[achyu]

It has been a little over a month since my BattleCat, the Mahindra XUV5OO, came home. My ownership thread can be viewed here.

The itch to take the beast on to the highway for a long drive, and use that as an excuse to take the family on a vacation, has been on for a while. We had made plans to go on this trip during the Dusshera holidays but a sudden business travel had forced me to postpone the journey. And so, the three days before Diwali was chosen - November 7th, 8th and 9th.

The family had wanted to visit the temples at Dharmasthala and Udupi as it had been a few years since the last time we were there. Kukke and Moogambika (Kollur) were the other two temples that we had considered but decided to drop them as I felt we couldn't accommodate them in the schedule - I wanted us to head on to Murudeshwar to visit the temple there and spend some time at the beach. Gokarna, being close to Murudeshwar, was a no-brainer and was decided to be the starting point of our journey back home. I wanted us to do the return leg through a different route and so chose to drive to the Jog falls and visit the wildlife sanctuary at Shimoga before heading back to Bangalore.

And thus, the itinerary was finalized.
Day 1: Start by 5am. Drive down to Dharmasthala and then head to Udupi. Spend the night at Udupi.
Day 2: Drive to Murudeshwar and spend the entire day there.
Day 3: Start early for Gokarna. Head next to Jog. Try and reach Shimoga early in the afternoon to visit the sanctuary. Leave for Bangalore by 5.30pm. We decided to cut short the wildlife sanctuary visit in case we ran out of time.

There was something in it for everyone - beautiful temples for the elders, awesome beaches and water sports for the youngsters, breathtaking views for everyone and, for me, a scenic drive on open roads, through the ghats and along the seaside. Bookings were made and bags were packed.

Route taken:
Day 1:Bangalore-Nelamangala-Hassan-Sakleshpur-Dharmasthala-Ujire-Belthangady-Guruvayanakere-Naravi-Nitte-Belman-Udupi
Day 2: Udupi-via the Edapally-Pavavel Highway-Murudeshwar
Day 3: Murudeshwar-via Edapally-Panavel Highway-Gokarna-Honnavar-Jog-Sagar-Shimoga-Kadur-Arsikere-Tumkur-Bangalore

A big shout out to friend and fellow BHPian, Parag Sachania, for helping me decide the best route to Udupi.

There were six adults and one child on-board. I was the only driver and kept it sedate between 70 and 110 kmpl for most parts, never crossing 3000 rpm. We covered 1130 kms over the three days and reached home last night at 12.30 AM. The roads, all through the journey, ranged from decent to pretty awesome.

Day 1: Dharmasthala and Udupi

The Cheetah had its tummy filled up (full tank at the Shell outlet near home) the previous night. The plan was to start at 5AM. But then, getting everyone ready early in the morning and leaving on time was never really going to happen. We left at 6AM!

In a way, the late start proved to be good as we reached Hotel Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Udayapura, at 8.15AM - perfectly in time for breakfast. There are two other options next door - Aadyas and Kamat. We chose A2B because the family has always been a fan! On a drive to Chennai or Kerala, see an A2B on the way - hey lets stop for some coffee and may be some masala dosa and vada. Bored of cooking at home - hey lets buy the mini meals from A2B, don't forget some kara bath!




This one is a relatively new outlet and the staff were seen taking special care of each customer entering the restaurant. Food was good, typical A2B.



We left A2B at 9.15AM. The roads to Udayapura are awesome (NH 48) and the ones beyond Udayapura are as beautiful if not more.














The roads, as you reach Dharmasthala from Gundiya and as you leave Dharmasthala for Ujire, had some bad patches but nothing to get worried about.

Reached the Dharmasthala temple at 12.30PM.




Not too many people there, probably because Diwali is around the corner. Had lovely Darshan, finished lunch and left for Udupi at 2.15PM.

The roads after Ujire were quite scenic and we continued soaking them all in as we drove along.














We reached Udupi at 4.30PM and checked into Hotel Kediyoor. This hotel is recommended by fellow BHPians, has free parking and our stay there was comfortable. Here is the link to their website.
We spent the next hour or so stretching our legs, relaxing and freshening up. At 6PM, we headed to the Sri Krishna temple.








