After coming back from North India tour in October, was eagerly waiting for this 19th December 2009 so that I can run yet another marathon. Initially had planned for Rajasthan but cancelled at the same speed at which I planned as the number of days would not be sufficient. Heading to southern tip wasn't a good plan as I would be hit by tremendous amount of cold. So where else??? Had heard of Ajanta/Ellora a lot in books and history. Decided to make it up this time and also researched for other places in Maharashtra. Got all the information and Man! I can as well visit Goa and my sweet home. Plan sounded cool and in no time finalised on it :). As usual, made day to day plan, booked lodges at few places online and made a list of things to carry. The days were nearing and excitement was going out of my control at the same speed. After a wait, the day has come for me to run the marathon. Here is how it all went from 19th December 2009.....
Before reading on day-to-day blog, here is the entire route map of my itinerary...
Day-1: 19th December 2009, Bangalore – Ratnagiri, 777 Kms
Got up by 3:30 AM but managed to start my RedBull only by 4:55 AM. As per the plan, I had to do a long marathon today. Getting out of Bangalore was like pouring dust on me :(. It was around 5:45 AM by the time I crossed Nelamangala and hit NH-4 GQ. Initially could not speed up cause of darkness. But later on, managed to cruise at 90’s. Also managed to touch 100 at some stretch.
Got up by 3:30 AM but managed to start my RedBull only by 4:55 AM. As per the plan, I had to do a long marathon today. Getting out of Bangalore was like pouring dust on me :(. It was around 5:45 AM by the time I crossed Nelamangala and hit NH-4 GQ. Initially could not speed up cause of darkness. But later on, managed to cruise at 90’s. Also managed to touch 100 at some stretch.
After around 2 Hrs 30 Mins of cruising in GQ, I started yawning and that’s when I stopped for a cup of tea a Dabha. I had covered 145 Kms by then. Still lot more to go and continued further. Crossed Chitradurga and its breakfast time now. Could not manage to get a yummy one but ok kind it was. By the time was on bike, was 10 AM. Oh man! This is not done. Realised this will not work out for the day and back to cruise again. Decided to give minimum pit stops. Road non-stop till Hubli by-pass. My ass started burning out compromising with loads of patches and diversions. Man! Chitradurga – Hubli stretch still sucks :(. By the way, I hit my maximum non-stop stretch of 185 Kms :). As soon as I crossed Hubli bypass got my bike to road side of took good amount of rest till 1:30 PM.
After a break, got back on my bike and crossed Dharward. On my way, saw a big board saying Ghar Dabha on my left. Dint even gave a second thought and stopped for lunch break. It is a good place for lunch at around 40 Kms from Hubli. Had masala rice and lassi. Quite the place by 2:45 PM and non-stop ride for another 150+ Kms. Oh man! What to say about the road quality! Just amazing it was. Most of the stretches were concrete ones. On my way, filled fuel and clicked few shots of Gata Prabha River and few dry landscapes. Stopped after Nippani for a tea break and met another bullter Suraj from Bangalore. He was on his way to Mumbai & he decided to stay overnight at Kolhapur. But my fate! I still have got 3 digit distance to cover for the day :(.
Post tea got into dusty Kolhapur city and enquired about route to Ratnagiri. It was 6:30 PM by the time I was in NH-204. Now who knew there was a super kick for me? Man! Very scary it was. Thick dark surroundings, dense forest on either side, silent road without even a single notice board confused me of whether I am in a right track. More over not even a single human being on road to enquire. Man o Man! Just horrible situation it was. More over road quality wasn’t that great with lot of patches. Just road ahead with an assumption of being in right track. After some time wow! Its full twisties and also got to see few 4*4’s and cars. Now that raised my hope and confidence. Started following a Tavera who was ripping at 60’s even on twisties. Thought he was on his way to Ratnagiri and followed him to almost 50 Kms. Later on missed him in some town but after that was able to see some villages and sign boards of Ratnagiri. Finally made to Ratnagiri by 9:30 PM & got into Vihar Lodge. It was quite comfy one with high budget :). Got fresh, had dinner and also called family and friends. Was very happy on covering 777 Kms in a day which is the max I covered in a day so far:). Now what’s next? Cosy bed is calling me and I can’t wait anymore. My back is gone you see.
Well! One more thing. There were not many snaps for the day as it was a day of marathon for me.
Moment before I started kicked my account!
Morning tea break
Ghar Dabha - Perfect lunch spot in NH-4
Bull waiting to cruise on GQ NH-4
Massive Gata Prabha river
Man! am quite far from Bangalore
Comfy room at RatnagiriDay-2: 20th December 2009, In Ratnagiri, 951 Kms
Dint even know when did I switch off alarm and opened my eyes only by 7:30 AM. Got fresh and had complimentary breakfast in lodge. Got to eat verity of stuffs including hard rock kinda idli :(. But others were tasty. Well! My tummy is full now and checked the liquid in bikes engine. Oh man! Engine oil looks drained. Gosh! So soon? Just in a day? Went to an automobile shop to get engine oil and by then it shows proper reading. Man! What’s this? Anyways took a litre of Castrol for coming days.
Dint even know when did I switch off alarm and opened my eyes only by 7:30 AM. Got fresh and had complimentary breakfast in lodge. Got to eat verity of stuffs including hard rock kinda idli :(. But others were tasty. Well! My tummy is full now and checked the liquid in bikes engine. Oh man! Engine oil looks drained. Gosh! So soon? Just in a day? Went to an automobile shop to get engine oil and by then it shows proper reading. Man! What’s this? Anyways took a litre of Castrol for coming days.
Got the directions to Ratnadurg Fort and beaches from the localities. Man! Ratnagiri is a beautiful town with not much crowd and traffic. Just loved the town as a whole :). Route to the fort was like typical village path. Enjoyed riding there and reached the fort in no time. Wow man! It’s so scenic and silent. Very calm place it was. Now what else should I do than capturing surroundings in my camera lens? Fort was not a huge one but very adjacent to the beach. Could cover entire fort in 30 Mins time. Wanted to relax there for some more time but I had to check out few more places in the list. On the way out, saw a light house at a distance and road towards it. But I came to know that it’s closed after reaching there. It’s open only in evening itseems. Bad time I reached there :(. But got to see top view of crowd less Mandavi beach. Next was ride down to the bottom of Ratnadurg fort and check out Bhagavati Jetty. Got my bike on the jetty and posed for few clicks there :).
Got back to the city and next in the list was Tibaw point. Spot was hardly 10 Min from main road and got few clicks just for the heck of it. I dint find the spot eye catching. Same goes for Bhatye beach too. It was an empty beach without any crowd. Man! Nothing interesting in Ratnagiri and am I done with it by 12:30 PM? That’s when I decided to visit Ganpati Pule too. Anyways had enough time to check out the place. So why to skip it :)? Enjoyed my ride on SH 204 en route to Ganpati Pule via NH-17. It was narrow road but really enjoying one. On the way a college guy asked for a drop and did my duty to him. Also decided to check out Jaigad Fort as I had to take short deviation on the way to Ganpati Pule.
