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cont.. A Solo Ride to Mysore..

The transformation of a boring official trip to an exciting Bike Trip.

I am working as Business Development Manager in a software firm at Infopark, Cochin.We are mainly dealing with medical Softwares for Students, Doctors and Colleges.

I need to travel to many places for meeting top officials of medical colleges. So as usual this was supposed to be an official trip to meet the Dean of Govt. Medical College, and The principal of JSS Ayurveda College, Mysore. Usually I’ll be travelling with any one of my colleague in Business development. But this time I have to travel alone as all other executives are out of station.

The first thing which crossed my mind when I came to know that I have to go to Mysore was to do a Bike trip. A bike trip to Mysore with my friends was already in my mind for the past 2 years. So this is a golden opportunity to fulfill my wish, that too without spending a single penny out of my pocket. All our travelling expenses will be covered by the company.

For our official trips we usually travel by train or Volvo Bus. But There is no direct train route to Mysore from Cochin. And Only Karnataka state is operating Volvo buses in Cochin-Mysore route. The ticket charge for that is Rs.550 (one side). If I travel by bus up, and down journey will costs Rs.1100 and more over if after reaching Mysore I have to hire an auto for visiting the colleges and roaming in city which may cost an extra 200-300 (2 days). But If I go by Bike I may have to fill petrol for Rs.1100-1200. So I decided to go by bike. But the fact is , even if the expense is more if I traveling by bike, I would have opt for bike only.

I called up my friend Hashim and asked him whether he can join with me if I am going by bike. He was willing and so I made up my mind to go to Mysore by bike. But Things did not worked out as I planned, Hashim dropped out at last moment from the trip due to some important family matters. But I didn’t quit I had made up my mind for the trip, even if he is not coming I planned to go alone…

The meeting in Govt. medical college was fixed on a Tuesday and in JSS Medical College on Wednesday. I planned to leave home by 6 am on Monday so that I can reach Mysore by afternoon. When my friend haque came to know about my plan he requested me to start a little early, so that he can also join with me till Guruvayur. He have to reach guruvayur by 5.30 Am.Guruvayoor is 50 km from my home so I planned to start at 4 Am From my home.

The journey begins…My first pitstop at Nilambur after a continuous 150km ride



I reached vazhikadavu within half an hour and had my breakfast there. After breakfast I took a break of 15 minutes and made my body ready for the rest of the ride. That half an hour break really helped me to get rid of my back pain.

The Vazhikadavu- Nadukaani Ghat Road …

I moved a few distance and reached a forest check post. After this check post the ghat road begins. Unlike the other ghat roads This Road was in good condition and definitely with lots of twisting curves. I was desperately waiting for this type of winding roads to perform some cornering acts. But I did not pushed to my limits since the road was a little bit slippery , It seemed to be rained just an hour or two ago. Anyway I very much enjoyed the ride through the ghat road. I In Between Vazhikadavu – Naadukaani, ride I stopped my bike 4 times, 2 times for clicking fotos, 1 for eating freshly plucked guava, and one for a loo break .

A view Just after the Forest Check Post, Vazhikadavu


Some Snaps taken in between Vazhikadavu- Naadukani Route








From Nadukani I took right turn to Gudallur, The road towards left leads to Calicut via Chudale, Thamarassery. The road was Wide and well maintained but at the same time had good curves also,and many time my bikes’ foot peg touched the road.

At Naadukani Junction


I reached gudallur town at 12’10 .From Gudalur I took left turn .The road towards right leads to ooty, which is only 50 km from there. I have traveled through that route in a ride to wayanad from ooty. I stopped my bike just after entering the Mudhumlai Road to make some phone calls. I knew that there is nework at gudallur and I’ll be definitely out of coverage for next 30-40m km I.e the forest area. After the phone calls I Continued my ride with in a short span of time I Reached the entrance of Mudhumalai Wild Life sanctuary.

The Entrance Of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve



Experiencing The wilderness.

