Re: Kodachadri: Off-roading in the mist

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Re: Kodachadri: Off-roading in the mist

Nice start. Now, bring on the full story!

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Re: Kodachadri: Off-roading in the mist


Day1: Bangalore-Shimoga-Kodachadri

We had a very simple plan; have a very relaxed ride, visit the Sharavathi backwaters and relax for the day.

We started at 5:30 am from our meeting point (Yeshwantpur Metro Station). Plan was to take the Tumkur town bypass, but we missed that diversion and ended-up in Tumkur town. Our 1st stop was at Matha Residency, KB cross for breakfast. Only when I reached there that I realised it is the same place where we stopped for b'fast in our 2013 Anniversary ride.

Got the 1st spell of rain around Kadur. Weather was awesome and we never felt tired. We were riding slow, but did long strides.

Arasalu forest stretch


It was raining heavily after Arasalu. Reached Parvatha Homestay, Sampakete around 2pm and had an awesome lunch. Their hospitality requires a special mention.
After some rest, we headed to the Sharavati backwaters which was just 14kms from the homestay. There is a ferry from here which is a short route to Jog Falls. Only 60kms to Jog after crossing the ferry.









With no mobile range, internet, TV and daru we din't have any other option but to sleep early.

Day 2: Koda off-road-Nagara-Shimoga

Had a sumptuous breakfast and started the ride around 8am. Distance from homestay to the IB at Koda top was 15 kms of which 7 kms is a well laid road.



The fun begins







We couldn't stop for pics in most of the places either due to lack of space or lack of traction. We were lucky to have no rain at the time of the climb, but the heavy rain last night had already enough for the bike to slip and slide. This was by far the toughest road I have ridden on.
After the 1st 6 kms, we got a flat stretch with a mind-blowing view.





We spent some time enjoying the nature and clicking







The last 2 kms was again some tough roads. Soon we reached the last point where all the Jeeps were parked. We were the only bikers there.
Now starts the toughest part; trekking with the heavy jacket and camera bag

At the starting of the trek there is a small temple and a house which is where the priest stays



Trek as such was not tough, but our jacket+rainwear and camera bag made things tough.









Reached Sarvaja peetam after about 30 mins walk through thick fog. We were the only people there at that time.







We were not able to see anything from the top view point due to the mist. Took some rest and started our journey back.





Started raining by the time we reached the parking lot. Our bikes started sliding from the moment we started rolling.
Rode to the top of another small hill on the way. I din't even take my camera out as nothing was visible.
One from Charan's mobile


Descent was easier than what I thought, but required to be very focused. My bike's rear tyre was bouncing all over the place like a ping-pong ball. I am not sure if it is due to softer suspension setting. Charan's FZ was much more composed. The shitty Michelin Pilot sporty on the front was not helping either, this is one of the worst tyres for wet conditions.

Reached the foothills in half the time we took to ride to the top.

Not looking so bad after all the slush ride. Rain helped in washing most of the slush off



Coming up: The beautiful Nagara Fort.

Re: Kodachadri: Off-roading in the mist

Great going!

Sent from my Xperia L.

Re: Kodachadri: Off-roading in the mist

Previous post updated.

Re: Kodachadri: Off-roading in the mist

Fantastic ride there...Thanks for refreshing some fond memories

Re: Kodachadri: Off-roading in the mist

Day 2 continued....Nagara Fort

One beautiful stretch on the way to Kodachadri


Royal swimming pool in Nagara Fort



It was a green carpet all around



It was already drizzling and with the dark clouds looming over the horizon, we knew that we didn't have much time with us.






By the time we reached the top, heavy showers descended upon us. Charan shot some supercool pics with his mobile cam









Went back to the homestay, had lunch, took some rest and we started off to Shimoga. By 6:30pm we reached Shimoga, checked-in to the 1st lodge we saw in the town. It was a nice location for a one night stop-over, with a breakfast place in the same building. After some refreshments , we called it a day!


Day 3: Shimoga-Lakavalli-Arsikere-Bangalore


A quick morning ride to Sakrebyle elephant camp. Camp is open only from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Elephants are left to wander into the forest area after that.





We took the Lakavalli route while coming back. It's a very scenic route with very good roads till the Lakavalli reservoir. We didn't click many pics as the dam was closed and we could not get a good view from other areas.


Road from Lakavalli-Tarikere was not in a very good condition, narrow village roads with rough patches. Reached Bangalore by 6:30pm.

End of a refreshing 3 days ride to an amazing place with wonderful people. The trip gave us enough memories to push through our daily mechanical lives, till we hit the road again

Re: Kodachadri: Off-roading in the mist

rohithraghav Beautiful clicks and simple narration Rohit. Wish you many more such refreshing rides.