Mysore-Kodaikanal-Mysore

Riding alone is fun to the extent that you can stop and go and do what ever you want to without anyone asking or telling or requesting or commanding or just plain begging you to do. Coz there is no one else! But riding in a group is something different. All do it together. All look out for each other. All in all! This was some experience. To begin with, the alarm didn't go off at 3:45 am and I was snoring away to glory till 5:00 AM. After 22 failed attempts (read missed calls) to wake me up, Pratap and Nahas decided to try one last time and luckily, I picked up their call. Off I was in just a few minutes and joined them as soon as I could. Their displeasure was evident in the cold welcome I got from them. Guys, once again, sorry!

It was about 5:20 AM by the time we pushed off towards Kodai, obviously after a chai and sutta session. Pratap leading and Nahas sweeping. I know, I know. Its just three guys, why lead and sweep and all those things. But, it really helps, believe me! I realised it only after a fall just 15 mins into the ride. Now, there are few things one needs to know before they ride in a group. Especially, the signals used to communicate and I, the illiterate at group riding, could not read one such signal and bumped into a Safari, which didn't bother to stop. So, the first lesson in group riding is to ask the group about what the hell each signal means. Immediately after the fall, I was given quick lessons in those signals. That’s when I thought of this, "Be proactive, when riding with illiterates. Teach them!"

Now, the ride was amazing till it was morning. Greenery all around, roads good (I say good because we rode on Tautobahn (Tamilnadu's roads are no less than the Auto bahn)). The picture below was our first stop after starting from Mysore. Pratap, the 100 kmph guy, surprised us by stopping and asking us to take a picture. Thanks dude!

On the Machismo 350 (Pratap), Thunderbird Twinspark (Yours' Truly) & Electra 350 (Nahas) and the background, green fields somewhere between Nanjangud and Chamrajnagar.

Yeah, I know. Its not like the ad! Bullet Electra Ad - Everybody makes way for the Bullet!.

We knew that this same train would make us stop at the next crossing and we tried to beat it and almost did. Almost. I was happy we did not. It is fun to wait at railway crossings. Your fellow riders can’t complain that you stopped. You could adjust the headphones that have started to irritate your ears. Curious glances from fellow riders and of course photo-op.

Roads from Mysore to Nanjanud are just about ok and bearable. After Nanjangud till Chamrajanagar (Tamilnadu border), its really, actually, honestly, BAD! The roads are not maintained at all.  Add to that speeding trucks and cowherds and shepherds and lots of steep turns. It broke our backs. However, as soon as we got to the border, we realized what stark-difference is. It was really just a line, the border of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. But that line, the sign board welcoming us to Tamilnadu, were signs that our spinal chords were no longer in danger. Its was just a breeze after that. Literally. The drive from Chamrajanagar to Satyamangalam is through Sathi Ghats and one needs to be very careful on this route. After Satyamangalam, there were just straight roads leading to Asanur and then through to Palladam and then to Udumalpet . The ride from Satyamangalam to Palladam is filled with windmills. Thousands of them. The following picture taken below on of them. The swoops of the blades made sounds that made me shiver at the thought of being in its way.

Somewhere between Satyamangalam and Udumalapet. I am not sure if this is the windmill farm we saw (Youtube)

 

The rides after this windfarm were very uneventful but pleasant. With the rising heat, the riding gear came off. After Palladam, we went through Udumalpet and then towards Palani. There is a by pass road from Palani towards Kodaikanal and what a scenic view awaited us as soon as we took that road. The mountains of Perumalmalai and Kodaikanal seen in the picture below.

 

The by-pass (by-passing Palani city) road leading towards Kodaikanal

 

Well, if you have come this far, you really are would be interested in knowing how and why this trip was planned. Madbulls had their anniversary ride and we wanted to catch up with them. We did. Some handshakes. Some introductions. etc. etc. Not very interesting. This one however was. This is one of the around 111 bikes that were to reach Kodaikanal. Amazing modification, Congratulations Dude! Would surely love to meet up with you guys and hang around next time! For now, we had to do some sight-seeing and then push off towards Mysore.

 

 

There was not much to enjoy in Kodaikanal. We had gone on a weekend when most of the places were crowded and were barely enjoyable. However, there were few places that looked good and provided some fun.

 

Upper Lake View

Monkeys and Carrots

 

This is one picture I really liked and was very soothing sight. This, by the way, is not in but near Kodaikanal.

This highlight of the return journey to Mysore was the detour we took from Palladam. We took a right towards Somanur and then towards Satyamangalam. It was some stretch. Around 10-12 kms of absolute, straight-as-a-rod roads allowed us to test the limits of our bikes. Its a route, I would recommend and is much better then the Mangalam route.

Route from Mysore to Kodaikanal: Mysore-Nanjangud-Chamrajanagar-Satyamangalam-Asanur-Mangalam-Palladam-Udumalpet-Palani-Kodaikanal. Asanur-Mangalam can be avoided by taking the Somanur route.