The darshan at the Krishna temple was very good. Next, we dined at Hotel Woodlands which is just a five minute walk from the temple. They serve good food and this was the second time that we have eaten there. After dinner, we decided to call it a day and headed back to the hotel for some well earned sleep.

[achyu]

Day 2 began with a beautiful view of the sunrise at Udupi.




We got ready for the next leg of our trip and went to the vegetarian restaurant on the ground floor for breakfast. Nice ambiance, very good food and easy on the pocket - perfect combination!

It was now on to the Kochi-Panavel Highway all the way to Murudeshwar. There is some road work on and the ride was slightly bumpy. Nevertheless, some of the views were mind blowing.






On the way, we stopped at Trasi beach for some coconut water. Got some nice clicks here as well.











The roads improved and the wonderful views continued.








We reached Murudeshwar at 10.15AM and went straight to the temple. Blown away by the scenes there. The place, is by and large, kept clean and is very well maintained. Lots of foreigners were seen thronging the area.





The Gopuram - retro style!










View from atop the Gopuram










BattleCat patiently waiting for us to finish having our fun


The Murudeshwar beach - quite inviting!


We had booked rooms online at RNS Residency. Here is the link to their website. This is easily the best hotel at Murudeshwar with comfortable sea-facing rooms, free parking and complimentary yet sumptuous buffet breakfast.



View from the hotel's entrance


View from our balcony




BattleCat seen resting, done with his day's prowl.

[achyu]

We had lunch at the Sea Lounge restaurant on the ground floor at RNS Residency. Good vegetarian restaurant. The buffet breakfast is served here as well.

Soon it was time to hit the beach and get on to a boat.









Footsy time!


As the sun began to set at Murudeshwar












After a long day filled with much fun, we had dinner at Sea lounge and retired to our rooms.

[achyu]

Would love waking up every morning to a view like this:



We had breakfast at 7.30AM, checked out and left for Gokarna at 8.30AM. On the way, I refueled at the IOC pump on the Kochi-Panavel highway, 0.5 Kms away from the left turn that takes you to Murudeshwar.

Usually, Gokarna to me is synonymous with beach but this time around, we were going there specifically to worship Lord Shiva's Atmalinga. Since we left Murudeshwar at 8.30, we were pretty sure that it will be at least 11AM by the time we leave Gokarna. Our plan to visit the wildlife sanctuary at Shimoga was increasingly looking unlikely.

The road to Gokarna is the same Kochi-Panavel highway.




We reached Gokarna at 10AM and got started with all the pooja and offerings. My daughter refused to walk and wanted me to carry her all around. I think all the driving and exertion from the past two days, combined with carrying my kid around for an hour and half, hurt my back a bit. I recovered rather quickly but in that moment I forgot to click photos!

We left Gokarna at 11.30AM. Next stop Jog falls.

We stopped for lunch at Kamat Executive Inn. This is at Honnavur, near the left turn that puts you on NH 206.


The roads were okay


till we reached this stretch. For a few kilometers, two vehicles, no matter the size, going past each other was a real squeeze.


But it got better


and even better


and view on both sides were heavenly




This route really is a biker's paradise. Saw plenty of them on it.



We arrived at Jog at 2.30PM. Not much water these days but there is enough there to keep you captivated.










Saw plenty of monkeys. One jumped on to the roof of my BattleCat and gave me a mini heart-attack.


We left Jog at 3.15PM. So, Shimoga was only going to be a stop for refreshments. The route via Sagar is very good. The roads are excellent and scenic.








If the road to Jog was a biker's paradise, this one has got to be a cow's! We saw plenty (plenty is actually an understatement!) of them.


and some more


and more (the guy was happy to pose )


and some goats!


We reached Shimoga at 5.30PM - the time we had originally planned to leave from there. We stopped at Ashoka Grand. Had coffee and snacks. Food was decent and the bathrooms clean. They also have lodging. Looking at how the place is being maintained, I think it will be a good option for people who are looking to stay overnight at Shimoga.


