Lepakshi Temple bike ride

Day: Sunday - 09/01/11

First ride of the year 2011,     
       The plan was to ride to Lepakshi Temple, Hindupur in the morning which was about 120km away from Bangalore. Saturday night filled up the tank and check the air pressure of both the tyre and went to bed anxiously waiting for the night to over.
       Got up early in the morning and freshen up & called madhu to check out at what time he might be reaching my place. I packed up the tools and went to check out the bike. Oh god! to my surprise front tyre had gone flat, it was 6 am in the morning no chance of finding any puncture shop. Madhu reach after 10 mins, went to look out for any puncture might have open, shop owner had put a  board saying 9am to 9pm. Dejected came back and planned it to push it till the nearest petrol pump. Informed the gang that we will be joining on the way. filled the air in front tyre and checked if any leakage is there, air was leaking from the valve pin so filled more air and planned to get it repaired on the way.
       It was already 7am when we started from Ganganagar. We were 1 hr behind the schedule, so planned to ride slowly and join them near the breakfast point, Kamat-Chikaaballapur on NH 7. On the way we spotted one puncture shop open in morning for business, check the tyre and replaced the valve pin and all set to roll once again. The roads are totally covered with dense fog. The visibility in some places was very less, so driving around 30-40 km speed. The weather was too chilled to ride but were enjoying the fogy ride. In fogy roads people used to drive keeping blinker switched on, it feels like light bugs are flying and we were chasing them on our bull. As the traffic was less after crossing Devanahalli, i asked madhu if he wanted to ride the bull. He was very much interested to tame the bull. Slowly the fogy roads were clearing and were into the clear sky, sun kissing the skin softly. We were enjoying the sun warmth after the chilled weather. We reached Kamat Restaurant by 9:am, already all the bulls are parked in the parking lot, still few more bull on there way.

Bulls resting!

We were too much hungry after pushing the bull early in the morning for 2km, I order for 1 plate idli-vada, 2 vada and then kesari bath, now i was feeling fully satisfied. 

       Now everyone all set to started the ride, once again i checked the tyre pressure to make sure it was not leaking anymore. All the bull running in 2by2 formation, thundering the NH7 with there thumping sound.

Riding in  2by2 formation

After driving for another 40km, after crossing the RTO check-post take left turn for Lepakshi road. This road is small one so we formed single row once entered the road. Lepakshi temple was around 16km from the NH7 junction.

driving in single line

We reached Lepakshi Temple by 12pm, parked the bulls where ever we find space to park in the parking lot. 

Few snaps of Lepakshi Temple

After temple visit started back for lunch. On the way we stopped to take photo of the Nandi. 

 

Nandi

Once again we regrouped  and started our ride back to Kamat Restaurant. We reached the lunch point by 3pm. I ordered for north indian thali, it was good. After finishing lunch we gathered for photo shoot. 

group photo

Once the group photo shoot session was over, all were ready to hit the road. Once again we drove by forming 2by2 formation. Royal Knights official photographer - Navin will always goes ahead to look out for location from where he can take lovely pics. 

We reached near Hebbal flyover by 4:30pm, we stopped there for last meeting point before saying goodbye to fellow riders. We were very thirsty, i had 2 tender coconut to quench my thirst. After say goodbye to rest of the rider everyone move to there final destination- sweet home. We reached my place by 5:30pm, madhu was too tired so he planned to not to take rest and head back home. Years first ride was good but my ride without any misfortune can't be completed. Ah....eagerly waiting for the next ride!

See you soon!

Route: Bangalore-Chikkaballapur-Lepakshi Temple-Chikkaballapur-Bangalore

Distance Covered: 260KM

Kanyakurmari-Rameshwaram bike ride -Day 7

Day 7: 05/11/2010

Wish you Happy Diwali!

Woke up early in the morning by 4 am, it was raining heavily. We thought lots of devotee will be present on the occasion of Diwali but because of the rain few people were able to reach the temple. We were inside the temple by 4:30am for darshan.After the temple darshan decide to head for DhanusKodi  at 6.15am. 

 On the way to Dhanuskodi

road to infinity

Reached the check post, where we asked for permission to take the bike till Dhanuskodi but with our own risk. The toughest part of ride was going through the sand till the sea side.