By 1:15 PM, am in Jaigad Fort but found it’s not at all worth for hour’s ride :(. Next was Ganpati Pule beach. Got in there in no time and found some crowd. Ok! This must be a known place I assumed. Had my part of the clicks and had lunch in some hotel there. Post lunch directly back to net in Ratnagiri. It was 5:30 PM by then. Man am I too early to room? Relaxed myself with calls to buddies and watching movie in my iPod. Got few shots of sun set from the lodge. Had dinner and closed my eye shutter.
Main road of Ratnagiri
Small park opposite to Ratnadurg Fort
Posing with Ratnadurg Fort in back
Some more of the Fort now
Getting my Tripod in action
View from the Fort now
Bhagvati Jetty from the Fort
The light house i dint get chance to get in :(
Bull posing in Jetty now
Tibaw Point
Some macros
Empty Bhatye Beach
Enroute Ganpati Pule
Jaigard Fort
Bit crowded Gantapi Pule beach
Shining sun caught from Lodge terraceDay-3: 21th December 2009, Ratnagiri – Mahabaleshwar, 1197 Kms
Stopped my alarm and extended my sleep till 7:30 AM just of the cosy bed :). Got freshened up and did breakfast. Checked the engine oil level and it shows less. So filled its tank till the neck. I guess I shouldn’t have filled till its neck. Anyways am done with it and checked out from Vihar Lodge and back on road now. Filled Petrol and bid byes to Ratnagiri. Well! Destination was Mahabaleshwar for the day and I had to take same NH-17 konkan coast route. Started cruising at 70’s so that I get to see beautiful scenic surroundings on the way. Music in ears, twisties of NH-17 and shadows of road side trees made my ride pleasant. Man o Man! I should say Konkan coast is just amazing in itself. Can’t put its beauty in words. Wanted to stop of lot of places but time constraint. Finally couldn’t control applying break when I saw eye catching view of a lake between two hills. I was already 100+ Kms away from Ratnagiri by then. Thought a break was must and had tea with a beautiful view point in front of my eyes.
Stopped my alarm and extended my sleep till 7:30 AM just of the cosy bed :). Got freshened up and did breakfast. Checked the engine oil level and it shows less. So filled its tank till the neck. I guess I shouldn’t have filled till its neck. Anyways am done with it and checked out from Vihar Lodge and back on road now. Filled Petrol and bid byes to Ratnagiri. Well! Destination was Mahabaleshwar for the day and I had to take same NH-17 konkan coast route. Started cruising at 70’s so that I get to see beautiful scenic surroundings on the way. Music in ears, twisties of NH-17 and shadows of road side trees made my ride pleasant. Man o Man! I should say Konkan coast is just amazing in itself. Can’t put its beauty in words. Wanted to stop of lot of places but time constraint. Finally couldn’t control applying break when I saw eye catching view of a lake between two hills. I was already 100+ Kms away from Ratnagiri by then. Thought a break was must and had tea with a beautiful view point in front of my eyes.
In around 20 Mins, am back in NH-17 and continued with GQ till Poladpur where I took right diversion to Mahabaleshwar. It was 40 odd Kms from there to destination. But man! Road really sucks here. From GQ to WQ (worst quality) in no time :(. Phew! Not able to enjoy my ride at all. All thanks to WQ. But nature around was giving me better hope of scenic spots ahead. Gave a pit stop for pic and that’s when I saw my bike is puking engine oil from everywhere. Oh Man! What the hell is this now? It’s making me scary :(. Hardly any humans around ghats too. Man! These troubles are never ending. Continued with a hope of reaching Mahabaleshwar and stopped after some time again for pic session. I heard some bullet sound and decided to seek their help on my bull. Stopped them and told them my issue. They replied politely that it’s a common problem and it might be coz of access engine oil in its tank. I realised big mistake I have done with filling engine oil till its neck in the morning. Thanked them and continued. Reached Mahabaleshwar by 1:45 PM and checked into Sunny Classic. They said 800 INR including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Got a fair deal I guess.
Got freshened up, had lunch and directly towards few viewpoints like Kate’s Point, Echo Point, Needle Hole Point, Arthur’s Seat Point, Monkey Point and what not. Man o Man! All these view points are eye catching. Very scenic they are. Captured them all in my camera lens. Most of the view points were crowded with couples too. Honey moon you see. I feel Mahabaleshwar should be renamed as View Point town. So many they are. Gave visit to nearly 10+ of them.
By evening, climate started playing its game. It got very much chilled in no time. On the way took few shots of Venna lake too which was crowded with boating, Horse riding etc. Thought am done for the day and came back to town. Showed my bike to a local mechanic for engine oil issue and even horn wasn’t working. He fixed horn problem and told not to worry about engine oil. Its puking excess oil he said. Cool! Nothing to worry now :). Got back to lodge and TV not working. Missed interesting India vs. Srilanka cricket match. But killed my time with a movie in iPod. Had dinner, daily blog update and slept with a thick blanket.
Enroute Mahabaleshwar
Poser bull on NH-17 during tea break
Engine oil being puked out from bike
Twisties on the way!
View from Kate's Point
Another View Point near by
Colored parrots :) but inside cage :(
Can you picturize something???
Howz that???
Oh Boy! Isnt it amazing!
View from yet another View Point...
Just love clicking these :)
Venna lake busy with couples boating
Crowded Market streetDay-4: 22nd December 2009, Mahabaleshwar – Pune, 1439 Kms
Woke up at 6:30 AM and directly to Sunrise Point. Oh Man! Am freezing here. At the view point could see large crowd all waiting to see sun shining between the clouds. Had tea to warm up myself and then waiting for sunny to come out. After some time, sun rays started touching us. Had few clicks and came back to lodge. Got fresh and packed my stuffs as 8 AM was my check out time. On request, they granted me to keep the luggage at luggage room. Enquired about Raigad Fort and realised it’s not a day’s task for me as it was 80+ kms on WQ :(. Had my complimentary tasty breakfast and headed towards Pratapgad Fort. It’s on Poladpur route in which I came yesterday. On the way saw direction to Lodwick and Elephant Nose point. Ok! No second thought and am towards it :). At parking, found no human nor any vehicles which meant I am the first one might be for the day. Felt happy that I am free from crowd and walked towards view points. It’s a Km walk. Man! Should I say the breeze over there? I could not even keep my tripod at Elephant Nose point so that I could pose. Wind would have taken my tripod. But it was just amazing without any humans around :). Managed to click few shots of hills around.
