Road Trip Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Soul Warrior Travel Stories

December 11, 2018

A short visit to Colva Beach, Goa

Colva, a coastal village in South Goa, a famous tourist destination visited for its beaches, food stalls & restaurants.

As a family tradition, we visit to our home deity temple to Goa during Dasara every year. Though our visit to Goa was for a short span, we somehow managed to visit the very famous Colva Beach in Goa.

Post all the temple proceedings, we hired a taxi to visit few other temples along with the beach. From the past few years, we contact Mr. Remy Fernandes (taxi owner) for all our Goa Sightseeing.

As soon my dad told me to check Remy’s availability, I quickly had a call and told him our travel plan and within no time, Remy Sir agreed. I always call him Remy Sir.

We were accompanied by one of my uncle and aunt who were also on their visit to Goa this time.

Post visiting the few other temples (Mahalasa, Veling Shantadurga) which we visit every year, we reached the city of Madgaon (known as Margaon) in South Goa. We stopped for lunch at Hotel Laxmi Veg Restaurant. Post lunch we rushed to the Madgaon Railway Station, to see off my uncle and aunt who had to their train scheduled at 2pm. And from there, we soon reached Colva Beach.

It was a sunny afternoon, and as it was an unplanned short visit to the beach, I didn’t have my sunglasses nor cap. So, I quickly bought sunglass and caps to me and my parents from the nearby beach side shop there.

**Selfie with my parents along the beach side**

My parents and I, stood on the seashore looking at the beautiful view around; the beach surrounded by coconut plantations while the waves gently drenched the sand, those small boats that anchored far out in the sea. A glimpse of the colorful parachute that stringed for the parasailing venture on one of the boat which had just sailed from the shore, the tourists walking and running past us to jump those waves and those shells sprinkled all over the golden sand. Looking at all of those together was a peaceful retreat.

As the sun scorched our bodies, I got my jeans rolled up to my knee and walked into the water. Looking at many people playing water sports there, I also wanted to go on some motor boat rides.

**Multi seater Motor Boat and the boat crew**

I quickly enquired about the pricing for a short motor boat ride and then got my life jacket on and was ready to board the multi seater motor boat.

My dad grumpily said, don’t do your toofani acts while on the boat !!! I quickly got into the boat and rushed to the 1^st row seat and started clicking pictures and shot some short videos of the ride.

As the boat speedily jumped over a huge wave and the salty water splashed over my face, I thought I made a good decision sitting at the first row just behind the foredeck. At a point I just stood in the boat looking at the vast blue sea which had lot many small boats anchored in the territorial waters. The boat returned back to the shore and I got down with all the excitement and joy.

While I walked past a Yamaha Motor Boat, my dad said, you wanna go for yet another boat ride !! I just said yes and got on that motor boat for another short ride. This short ride on the 2 seater motor boat was fun and crazy too.

Post both boat rides, my mom came to me and said; Get 2 more tickets for the next boat ride, I also want to go on that multi seater boat ride. She said that with the mixture of fear and joy. Looking at her energy and excitement level, I quickly got 2 more tickets for the next boat ride and both my mom and I were ready wearing that life jacket.

As we got into the boat, my mom was very excited for her first motor boat ride. I told her not to be feared, just enjoy this boat ride. I was happy to see her joyous smile. She was happy for her first adventure of this kind. This ride was a bit more longer than the previous one I went.

It was 4.30pm by the time we wrapped up and bid good bye to the beach. Enroute back to the temple we stayed, my parents wanted to visit the original Ramnath Temple at Lotliem, so I requested Remy sir to drive us there before we head back to the temple dormitory in Ponda.

Every year during Dussehra, we visit to Goa and from past a couple of years we are trying to cover different places during every other of our visit to this beach state and its every year we hire cab from Remy Sir.

**Thank You Remi Sir for making our Goa trip memorable**

If you are traveling to Goa along with your family or friends and looking for taxi or cab services for Goa sight seeing;

Please feel free to contact Mr. Remi Fernandes at +91 78752 24740

“At the Beach, life is different, time doesn’t move hour to hour; it rather moves mood to memories. We live by the tidal currents and follow the sun” – Anonymous

Keep travelling, stay safe !!!!

Until next time.

Cheers,

Gokool Kini

(Soul Warrior)

Also Visit: Family Trip to Yana Caves

If you visiting any beach place and want to understand the meaning of various flags on the sea shore, refer this link: List of Beach Flags & Warning Signals

September 12, 2018January 25, 2019

Sunrise at Charmadi and Sunset at Agumbe . . . How we rode 860 kms in 26 hours through the dangerous Ghats of Karnataka

We covered two deadliest ghats in Karnataka’s within a span of 26 Hours. Akshay and I had some personal family work at Manipal. So, we planned to ride.

19^th Jan 2018: Post logging out from office, Akshay and I met at a bakery near my office. Akshay was fully geared up and ready to hit the roads. I convinced the bakery guy that I would go to their kitchen and get myself geared up with my riding attire, for which the bakery guy agreed.

By 9.30pm, we were fully geared up and started from KR Puram. Riding through the chaotic weekend traffic; we managed to cross the Nelamangala toll and deviated on Hassan highway where we stopped at the first petrol pump that came our way. We fueled our bikes and got the tire pressures checked there. It was 11.15pm by the time we departed from there. It was winters and the climate was chilling.

**Akshay and me after refueling at the petrol pump**

We stopped at Hotel Empire in Kunigal for dinner and followed by a power nap there on the bench. The mixed fruit juice here is delicious. We continued riding towards Hassan in the dark; both of our bikes had fog lights fit that helped our gaze through the dark roads.

At Empire Hotel Kunigal — **At Hotel Empire, Kunigal**

Somewhere near Udayapura (few km before Hassan), we stopped over for tea at 2.30am. We took yet another pit-stop at Belur before we entered the forest ghats towards Mudigere. As Shiradi ghats were closed that time, all vehicles moved via this stretch.

Riding on the single lanes that passed through the thick dense forest was quite tough due to some reckless badass truck drivers that were plying on this route and adding to this, we were sleep deprived.