We left the place at 6.15PM for our final leg of the trip. The road to Tumkur is decent except for a bumpy stretch near Tarikere. It had started raining very heavily. The depression in the Bay of Bengal had meant that the Southern part of the country witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall for a few days. The rains and poor visibility meant that the going was slow. A note of caution - there are no decent restaurants on this route except for a Cafe Coffee Day after Arsikere, as far as I can remember. We stopped for dinner at Kamat Upachar, about 60 Kms from Bangalore. It was the only viable option.

The total toll fee that we paid:
Onward:
1. Bangalore To Nelamangala: Rs.20
2. Nelamangala to Kunigal: Rs.41
3. Kunigal to DEvihalli: Rs.41
4. Devihalli to Hassan TP01: Rs.40
5. Devihalli to Hassan TP02: Rs.30
Total: Rs.172
Return:
1. Tumkur to Nelamangala: Rs.17
2. Nelamangala to Bangalore: Rs.20
Total: Rs: 37

We finally reached home at 12.30AM to end a short yet memorable holiday and a satisfying drive. The Cat had behaved well for most parts and this was the first of many that it will embark on. Thank you for reading. Hope this proves useful to you.

BattleCat, now, resting in his den after his first real tryst with the wild

[Aditya]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Travelogues Section. Thanks for sharing!

[Indian]

Awesome Achyu, details are captured nicely. Can you tell what was the FE you got?

BTW, from Shimoga, you could've also taken NH4 near Chitradurga (via Channagiri). Chitradurga is about 100 Kms from Shimoga and from there NH4. Although distance is bit more, I guess it would have saved some time?

[Vik0728]

Originally Posted by achyu

BattleCat, now, resting in his den after his first real tryst with the wild

Wonderful descriptive travelogue achyu and really cool pics

Your 'BattleCat' seems to have stretched his legs on this drive and you must have loved every single bit of it.

Wish you many more mile munching and a very happy motoring bro.

[achyu]

Originally Posted by Indian

Awesome Achyu, details are captured nicely. Can you tell what was the FE you got?

BTW, from Shimoga, you could've also taken NH4 near Chitradurga (via Channagiri). Chitradurga is about 100 Kms from Shimoga and from there NH4. Although distance is bit more, I guess it would have saved some time?

Thanks Indian (Vikram)! Vik0728 is also Vikram . I was initially getting 14 kmpl but by the end of the trip it settled at 13 kmpl.

I did consider the Chitradurga route but as you said, it is slightly longer, it has more tolls and due to the rains, I somehow felt most commuters would be using that route. I had read that the road via Tumkur is pretty decent except for a few rough patches. Hence picked this route. The traffic was continuously moving, hardly any tolls, didn't have to wait anywhere whatsoever - a blessing when in rain. Will probably try the Chitradurga route the next time.

Originally Posted by Vik0728

Wonderful descriptive travelogue achyu and really cool pics

Your 'BattleCat' seems to have stretched his legs on this drive and you must have loved every single bit of it.

Wish you many more mile munching and a very happy motoring bro.

Thanks Vikram. Loved every bit of the drive. I have kept it as detailed as possible. Hope you have everything you need for your Dharmasthala trip. Cheers.

[paragsachania]

Lovely Travelogue Acyu - Clap Clap!

Now were are the pics from Nitte - Padubidre stretch?

I am sure your Battlecat loved every bit of it.

I returned from my marathon trip yesterday night and logged into the forum to check updates and I noticed this. Glad that you had a nice trip. Keep them happening regularly and keep munching miles.

[achyu]

Originally Posted by paragsachania

Lovely Travelogue Acyu - Clap Clap!

Now were are the pics from Nitte - Padubidre stretch?

I am sure your Battlecat loved every bit of it.

I returned from my marathon trip yesterday night and logged into the forum to check updates and I noticed this. Glad that you had a nice trip. Keep them happening regularly and keep munching miles.

Thanks so much Parag. Hope you had a great Diwali and a wonderful trip to your sister's.

I think the photo just before the Kediyoor hotel one in the first post is just before the Nitte-Padubidre stretch. It was that time of the afternoon when lunch was done, roads were smooth and people in the car were relaxed and fast asleep . I didn't want to stop the car and risk waking them up. Also didn't want to take my hand of the steering wheel to click a photo. So I continued driving and soaked them all in

[adu]

Originally Posted by achyu

Would love waking up every morning to a view like this:

Awesome travelogue Achyu, giving it 5 stars!