Woke up at 6:30 AM and directly to Sunrise Point. Oh Man! Am freezing here. At the view point could see large crowd all waiting to see sun shining between the clouds. Had tea to warm up myself and then waiting for sunny to come out. After some time, sun rays started touching us. Had few clicks and came back to lodge. Got fresh and packed my stuffs as 8 AM was my check out time. On request, they granted me to keep the luggage at luggage room. Enquired about Raigad Fort and realised it’s not a day’s task for me as it was 80+ kms on WQ :(. Had my complimentary tasty breakfast and headed towards Pratapgad Fort. It’s on Poladpur route in which I came yesterday. On the way saw direction to Lodwick and Elephant Nose point. Ok! No second thought and am towards it :). At parking, found no human nor any vehicles which meant I am the first one might be for the day. Felt happy that I am free from crowd and walked towards view points. It’s a Km walk. Man! Should I say the breeze over there? I could not even keep my tripod at Elephant Nose point so that I could pose. Wind would have taken my tripod. But it was just amazing without any humans around :). Managed to click few shots of hills around.
Back on the bike and towards Pratapgad fort. Reached the place, parked my bike and started climbing with my thick leather jacket. Oh Man! It’s so heavy and sweating inside :(. Once am on top, my camera started its work. After roaming around the fort, on the way down the steps, had Lassi relaxing for some time. Now am done with this fort. Got back on bull and back to Mahabaleshwar. On my way to town, also gave visit to Mumbai Point and found its waste a visit. Next in the list was Panchgani on Pune route. Rode towards it and stopped for few clicks at Parsi Point. Next in the list was Table Land. Wow man! Just loved the spot. Acres of plain land on hill top. Worth a visit it was :). Horse riding is also available but why do I need it when I have my bull :). Started capturing the spot in camera. Oh Man it’s already 1:30 PM and headed back to pick my luggage and on the way back also filled my tummy.
Am now back on wheels towards next destination Pune! Gave a pit stop at a place where paragliding was on with full swing. It was just after Panchgani. Spent few mins and again rode towards Pune. After few Kms am in GQ NH-4. As I had enough time, rode at 70’s and reached Pune by 7:15 PM. After couple of confusions, my little sister took me to the lodge she had booked in Pimpri. Man! It was a comfy room for reasonable price. Got fresh and went to sister’s place to grab yummy dinner. Spent some time chatting with her while she prepared good food for me. Post dinner, back to lodge and crash.
Crowd waiting at Sunrise Point
Sun out this time
Walk path to Lodwick and Elephants Nose point
Lodwick Point
Elephants Nose Point
Posing this time
Pratapgad Fort
One more shot up the hill
Poser Shivaji Maharaj
Anybody thursty?
Poser on Table land
More plains :)
They are free birds in the sky...
Tunnel enroute PuneDay-5: 23rd December 2009, In Lonavala, 1636 Kms
The bed was cosy to get up at the first alarm ring. When I checked my mobile on a sleepy mode, I had a message. Whats that so early in the morning? It’s from buddy Vijaya Krishna saying he is getting engaged today! What??? How come all of a sudden??? Loads of questions took my sleep away. My sleep went for a toss now. Called him up and congratulated for getting a partner :). Anyways it was good news on early morning I got. It was 7:45 AM when I was out of my bed. Previous day, Vivek had told he will try to get off from work for 24th but he can’t be free on 23rd. Okie Then! Let me keep Pune for tomorrow and Lonavala was plan for the day. Got ready in a jiffy and am on road by 9:45 AM. Had breakfast on NH-4 and directly to Lonavala.
The bed was cosy to get up at the first alarm ring. When I checked my mobile on a sleepy mode, I had a message. Whats that so early in the morning? It’s from buddy Vijaya Krishna saying he is getting engaged today! What??? How come all of a sudden??? Loads of questions took my sleep away. My sleep went for a toss now. Called him up and congratulated for getting a partner :). Anyways it was good news on early morning I got. It was 7:45 AM when I was out of my bed. Previous day, Vivek had told he will try to get off from work for 24th but he can’t be free on 23rd. Okie Then! Let me keep Pune for tomorrow and Lonavala was plan for the day. Got ready in a jiffy and am on road by 9:45 AM. Had breakfast on NH-4 and directly to Lonavala.
Well! Very first thing that comes to everyone’s mind when they hear about Lonavala is a Hill Station. But for my fate, it was totally different. Let me tell you how!
Reached Lonavala and got directions to Lohgad Fort. Pretty bad village roads but managed. Parked my buddy and have to walk 15 min up the hill as per local shopkeeper’s words. That was ok with me. Walked up the fort and got loads of snaps. Man! Beautiful view from the top! By 12 NOON am back to the bike and enquired about Visapur Fort opposite to Lohgad Fort. Local shopkeeper told it’s an hour trek. That made me cancel my plan to visit that. Enquired him about Bhaje Caves and he told it’s around 4 Kms from Lohgad Fort if I continue in the village route I had come. Or else big round trip I have to do. Now who would take long route??? He also told bikes can easily go in village route and would take around 20 mins. Well! Am on that route now. But dead against to my guess, road is just horrible. I mean I could hardly find any road :( :( :(. Huge stones everywhere + very steep decline. Gosh! How do I manage my heavy bull??? Hardcore offroading for the first time. No man was found around to seek help too :(. Man! Am I going to take my bike here??? Can’t get back too coz am done half the way I guess. Every hair pin bend was a hell for me. Adding to that is the skiddy mud. I was on a hot soup :(. Man I took 1 Hr 10 Min to cover just 4 Kms distance. Off! Finally am out of the big mess :) :) :). Man! Felt like partying for getting out of safely. But got good experience in handling my bull. After so much effort, how can I miss Bhaje Caves? So gave visit to that and found it good. Next on the list was Karla Caves. On the way to main road, met a NRI techie from California and dropped him to Mavalli railway station and he gave me the route to Karla Caves. Parked the bike and have to climb 150+ steps. That’s ok with me and am on hill top busy with clicks. Saw people writing their names and stuffs on the rock. So immature these people are man. Donno when they will learn things. But the caves were good one :).
Met a Naval officer who guided me about the quality food I can get in Lonavala and route to few view points. As per his words, got into RamaKrishna Hotel on NH-4 and had tasty south Indian food. Then took route to INS Shivaji, crossed that and IAF base. After few Kms, am at some view point viz Tiger Point, Filmi Point and so on. Man! Finally I could see some hills on hill station :). Had my part of the clicks. At Filmy Point, some shooting stuff was taking place. Saw Jackie shroff shooting for some scene. Got few clicks of all these and got back to Pune.
On the way back to lodge, missed the route and got into Pune-Nasik NH :(. Man! Where am I actually??? Full confusion. After lot of turns, got into lodge by 8 PM really tired with city traffic and dust. Got fresh and gave visit to my cousin’s place. Well! A surprise for them :). Had dinner there and back to net. Man! Am tired yaar! Need rest badly now.
NH-4 towards Lonavala
Lohgad Fort seen on the way
Bike parking for anyone!
Climbing Lohgad!
Posing during a break
This how it looks from top
My partner in the fort
Visapur Fort on the adjecent hill
My bull crossed these path! :(
Bhaje Caves at a distance
Close up shot of the Caves
At the entrace
I wish I was on that Express way!