We stopped at a roadside hotel at Mudigere to sip hot tea and eat some biscuits. The hotelier had lit a bonfire alongside the road; we sat there in the warmth of the bonfire.

I was hell tired and sleepy. Besides the hotel, there was a house with open gates. I walked into the house compound and slept on a couch that lied in the verandah, while Akshay slept on the chair beside the bonfire.

Near Mudigere — **I slept on this couch inside a house compound**

I woke up at 6 am and walked towards my bike, and to my surprise, I saw my helmet fully wet with the droplets of dew. We grabbed some tissue papers and wiped the visors of our helmets, as we had the deadly Charmadi ghat ahead and riding safely with crystal clear vision was our utmost Priority.

Shivering with cold — **Me shivering with cold**

Wiping helmet visor — **Wiping the helmet visor with tissue papers**

As we rode downhill of the Charmadi ghat, we could see the first light of the sun hitting one of the lush green mountains. The view was serene and beautiful.

Warrior in charmadi ghat — **My Warrior somewhere in Charmadi Ghat**

somewhere in charmadi ghat — **Our machines in Charmadi Ghat**

Best pic of this trip — **The best pic from this trip**

We carefully rode the downhill of Charmadi ghat, while we relished the mountains. We soon reached Belthangady at 7.30am, we had tea here at Akshay’s relative house. Post some tea and some casual talks, we made our way riding towards Udupi.

We stopped for breakfast at a local road-side hotel near a place called “Eedu”

At Breakfast place — **At Breakfast point, Eedu village**

Then, Google map acted silly and took us to a different route. However, it was a blessing in disguise, as we reached the very famous St. Lawrence church at Attur near Karkala. We quickly clicked our photograph here and continued towards Udupi – Manipal.

**At St. Lawrence Church, Attur – Karkala**

We quickly made our way to Manipal which was approx. 40kms from Karkala. As reached, we booked a hotel room where we rested for some time.

We quickly finished our work there, had lunch in the nearby hotel, meanwhile over lunch, I just scanned through Google map to check the best possible route to Bangalore. I think we were lucky that day!! Just 60kms away from here was Agumbe and its deadliest ghat, we both were very excited to ride and make the most of it.

It was 5 pm when we started from Manipal. We maintained good speed and by dusk, we were at the base of Agumbe. The proper tarmac roads of Agumbe ghat and the nice cool breeze made our ride even more smooth. Be careful on the sharp hairpin curves. As we passed through Sringeri, the darkness took charge over the red-orange sky.

At an hairpin of Agumbe ghat — **That’s me at some hairpin bend of Agumbe Ghat**

At a point, where we stopped; Akshay said there should be the shortest route and we can save few kilometers and time, let’s go that way!!!

The shortest route on the map turned out to be a crazy road. The road full of potholes and muddy patches that passed through the dense forest with absolutely no vehicular movement. We somehow connected to the main road that reached a small town where we stopped for tea and had some jackfruit chips.

Chai stop after forest — **Some shop where we stopped for chai and jackfruit chips . . . I don’t remember the name of the town !!!**

We soon reached Belur, the next stretch of the road was the 4 lane Hassan Highway. Somewhere, after crossing Hassan, we stopped for dinner at Hotel Pathanjali with the intention of riding non-stop until Nelamangala.

A small pit-stop for chai and at a Petrol Pump after Kunigal and straight made it till Goreguntepalya junction and then we went to our respective homes.

Playing with a Indie dog — **Petting and playing with an Indie dog**

**At Goreguntepalya junction after completing the crazy ride**

Until next time,
Cheers,
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)

Also visit: The Ride of 3 States

August 12, 2018January 25, 2019

Off-roading at Kailasagiri Hills and visiting Cave temple

The date was 29^th April 2018 and how could I forget that on that day I would complete 3 memorable years with my bike. It was my Warrior’s 3^rd anniversary with me. I wanted to celebrate the day with a ride somewhere. We prepped our bikes with welded carriers, top racks and also purchased the helmet intercoms as we were getting ourselves ready for the Big Ladakh ride. So we thought to go some off-roads wherein we could test the carriers and the intercoms.

**The Lexin Intercom fixed to my helmet**

Hence, we chose the off-road trail of Kailasagiri hills along with a visit to a cave temple at the foothills of Kailasagiri. At dawn, 6:00 AM, both Phani and I met near Esteem Mall in Hebbal. Over a chai, we got our Intercoms connected and kicked off the ride on to Airport Road.

At Vijaypura junction, we had breakfast in Hotel Nanda Gokula. The hotelier asked us to wait for some time as they were still preparing Idli Vada. Meanwhile, we had a conversation about Leh. What else could we talk and discuss? We were very hungry, but as the Idli Vada were served over the counter, we just concentrated on eating until our tummy was full. The breakfast was yum and it was worth the wait.

We took a detour from the highway and rode towards Chintamani. We tested the intercom in all possible ways, from keeping a distance of approx. 1 km to riding at speeds above 100 kph only to check if it would face any disturbance from the wind noise. Initially, it was very difficult to operate the intercom because of the riding gloves we wore, but as we moved on, we got accustomed with it. The device worked perfectly and suited our purpose and requirement.

We reached the Kaivara village at 8 AM; a local guided us to reach the base of Kailasagiri hills which gave us an exciting off-road experience. Then we headed to the Cave Temple. The temple usually opens at 10 AM, so we took the off-roads to Kailasagiri hill first until the temple opened for devotees.

Note: This off-road trail is an easy one. This trail would be very slippery and slush during monsoons.

Somewhere in the middle of the uphill, Phani’s bike got stuck over a stone. I dismounted from my bike to help him cross the stone. Finally, we made it until the place where the bikes were allowed to go which is almost top of the hill. The view was nice and the cool breeze iced it. We took some photos there and rested for a while.

On the hillock there lies a small Hanuman temple and a fort-like structure behind it. We visited this temple and there were few locals who had come there for the uphill fort trek. We just enquired about the fort trek, they said it would take approx. an hour to reach atop the fort. As we had to reach Bangalore back by noon, we skipped this fort trek. We thought to plan a trek here some other time.