A Photo Story

   

Mysore-Mumbai-Ganpatipule-Goa-Mangalore-Mysore

It was a yes/no situation till the last minute. Even as I was getting my bike serviced, I wasn’t sure. But the temptation prevailed and off I went. I am back after 3022 kms, 80 lts of petrol, 130 hrs on the road and 14 days later. :-) Some experience it has been. I have thought about an alternative career. And about two books I want to write. Some strange philosophy. Love for the road (though I wouldn’t do the same trip alone!). How life is chance and that if you are successful and alive you are one of the most lucky ones!

I have so much to write. Mostly confidential. Top Secret! So here is a photo account.

This was taken at Tumkur. At 2 AM. Sheer size of the statue humbled my Bird.

I am getting the hand of it. My pictures and the locations are getting better! This is some place near the Karnataka-Maharashtra border.

This is another tall structure being built on the NH 17

After a good night sleep, this magnificent view outside the lodge. Some where near Kolhapur.

hmm… Happy I guess!

The most comfortable seat in the world.

That’s the Express Highway from Mumbai - Pune

Lonavalley

Became the Alonavalley!

 

So much for the Trip towards Mumbai.

Now how about a trip back to Mysore via Ganpatipule. :-D

 

This one made me slow down and click. As if written just for me. Babuji!

 

The whole of Konkan belt is amazing. Especially this view.

Gazing at the vast expanse. Enroute Ganpatipule.

Ganpatipule is just breathtaking! I for once realized what breathtaking is!!!

I thought I was the die hard biker till I met this couple from Germany. They had been riding for more than 7 months and ridden more than 16000 kms. Hats off to you!!!

 

Relaxing at Anjuna Beach!

 

Well, Who’s the Dude?

 

Parasailing! It was so much fun!!!

 

And to end it all, there were the Beaches in Karwar!

All in all a wonderful, wonderful trip. A bit tiring but worth every bit of it. I probably will write individual posts about many of these posts!

Sivanasamudra - Gagan Chukki and Bhara Chukki

Even to the last minute, I had not decided on where I would go. Too many places were on mind. Nagerhole, Sivanasamudra, Talacherry, HD Kote, Irrpu Falls. But one thing was sure. I was to go somewhere. So, at 6:30 AM, I was at the petrolpump. Still undecided and wanting some more time to think, I had a cup of chai and sutta. No result. Didn't know where to go. The best thing in such situations is to just go where the road leads. And thats exactly what I did. On the Mysore Ring road, the sign board indicated some 90 kms to Sivanasamudra. Without a second thought (could have caused more delay!) I set off towards Mandya. Took a right towards K M Doddi. Another right towards Malvalli and finally Sivanasamudra. This welcome board told me that I was there.



Sivanasamudra has the distinction of being the first Hydro Electric Power Plant in Asia. It was built in 1902! More about Sivanasamudra can be found here. I don't get into the details much, you all know!

Here is the account of the whole journey.

The roads leading to Sivanasamudra told me, with vicious bumps, that I was not welcome. I replied with the throttle, stop me if you can! :-) The state of the roads connecting to Sivanasamudra from Mandya are very taxing and less than any road that I have rode on. I had option of taking the route from Maddur, but the charm of the lesser travelled roads was too compelling. I wasn't disappointed! Beautiful scenery, lot of villages, amazing landscape pretty much made up for the slight (all credit to my Thunderbird) discomfort caused due to roads.

All the way to Sivanasamudra, such magnificient colors following you!

The route was arduous and my Bird said, "I am just warming up buddy"

First came the Gagan Chukki Falls. It was absolutely wonderful experience. The music of water was all around the place and view just irresistible. Come to think of it, such places (infact most places) are to be experienced and not read about! Pack your bags! Get going!!!

Next, around 12 kms away, Bhara Chukki awaited. Didn't disappoint it either.

Enroute Bhara Chukki monkeyed around with a few of my kind.

Sivanna from Sivanasamudra, the Mahe. I was reluctant to take the boat ride. But Sivannas' son persuaded me to take it.

The reason for dispute between Karnataka and Tamilnadu, The Cauvery.

And here is the highlight of the trip. Excuse the journalistic instinct in the commentry!

Don't miss this place. If you are in Bangalore, not visiting this wonder of nature would be a crime.

It was a Sunday well spent. Monday becons! Don't know what the week ahead has in store for me. Major challenges lie ahead!

Snake Shyam - Yet again

A call on my intercom about snake in the factory made me happy. It was yet another opportunity to meet Shyam, Snake Shyam. He is one flambouyant guy and his new look suits him very well.






He is a showman, I guess. He is very comfortable with audience. Always makes sure that everyone gets some sort of entertainment or the other.He took me to show the snake he caught. Played with it as if it was just a pet. He had caught this snake just minutes before.







The snake is winding through his hairs. He explained snakes mistake hairs for grass. People around him having a spectacle.








Yet again, I was so happy to hold the snake. Its a feeling I can't explain. But you can see it on my face!








Very happy indeed!

Shyam releases all the snakes he catches in the Nagerhole and Bandipur forest. He has invited me on one of his trips to the forest. I am over joyed and all geared up for the time of my life. I am sure to be given a good treatment by the forest officials. After all, I will be with Snake Shyam! :-)

Suggest a Trip - South India

I would dearly love to have suggestions on Travel Destinations in South India.