Karla Caves
Few more...
Sadhu busy with cigar...
View from Filmi Point
Tiger Point
Am at cutting edge now :)
Jackie busy shootingDay-6: 24th December 2009, In Pune, 1786 Kms
Man! This bed has become damn cosy. In spite of opening my eyes by 6:30 AM, was out of bed only by 7:45 AM. Get fresh lazily and no idea what to do today! Yesterday late night Vivek messaged saying he can’t get off from work today too. Well! One man army as usual :). Decided to check out Singad Fort and am out of lodge by 9:30 AM. Had breakfast in Sannidhi Udupi Hotel and directly to Singad thru the route suggested by cousin. When am near to ghats enroute Singad, petrol went for reserve. Man! I can’t take the risk of running up the hill with no petrol. So took a U-turn in search of petrol and man guess what! Had to run 20 Kms for fuel. Filled my tank and again back on Singad road. Man! Twisties are just horrible. Huge pot holes :(. Finally got to the fort and its huge too. Bunch of clicks flows. Had roti’s, lassi and onion pakoda as lunch for just 70 bux. Man no words for the taste. Amazing it was. Relaxed for some time and it was 3:15 PM by then. Nothing special to do here anymore and got back slowly as I had enough time but donno what to do next.
Man! This bed has become damn cosy. In spite of opening my eyes by 6:30 AM, was out of bed only by 7:45 AM. Get fresh lazily and no idea what to do today! Yesterday late night Vivek messaged saying he can’t get off from work today too. Well! One man army as usual :). Decided to check out Singad Fort and am out of lodge by 9:30 AM. Had breakfast in Sannidhi Udupi Hotel and directly to Singad thru the route suggested by cousin. When am near to ghats enroute Singad, petrol went for reserve. Man! I can’t take the risk of running up the hill with no petrol. So took a U-turn in search of petrol and man guess what! Had to run 20 Kms for fuel. Filled my tank and again back on Singad road. Man! Twisties are just horrible. Huge pot holes :(. Finally got to the fort and its huge too. Bunch of clicks flows. Had roti’s, lassi and onion pakoda as lunch for just 70 bux. Man no words for the taste. Amazing it was. Relaxed for some time and it was 3:15 PM by then. Nothing special to do here anymore and got back slowly as I had enough time but donno what to do next.
Stopped near some dam and relaxed there for some time. By then, got a call from Vivek for hang out. Met him on NH junction and visited his home. After for an hour, we left the place and he guided me to uncle’s place in Pashan. On the way, we ate “Misad” which is Pune special itseems. Tasty one I can say :). Got into uncles place giving them all a big surprise :). Had chit chat with the family side by side home cooked food too :). It was 11 PM by the time I left and straight away back to lodge. Tomorrow will depart to next destination. Oh! Some long ride after 2 days break.
Dam enroute Singad...
View on the way!
Some more...
Posing this time...
One corner of the Singad Fort
At another corner of Singad Fort!Day-7: 25th December 2009, Pune – Aurangabad, 2094 Kms
Opened my eyes when my sister gave me a wakeup call at 5:30 AM. Got fresh, packed my luggage and went to meet her just to say bye as she was leaving to her native. Then whats next? Checked out from lodge and back on road to Aurangabad. Man! Quite excited as am on long ride after 2 days break :). Got out of the city and reached SH-60 in 45 mins.
Opened my eyes when my sister gave me a wakeup call at 5:30 AM. Got fresh, packed my luggage and went to meet her just to say bye as she was leaving to her native. Then whats next? Checked out from lodge and back on road to Aurangabad. Man! Quite excited as am on long ride after 2 days break :). Got out of the city and reached SH-60 in 45 mins.
Filled fuel and started cruising at 80’s. Man! Its damn cold here. Hands are getting frozen :(. It was a sudden weather change within a week I guess. Crossed Sirur and planned a break to grab something after Ahmednagar. Man! Am enjoying my ride in GQ SH-60. I had thought I will have to face some bad stretches today but it turned dead against my thought. Roads are just amazing. While cruising, suddenly a Bullet came to me with the same Ladakh panniers I had and my first sight at the bulleter told me that he was not an Indian. He asked me where am I heading to and on answering “Aurangabad”, he said he too is heading to the same. After couple of talks while riding, he told “Let’s ride together then!” for which I gave green signal :).
Continued cruising but this time bit fast at 90’s since he was riding bit fast. Crossed Ahmednagar and we took a break at 10:15 AM after riding 150+ Kms non-stop from Pune. During break, we shared couple of things and came to know that he is Peter from Poland. He is working in India since 2+ years now and a crazy biker. He was going to Aurangabad to check out Ajanta/Ellora during long weekend for 3 days. After few clicks of each other, got back on wheels and reached Aurangabad by 12:30 PM. He hadn’t booked any lodge to stay and I offered him to stay along with me for which he said “Oh! That’s pretty cool!”
We got into the lodge which was at the entrance of city. Got fresh in jiffy and headed to Ellora. Reached the place riding 25+ Kms, took entry tickets but to Peters bad luck, he ended up paying 250 INR as he dint had Indian Citizenship card. I guess he was envious on me for paying 10 INR :). Had lunch and started our expedition. Got hell lot of clicks of the Caves and carvings. Man! It’s so beautiful. I should say it’s worth a visit. Around 30+ caves altogether. On our way exploring Caves, peter had extra work of answering local kids about his name, where he is from and clicking their snaps :). I should say Peter got name and fame in no time. School kids were in no mood to leave him free. After covering around 15 Caves, I found almost all Caves are of similar kind and felt like am done with Ellora. Cave 16 was quite special and very huge too. But we dint want to quite so easily and checked out till cave 29. Man! Donno how many snaps I took. We got thirsty and after a soft drink, we got back on our bikes. On the way back, gave a visit to Daulatabad Fort. We had very less time in hand and lot to explore :(. Rushed ourselves to get into the peak as soon as possible and clicked few shots of the fort and sunset. Man! It’s already misty now. Started feeling the cold so early :(.
Got back to lodge and took 30 Mins rest after which gave a visit to market walking. I had to take lip guard for my burnt lips and Peter wanted to get his camera battery charged. Had food in Simple Veg Restaurant (its name of the restaurant BTW) sharing our biking experiences and peter learning Hindi very hard. Post yummy dinner, walked back to lodge with a dessert and updated my log for the day. We called the day end soon as we had to head Ajanta pretty early tomorrow.
Its Peter my riding buddy for 2 days!
Twisties enroute Ellora
Posing infront of Ellora Caves
Buddha Carvings in Ellora
He is not transferring his Gyans to me though!
This Cave was huge and crowded too
This is Up the hill shot of Cave 16 and biggest one!
Another closeup shot of Cave16
Path to few more Caves
Inside a Cave
Peter busy taking kids snaps!
Man! No words for these Carvings
Bulls facing each other :)
Daulatabad Fort entrance!