**The small temple and the fort trek behind it**

**The statue of Lord Hanuman inside this temple**

Note: Please do carry enough water and snacks as there is nothing available on the hilltop.

We rode back downhill to the base to visit the very famous Cave Temple. I skid and had a small fall while riding down but had no injuries as I was geared up well and no damages to my Warrior.

Note: Always ride with full riding gears no matter what bike you ride.

We parked our bikes and walked a few steps to reach the Cave temple. Inside of the cave, it was very cool and peaceful. There are a couple of temples inside the cave and a huge Shiva Linga too.

Note: Photography of the idols and deities were prohibited.

I had first visited this cave temple way back in 2015 with Gixxer Club Bangalore, but that time we weren’t aware of the off-road trail there.

We started our journey back to Bangalore. By the time we reached Chintamani, the weather was very hot, so we stopped at a Nandini Milk Parlour to have some cold Badam milk and cold-drinks.

As we reached the main highway, we could see many Jackfruits ready to be sold in the street side shops. We couldn’t resist stopping by after we smelled the jackfruit. We ate some jackfruit pieces from a shop there and quickly zoomed back to Bangalore. Phani had pre-booked IPL match tickets so he quickly rushed back home.

As I approached my home, I got a call from my friend Raju saying he had Pavilion passes for that night’s IPL match and I better not miss it. By the way, we don’t get pavilion passes quite often.

Post reaching home, we went to watch RCB vs KKR match at Chinnaswamy stadium by taking the metro.

It was a memorable day; the off-road, the Cave temple, IPL match and a walk from MG Road to Shanti Nagar and then taking a cab back home. My friend Raju still yells at me for making him walk at midnight that day.

Stay safe, be happy, and keep traveling!!!

Until next time…
Cheers,
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)

June 12, 2018January 25, 2019

Preparation for Dream Ride – Leh Ladakh

Its time to get Leh’d and Spitified

Leh – Ladakh, a dream ride for all the bikers. Bikers call it Heaven. Through this blog I would like to share the preparation strategies for your Dream Ride.

Sharing the information from my experience during my Leh expedition 2017 and my preparations for Ladakh 2018.

The most common routes to Ladakh:

Option 1:

Delhi / Chandigarh – Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Leh – surrounding Leh (Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong) – Tso Moriri – Pang – Sarchu – Jispa – Keylong – Manali – Delhi / Chandigarh.

Option 2:

Delhi / Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang – Keylong – Jispa – Sarchu – Leh – surrounding Leh (Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong) – Kargil – Sonamarg – Srinagar – Udhampur – Jammu – Chandigarh / Delhi.

If you choose the Option 2, you need to apply for Rohtang Permits. Take the beyond Rohtang Permits to cross the Rohtang Checkpost and continue the journey to Leh. This Rohtang Permits needs to be applied online 2 days in advance before the day you intend to cross Rohtang. Beware Rohtang Pass is closed on all Tuesdays and no vehicular movement from either sides.

Planning the above itinerary in 15 days is the best so that you can have a pleasant travel. There are riders who have done the Leh circuit in days lesser than that, but don’t go there to race against time, instead enjoy the beautiful mountains.

If you are an experienced rider, then you can add on Spiti circuit (needs an additional 7 days) or even ride the Sach Pass or tame the World’s Deadliest road Killar – Kishtwar.

Places Banned for Travellers:

Umling La
Marsimik La

Few new routes:

Kargil – Hamboting La – Batalik – Dah Hanu – Skurbuchan – Khaltse – Leh
Kargil – Penzi La – Padum – Darcha

Permits:

Effective June 2017, every visitor has to obtain Inner Line Permits from Leh DC Office to visit few places and list is as below:

Batalik – Dah Hanu –Skurbuchan stretch
Tso Moriri – Tso Kar
Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Turtuk
Pangong Lake (the lake in the movie 3 Idiots)
Chushul
Hanle (as of year 2018, Hanle is banned)

Kindly contact my friend Rigzin Bhai on +91 8146591625 or +91 7018159824 for any assistance regarding Inner Line Permits. He also helps you out with Bike Rentals at Manali or at Leh and he also conducts Chadar Treks.

Important Note:

As the places enroute the circuit is close to International Borders, so there will be Army Base camps or check-posts and any kind of photography / videography is strictly prohibited. Please don’t take pics or videos of any such places and always obey the orders given by any Indian Army / Defense personnel throughout the journey.

Things to carry for Leh – Ladakh Ride

Riding Gears:
Always follow ATGATT (All The Gears All The Time) throughout the ride, no matter what bike you ride on these terrains.

Riding Jacket
Full faced helmet
Riding Pant, if you don’t have a riding pant; do take good knee guards
Riding Gloves
Shoes (full ankle shoes are preferred)

These riding gears are only for your safety that would protect you from injuries in case of a fall.

Bike Accessories:

Jerry Cans for fuel
Acceleration Cable
Clutch Cable
Clutch plates
Puncture kit for tubeless tyre vehicles
Extra pair of tubes for tube tyre vehicles
Engine Oil
Chain Lubrication
Spark Plug
Ensure you have fog lamps fitted on your bike.
Tool Kit
Saddle Bag
Foot-pump / electronic air pressure for air fill.
Any other accessories you feel necessary for your vehicle

Clothing and Luggage:
Never carry your entire wardrobe along with you. Make note of this quote “Less the luggage more the fun”

Thermals
Raincoats
Winter Gloves
Sunglasses
Gum Boots / Full ankle shoes
Only 2 jeans or maximum of 3
Shirts / T-shirts; 3 to 4
Socks (carry extra pairs, as there are many water stream crossing throughout the journey and clothes won’t dry in the temperature here)
Inner wears 7 to 8
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene products
Torch
Balaclava / full face caps

Medicines:

Oxygen cans
Personal medications if any prescribed by your doctor
Diamox Tablets / Gingko Bilbao (for Acute Mountain Sickness)
Pain Balm / Spray
First Aid Kit (Cotton, band-aids, cream to apply on wounds)
Tablets for cold, cough, fever, loose motions, body ache.
Any other medicines you feel necessary.
Glucose / ORS Powder

Documents to be carried:

Driving License
Vehicle RC
Identity Proof / Address Proof
Inner Line Permits
Rohtang Pass / Beyond Rohtang Permits
Manali Green Tribunal Tax (to enter Manali)
Emission / Pollution Certificate
Personal medical / health insurance if available
All Foreign Nationals keep a check in the official website of Leh DC Office for documents to be carried.