The toughest part to ride on sand!

Dhanuskodi was around 4-5km from the check post, usually people go to Dhanuskodi by bus or fishermen vehicle. If you are interested to go further you have to heir a jeep from Rameshwaram. we have to follow the tracks of the bus & ride till Dhanuskodi.

ocean ride!

After riding for another 5km reach the ruined city (Ghost town) - Dhanuskodi

remains of the ruined city

ruined church

Spent the time roaming around the ruined city, saw the old railways station, the broken rail track, old school building .....where ever you see all broken building, temple and church submerged in sand. the Government declared the town as ghost town and unfit for living after the storm.Only few fisher-folks now live there. Planed to go further to see the coral reef, but local people advised not to go by bike as it was high tide most of the jeep tracks will be submerged. So finally decided to head back. Stopped in few places on the way to take photos.

Normalize effect on the photo!

 The Man & the Machine!

We were back in Rameshwaram by 9:45am, spent time roaming around the city exploring few temples. Had lunch and planned to head back to Bangalore, original plan was to pass through Madurai - instead we planned to go to Trichy. We left Rameshwaram at around 2pm and headed for Trichy. On the way we stopped at Pamban bridge to take photos.

Pamban bridge!

  Railway double-leaf bascule bridge section that can be raised to let ships pass under the bridge

Once we reach the ECR raod took the diversion into NH-210 which goes toward Trichy. Once we crossed Devakottai we could see the black clouds on the horizon heading towards our path, we stopped and prepared our self to tackle the rain. It rained cats & dogs. We didn't want to stop & wait for the rain to stop so slowly moved ahead. Most of the road was submerged in water, when we entered a small town, roads are almost not visible knee deep water was flowing in it, we just ripped through the running water, people were thinking we have gone mad. After driving for almost 3hrs fully drench in rain we reached pudukkottai. Oh boy! people are happy as the rain stopped and everyone are ready with there crackers to celebrate Diwali. Now we were driving carefully as most people are bursting cracker in the middle of the road. This was the second diwali i spent my time on road trip. We reached Trichy by around 8pm, then decided to go to Srirangam and stay there, visit the Sri Ranganathswamy Temple in the morning. We got a lodge near the raja gopuram, had dinner and went to bed.

Route: Rameshwaram-devakottai-Puddukkottai-Trichy-Srirangam

Distance cover: 250km

Kanyakurmari-Rameshwaram bike ride -Day 6

Day 6: 04/11/2010
          Left Kanyakumari early the morning and reached Vattakottai by 7:10am. We didn't know that the fort gate opens at 9am. We requested the the care taker to let us in, we paid the entry fee. Vattakottai circular fort is a seaside fort built in 18th century as a coastal defence-fortification and barracks in the erstwhile Travancore kingdom.

few pics of Vattakottai fort

       We left Vattakottai by 8am as the care taker has to go out to town. We planned to follow the road which goes by the sea side, most part of the ride was like roller coaster ride as the road was too uneven. But the road was in good condition without much potholes. We were driving mostly alone in this road as the traffic was very less, occasionally few vehicle cross. 

we hit the magical number!

When we were nearing Koodankulam we saw more traffic and many people waiting to go for work. This place is famous for Nuclear Power plant, this the 9th power plant in India. After driving for another 25km our luck run out once again, rear tyre got puncture. we were just 10km away from Tiruchendur, people advised us to go back 5km to find a puncture shop. It is difficult to ask help in the plane area where people are afraid to stop. after trying few times one guy stopped and helped me to take the rear tyre to near by puncture shop. This time i was adamant and asked the guy to check it thoroughly, found out that from inside the tyre was teared. I asked him if i can get a new tyre, he told me that he going to put one extra tube inside so that it will protect the main tube, asked me to get the tyre at Tuticorin. I couldn't get anything to return back, so hired on jeep that dropped to the point where the bull was parked.