I knew that Next 30-40 kms ride is through thick forests. Though I had traveled through this route twice, I felt like It was the first time. The peculiarity of forest ride is every time we will be expecting a wild life spotting; this expectation increases the thrill of the ride( My view).
I am not only a MotorBike Enthusiatics But also zealous about wild life. I love to watch the wild animals at their habitat. In most of our trip one menu will be trekking to forests, I have even gone for a full day 30km trekking to deep forests at Pakshipthalam , Wayanad. I had Visited almost all Wildlife Sanctauries and Forests in Kerala(except Gavi, Our Next trip ) and some in Tamilnadu.

After I entered the forest I reduced the speed to 40-50 kmph range. I was riding my bike watching both sides of the road in to spot the wild life. As I Expected the first ones to welcome me was a herd of Spotted Deers. I slowly reduced my speed and stopped my bike without switching off the engine. I took some photos, Usually deer ran away when they hear the clicking sound but this herd was actually posing for the photo. They did not run away even after taking many shots.

My First Wild Life Spotting of the trip





Then I continued my ride and suddenly it happened , I heard a Trumpet sound and when I lokked to my left side I was stunned by the Sight, There it Stands.! A Tusker with its trunk up in the air. The Tusker was Trumpeting. I was in two mind, whether I should leave the place as soon as possible or Capture the sight in my cam..?
I had already tied the camera strap to my neck When I entered the forest so that I can capture any wildlife spotting quickly before they ran away. Finally I decided to capture the sight quickly and leave the place. I did not turned off my bike, bcos the elephant seemed to be not in a good temper. By the time i finished 3 clicks the tusker which was standing parallel to me turned around and faced me . I was sure that if I remain there definitely it will charge at me. I Clicked once more, sitting on the bike and then Left the Place quickly.

The Tusker...!



Some More Snaps at Mudumalai





Then I continued my ride and reached Theppakadu by 1.50 Pm, At Theppakkadu there is an Information centre,Many Dormitories ,An Elephant Camp, Some Hotels and Forest offices. I saw some jeeps and Buses of forest which is used for Forest safari. Once I had done forest safari here with my friends.It was a good experience.
After having the tasteless lunch at Theppakkadu, I started my bike and resumed the journey.Just A few metres after the forest office I saw a road heading towards right. That is Masinagudi-Ooty Road (Ooty 38 km from here). When I looked at my watch the time was 2.20 pm, I got enough time, I have to reach Mysore by evening or night only. I turned my bike and entered the Ooty road even though It was opposite to Mysore direction. I planned to ride till Masinagudi(8km from there) and Come back.
That 8km stretch was rich in Wild Life. I Could spot many animals like Sambars, Deers, Lion Tailed Macaque, Bison, and Elephants. I was also luck enough to spot a Udumbu(Monitor Lizard) , that too first time in my life. I reached Masinagudi within half an hour.

A mother Elephant and her Kid spotted on the way to Masinagudi



A Monitor Lizard spotted near Masinagudi


Then I returned from there and in my return jorney also I saw another herd of elephant. I then reached Theppakkadu and took right turn and entered the Bandipur-Mysore road. Reached Tamilnadu-Karnatka bourder within 15 mins. Bandhipur Forest starts from here. In Bandhipur forest I could not spot much wild animals except a few Spotted deer.I travelled throught the Bandhipur Forest and reached Gundlupet at 3.30 pm.

The Entrance Of Bandipur Forest at Tamilnadu- Karnataka Border


a group of Spotted deer at Bandipur


The end of bandipur Forest area


Gundlupet To Mysore…

The Road from Wayand( Sulthanbathery-Muthanga)Joins at Gundlupet. I Proceeded straight at Gundlupet and entered the Mysore Road. Mysore is only 60 km from Gundlupet.Mysore- Gundlupet road was in good condition,The traffic was also very less. Even Though the road was not very wide but the tarmac was pretty good. Most of the time I maintained a speed of 85-90 kmph range and a couple of times it crossed 100.

In this route we can see lots of Farm Lands at the either side of the road.The sight of acres of green farm lands on both side of the road was really a feast for the eyes. The only thing which we should be cautious while travelling through this route at high speed is the crossing of the cattle.In my journey at many instances the Cattles did the role of a Speed Breaker.