Mobile Network:

BSNL Postpaid works in most of the places. Airtel postpaid works in some of the places. None of the prepaid connections work in Kashmir Valley.

Electronic gadgets (optional):

Camera
Laptop
Action Camera

Carry power bank and keep your mobiles for charging while staying in your hotel rooms.

Fuel Availability:

If you ride via Srinagar, fuel is available in all the major places; Udhampur, Srinagar, Kargil, Leh. To visit places surrounding to Leh, you need to carry sufficient fuel to have a smooth journey.

Leh – KhardungLa – Nubra Route:
The petrol pump at Diskit was fully functional when we did our Leh expedition in July’2018
Leh – Pangong Lake Route:
No availability of fuel.
Leh – Tso Moriri / Leh – Hanle:
Fuel is available in local shops at Sumdo for INR 100/litre.
Leh to Manali:

The only place where fuel is available is at Tandi. So there is no availability of fuel for a stretch of 365 km. Leh to Tandi is 365kms.

Ensure you carry sufficient fuel depending on your vehicle’s fuel tank capacity and the mileage of your vehicle.

Fuel was available in local shops at Sarchu for INR 140-150 /liter.

ATM Availability:

ATMs are available at Srinagar, Leh, Manali. Please ensure you carry sufficient cash for your entire journey.

Mechanical Support:

Get your bike is properly serviced before you start your journey. There is good mechanical support at Leh. There are few small garages / minimal mechanical support in Tandi, Jispa, Udhampur.

There is a mechanic named Sonu in Diskit. Kindly keep his contact number +919469524727 saved in your mobiles.

Few important websites and contact:

All information regarding Leh Ladakh: https://www.lehladakhindia.com/
For Inner Line permits: http://www.lahdclehpermit.in/
For Rohtang Permits and Beyond Rohtang Permits: http://admis.hp.nic.in/ngtkullu
Also please read through the comments in Ladakh Return group on FB for all the latest updates from travelers.

Few important things to be noted:

No Drink and Drive
Don’t smoke while you are at the mountains
Keep the ecology clean, don’t trash your travel.
Don’t stick any kind of stickers on any of the sign-boards. The sign-boards are meant for information and not to put your stickers.
Keep your dear ones informed about the places you traveling, whenever you find cellular network; make the first call back home. “I / We are safe and fine” is what your family wants to listen from you.
Most of these places are prone to landslides, cloud burst, flash floods; so be prepared with things.
You can’t predict or win against the Universal Law of Nature.
Take other important things which you feel most important and necessary to you.

In case I have missed any information on the preparations for the Dream Leh Ride, please drop your comments below so that it can help the readers here.

Stay Safe, Ride Safe; enjoy the best and the most memorable Trip of your Life 🙂
Until next time.
Cheers,
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)
Also visit: My Leh Expedition 2017

May 8, 2018October 3, 2019

Family Trip to Kumta . . . Exploring Kumta beach, Yana Rocks and Mirjan Fort

We had a family function to be attended in Kumta. After regular office hours, I cycled back home, took my bags and boarded the last bus to Belgaum at 11.30pm.

The story of my First Cycle Ride to Office and back home will be shared in a separate blog.

Day 1: Friday, 20^th April 2018

Upon reaching Belgaum at around 7.30am, I quickly hired an auto to reach home. Within no time I had my breakfast and got ready to take the bus journey to Kumta along with my parents and grandma. I usually don’t book any hotel rooms when I travel solo or with my friends, but as I was traveling with my family, it was well planned and I booked a family room at Hotel Pandurang International, Kumta much in advance.

We checked into the hotel at around 6 pm in the evening and over the snacks and chai, the conversation between my Dad and me:

My Dad: what is the plan now for today?
Me: let’s go to the beach.
My Dad: It’s too late to go to the beach now, the sun might set and it might get dark!!!

I quickly checked for that day’s sunset time on Google and the time showed as 6.45pm and I replied let’s go to the beach and see if we can catch a glimpse of the setting Sun. The Baada Beach at Kumta was at a distance of around 10kms from the Hotel. We hired an auto and made our way to the beach. Though we missed the sunset but spent some time at the beach.

Baada Beach, Kumta

The Rocks at the Seashore

Being at the seaside at Twilight time, watching the waves rearing up before crashing down into the rocks at the beach, pounding the sand shores with their white foam. Wow:) that was Bliss!!!

My Grandma, my Dad, me and my Mom at the Beach

At the Beach

My Parents at the Beach

B.E.A.C.H “Best Escape Anyone Can Have”

Letting my Soul and Spirit Fly while I look at the Infinite Blue Sky

Happiness comes in Waves . . . Selfie time with Family

We also visited the Kanchikamba Parmeshwari Temple that stood beside the beach and went back to the hotel room.

The path to Kanchikamba Parmeshwari Temple

At the Temple entrance

Day 2: Saturday, 21^st April 2018
We hired a taxi and the plan was to visit Yana Rocks and Mirjan Fort.

Yana, a small village in the Uttara Kannada (Karwar) district of Karnataka, known for its natural caves amidst 2 monolith rocks named Mohini and Bhairaveshwara. A very famous pilgrim place which is the home to a Shiva Temple.

Post breakfast at the hotel, we started our journey early at 8 am and headed to Yana which is just 30 kilometers which takes a 45-minute drive from Kumta.

Few buses ply on this route, so it’s better to have your own vehicle; car or bike or rental vehicles to reach there.

We took the National Highway 66 and detour towards Yana. The road to Yana was amazing amidst the thick lush greenery all over. The road although single lane had a lot of curves and we had a smooth drive. Within no time we reached the parking lot at the base of the Yana Rocks. I was very excited to get to the hilltop and see the Twin Monolith and trek the caves and soon tick this place off my list.