      Now we were driving very careful not to hit any potholes or stones. After 4th puncture you will always feel like anytime the tyre may flatten out. So decide to have lunch at Tiruchendur, had lunch and were ready to start for Rameshwaram when a guy came up & asked "Are you willing to sale the bike, will pay you in cash". This guy was asking the bull for his son, who was on top of the building beside the restaurant, supervising in construction. Asking his father from top to ask us weather we will sale the bike. That guy took our phone and said once you reach back will give you a call. Once again we hit the road and reached Tuticorin by 1pm. I searched many shops for ceat tyre but couldn't find anywhere so decide to put a Dunlop tyre, after bargain we got it for 1500 bucks. We went to near by puncture shop got it replaced and left Tuticorin by 2:30pm. We stopped near Sayalgudi to tank up the bull. We didn't knew the route, so we were checking the route on google map, but it doesn't show the road which we were traveling. We came to know that this was the new ECR road that goes up till Chennai. 

New East Coast Road

      The ECR road is still under construction at same places. We didn't go to Ramanathpuram instead we took the ECR and took a right into NH49 which goes to Rameshwaram. Driving for another 56km we reached Rameshwaram by 7:30pm. Once again we started to hunt for a good lodge, finally got one which was recently opened for Rs 500 for double room was too good, where other lodges we charging more and rooms were not good. Finally settled and went out to take dinner. by 10pm we hit the bed, as we have to get up early to visit the temple.

Route: Kanyakumari-Tiruchendur-Tuticorin-Rameshwaram

Distance covered: 350KM

Kanyakurmari-Rameshwaram bike ride -Day 5

Day 5: 03/11/2010

          Got ready early in the morning and headed toward the beach to see sunrise. It was almost dark when we reach there, tourist were occupying there spot to see the sunrise. Slowly most part of the beach was filled with tourist occupying every space available, it was like a Mela!

  Everybody was there before 5:15 am .....occupying there seat to see the sunrise!

  wide angle view of Vivekananda rock memorial & Thiruvalluvar statue

view of Vivekananda rock memorial & Thiruvalluvar statue

 sun rays creating beautiful effect at the back of Thiruvalluvar statue!

After that went for beach walk, went to see the Kamarajar Memorial. We had breakfast and went to the lodge, rested for hour. Then took an auto to the place where we had left the bull parked in front yard.

Back tyre got punctured the previous night at 10pm, 4km away from Kanyakumari...not single shop was opened at that time, had to park the bull in front of this house and went to Kanyakumari to search for lodge. Photo was taken next morning.

Just few blocks from the house was the puncture repair shop. We thanked the person who helped us and it was already 11am so decided to go to Boat ride to Vivekananda rock memorial. There was long queue for the boat ride, till kill boredom started taking photos.

fishing boat

The boat ride was very short, reached the place took the ticket and went on for photo shoot. Few photos from Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue.

Vivekananda rock memorial

 

 Madhu waited long time to get this shot!

view of Vivekananda rock memorial from Thiruvalluvar statue

We spend almost 2hr to see the beautiful and shrine Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue.

  view of Vivekananda rock memorial & Thiruvalluvar statue from the beach

 Then went to have have lunch and planned to rest at lodge & go to see sunset. We didn't the exact place to see the sunset, asking for direction to sunset point we finally make it to that place, by the time we reach there sun was already covered with clouds. We spent some good time enjoying the soothing winds. 

After that we headed to Suchindrum Temple, which was 12km away. We reached there by 6pm, puja was being performed when we entered the temple.  The temple`s musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman are the main attraction. 

We went back, had dinner and went to bed early. 

Solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram : Day 1

    Since long time was planning to visit Pondicherry, heard it about from lots of friends who have visited there. And the time was perfect for weekend drive as friday was holiday on account of Ramzan. Plan was to go for this trip with few friends because of unavoidable circumstances most of them dropped out of the trip. So finally decided to do it solo.
       Day 1 : 10 September 2010 - Started early in the morning at around 7:30am from my place, as the traffic was less during morning hour didn't took the elevated expressway till electronic city instead took the normal route. This was my second solo ride for long distance, got habituated of maintaining a decent speed. Any way i never like to go beyond 60km on my odometer. that's way its more pleasure to ride and enjoy the beautiful roads. by the time i reached Krishnagiri, stomach was giving hint to take first pit stop to have breakfast.
     Had to say goodbye to the awesome road of NH7, took left turn on to NH46 and then took a right turn onto NH 66-Puducherry ( or Pondicherry as we know) road, from here one the road is single going through small towns and villages. As bullet tank was half filled while starting the journey thought of filling it on the way so stopped near Thirumagal, filled the upto full tank. It was sunny through out the journey till Tiruavannamalai, so stopped to have coconut i was so thirsty that took 2 big ones.  Arunachaleshwar Temple is beside the main road looks beautiful, was too sunny so didn't took out the camera. Steadily i was maintaining 60km speed, planned to reach Pondicherry by 3 and to have lunch there. Reached Gingee town by at around 1 pm, saw the Gingee fort from road side only as the planned was to reach destination by lunch time. While passing Tindivanam town had a minor accident on the flyover, i bang the truck from behind as was not able to balance after applying brake as result i had broke the headlight, cleared the broken glasses from the road and moved ahead. The road from here was newly laid and traffic was less so cruising along nicely. Reached Pondicherry outskirt by 2:30pm, planned to stay near the sea shore. After search for 30 mins got a decent lodge, that too double bed. Now was the time for searching restaurant to have lunch, as it was already 3:30pm most of the restaurant lunch time was over...finally got a veggie hotel, took one meal. Then headed to my room had shower and got ready & asked few people for royal Enfield workshop, one guy pointed me to Agnes Moto Care few blocks from where i was staying. Purchased the parts needed to replace from auto spare part store, it took more time as i expected - twice the guy fixed the spring in wrong direction and trying hard to headlight mount as the head mechanic was not there at that time, finally i suggest him do in right away and it was done.
    Bye the time repair work was over it was almost dark inquired few people about tourist spot in Pondicherry. Then headed to M.G.Road parked my Bull near Bharathi park as vehicle were not allowed between evening to morning as most of the road was occupied by tourist. While roaming on M.G.road met my college friend, who was also there with his wife came to Pondy for vacation. stayed there till 9pm enjoying the sea side night view. some classical music function was organized there by pondicherry tourism department. As most of restaurant will close down by 9:30pm, hurried back to take dinner. Had chicken biryani full plate, fully satisfied went to bed.
    Didn't took out the camera out of the backpack as it was too sunny. So sorry not photos for day 1.

Route: Bangalore-Krishnagiri-Tiruvannamalai-Tindivanam-Pondicherry

Distance Covered: 340KM


solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram: Day 2
solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram: Day 3

Solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram : Day 3

Day 3:

          It was raining almost whole night, but i slept well. whole roads are flooded with water, waited till the rains to stop. It was 8am when i came out of the lodge to check the bull parked outside if still ok, clean the bull and it started with a single kick. It was totally cloudy weather so didn't took out the camera. I went to Kamakshi Amman Temple, had darshan of  Goddess Kamakshi. Photography is prohibited inside most of the temple. After temple visit, went to have breakfast this time i had mini idli sambar or 14 idlies, it was good. 
         By 10 am started my journey back to Bangalore. After driving for around 10 km joined the NH 4, from here roads are awesome. Most part of ride it was totally cloudy so it was really cool weather to ride. After around 50km took a left into NH46, drove till Vellore and stopped for refueling. When the roads are very smooth, driving became monotonous and boring when you are driving alone. Driving for another 130 km , reached Krishnagiri by 2:40pm, by this time i was very hungry stopped near Anand Bavan for lunch which about 20km away from Krishnagiri. 
        After good meal and rest, planned to reach Bangalore before evening. I was maintaining decent speed, cross Hosur by 5pm. As it was sunday so most of the traffic was moving towards the city. It took another one n half hour to reach home, by the time i reached home it was 7pm.
       It was good solo ride, with no problem with the bike. Its good to ride in optimum speed so that you don't put too much pressure on the engine and it will give you trouble free ride.


Route: Kanchipuram-Vellore-Krishnagiri-Hosur-Bangalore
Distance covered: 300KM



Total distance covered: 820KM

Solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram : Day 1

Solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram : Day 2

Solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram : Day 2

Day 2:
   Planned to woke up early in the morning to catch sunrise,but slept long and missed the sunrise. Went there for morning walk on M.G.Road, it was not crowded like the night time. The weather was cloudy, so couldn't capture the morning sun. 

view of old harbor

The beach after the old harbor is very dirty. Mostly is occupied by fishermen, people used this place for dumping all garbage, couldn't go because of it.

view of the beach

view of M.G Road

After finishing morning walk, went to room took bath and freshen up. Had breakfast at near by restaurant, then asked the road direction for Auroville. Auroville is 10km away from pondy. This was founded by Mother Mirra Alfassa, the chief disciple of Sri Aurobindo. This place was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Matri mandir is the spiritual and a physical centre.  