[S2!!!]

Lovely travelogue achyu

Originally Posted by achyu

[/b][/i]There were six adults and one child on-board. I was the only driver and kept it sedate between 70 and 110 kmpl for most parts, never crossing 3000 rpm. We covered 1130 kms over the three days and reached home last night at 12.30 AM. The roads, all through the journey, ranged from decent to pretty awesome.

You must have really created some kind of record there, isn't it? On a more serious note, seems like your Battletank managed to carry all the passenger in good comfort over the 1,130 km journey. A friend inspired by some of the travelogues on Team-BHP, actually rented out an XUV500 for a road trip from Mumbai to Rajasthan with 6 on board. Although they were skeptical about the space in the third row initially, at the end of the journey all the passengers were happy they chose the XUV500 over the Scorpio with a side-facing third row.

[achyu]

Originally Posted by adu

Awesome travelogue Achyu, giving it 5 stars!

Thanks so much, adu! Super glad you liked it.

Originally Posted by S2!!!

Lovely travelogue achyu

You must have really created some kind of record there, isn't it?

Hehehe. Didn't you know, the New Age XUV gives slightly better mileage .
Good catch. I missed it while proof reading my post and it was too late by the time I noticed the blunder. Should have been kmph.

Thanks so much for the compliment, S2!!!.

On a more serious note, seems like your Battletank managed to carry all the passenger in good comfort over the 1,130 km journey. A friend inspired by some of the travelogues on Team-BHP, actually rented out an XUV500 for a road trip from Mumbai to Rajasthan with 6 on board. Although they were skeptical about the space in the third row initially, at the end of the journey all the passengers were happy they chose the XUV500 over the Scorpio with a side-facing third row.

Not surprised one bit. It's really not all that bad especially if you have medium sized adults in your group. As a driver, all you need to do is be conscious that there are passengers seated in the third row, try and keep it relatively smooth so that the jerks don't hit them hard.

[Titanium]

Nice travelogue, Achyu Beautiful pictures and you've captured the moments right. Being a frequent visitor to Murudeshwar, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your travelogue. You've explained everything in detail. Visit Jog falls during the monsoon, you'll get to experience the captivating view of the waterfalls, Mother Nature at her best. Nothing matches her beauty.
Could you please tell me, if the roads( NH206 ) from Honnavara to Jog falls are in good condition ? You've mentioned that it is very narrow for some distance. I've driven to Jog falls a year back in the same route and I loved the picturesque roads but that was in a hatchback. Do you think driving in the TUV would be difficult(due to narrow roads) on that stretch ? In that case, I'll have to take the Mlore-Bhatkal-Siddapur-Jog falls route. I look forward to read more travelogues from you. Happy travelling !!

[achyu]

Originally Posted by Titanium

Nice travelogue, Achyu Beautiful pictures and you've captured the moments right.
Could you please tell me, if the roads( NH206 ) from Honnavara to Jog falls are in good condition ? You've mentioned that it is very narrow for some distance. I've driven to Jog falls a year back in the same route and I loved the picturesque roads but that was in a hatchback. Do you think driving in the TUV would be difficult(due to narrow roads) on that stretch ? In that case, I'll have to take the Mlore-Bhatkal-Siddapur-Jog falls route. I look forward to read more travelogues from you. Happy travelling !!

Thanks so much, Titanium!

My wife and I plan to visit Jog during the next monsoon to see it in full glory. Thumbs up to that.

I would definitely recommend the NH206 route to Jog. Yes, there is a stretch that is narrow but it is short enough to NOT put you off. I drove through that stretch on a Monday and there weren't many vehicles on the road that day. As long as the opposite car's driver is sane, you shouldn't have too much trouble. My XUV and a Duster coming in opposite direction were able to negotiate the squeeze with a little bit of "off-roading" . I think you will be fine with your tank. For all you know, the car driving towards you will stop to give way and salute you as you pass . TUV = Respect!

That stretch apart, there is so much beauty on that road that it is difficult to ignore.