Important Tips: Please do carry some snacks and water bottles while you start the trek. There are a couple of shops at the base and beware of the monkeys. The trek is a mix of mud lanes through the forest and paved steps taking you to the hilltop. In case you visit this place during monsoon, do carry basic first aid as this place is prone to Leeches.

Welcome to Yana

Few shops at the base near the parking lot

Walking up the mud lane

There are benches placed by the Karnataka Forest Department so that visitors can take some rest.

That’s the trail to Yana

A small water stream enroute

Selfie Mode

Enroute Yana

As we reached a small temple enroute, we could see the gigantic Monolith, basically the Mohini Hill.

The Mohini hill as seen while climbing the steps to Yana

The magnificent Ash colored Mohini Hill at Yana

The Mohini hill as seen from the other side

Panoramic view capturing both the Monoliths at Yana

As we continued climbing the steps, we reached the main cave temple located below the Bhairaveshara Hill. This is a Shiva Temple where the Linga was formed naturally and the water drips from the roof over the Linga that adds to the sanctity of this place. Photography inside the temple premises is banned and hence couldn’t click any pics of the Linga.

Bhairaveshwara Hill, The main Temple Peak

A shop inside the main temple premise

We walked around the temple. Usually, in all temples, devotees walk around the sanctum, which is called as Pradakshina. In Yana, this walk passes through the natural caves of the Bhairaveshara Hill which makes it unique and interesting.

Yana Caves

The perfect family pic

There were shops near the main temple where we could gulp some cold drinks and bottled fruit juices.

Few shops beside the main temple

Post all the fun we descended down the stairs to the parking lot where our humble taxi driver Mr. Santosh waited for us patiently for more than a couple of hours until we reached back to the base.

It was a long pending trip to visit Yana, though we visited Sirsi and Kumta very often, we couldn’t make it to Yana. It’s better late than never.

We quickly made our way to Mirjan Fort, which is around 30kms en route Gokarna. This is a Fort of historic ruins dating back to the 16^th Century. It’s a huge and a mysterious fort surrounded by coconut plantations and you can sight the Aghnashini River flowing when you stand atop the walls of the fort. There are a couple of secret passages in the fort which is banned for visitors and any guesses to where those passages lead to? Nobody knows!!!

At Mirjan Fort

Inside Mirjan Fort

Panoramic View of Mirjan Fort

At the Historical Ruins of Mirjan Fort

I Had been to this Fort a few years ago and wanted to explore it again this time. This fort is just a kilometer detour from the main highway NH66.

We then went back to Kumta, had our lunch at Hotel Sanman and went back to our Hotel Room. After a few hours of rest at the hotel, we went to the temple of our Family Deity Shanteri Kamakshi and attended the family function on the following day; Sunday.

The pooja at our Home Deity Temple

After a good time spent with my family, relatives, and cousins; my parents took the bus back to Belgaum and I boarded the night bus to Bangalore.

Useful information on how to reach Kumta and other things to do.
Nearest Railway Station: Kumta
Nearest Airports: Bangalore, Mangalore, Goa, Hubli, and Belgaum

Road Connectivity: Kumta is a Taluka on the NH66 having ample bus connectivity from Karwar, Mangalore, and Hubli.

Food and cuisines famous here: Have the seafood at Hotel Moonlight and Gadbad Ice-cream at the ice-cream parlor (Shimla Ice-Cream Parlor) besides the Hotel Moonlight.

Things to do: Kumta Beach, Baada Beach, Yana, Mirjan Fort, Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Boat Ride through Aghnashini River and a list of temples on the Car Street in Kumta.

I have pledged not to Trash my Travel and keep the environment and ecology as you love to see. Have you promised the same ?

Stay safe, always be happy, keep traveling, You only have ONE life, live it to the fullest !!!

Until next time.

Cheers,

Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)

Also visit: Family Trip to Sirsi and Banavasi

March 23, 2018October 3, 2019

Day Ride to Hogenakkal Falls – Memories from June’2016

Unplanned road trips are the best. This statement is always true. Over the Friday night party, we planned to go on a road trip.

Over the Friday night’s party, we; Anil BJ, Anil Pujar, Raju Chippalakatti and I planned for a road trip and the place chosen was the very famous Hogennakkal Falls. It is approximate 140kms away from Bangalore.

Date: 18^th June 2016
Number of People: 4 (Anil BJ, Anil Pujar, Raju Chippalakatti and I, Gokool)
Bikes: 2 (Bajaj Avenger and Suzuki Gixxer)

Route Map — **The Route: Bangalore – Attibele – Hosur – Denkanikottai – Anchetty – Hogenakkal Falls**

We started a bit late around 10 am and caught up in the usual Bangalore traffic. We quickly zipped through the Electronic City Flyover making our way on the Hosur Highway. A quick stopover for chai just after taking the service road at Attibele and took the village route. We quickly crossed the border check-post and the mighty TVS Motors Factory at Hosur and few miles down the line we entered the forest stretch.

Enroute to Hogennakal Falls2 — **Anil Pujar and Raju Chippalakatti en route to Hogennakal Falls**

The riding trail through those curvy roads surrounded by greenery all around and the drizzling rain droplets made the ride even merrier.

Enroute to Hogennakal Falls1 — **Me, Raju, Anil Pujar and Anil BJ**

Enroute to Hogennakal Falls3 — **Somewhere in the Forest Stretch en route to Hogennakal Falls**

We reached Hogennakkal falls at around 1.30pm, somehow managed to find a parking space for our bikes. You will be surrounded by many local tour guides asking for business. But we didn’t pay much heed and walked our way down to the waterfall area.

Hogennakal Falls2 — **Enroute the Main View Point**

We made our way to the hanging bridge and beyond a certain point; tourists were not allowed to walk. The view was blissful as the white water cascaded down a series of rocks. A force of nature, both beautiful and brutal. It was spectacular to watch as the water flown beneath the hanging bridge and joining the water bed and streaming through the river.