Another shot of the Fort
View from the Fort top! Mist is also visible in background!Day-8: 26th December 2009, Aurangabad - Ajanta - Aurangabad, 2308 Kms
As usual wakeup call from my mobile alarm at 6:15 AM but managed to get out of bed only by 6:30 AM. After getting freshened up, we got on our bulls by 7:35 AM and filled petrol at the bunk adjacent to our lodge. Now whats next? Biking to Ajanta. It’s around 110 Kms from Aurangabad. But Oh Boy! Terrible mistake I made by forgetting my hand gloves :(. My fingers are getting frozen. Adding to that I have to keep myself at 80’s or else I will miss out Peter. Even my pullover is not working at all. It was of no use wearing that. It was outside my limits to keep speeding with Peter but somehow managed myself. Finally I could not control myself giving pit stop after 95 Kms & road ahead after urination. Peter was waiting for me on a small ghats section around 4 Kms behind Ajanta. Took a pic and moved on down the hill. Peter was very much excited and was doing a free hand wheelie for more than 3 Kms down the hill. Man O Man! It was so amazing the way he was balancing his bull on steep twisties. Finally after couple of fun riding early morning, parked our bikes in Ajanta and had Breakfast. Man! One more quick info. All the tourists have to park their vehicles 4 Kms before the Caves and use MTDC bus service to reach Caves.
As usual wakeup call from my mobile alarm at 6:15 AM but managed to get out of bed only by 6:30 AM. After getting freshened up, we got on our bulls by 7:35 AM and filled petrol at the bunk adjacent to our lodge. Now whats next? Biking to Ajanta. It’s around 110 Kms from Aurangabad. But Oh Boy! Terrible mistake I made by forgetting my hand gloves :(. My fingers are getting frozen. Adding to that I have to keep myself at 80’s or else I will miss out Peter. Even my pullover is not working at all. It was of no use wearing that. It was outside my limits to keep speeding with Peter but somehow managed myself. Finally I could not control myself giving pit stop after 95 Kms & road ahead after urination. Peter was waiting for me on a small ghats section around 4 Kms behind Ajanta. Took a pic and moved on down the hill. Peter was very much excited and was doing a free hand wheelie for more than 3 Kms down the hill. Man O Man! It was so amazing the way he was balancing his bull on steep twisties. Finally after couple of fun riding early morning, parked our bikes in Ajanta and had Breakfast. Man! One more quick info. All the tourists have to park their vehicles 4 Kms before the Caves and use MTDC bus service to reach Caves.
Post breakfast, got into the queue to bus service and loads of crowd over there as it was long weekend. Could see loads of school kids standing in the queue! Might be school excursion I guess. Peter got used to answering these kids I guess. They were very keen on shaking hands with him :). He was just loving it too I believe. Finally after waiting for around 30 mins, we got into the bus and in no time, we are at the Caves. Took entry tickets and again bad luck for Peter as he had to pay 250 INR. The very first glance on the Caves at a distance looked stunning to my eyes. Man! So beautiful it looks. Got to know that the day will be really interesting :). Started exploring the Caves and to enter few Caves, we need to remove our shoes as well. Man o Man! Unlike Ellora, here in Ajanta, the paintings of those days still exist. So cool paintings they are. I touched one painting and it’s so thick boy! Started clicking good amount of snaps. Though my camera memory was almost over, I still managed to get very good amount of clicks. As expected, Peter had additional work of answering kids and taking snaps with them :). In around 1 Hr 45 Mins, we were done with all the caves. The entire structure of Ajanta Caves is in Horse shoe shape. We had plenty of time and decided to go to the view point in middle of this horse shoe caves from where we could get aerial view of entire Ajanta Caves :).
Started walking towards the same and on the way, got to see very nice view of small water fall nearby. So nice it was :). At the other side, there was a stream of water flowing and Peter dint give second thought and got down. There was a bunch of school kids at the stream too. As he got into the stream till his knees, I was holding his SLR and standing nearby. A school boy came to me asked about where he is from and stuffs. On answering his questions, he asked me “Are you a foreigner too???” Phew! Man! Do I look so??? I answered him in Hindi asking “Do I look like foreigner???” He got confirmed with my answer I guess. After a group snap of school kids with Peter, we climbed the steps and in few mins, we are at the view point eyeing at aerial view of whole Ajanta Caves :). Boy O Boy! It was a real marvellous scene.
After a pic session, got down the hill, and had good lunch at MTDC restaurant. Now it’s time to catch the bus back to parking lot and Oh man! So huge queue waiting for bus :(. Man! This will not work out for us. We got into the queue hoping that it will move fast but against our hope, it’s not moving at all. Thought not to waste time and started walking to parking lot. Man! 4 Kms walk will consume a lot of time :(. But no other go. It was around 500 metres we had walked and bus came from the Caves towards parking lot. As he was halting for the bus in opposite direction to cross over, we decided to catch hold of the ladder at the backside of bus and that’s what we did. There was a bus right behind us and the driver was continuously eyeing at us but we were just enjoying hanging ourselves in the ladder. Man! First thing that came to my mind was the way we used to go college in Nitte :). It was very much similar Hanging at the bus door step. Those were a real golden days. Old memories were flashing in my mind :). Even Peter was enjoying the moment. Finally got down at parking lot free of cost and we are on bike again.
Thought getting back to Aurangabad was hardly 2 hrs task but as soon as we came out from parking, huge traffic jam. Oh Man! Buses have been parked on road side :(. Tell me where the hell is the space for other vehicles to move in that narrow road now??? Senseless people all around. We spent sweet 20 Mins getting out of mess and road non-stop for 80 Kms. Gave a pit stop and continued. Next stop was directly on Biwi-Ka-Maqbara. As usual for entry ticket, Peter ended up paying huge amount :(.
Entered the monument and found it’s good but not as charming as the Wonder Taj. They call it as Taj of Deccan but it was not as exciting as the Taj in Agra :(. Took couple of shots + few shots of sun set too. Got back to lodge and rested for some time. Then again just like yesterday walked to market and tasty dinner along with few Hindi learning session for Peter at Asoka’s Veg Restaurant. Came back, packed my stuff as we are getting back tomorrow and crashed for the day.
First view of Ajanta Caves!
Some paintings inside Caves
Some more...
It is me inside!
Another aerial view
Few more paintings
Man! No words for it...
Isn't that brillient???
It was a huge one!
Lightings made carving look more beautiful
He was capturing Caves in a sheet of paper...
Howz that falls???
This is how it looks from view point
Posing this time...
Biwi-Ka-Maqbara...
Sunset at Biwi-Ka-Maqbara...