Clicks in between Gundlupet- Mysore












In between Gundlupet and Mysore, I crossed Begur (The road to coorg deviates from here) and Nanjangund (Sathyamangalam- Mysore road via C.H Nagara Joins here). Finaly I reached Mysore at 4.45pm and by 5.15 pm I checked in at Hotel Aiswarya Residency, Near to KSRTC Bus station.

Will Post the details of ride with in the Mysore and the return Ride via wayanad later... cont...

That was a nice trip you had... and lucky enough to spot the Elephant

How's the road conditions from Nilambur to Gudallur.... I was planning for a bike ride to Coorg via the route... ?

Congrats. Nice pics, specially the sunflower one
I've always wished to travel through forests.
Keep it up!

ya I was lucky enough to spot the elephant many times, I saw wild Elephants at 4 different places during my onward journey ( 2 times in between Mudumalai- theppakadu and 2 times Between Theppakadu- Masinagudi Ride.)

In my return ride also I spotted elephants 3 times at Muthanga forest. I had traveled through this route earlier, but at that time the wild life sighting was less when compared to this trip.

Nilambur-Gudallur road is in excellent condition. but the condition of Pattambi-Nilambur road is horrible..
So if you are going to coorg via Nilambur, instead of taking the route which i took you can consider kuttipuram- Kottakkal-Malappuram-Manjeri-Edavanna-Nilambur route ( only 20 km diff.). This road is pretty good..

Thank you...
Pick a destination and hit the road.. and fulfill your wish..

beautiful pictures there bro! riding in forest roads are always a thrill, right?! Keep the log comin' in ...

fantastic trip.. loved the pictures, u must had a great time, i guess.
How did u manage the Fuel, tyres, engine oil, Food, sleep etc.
I mean how did u prepare urself?

great trip log dude .. .. all this rides happened before you joined xbhp ? rite .. well good to see you started using gloves and helmet by that time itself ...

Yeah.. Had a great time..

filled fuel two times, for Rs.600 for onward journey and Rs.500 for return journey.

I did this trip just one week after finishing service at 18k. Checked the tyre pressure on day before the trip. As it was an official trip I have already booked hotel at mysore.

Thanks buddy... Ya all these rides happened just before i joined xbhp..
I have been use Gloves and Helmet and Balaclava even before joining xbhp.

Helmet: Vega Boolean
Gloves : Cross
Balaclava: Cramster

I have two jacket two but both are not proper riding jacket..
After attending the g2g @ vagamon i wish to buy a proper protective riding jacket and other gears like knee pad and elbow pad.

Cont.. At Mysore and Return Ride via Wayanad.

At Mysore

On first day at Mysore I was engaged in my official work till 3.30 pm. In mysore city everywhere we can see the Sign boards showing directions to Mysore Palace, Zoo and Chamundi Hills. On my way back to my hotel also I saw one such board, I had already decided to roam around in the city after my work. So I decided to visit Chamundi Hills first (nearly 15 km from Mysore city).

After refreshing myself I went to Chamundi Hills. We can see Chamundi Hill from many parts of the Mysore city itself .The road to Chamundi hills is neatly maintained, there is also lots of curves where we can really put our knees down.
On the way to Chamundi Hills


There is a temple situated at the top of the hill at an altitude of 3000 + feet. A panoramic view of whole Mysore city can be viewed from Chamundi Hills. I reached on the top by 5.30pm and dint spends much time there. I left the place by 5.45.

view of Mysore City from Chamundi Hills



On second day at Mysore, My official meeting was fixed at 2pm only so I got enough time to visit any places in the morning. I planned to visit The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, which is 17 kms from mysore. The Bird sanctuary is located near to Srirangapatna which is on Mysore Bangalore Highway.( have to take a left turn from Mysore-Bangalore Road).