Hogennakal Falls1 — **The view of the falls as seen from the Hanging Bridge**

“Water is the most perfect traveler because when it travels, it becomes the path itself!” – A perfect quote by Mehmet Murat Ildan

Hogennakal Falls — **The view of the falls and the bathing area as seen from the Hanging Bridge**

Hanging Bridge_Hogennakal Falls1 — **That’s me at the Hanging Bridge**

Hanging Bridge_Hogennakal Falls — **At the Hanging Bridge**

Hogennakal Falls3 — **The falls joining the waterbed**

The most common things to do here at Hogennakkal are the body massage followed by a bath in the waterfall, the yummy delicious river fish and the Coracle Boat Ride.

I got myself an oil massage and got into the waterfalls. My toes flinched as I stepped my feet into the cold water and my mind faded into dullness and everything looked like a foggy illusion. I felt very relaxed. After a nice bath in the waterfalls, we walked back and packed all our things and rushed to a nearby hotel to fill our tummy with the delicious river fish.

The time was 5.30pm and the only thing we missed doing this time at Hogennakkal was the Coracle Boat Ride as it has time restrictions as said by one of a Coracle Boatman. He said the boat ride would be closed at around 6 pm.

I could recall the memories of the Coracle Boat ride that I went with my parents during our visit to Hogennakal falls while we did South Indian Trip way back in 2004.

We decided to head back to Bangalore. Taking ample breaks for tea and some fruit juices, we road back safely to Bangalore and reached home by 9.30pm.

Returning Back from Hogennakal Falls — **At a small hairpin curve**

Returning Back from Hogennakal Falls1 — **Thank You, folks, for the Amazing Travel Memory**

Anil BJ made a small video of the trip: Click here

This was the story of our day Ride to Hogennakal Falls, thanks a lot Bhailog for an amazing travel memory. Thanks to Google for its Timeline feature as it helped me recall the memories of this trip.

Photo and Video Credits: Anil BJ

Stay safe and keep traveling!!!

Until next time…

Cheers,
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)
#LiveFreeRideHard #TravelBeyondImagination
Also visit: List of Places to be visited in Karnataka

December 29, 2017January 27, 2019

Road Thrill’s 100th Ride

The entire clan of Road Thrill was excited when we got the event notifications of Road Thrill Bangalore’s 100^th Ride. After the Rider Mania, the next big ride of the year 2017 was the Centurion Ride. The journey of Road Thrill since its inception has grown tremendously, where the riders and all members have become One Extended Family. The 100^th ride was a meetup with our members from our Chapters of 4 different cities; Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Shimoga and not to forget our Women Riders from Road Thrill Women.

Date: Sunday, 17^th December 2017
Destination: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Route Taken:

The number 100 is always special; The Sachin’s 100, Rossi’s 100^th MotoGP Win, Bollywood’s 100 Crore collection, the 100 years of Indian Cinema and so was our #RTBengaluru’s 100^th Ride. All our Riders waited excitedly to gear themselves and hit the road to glory, the feeling of being there at 99 gives you goosebumps. Two days before the ride, our members were in the weekend fun mood and the #TrollsofJP started rolling in our Whatsapp groups.

Our biker’s from Shimoga started all the way from Shimoga and reached Bangalore on Saturday night. Our dear Dr. Senthil sir rode all the way from Coimbatore only to ride with us for the Centurion Ride.

Finally, the big day arrived. Udayshankar Sir and I started from JP Nagar and Lohit Bhai joining us at BTM Petrol Pump. We reached the final meeting point after Electronic City Toll. Arun Bhai briefed about the ride, the hand signals and speeds to be maintained in a group ride and the ride just began.

**Ride Briefing Session by Arun Bhai at the Start Point**

Arun Bhai, Lohith Bhai, and JP lead the ride, KC Bhai and Abhishek Bhai marshaled, RK Bhai and I managed the tail end.

Post a chaai pit-stop at highway-side of Krishnagiri, we stopped for Breakfast at Hotel Annapurna at Dharmapuri. Few photo sessions post breakfast and yet another small briefing session by JP Bhai, the ride continued and dear Usmaan Bhai lead the ride.

Breakfast Point — **Post Breakfast at Hotel Annapurna, Dharmapuri**

Briefing at the Breakfast Point — **Briefing at the Breakfast point by JP Bhai**

A few more kilometers and we took a detour from the highway and roads passed through few villages. The group traversed through a local village fair, one of our rider riding KTM sensed his bike being over-heated. Usman Bhai leg towed the bike for few a while.

Thats how we Roll — **That’s how we Rolled for the 100th Ride**

As the ride was passing through few stretches of off-roads, Arun Bhai, JP, KC Bhai and I were left behind as we were ensuring nobody missed the route. A local, helped us to navigate the route to Yercaud.

All of us paced through the off-road and the ghat sections making our way to the Wellington Hill Top Resort at Yercaud hill station. Our riders from Chennai and Coimbatore had already reached there and eagerly waiting to welcome us at the resort. The tea offered at the resort tasted very nice. Post-tea, I found rooms at the resort open and I crashed onto the bed for an hour’s power nap in one of the rooms until the rest of the bikers and 2 of our cars reached the resort.

Meanwhile, I interacted with few of the riders as they reached the venue; they said that the group had some candid photography sessions on their way at the ghat section and a small breakdown with 1 of the bike’s chain link being cut. Yet again, Our Rider Usmaan bhai who is also a Mechanic by Profession came to the rescue.

Pic during the OffRoading — **Team Road Thrill at the Off-Roader en route to Yercaud**

Pics enroute — **Photo session while riding uphill to Yercaud**

As the entire group reached the resort and were at their comfort. Post chaai and some snacks, every one of us assembled in the resort’s meeting/function hall.

Meeting Hall of the Resort — **Member Meet at the Resort’s Function Hall**

We first started with the introduction of a walk through the journey of Road Thrill during 2017, and how the family has grown across different cities and chapters. The RT badges were distributed for members who have completed 5 or more rides with Road Thrill.

Few surprising good news that came there; the launch of the business cards for RT Admins, Launch of the RT Ambassador Programme.

RT Coimbatore had arranged for a cake in the memory of the 100^th Ride. We called upon few of our esteemed senior riders Akmal Bhai, Sudheendra Sir, Udayshankar Sir, and Selva Sir to cut the cake.