Another shot...Day-9: 27th December 2009, Aurangabad – Kolhapur, 2790 Kms
Got up by 6 AM and packed my stuffs. Mean while Peter got up and he got ready. Well! It was 7:30 AM when we said good bye to Aurangabad. As decided previous day, we kept our speedometer at 60’s till 9 AM so that we can face the cold breeze. On the way Peter filled fuel and continued the speed till Ahmednagar. It was 10 AM by that time and it’s time for breakfast too. Post BF in Ahmednagar started cruising at 90’s constantly. All thanks to GQ SH-60. I filled fuel in between and reached Pune by 12:15 PM. After bidding byes to Peter, I continued my solo trip and it took 1 hr 15 mins to get out of Pune and hit NH-4. Oh Man! That’s lot of time eaten up there :(. Saw McD board saying 15 Kms more and decided to grab my lunch there. But realized it would take another 2+ hrs to complete my lunch looking at the long queue :(. Man! Am damn hungry. It’s almost 2:00 PM and am yet to cover 200+ Kms for the day including my lunch.
Got up by 6 AM and packed my stuffs. Mean while Peter got up and he got ready. Well! It was 7:30 AM when we said good bye to Aurangabad. As decided previous day, we kept our speedometer at 60’s till 9 AM so that we can face the cold breeze. On the way Peter filled fuel and continued the speed till Ahmednagar. It was 10 AM by that time and it’s time for breakfast too. Post BF in Ahmednagar started cruising at 90’s constantly. All thanks to GQ SH-60. I filled fuel in between and reached Pune by 12:15 PM. After bidding byes to Peter, I continued my solo trip and it took 1 hr 15 mins to get out of Pune and hit NH-4. Oh Man! That’s lot of time eaten up there :(. Saw McD board saying 15 Kms more and decided to grab my lunch there. But realized it would take another 2+ hrs to complete my lunch looking at the long queue :(. Man! Am damn hungry. It’s almost 2:00 PM and am yet to cover 200+ Kms for the day including my lunch.
Stopped at some dabha for lunch and got much below expectation one :(. But no time to refuse that and look for somewhere else. Got back on bike again and cruised non-stop for 150 Kms in 125 Mins. Pretty cool huh! Nearing Kolhapur, fuel indicator should empty again and filled its tank. Saw a left deviation to Petvadgaon and decided to stay somewhere near to the deviation so that it would be easy for me to reach my cousins place. Got into Pratikraj Hotel at the left side of NH-4. Pretty ok kinda room for just 300 bux :). Got fresh and straight away to sisters place. Oh Man! It’s a small village but pretty cool one I should say :). Just loved it. Spent enough time with her family and took backup of snaps till date of my itenary. There was some festival that was being celebrated on the streets. Took a snap of it too. Had good dinner and went for a walk on the village streets with cousin. Came back to lodge and crashed.
As the day was full of ride, I could hardly take any good number of snaps.
Macro on NH-4
Last 54 Kms to Kolhapur
Some festival celebration on the streetDay-10: 28th December 2009, Kolhapur – Goa, 3126 Kms
Yesterday both I and cousin had planned to visit a small hill station Panhala nearby today in the early morning. But I have become bad in getting up early u see :). Got out of bed only by 7:30 AM and got fresh in a jiffy. Went to cousins place which was just 3 Kms from lodge and till my sister prepared breakfast; bro-in-law took me to some huge lake which is the main water supply area for entire Vadgaon village. It was really beautiful and calm in the morning. Wow! So cool it was. But I could not capture any snaps as I had not taken camera. I know it’s my stupidity now. After a small walk beside the lake, we got back to home and had breakfast. Post breakfast, my sisters son (who is 5 yrs younger to me and hence forth I would be referring him as my cousin too. So please don’t get confused :)) went to Panhala. Well! I got a guide free of cost now. Ha ha! He too was despo for me to visit his place once so that we can have good time exploring places nearby on bike.
Yesterday both I and cousin had planned to visit a small hill station Panhala nearby today in the early morning. But I have become bad in getting up early u see :). Got out of bed only by 7:30 AM and got fresh in a jiffy. Went to cousins place which was just 3 Kms from lodge and till my sister prepared breakfast; bro-in-law took me to some huge lake which is the main water supply area for entire Vadgaon village. It was really beautiful and calm in the morning. Wow! So cool it was. But I could not capture any snaps as I had not taken camera. I know it’s my stupidity now. After a small walk beside the lake, we got back to home and had breakfast. Post breakfast, my sisters son (who is 5 yrs younger to me and hence forth I would be referring him as my cousin too. So please don’t get confused :)) went to Panhala. Well! I got a guide free of cost now. Ha ha! He too was despo for me to visit his place once so that we can have good time exploring places nearby on bike.
On reaching Panhala, gave visit to couple of places like fort, park and few view points. My bro constantly kept on saying that “You have seen so many beautiful Hills. Am sure this wouldn’t have caught your eyes so much!” Man! How can this be true? Every place has its own beauty and nature. It won’t be proper to compare one with other. I don’t know what he thought. But I have enjoyed all the places till now including Panhala :). Oh Man! It’s already 12:15 PM. Came to Kolhapur town and had “Misal”. I had one when I was in Pune but he told its well known as “Kolhapur Misal”. Well! I dint know that. But as far as snack in concerned, in Kolhapur Misal, they server bread and not pav and it will be full spicy too :). Anyways enjoyed both tastes and came back to the lodge. Packed my stuffs and went to sister’s place for lunch. Oh Man! Is this the last time I will be visiting her place??? I was made to eat till my neck! The food was yummy but eating it till neck was too much for anyone I guess. Came back and checked out from lodge by 3:25 PM and bull is back on road now.
NH-4 was good enough to cruise at 80’s. Crossed Nippani in 50 mins and took a right deviation to Goa via Amboli. Oh Man! What a road!!! It was just a mess skipping potholes. Bull is making sound from everywhere. 60 Kms ride from NH-4 deviation was a hell for both (RedBull and me) of us. Nearing to Amboli, the road turns out better. But my bag was about to fall down. Stopped and tied it again. Oh Man! It’s getting late boy :(! Tied it again and road ahead but had to stop in few Kms as it was nice view point of entire Amboli ghat. Took a snap and road ahead so that I can reach NH-17 before its dark. That’s when I started cruising at 60’s even in twisties. Enjoyed my ride but was constantly getting disturbed by insects getting into my eyes. Can’t cover helmet shield since it was of black glass. Finally am at NH-17 by 7:00 PM. Still 60+ Kms to run today. Again started biking at 70’s and reached Panaji by 8:00 PM. But felt bad that I missed lot of beautiful scene of Konkan coast as it was dark :(. Took a deviation to Anjuna beach and ended up in Calangute. As these beaches were close by, looked out for a lodge in Calangute and got a very comfy one for 1000 bux. Got fresh and walked to beach side with loads of calls to buddies. Came back to Sagar pure veg restaurant for dinner and Man! What a quality and taste I should say??? Just amazing it was. Got back to beach side again and had strawberry shake in a shack relaxing myself. Well! It was Manoj’s birthday today and called him up to wish and also to remind him of our last year tour to Goa. Now what else can I do than closing my account for the day???
Enroute Panhala
Posing at some Fort in Panhala...