I reached the sanctuary at morning 9.15. , I was the first one to enter the sanctuary on that day. I was welcomed with the Chirping and humming sounds of birds. I took a casual walk in the bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is a small island on the banks of river Kaveri. This place is a bird lovers paradise, and is a nesting and breeding center for all kinds of birds. Many little islands in the river form nesting sites for varieties of migratory birds. We can also see lots of Crocodiles here and there in the river. But one thing which I was really missing was a good Super Zoom Camera. This is a good location to do lots of opportunities to experiments with camera.

Some clicks at Bird Sanctuary









solo trip helped me to master in using self timer..


This sanctuary is not only bird lover’s paradise but paradise of Couples and lovers too. I could see many couple enjoying themselves away from all disturbances. I spent in the bird sanctuary till 11.30 and left the place after visiting the garden in the Sanctuary.

Clicks at the garden







On that day my official work got over by 5pm. I was not able to spend much time idle in my room. I decided to took my bike and roam around in the city. While I was riding through the city I saw the Mysore palace which was illuminating in the night. I could not resist myself stopping my bike and entering in to it. But I could not enter inside the palace as entry is allowed up to 5pm only. So I had no other options, rather than clicking some snaps from the outside yard and left the place.






On my last day at Mysore , After finishing the meeting at JSS College I went to Mysore Zoo. The Zoo is home to a wide range of wild species. It Took around 2 hrs to cover the entire area.There was a battery operated vehichle to move in the Zoo, But I choose to walk. After reaching back the hotel and having lunch ,I left Mysore by 2.30pm.

Clicks at Zoo







Tiger Adopted by Dhoni and Zaheer Khan



The Battery Operated Vehicle at Zoo.


The Return Ride (via Wayand )

Rather than going by the same route which I came , I planned to take wayanad route for my return ride. When I looked in to my watch it was 2.50pm by the time I finished the city limits . I filled fuel for Rs.500 from a petrol Bunk in Mysore- Gundluet road. I reached Gundlupet by 4.15. From Gundlupet I took right turn and entered in Calicut road via wayanad.
After gundlupet we can see lots of farm lands on either side of the road. The sight of grown sunflower and other flowers in farmland was an awesome sight.. The road was almost straight after gundlupet , up to forest area.

The Gundlupet-Calicut Road


Flower Farms







After riding for a few kms I reached the Forest which is a part of bandhipur. Many times I could see Spotted deers in this forest. I felt like the number of tigers are less in this forest that we be the reason the why the deers are abundant here.
I continued my ride and reached Kerala- Karnataka Border. We can see lots of monkeys near by the Checkpost area and on top of the small bridge at the border.There is a chance that these monkeys may attack us if we stop there, I got a bad experience at the same place earlier. I along with my friends was travelling in car, when we saw a group of monkeys we stopped and clicked, but suddenly a monkey jumped on top of the bonnet seeing the packet of the peanut on the dash board and left some scratches on the painted surface. In Muthanga forest I spotted elephants two times, one a herd and another a lone tusker.








By the time I crossed muthanga forest checkpost it started Raining. I parked my bike at a nearby tea shop and had a tea., even though I had a rain jacket, I waited for the rain to settle , thought to take break too. As I expected the rain did not lasted for much time.I then resumed my journey and then my next stop was after 70 kms that is at Thamarassery. From Sulthanbathery to Vyithiri the road was in good condition. But after vythiri , The entire Thamarassery Ghat road is fully damaged, At many places there were no road itself. That 20 km ride was really horrible. But the View from the top of the Tamarassery was very appealing.

Between Muthanga- Thamarassery










View of Chembra Peak, Wayanad



My next stop was at Calicut by pass road for filling fuel for my body. I had Chappathi and Chilly chicken at a hotel on bye pass road, Calicut. Starting from Calicut byepass the road was in excellent conditions . I took Kottakkal-Kuttppuram- Ponnani route and in between I stopped at Ponnani for a tea break.Finally I reached home by 11.45pm.

cool to see that dude , proud to meet you .. yes i know many of the new bie has now dreaming about good jackets and other gears after the wagamon ride , i hope you know the Indian stores website to check out with the models and also our AQ @ Kaloor has got so many try a check out there some day ..