**Our Esteemed Senior Riders cutting the cake**

Group Pic — **Road Thrill Family posing for the group pic for the 100th Ride**

After lunch that was served at the resort and some chit-chat with all the members from the other chapters. We started our return journey taking the 20 hairpin curves downhill from the hill station.

At an Hairpin Bend — **At a Hairpin Bend, en route to Salem**

Bidding goodbye to Coimbatore and Chennai team, we headed back to Bangalore. As we crossed Salem, 1 of our rider from Shimoga had some issues with the bike’s fuse and he got it replaced by himself a couple of times on the highway side.

We stopped for a 2^nd chaai stop during the return journey at Café Coffee Day, Dharmapuri where Usmaan Bhai was waiting for us to have a look through the bike’s fuse or wirings. Abhishek Bhai, JP and a couple of us stood there until Usmaan bhai fixed the bike and the rest of us carried on the journey.

As RK Bhai and I were at the tail end, we saw Gaurav Bhai stopping over with 2 more bikes where 1 of the bikes faced some starting problem. We assisted Gaurav Bhai to clear the carbon from the bike’s fuse and got the bike to start. Even though those 2 bikers weren’t from our group; we helped them to fix their bike. Biking is all about the bond of Brotherhood, a Biker will never leave another biker stranded in problem alone. We at Road Thrill always keep the true spirits and the bond of BikingBrotherhood, be it our own rider member or any other rider on the road.

Post a 3^rd chaai stop along the journey, we rode straight until a toll Naka, the one before the Electronic City. As this being the disperse point for the ride, greeting goodbye to each and every-one of us, we headed back to our respective homes.

At the Dispersion Point — **Thanks giving talk by Vijayanth Bhai**

It was a good memory from the 100^th ride, special thanks to Shimoga team who rode all the way from Shimoga to join this 100^th ride and again ride back home to Shimoga the next day, Dr. Senthil Sir who rode from Coimbatore to Bangalore only to ride along with the Bangalore folks, Coimbatore and Chennai Teams, Road Thrill Women Riders for making this ride a cherishing and a memorable one.

Distance covered for 100th Ride — **The story of 100th Ride; 436kms Day Ride**

Also check out the complete Vlog on Youtube: Road Thrill Bangalore’s 100th Ride Full Vlog
Thank you one and all who made for this big “Centurion Ride”.
Stay safe, until next time I share my Travel Story.
#LiveFreeRideHard
Cheers,
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior / RT Pathfinder)

Also Visit: Day Ride to Hogennakal Falls

December 7, 2017January 27, 2019

A Day Ride to Nandi Hills, Avalabetta and Lepakshi

Date: 22^nd October 2016
Places visited: Nandi Hills, Nandeeshwara Temple, Avalabetta and Lepakshi
No. of People: 2 Solo Bikers, Rajesh and Me

Over the Friday night’s dinner, Rajesh and I planned a day ride to Nandi Hills which is the most common place for a short ride for anyone residing in Bangalore. So we planned to sight the sun-rise at Nandi Hills and visit few more places over that stretch.

We started from Esteem Mall, Hebbal at around 4.30am and we reached the Nandi Hills Police check-post by 5.30am. The best part of Nandi Hills over a weekend is you will find lot many bikers who visit this place only to catch the glimpse of the sunrise. We rode through the traffic, finding gaps and riding those gaps to reach the uphill. We parked our bikes and stood in the long ticket queue at the ticket counter.

As we trekked to the viewpoint, we could find all the visitors seated with full excitement to watch the beautiful sunrise. Rajesh and I found a place to sit comfortably on the rocks; where I spent my time with some pups.

with a pup at Nandi Hills — **Every trip I go, I have the company of pets**

It was a cloudy morning that day. However; we could still catch a glimpse of the sunrise amidst the thick dark clouds.

Selfie with the Sunset — **Selfie with the Sunrise**

We also checked-in to the hill-top historical temple, where you have a stone pillar and a temple pond.

at the Temple Pond at Nandi Hills — **At the Temple Pond at Nandi Hills**

As we had other destinations planned and we wanted to cover that day; we started our journey downhill and upon reaching, we stopped for breakfast at a restaurant there.

Our next destination was the historical Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple. I don’t remember the count of my visits to Nandi Hills and I missed to explore this historical temple during all of my previous visits to Nandi Hills. So this time, explored it.

This temple is been identified as one of the oldest temples in Karnataka dating back to 9^th Century and has some beautifully carved out pillars and also has large temple pond. A very calm and silent place to spend some time to peace your mind away from the city’s traffic and noise.

**Vasantha Mantapa at Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple**

**Temple Tank at Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Pic courtesy: Wikipedia**

Few More Pics from Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple through the slideshow below:

After exploring this marvelous and historical beauty, we rode through the villages of Chikkaballapur district and we reached Avalabetta, a place famous for the “Pointed Rock” and there are paved steps that take you to a temple. Keep walking further from here to reach the viewpoint. Please do carry your own food and water bottles and please be very careful with the monkeys that hover around this place.

**Pointed Rock at Avalabetta, Pic Courtesy: Google Images**

There was a mad rush and people were waiting in a long queue to get their Picture on the Pointed Rock, and we didn’t want to join the long queue. I had visited Avalabetta sometime back in 2015 with riders from our Gixxer Club Bengaluru. Apparently, yet I don’t have my pic on this rock. Hopefully, next time I ride this side will get one selfie here.

Should you be riding to Avalabetta, don’t miss the trek to Gudibande Fort. Both Rajesh and I had trekked the Gudibande Fort before, so we skipped this and rode to Lepakshi, a temple in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, dating its history back to 14^th Century.

Lepkashi Temple: Information Board — **Lepakshi Temple: Information Board**

The “Hanging Pillar” inside the temple defies gravity. Yes, the pillar doesn’t have any support base to the ground. You can pass a paper or a piece of cloth beneath this grey pillar. This is a tribute to the engineering marvel from the historical architects.

Another attraction here is Shivaling which is sheltered by a Seven hooded Naga and it’s recognized amongst the biggest Naga Linga in India. You might have visited many Shiva Temples and always sight a Nandi in front of all the Shivalings, but here the Nandi Statue has another mysterious story which I will explain in the later paragraphs of this blog.