One corner of the Fort
Poser cousin of mine
Now why not me???
Cousin in action!
Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai!!!
We both at the entrance of a park
Ducks in Park
He was scared to sit on my Bull!
Oh! My bag is about to fall :(
Sunset at Amboli!Day-11: 29th December 2009, Goa – Kumta, 3460 Kms
Oh Man! Am not able to get up early these days. Anyways I don’t have to bother a lot about it in Goa as nothing would start early here. Took my sweet time to get fresh and am out for the day by 9:00 AM. Gave a walk to Calangute beach and its fully empty. Hardly any shops opened yet. And my yummy Sagar veg is also closed. Man! What shall I do for breakfast now??? Decided to have it somewhere on the way and in few meters saw a board Udupi Krishna Hotel. Well! Was that hotel mine??? I dint know this!!! Anyways had breakfast there along with few Tulu conversations with supervisor there and departed to Old Goa.
Oh Man! Am not able to get up early these days. Anyways I don’t have to bother a lot about it in Goa as nothing would start early here. Took my sweet time to get fresh and am out for the day by 9:00 AM. Gave a walk to Calangute beach and its fully empty. Hardly any shops opened yet. And my yummy Sagar veg is also closed. Man! What shall I do for breakfast now??? Decided to have it somewhere on the way and in few meters saw a board Udupi Krishna Hotel. Well! Was that hotel mine??? I dint know this!!! Anyways had breakfast there along with few Tulu conversations with supervisor there and departed to Old Goa.
Had planned to stay in Goa so that I can visit famous churches in Old Goa. Not for 2B’s (Babes and Beaches) as I had seen them all last time. Oh! I haven’t included one more B – Bear as I am non-alcoholic :). Thought reaching Old Goa will consume an hour but reached there in less than 40 mins. Man! It’s pretty close to Panaji! Got the directions to Old Goa churches easily from localities and am over there. Once again the flood of clicks flows. Gave a visit to both the churches (one built with laterite stone-donno its name and Se Cathedral opposite to it). Man! So cool they are from inside and surroundings. It was free of crowd too as I had gone pretty early :). Got loads of clicks and I saw a huge tower at a distance behind Se Cathedral! My colleague Suneet had told me about a huge old tower. Is this the one he was talking about??? Anyways got interested in exploring it and got there in no time. Yeah! This was the one he was talking about. It’s St. Augustine Tower. Got few shots of it too :). Wow! It’s just 10:00 AM and am done with churches. Now what else than beaches??? Got back to Anjuna in few mins and relaxed in a shack with thick shake. No words for the bikinis here :). Also gave visit to Baga Beach and relaxed for more than hour. Got back to Sagar veg now. Had quality food and back to lodge to pack my luggage and hit some distance in bull enjoying Konkan Coast.
Said Good Bye to Goa and Bull is on NH-17 now. It was around 2:30 PM by the time I was out of Panaji and it was around 5:30 PM by the time I saw the board saying “Welcome to Karnataka”. Cool Man! Am back on state :). Boy oh Boy! How to explain the beauty of Konkan Coast??? Am falling short of words now. Too good it was with greens everywhere and loads of small bridges. Lot of rivers flowing you see. Couldn’t help myself stopping at few places for pic session. After riding for more than 60 Kms, gave a tea break and mean while called Colleague Francis for his updates on plan for the day. It was around 45 Kms to Gokarna. He told he has booked lodge in Kumta as there aren’t good lodges available in Gokarna. As Kumta was just 20 Kms from Gokarna, I had not problem and got back on bike to hit Kumta. Reached Kumta by 8:00 PM and was welcomed by Francis to the lodge. It was very comfy room I got for just 260 bux. So economic man I got it for :)! Loved it. Got fresh and after few mins of relaxing, rushed to a comfy restaurant beside NH-17 and got our tummy filled there. Post dinner, we dint get back to lodge. But instead one full round to the Kumta town with Francis explaining lot of places he had good time till today. It was 11:30 PM when we came back to lodge and he left to his house and I got crashed. Man! Tomorrow I will be running to my sweet home in Udupi :).
Lazy Calangute in the morning
Old Goa Church from outside
This is how it is from Inside
Lighting candles on this church
Infront of Se Cathedral
Inner view now
One more of inner view
St. Augustine Tower
Some gyan of the tower!
One more of the same
Happening Anjuna Beach
Last 3 digit remaining to hit my sweet home :)
Back in the state now!
One of the loads of bridges on NH-17Day-12: 30th December 2009, Kumta – Udupi, 3707 Kms
Got up by 7:00 AM and plan for the day was to visit Om Beach first and then some local sightseeing till NOON. In the entire trip, switched on the TV for the first time in morning and what a bad news :( ??? My favourite actor in Kannada, the “Sahasa Simha” (Brave Lion) is no more :( :( :(. Kannada film industry lost another legend. Felt bad but can’t do anything. Its fate for everyone one or the other day. Anyways got fresh and back on my shoes. Called up Francis and he dint pick the call. Still sleeping like a buffalo??? Yeah I guess. Later he calls up at 8:30 odd inviting me for breakfast. Okie! His house was hardly 200 metres from lodge and am at his place in no time. Copied few movies from his laptop and had breakfast. All nice dishes along with few Christmas snacks. Man! All were tasty but how can I have everything as much as I wanted at one shot??? But tasted all the stuffs and after a strict warning to Francis from his mom about not getting down in beach, we are off to Om Beach in Gokarna.
Got up by 7:00 AM and plan for the day was to visit Om Beach first and then some local sightseeing till NOON. In the entire trip, switched on the TV for the first time in morning and what a bad news :( ??? My favourite actor in Kannada, the “Sahasa Simha” (Brave Lion) is no more :( :( :(. Kannada film industry lost another legend. Felt bad but can’t do anything. Its fate for everyone one or the other day. Anyways got fresh and back on my shoes. Called up Francis and he dint pick the call. Still sleeping like a buffalo??? Yeah I guess. Later he calls up at 8:30 odd inviting me for breakfast. Okie! His house was hardly 200 metres from lodge and am at his place in no time. Copied few movies from his laptop and had breakfast. All nice dishes along with few Christmas snacks. Man! All were tasty but how can I have everything as much as I wanted at one shot??? But tasted all the stuffs and after a strict warning to Francis from his mom about not getting down in beach, we are off to Om Beach in Gokarna.
We hit NH-17 in few mins and took it cool more like a relaxing ride. On the way, he told there is a Fort if you want to check out and am always game for it :). Took left deviation at Mirjan and got into the fort in no time. It’s called Mirjan Fort and Francis told it was built by Tipu Sultan. Who knows he said it correct :). Anyways the fort was beautiful one. Thought it wasn’t huge, but cool one for sure. Fully surrounded by green fields of the village. Man! Perfect one for relaxing I can say. Got our part of the clicks and continued to Om Beach. On the way gave couple of pic stops so that I can capture as much greens as possible in my lens. Reached Om Beach by 11:00 AM and found it beauty from the top. Man! It’s really cool and calm. Not crowded as I had thought. Spent some quality time chit chatting and with photo session.
