2 Bikes and 2 Crazy Duo

February 12th - 14th, 2010

A Three day week end was approaching, and for a change there was no plan (although wanted to go out somewhere). Called up one of my friend on Wednesday (10th Feb) to check what he was up to? He threw some ideas to go on for a bike trip. But the biggest question was? Where to?

Googled and inquired about many places like Yercaud, Munnar etc. but nothing seem to work out. Either the places were very close by, or too far for a 3 day bike trip. In the last trip we had been to Chikmagalur (amazing place). At that time we had met few people who had suggested Manipal as one of the good destinations for a road trip.

Finally, locked the destination as Udupi / Manipal. Distance was definitely a worry for us, as it was not gonna be less than 400 km’s one way. Got our bike’s serviced the day before and we were all set to rip the road.

Preparation went on till 1 at night. That included finalizing the route, packing our backpacks (Couldn’t manage to get rooms booked). Decided to start a bit early, as we had no idea how the roads would be after Belur.

Just took a nap for 2 very short hours, got up at 3 AM. My friend arrived home on time at 4 (as decided). So it was 2 Bikes and 2 Guys. The route which we took was as follows:

Bangalore -> Magadi Road (Via NICE Road) -> Kunigal -> Hassan -> Belur -> Kalasa -> Kudremukh -> Udupi (Manipal) -> Malpe (490 Km’s which includes 30 Km of we taking a wrong turn )

Magadi Road is preferred over Tumkur Road, as the traffic on this route is very less and the condition of road is very good. Tumkur Road is all messed up with Metro Rail construction and the condition of the road is bad.

Day 1

By the time we started it was 5.30 AM. The first few km’s were irritating as it was dark and we were finding it difficult to drive. Were eagerly waiting for the dawn to break. Did a good 118 Km’s before taking breakfast at CCD. Still had questions in our mind weather to move on with the trip or to back out. On one side it was driving whole day and the other side it was Back to 3 long and boring day’s at Bangalore.

Decided to move on with the trip without wasting time. We reached Channarayapatna by 8 AM. That’s when my bike started giving problem. Since we were in town we manage to get our bike fixed (but wasted 2 precious Hours). Planned on to do a test run till Hassan which was another 80 Km’s. Back on road again, and no more bad signs from the bike. ;) . In no time we crossed Hassan and then to the crossing were the road diverts for Mangalore and Belur.

Since we were going to Udupi, we were advised to take the Belur route instead of taking the route which directly takes you to Mangalore. You need to ask for Mudigere once you reach Belur (30 Km’s).

The road between Belur to Kudremukh is not that great. It’s almost a single road, with lot of potholes  , twist & turns.

Keep going straight and you would reach Kottigehara. From here you have to take a right turn that takes you to Kalasa and then to Kudremukh. (Make sure you get your tanks filled here, as ghat section starts, and I didn’t notice any petrol bunk till we came out of Kudremukh.)

Route between Kalasa - Kudremukh is very beautiful, you would encounter lot of tea gardens while you pass through the hills. The condition of road would gradually improve as you approach Kudremukh.

Once you reach Kudremukh, there will be a Toll gate. That’s the entrance to Kudremukh National Park. There will be some forest officers to whom you need to provide some basic information like, where you are coming from ? Where you are going to ? And the registration number of the Vehicle. (You need not pay any toll amount :D) They would be providing you a slip which you need to retain until you exit the national park. ( 2 Wheelers are not allowed after 6 PM, not sure if the same applies to 4 Wheelers as well) As you enter the national park, the condition of road improves, and the view is astonishing. The drive through the national park will blow you mind away, you would feel like stopping every minute to click pictures (rise in National Park is close to 40 Km’s). So make sure when you visit you have ample time to do so. It was already 3 PM when we entered (way behind schedule) and Udupi was another 100 km’s away. So didn’t get much time to take pictures. On the way you would pass Lakya Dam, KOICL and Hanumaan Gundi Falls (not in order).

Reached the exit of national park, it was good ripping bikes in the ghat section. (a must road to drive on ). After this was painful 100 km’s with lot of traffic and small town’s on the way.

We had to go to Malpe Beach, which was another 15 km’s away from Manipal. Reach Malpe by 5 PM and managed to get accommodation which was walking distance from the beach (can’t recall the name of the place).

We’re very excited, as we made it this far without much trouble. Rushed to the beach to get a glimpse of sunset. Just made it on time, It was a great view. Sat at the beach for some time and relaxed, before having dinner.

Had delicious dinner at dead cheap rate (Must have: Pompfret Masala Fry ). Discussed on the places to visit the next day and went off to sleep. .

Day 2

Got up the next day. St Mary’s Island was on itenary. To reach St. Mary’s Island there are 2 options : First is : You take a speed boat (Courtesy : Paradise Isle Resort) but you should have a group of 6-8 people (Cost Rs. 1200 from the complete boat, you can stay there for an hour). Second option is taking the boat provided by Malpe Development Committee (Cost Rs. 80 / Head, no restriction on time, but you should return before the last boat leaves) It takes 45 Mins to reach the island. The place is very calm, you can sit back and relax, you get some eatables like : Chips, Cold Drinks etc there, but its preferred you carry your stock. We spend good amount of time there, taking dips in water.

Returned back to Malpe Beach by 2 PM. Had a lavish lunch @ Paradise Isle (would not call it expensive if you compare the rates with Bangalore ).

The next destination was Maravanthe Beach. Its 60 Km’s from Malpe Beach. My friend was too tired to drive. So I decided on to go on a solo ride. The road is NH 17 (Mangalore - GOA Highway). Took around an hour to reach Maravanthe Beach. The specialty about this place is, you get a view where in road is in the centre, with Beach on one side and Backwaters on the other side. I am sure you would love driving on this road (the view lasts for a kilometer or so) but it’s worth the drive.

Came across this milestone, which says, Panaji 270 Km’s :D . Thought of changing my mind. But getting leave from office is difficult. So drove back to Malpe Beach. 

It was almost 6 PM by the time I re-joined my friend. Spent some time at beach, before heading for a light Dinner in Manipal. (we had to drive the next day ).

Came back to the hotel, settled all the bills and went off to sleep.

Day 3

Another long day ahead to drive. This time we decided on an alternate route. Route :

Malpe -> Suratkal -> Mangalore -> Sakleshpur -> Hassan -> Magadi Road -> Bangalore (430 Km’s)

This was a shorter and straight route. We were aware of this route but heard that the road conditions were very bad. But the locals suggested, since we were on two wheeler the bad patches might not matter.

Returning was all in hurry burry. Started at 7.30 AM. Took just 2 breaks before reaching Bangalore at 4 PM.

The road between Mangalore to Hassan is bad at the ghats. At places you would not even find tarmac :D The bad patches are there for 50 Km’s. Rest of it is manageable.

3 Day weekend was over, and tomorrow is office. Already getting Monday blues. 

Total Trip Meter : 1070 Km’s