Rajesh and I with the Nagalinga at Lepakshi

Few locals here believe this place dates back to the era of Ramayana, as Lepakshi means “Jatayu”, as this place was where the bird Jatayu fell. There is a “Dance Hall” which is surrounded by sculpted pillars.

Dance Hall with sculpted Pillars at Lepakshi — **Dance Hall at Lepakshi Temple**

We had some juice before we made a move to the Nandi Statue. This is the biggest amongst the 12 Monolith Nandi in India, carved out of a single Granite Stone with dimensions of 15ft in height and 27ft in length. The finely carved ornament around the neck of this Nandi adds to the glory of this architecture.

**Monolith Nandi at Lepakshi; The biggest in India**

Now let me explain to the mystery behind this Nandi and the Shivaling. If you stand by the right side of this gigantic Nandi, you can clearly see the Nagalinga (which is inside the main temple) distancing approximately 700mtrs from here, but the same Nandi is not visible to be seen from inside the temple.

We started our return journey at around 4 pm and stopped over for a late lunch at highway side hotel in Chikkaballapur and bidding good-bye to Rajesh at Hebbal flyover and reached back home juggling through the chaotic traffic of Bangalore City. Thank you, buddy, for an amazing travel memory.

Total Distance travelled from this trip — **That was an amazing journey of 329kms on my bike’s Odo**

Stay safe and tuned until I blog my next travel story !!!

Pic Credits: Temple Tank Pic of Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple from Wikipedia, Pointed Rock of Avalabetta from Google Images and rest all pics captured by Rajesh and Me.

#LiveFreeRideHard
Cheers,
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)

Also Visit: Just Ride to Twin Rocks

December 1, 2017January 27, 2019

Just Ride to the "Twin Rocks" with Road Thrill

Post our big event “Republic Day Ride with Road Thrill” in Jan’2017, we had a breakfast meeting at Hotel Ajantha on 05^th Feb’2017.

We were planning to have a small ride (Just Ride) post the meet-up. The previous day of the meetup; Lohit Bhai, JP and I were deciding on the destination, when I came across this place “Thimmappa Swami Betta”

After cherishing the moments from the Republic Day ride over the breakfast meet, 7 bikers from Road Thrill, lead by Lohit Bhai set to ride and explore the “Twin Rocks”

Route taken

As the traffic on the Mysore Highway was bare minimum; we managed to quickly zoom on the Highway.

Thimmappa Betta is located near Ramanagara which is approximately 70kms from Bangalore. It’s a small hillock which is known for its “Twin Rocks”. This place is less explored and there is a small temple at the base.

The path beside the temple will lead you to a huge rock, you can ride your bikes on the huge rock, but can’t trek on those “Twin Rocks” but u can capture some splendid photos of the same.

The Twin Rocks and our Machines

Me and Phani with our Bikes; “Warrior” and “Beast”

RK, Lohit, Phani, Srihari, Sanjay, Santosh and Me at the Temple on Thimmappa Betta

RT members with the Twin Rock in the backdrop

My “Warrior” and I with the Twin Rocks

The Redeemer Pose

Thank you, everyone, for the memories at Thimmappa Betta.
Photo Credits: Team Road Thrill
Cheers,
Gokool
(Soul Warrior)

Also visit: Crazy Bike Trip to Chikamagalur

November 23, 2017January 27, 2019

Memories from Trekking the Monster Madhugiri and Siddara-Betta

It was during those days when Ganesh and I used to ride and trek 2 hills on a given day. I am sharing my memories of trekking the 2^nd Largest Monolith in Asia; Madhugiri.

We only have 3 Monolith Rock hills in India; Savandurga, Madhugiri, and Yana, while the former two are around Bangalore and the latter in Karwar District.

Date: 12^th March 2016
No of people: 5 (Ganesh, Prakash, Satheesh, Shree and I; Gokool)
Bikes: 3 (TVS Apache and two Suzuki Gixxer)

Route we took

We started early before dawn from Goreguntepalya junction and rode straight till Hotel Vrindavan near Dabbaspete for breakfast.

Sunrise as captured en route to Madhugiri

Selfie post Breakfast at Hotel Vrindavan

We reached the Madhugiri base by 9 am and without wasting a single minute, we started the trek. The initial part of the climb was really easy as you have those paved steps; and as we moved forward, the trek got difficult.

At Parking space, the base point of Madhugiri Hills

Monster Madhugiri Fort as seen from the base point

Climbing the paved steps

The Trek gets difficult from here on!

We reached a point where, the steps that were carved on the monolith, goes diagonally upwards and a small railing to hold for support, rather nothing to hold for support . . . !!!

The most difficult stretch at Madhugiri

We rested for a while under the shades of a boulder rock. As we kept trekking the hill, it seemed never-ending. But we didn’t give up; we wanted to reach the highest point at the top; no matter what.

Resting under the shades of Stone Boulders

It was 12 pm when we finally made it to the highest point of the hill; the sun was scorching hot.

At the topmost point at Madhugiri

We descended down carefully, getting on to our bikes; we rode straight to Madhugiri bus-stand to have some fruit juices.

Post having few extra glasses of Musk Melon juice, we rode to Siddarabetta.

It was dusk time as we reached there. Siddarabetta, a very easy trek with the majority of steps until the temple atop the hill.

There is a caved temple uphill; and a water source in-front of the Shivaling. The caretaker of the temple said that the water will always be sweet and cold any time of a given year. Indeed, the water was sweet and cold when tasted.

The Shivaling inside the caved temple at Siddara Betta

At the base point of Siddara Betta

While returning back to Bangalore through the on-going construction of the state highway, Ganesh’s bike got punctured. We found a petrol pump nearby where we got the puncture repaired, luckily.

A picture collage of the trip

Thank you guys for a memorable Trek 🙂
Stay safe and stay tuned until I blog my next travel story!!!
Photo Credits: All 5 of us.

Cheers,
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)

Also visit: Crazy Bike Trip to Chikamagalur

Category: Road Trip