local parlance – Kannada).

Mileage

Coming to the mileage part, I am again left disappointed since it has not gone beyond 12 kmpl in city driving conditions even after 4500+ Kms on the odometer. Of course, it is more during long drive, as is to be expected, but in the city traffic, it drinks petrol much more quickly than beer guzzlers their beer in Oktoberfest .

Do leave a comment to let me know if it is true of others too.

We (my parents and I) planned on covering 3 places:

1. Hebbur (near Kunigal)

2. Goravanahalli (near Koratagere)

3. Devarayana Durga (near Goravanahalli)

The beginning

We left home around 7:15 AM and went straight to SLV (near Vidyapeetha circle) and had a sumptuous breakfast (mine consisting of 1 plate Idli vade and chowchow bath).

Left SLV at 7:45 AM and headed out straight to Mysore Road where we joined the NICE peripheral road to Tumkur Road. paid a toll fee of Rs 33. The NICE road is awesome, to say the least. One can easily do 120 kmph without any care/worries with no traffic to boot. Perhaps, that IS the reason why one can do 120 kmph!

Once I hit Tumkur Road, the road became quite narrow because of the construction of the 6 lane highway in progress and the speed was limited to 60-70 kmph.

Once at Nelamangala, Took a left towards Kunigal (or Hassan/Sakleshpura – NH 48), which is around 35 KM from Nelamangala. It is a single-lane highway, riddled with potholes, atleast in 2 stretches. So, the speed is limited to 60-70 kmph (only if you love your car. I’ve seen people doing 100 kmph on that road).

Upon reaching Kunigal, took a right towards Hebbur on SH 33 (which passes through Hebbur and continues till Tumkur). Travelled around 25 KM to reach Hebbur.

Note: Upon reaching Hebbur, take a right turn in to a small lane or ask for directions to the Hebbur kamakshi temple.

Hebbur

The temple at Hebbur is part of the Kodandaashrama. It is maintainted pretty well. The temple’s inner sanctum’s gopura (tower) is constructed in the shape of the Srichakra, the yantra of the tantrics. In fact, the poojari (priest) of the temple told us that devotees have had their wishes fulfilled by performing pooje (prayers) of the srichakra. So, believers of Srichakra can perform as the poojari says and reap its benifits.

Apart from the Srichakra pooje, one can perform a lot of sevas (services) including annadana (anna – cooked rice, dana – donation, in other words donating food to the needy) for a day, a month or an year.

Moreover, some of the family functions such as choula (first time hair removal of a baby boy) etc., can also be performed here. Will publish the phone number soon!

How to get there:

Bangalore –> Tumkur Road (NH 4) –> Nelamangala –> Kunigal (NH 48) –> Hebbur (SH 33)

Goravnahalli

At Hebbur, we stayed for around 20 minutes and then left Hebbur for Goravanahalli. To reach Goravanahalli from Hebbur, we have to continue from Hebbur on SH 33, reach Tumkur, take the Bypass road to Sira, then cross the NH 4 to reach SH 3 going towards Koratagere.

The SH 33 upto Tumkur is a good quality road with very huge and old banyan trees standing guard as one zooms past at 80 kmph. Because of the pretty nature of the road, we stopped on the way to take a few snaps.

After the brief interlude, we moved on and reached Tumkur whence we took a right at the first signal and then a left (at the next) to reach the Sira bypass road (which is in a pathetic state, by the way). Thence, we touched the NH 4 and cut right across it to reach SH 3 which leads to Koratagere.

The SH 3 is nothing to write home about but we can easily maintain around 70-80 kmph (I guess that makes it a beautiful road, by Indian standards ).

Proceeded to Koratagere wherein we took the road to Goravanahalli from the centre of the town. This is not the ideal route to take and the road was one of the worst I’ve driven in my two months of driving. After a tortorous 2-3 km, wherein the speed was slower (around 20 kmph) than a bullock cart and the cycles on which school kids were going back home, the road eased out (only a bit) with newly laid tar (asphalt, for the uninitiated). After driving around 6 km of that road, we reached the actual road (as described below) where we should have come originally.

Note: DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD AS IT IS IN A DILAPIDATED CONDITION. Upon reaching Koratagere, take a right turn at the first circle and proceed towards the outer periphery of Koratagere. Upon driving for 2-3 kms, you would reach a place called colony whence you should take a left turn towards Goravanahalli.

It was almost 1 PM by the time we reched Goravanahalli.  Once there, paid obeisance to Godess Mahalakshmi and prayed that our life be full of Lakshmi .