Matri Mandir

Once again i met my college friend in Auroville, saw all the places inside Auroville. 

Infront of Matri mandir

After spending good time at Auroville, came back to Pondy by 11am and  planned to head to Mahabalipuram. I had heard lot about the ECR road, so decided to take the ECR road till Mahabalipuram. The road is well maintained, driving here is real pleasure. On the stopped for lunch, had chicken biryani.. it was yummy, forgot the restaurant name. Reached Mahabalipuram by 2:30, went to Panch Rathas.

 

Panch Rathas

Mahishasuramardini Mandapam

 

Light House

Shore temple

Mahabalipuram beach

   By evening almost visited all the places, then headed to Kachipuram. Reached Kanchipuram by 7:30, it started raining heavy- waited for the rain to stop by then it was already 8:30. Once rain stopped started searching for a lodge and got near the bus stand for Rs 250/- single bed room. Had dinner near the junction in Sri krishna hotel. by 10 pm went to bed.

Route: Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram

Distance Covered: 180KM

Solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram : Day 1

Solo ride to Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram : Day 3

Solo ride to Chikmagalur- Sringeri -Agumbe: Day 3

Day 3:
          Woke up early, freshen up and headed to Sringiri Temple. Had darshan and took few snaps.

view of Sringeri Temple

River tunga is passes beside the temple, had lots of fishes

After temple visit, headed to Srimane waterfall which is 25km away from here, take a left turn from KSRTC bus stand & drive around 2km, yellow board sign is there pointing towards Sirimane falls. The road will take you through village and forest area. There is old temple in Kigga village- Rishya Shringeshwara temple.

On the way to Sirimane fall

Sirimane water fall

 

water flow was less during this time of the year, during monsoon season you can't get near to the fall. Spent some time there, and decided to head to Agumbe. 

     Agumbe is small village in shimoga district. it is 50km away from Sringeri. The road is ok, but very few people travel on that road, difficult to get direction. Finally one village guy was waiting for the bus to Agumbe, i offered him to drop to his destination. When i was nearing Agumbe saw the board for taking diversion for Barkana fall, decided to go towards Barkana fall, drop the village guy near Agumbe and left for Barkana fall. The road was very good, passing through the forest area. After driving for around 15KM couldn't  find the direction for Barkana fall, few children were returning from were returning from school, asked them for Barkana fall -"They told me i have already cross the place where i have to turn". I offered them to drop till that point, they happily jumped on for ride on Bullet.

Two girls helped me to find out the route

Once reach the point, found out that you have to park the bike near the village and walk for 3 km inside the forest to see Barkana fall as i was alone decided not to go there.

       Once again headed to Agumbe, from there took the road to Shimoga, stopped near Gajanur Dam for some refreshment. Reached by 12pm , had lunch and without waste much time planned to reach Bangalore by evening to celebrate Deepawali.

somewhere on the way saw this patch of cloud

On NH206, after crossing Kadur

NH206 road was good

after driving for another hour reached Arsikere, Sun was setting down stopped near the Arsikere lake to take sunset pics.

Bull resting near Arsikere lake

Sunset at Arsikere Lake

Sunset at Arsikere 

After this i drove continuously and reached Tumkur toll gate for another pit stop, it was chilled evening...had some snacks & 2 cup of tea to get warm. Once again drove continuously with break till i reach my room. 

It was almost 9:45 when i reached home, there few people still busting crackers. luckily it was almost over so don't have to feel the noise pollution of crackers. Took hot shower bath , had dinner & went to bed.

Route: Agumbe - Thirthahalli- Shimoga - Arsikere - Tumkur - Bangalore

Distance Covered : 390KM

Solo ride to Chikmagalur- Sringeri -Agumbe: Day 1
Solo ride to Chikmagalur- Sringeri -Agumbe: Day 2