Now whats next? Am I done with Kumta too??? Think so. So got back to lodge and on the way Francis told he will show few more local spots where he hangs out with his friends during holidays. All right! Packed my stuffs and had lunch in the hotel near to lodge. It was 2:30 PM by the time we quite Kumta. Started off towards Udupi on NH-17 and on the way gave a visit to remote place named “Ramana Gundi”. He told not many people know this place but I wondered are these locals dumb to ignore such a cool place? Man! Coastal beauty is very different and attractive I should say. It was a small hill top below which is the beach. So you can imagine the silent breeze, no other sound than of the waves, and if you open your eyes, it’s full of green all around. Miss such places in Bangalore very badly :(. After few clicks we are off to another place which was a beach but could very nice view of a small island. He told we can go to that island next time might be. Hope to visit his place ASAP then :). Very beautiful it was and all the places were free of crowd which made it more beautiful. After bidding byes to Francis continued.
Enjoyed cruising at 70’s and reached Murudeshwar by 4:00 PM taking it easy. Took the snap of huge Shiva idol from NH-17 as I dint want to get inside the town and continued. Was eager to visit Vattinene you see. Got to the place and took right turn and total remote place. Yeah! It’s again the place on hill top where the mind blowing view of beach could be found at the bottom. One more speciality of this place is one can also see how River connects to Sea. Hardly found anyone there except a person who collects entry tickets. Got few shots of myself posing and Konkan beauty. Spent some time and Oh Man! It’s getting dark already. Back to cruise now. Final two digit Kms to reach sweet home :). Wow! Pretty excited. Road till Maravante and gave a tea break. It was very nice to sit there on rocks and drink tea eyeing at the sea. It was almost 6:30 PM when I quite the place and again cruising at 60’s. Reached Kundapur in some time and against my wish, the road turns good one. Not GQ kinda, but not WQ too :). It was easy to maintain 60’s in that road and reached Kalyanpur by 7:30 PM and called my sis-in-law and superstar down to take the snap. After a snap with superstar, reached Robosoft and gave a call to Manoj. He came out of the office and after spending good amount of time speaking to him and Viji, reached home by 8:30 PM and could see blushing face of my mom and dad. They might have taken long breath that I have reached safe from the day 1 of my itenary. Now what else one will do after reaching sweet home from a long ride??? Spent a quality time with parents, bro, sis-in-law and superstar-Chintu. Had yummy mom cooked food and crashed for the day. Next few days would be at home relaxing before I depart to my last long ride of this itenary.
Empty streets of Kumta as viewed from room terrace
At the entrace of Mirjan Fort
Francis and me inside the Fort
A view from the Fort
These kids have to walk for miles to their schools like this!
Howz that???
He was crazy to click this snap!!!
Very close to Om Beach. But its the one in background...
Francis in action now!
Beauty of Om Beach
The dude again!!!
He was very active and was constructing a sand bridge to store water...
The cute one!!!
Pose from Ramana Gundi
This is the Island I might visit when I go to Kumta next time!
View from Vattinene
A Marvelous view from Vattinene
Bull at a break in Maravante Beach
3 Idiots :)
With buddy Manoj infront of his office.Day-13, 14, 15: 31st December 2009, 1st & 2nd January 2010, In Udupi, 3897 Kms
Three days I spent completely with my family and friends without even a single snap and just roaming here and there. Wanted to celebrate new year at Bittu Da Dabha between Udupi and Mangalore at Mulki with Manoj but since it was a eclipse night, plan got cancelled and ended up celebrating with a cosy bed and blanket :). New Year plan got cancelled but no one can stop us from visiting Bittu Da Dabha. Gave a visit on Friday late evening there and had the most delicious food I have tasted ever. Man! No words for the taste. I go crazy for Masala Rice and Lassi there. There is not even a single item which doesn’t taste good. Ok Okie! I won’t explain more now. Or else I will start missing it right now.
Three days I spent completely with my family and friends without even a single snap and just roaming here and there. Wanted to celebrate new year at Bittu Da Dabha between Udupi and Mangalore at Mulki with Manoj but since it was a eclipse night, plan got cancelled and ended up celebrating with a cosy bed and blanket :). New Year plan got cancelled but no one can stop us from visiting Bittu Da Dabha. Gave a visit on Friday late evening there and had the most delicious food I have tasted ever. Man! No words for the taste. I go crazy for Masala Rice and Lassi there. There is not even a single item which doesn’t taste good. Ok Okie! I won’t explain more now. Or else I will start missing it right now.
Day-16: 3rd January 2010, Udupi – Bangalore, 4328 Kms
Previous day got my packing completely done and Man! Do I really have to depart to Bangalore??? No mood at all :(. Donno why does these holidays come to an end so soon! Got up at 3:30 AM and said good bye by 4:45 AM. Initially took constantly at 70’s till Mangalore and thankfully the road was good enough to keep my speed constantly. As soon I took left turn to Bangalore and hit NH-48, things changed drastically. Both road quality and weather. Man! It’s pretty chilled and road is full of huge pot holes. The road work here never ends. After crossing Bantwal, started yawning like I haven’t slept for weeks. Boy! Whats wrong??? But dint want to give a break so soon and hit 115 Kms non-stop after which thought giving a break would be better before hitting Shiradi Ghat very well known for bad roads. Saw an electric pole lying down on road side and dint give second thought. Stopped my bike and slept there for 15 mins. Man! Am gone crazy. After a small nap, hit the twisties full of bad patches but dint find it hard as I knew this well in advance. So was prepared for it.
Reached Sakleshpur by 8:50 AM and breakfast time. Took my own time to grab a bite and am back on road again by 9:30 AM. Started of riding at 80’s and damn its getting very much bored :(. Man! Whats wrong today? Why so drowsy am feeling??? After crossing Hassan, feeling sleepy again. Boy! Donno what the heck is problem with me. Can’t control my sleep. Again took my bike to some shadows few Kms before Chanrayapatna and slept for 15 mins in a school compound :). What else to do. Don’t want to ride in a sleepy mode. Might be am bored with this route as I have gone in this route lot of times. After a nap, back again with a mind set of no more breaks and yawns. It was almost 12 by then and started up speeding a bit so that I can hit my home ASAP. Crossed Kunigal and reached Nelamangala by 1:00 PM and took NICE road to reach home.
After 16 days of absconding, am back to Bangalore covering 4328 Kms including loads of fun, expedition, thrill, passion and memories which might erase from everywhere but not from my mind :). Hell lot of fun and adventure I got to see in this itenary. Man! Solo trip is really amazing. Soon should plan for my next run. But where is the big Question????? But will run away somewhere for sure. So........
The Journey continues :) :) :)!!!!!
The Journey continues :) :) :)!!!!!
Complete album? Maharastra, Goa & Karnataka
All in One...