How to Get there:

From Hebbur

Hebbur (SH 33) –> Tumkur –> Sira Bypass –> Koratagere (SH 3) –> Colony –> Goravanhalli

From Bangalore

Bangalore –> Nelamangala –> Dobbspet (take a right after Dobbspet towards Koratagere - SH 3) –>  Colony (SH 3) –> Goravanahalli

Devarayana Durga (DR Durga)

Left Goravanahalli around 1:25 PM to proceed towards Devarayana Durga. From Goravanahalli way to Bangalore (from Goravanahalli) which leads to Devarayana Durga. Proceed along The first 2-3 kms are mud roads with huge potholes and layers of mud standing up to scrape the underside of your car. It was pretty tough to negotiate this stretch. After 2-3 KM, sighted the first signs of tar (asphalted) road which was good for driving at around 60-70 kmph. Then reached a dead-end and wherein taking a left led us straight to DR Durga.

We first decided to visit the Yoga Narasimha temple at the top of the hill. Paid Rs. 10 for entry to Yoga Narasimha temple. We can climb upto 2-3 KMs up wherein we are supposed to park our vehicles and proceed on foot to climb up around 300 steps (that is the number of steps as told by the shopkeers when enquired) to reach the Yoga Narasimha temple. The climb to the temple itself is quite exhilarating and the view it offers of the countryside is breath taking.

My parents decided to return from the temple whilst I decided to scale the hill to reach the Mantapa at the top. The climb to the top of the hill is steep and one has to climb up the rocks at some places but when you finally reach the top, you’d think it is worth it!

I have missed mentioning about the weather. The weather was beautiful throughtout our journey and once I started the climb to the hilltop, the heavens opened up for a light shower. The hill was fully covered in fog and I couldn’t see where I was going. Luckily, I was at the top of the hill when it happened! Below are some of the pics that were taken during the time. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

Foggy_DevarayanaDurga

Myself @ the Mantapa (DR Durga Hill top)

View_From_DRDurga_Hilltop

Yoga Narasimhaswamy Temple From Hilltop

Moreover, below is the kind of terrain that one has to negotiate while climbing to the hill top.

Crouching_Tiger!

After spending around 30 minutes at the top, I decided it was time to head back to rejoin my parents whose jangling nerves I had to soothe (becuase I had told them that I would be back in around 15 minutes while it took me more than an hour to return).

Once I returned, we had some good churmuri. southekayi (cucumber) with green chilli paste and a maavinakaayi (raw mango) with a mixture of salt and red chilli powder.

It was hearty enough to skip lunch and anyhow, it was already around 4 PM. So, we climbed down the hill and drove straight to the Bhoga Narasimha swamy temple which lies at the base of the hill.

After the darshana when I came out, I saw, much to my delight,  a person selling burnt muskina jola (corn). I had one with lots of khara (grren paste made of green chillies and coriander leaves) to suit the weather.

From DR Durga, Namada Chilume is only 4 KM and it is a beautiful location. It is atcually located at the base of a hill and the silence and the sheer beauty of the place takes your breath away. We stayed there for around half an hour and enjoyed its beauty.

Note: There is a Guest House at Namada Chilume wherein once can stay. Of course, one needs to book in advance at the Forest Office (either in Tumkur or in Bangalore). The only catch being that one would need to bring one’s own groceries and even stove to cook as nothing is available there and no eataries around too (unless you would want to dine @ Tumkur - around 12 KM from Namada Chilume).

How to get there:

From Goravanahalli

Goravanhalli –> Colony (near Koratagere) –> Proceed towards Bangalore –> Devarayana Durga

From Bangalore

Bangalore –> Nelamangala –> Dobbspet –> Kyathsandra (take a right there towards Siddganga) –> Siddganga Matha –> Deverayana Durga

The Endgame

From Namada Chilume we left at around 4:30 PM and continued towards Tumkur Via Siddganga Matha and join NH 4 at Kyathsandra. The road in this stretch is beautiful and scenic. Enjoyed the drive and the weather!

From NH 4, it was back to Nelamangala via Dobbspet and from thence to Mysore Road Via the Nice Road and back home @ 6:45 PM in the evening.

Few Tips

1. Carry your own food since there are no eataries on the way or in the places visited.

2. Carry some first aid especially while climbing the hill top at DR Durga.

3. Wear rubber soled shoes (and not slippers that I wore) while climbing the hill top since the rocks are quite slippery when wet.

4. When the DR Durga hilltop is covered in fog, DO NOT VENTURE any where near the edges of the rocks since the visibility is quite poor (in fact, one can’t quite see the edges and hence the caution).

5. Avoid the Koratagere –> Goravanahalli route and always take the Koratagere –> Colony (towards Madhugiri)–> Goravanahalli.

Before I sign off, I am happy to note that my Skoda Fabia took all kinds of roads in its stride and mileage wise, it was up to the mark giving me 13.3 kmpl (this mileage calculation also includes city driving and hence, the low figure).

Hope you have enjoyed this lenghty (and perhaps boring) travelogue as much as I enjoyed writing it.