Kindly leave your suggestions in comments!

Blogs and I - The Chicken Egg Paradox

 

When I started blogging, some time in early 2006, I used the medium to have my essays critiqued by fellow MBA aspirants. Topics like, 'Should sex education be made compulsory?', 'Corruption, a way of life' formed my initial posts. I extended these to giving advice to MBA aspirants after I got entrance to MBA. And then, lull. No activity for almost couple of years.

Then in the last semester, somewhere in the latter part of 2007, I was reintroduced to blogging by Patwardhan Sir. Since then I have been active on my blog. Now, being active on blogs has its own problems.

Then, I started reading a few blogs and found my blogs absolutely inadequate. Inadequate in content, inadequate in style of writing, in adequate in every aspect.

Then came the resolve to give something better for people visited the blog.

Then came the Chicken-Egg Paradox. (Don't know if the analogy is right. But hey, this my space!)

Do I experience to write on the blog or I write because I experience and found it worth sharing? I grappled with this for a long time and I think I have the answer now. It does not matter!

If you experience and write about it, its great. The writings would have great depth and clarity. They would instantly strike the right chords with the reader. The words would flow and little effort would be spent in writing.

If you experience so that you may write about it, you at least make an attempt to experience which other wise would not have been the case. This repeated over a number of times would change your perspective and probably make you a different person. With a changed perspective you will start experiencing things and then write them. So, you become the first category.

Nagerhole

I heard of this place, Nagerhole, from Snake Shyam. He releases the snakes, the ones that he captures (some say rescues) from the city, there. So, I was off towards this forest. Little did I know the difficulty I would face to reach the place. I guess I have to take lot of lessons from the seasoned travelers Lakshmi.

The road from Mysore to Nagerhole is through SH-88 and is no less than a runway. The tarmac shown below is part of it.

 

One the way, I took one stop to take a few snaps and this one is a trophy for me! :-)

 

Only after reaching the check-post did I come to know that motorcycles are not allowed inside the Nagerhole forest. :-( But there was no way I would go back without visiting the forest. So, I back tracked, parked in a restaurant and was just in time to catch the last bus to enter the forest.

 

This happened to be the first time in a very long time that I took public transport. I did like it. The bus made all kinds of noise, but was very comfortable. So, the trip continued further till Nagerhole.

 

While I was clicking away, this kid was trying to get my attention. I did entertain him and took his snap. He was all too delighted to see himself there. I was delighted too! I won't be able to count the no. of times I wanted to be photographed.

I don't know what thought his kid was lost in. He was accompanied by his granny who fired a stream of chewed, blood red, stream of tobacco right after I took this pic. I was just about able to manage myself and the camera out of the way!

 

Reached the Nagerhole National Park in about 45 mins to be welcomed by this board. The bottom small one says, "Animals are not rag pickers, Don't Litter".

"SHOOT NOTHING BUT PICTURES

LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOT PRINTS

TAKE NOTHING BUT MEMORIES

ONLY ONE PLANET TO LIVE IN

LIVE AND LET LIVE"

It was 12:30 PM, and the forest officials informed me that the next safari would start at 3 PM. The safari timings are 6-7 AM, 7-8 AM & 3-4 PM, 4-5PM & 5-6 PM. So I decided to do a bit of roaming around and feel the forest. I couldn't do that as visitors are allowed in only a small restricted area. So a few snaps here and there and lot of roaming around. I was treated to a first hand experience of an Tribal Ashram in the mean time. I will write more about it. For now, let me tell you the tragedy that followed. 

After roaming around and passing nearly 2 hrs, I returned to the forest officials only to be told that the safari got canceled due to rains. In rains, the tracks get really soggy and vehicles get stuck. They are very strict about taking risk. So, the wait started as the only bus back to the check post would arrive after 1 1/2 hr. So, I slept for some time, talked to couple of kids and had chai-sutta.

Nice land scape, its beauty enhanced by my presence!

The forest, at least what I saw of it, of Nagerhole.

Well, after such a long day didn't I deserve a beer? This is a nice resort near Nagerhole forest.

It was a trip that could have been much better. Still, I did like the trip and would definitely go back there!

Directions: Take the road towards Coorg (Madikeri) and after around 40 kms take a left towards Hunsur City. Follow the road and it leads to Nagerhole. Around 30 kms from Nagerhole, there is a checkpost (forest department). Some 20 kms from Nagerhole is Irrpu Falls. Another amazing place to visit.

Four wheelers can go through the forest. But, two wheelers are not allowed to enter. Its best to park your two wheeler around 1 km from the check post. Catch a KSRTC bus and proceed towards Nagerhole. If you are planning a bike trip, this is not the place. Alternatively, you could take a bus from Mysore towards Nagerhole.

If you are not on four wheeler, the best time to begin is early morning. Take the safari at 7:00 AM. Be back to Nagerhole bus stand by 8-8:30 AM. Catch the bus towards Irrpu Falls. Last bus from Irrpu falls towards Mysore is at around 3:30 PM.