[paragsachania]

Originally Posted by Freebird82

Thanks. Plan is to mostly lounge around in a resort with quick visits to Mullayangiri and Kemmangundi

Roads leading to both these places will not be in good shape or rather, these places may be inaccessible in general due to the rains in the last few months.

[ThilakNex]

Big thanks to @dailydriver with the suggestions of whom and with the bit of research on the internet and Google maps, we did the wonderful road trip of this year to Chikmagalur.

This time I and my wife decided to go to Chikmagalur but not to the regular places like Mullayyanagiri, Hebbe falls, Kemmannugundi or Bababudangiri.
We planned for a quick visit on the weekend. From our previous visits, we had a fair idea of narrow hill roads at Chikmagalur and the chaos created by tourist vehicles.

So this time the plan was to drive till Chikmagaluru from Bengaluru and then rent a two-wheeler there for the local rides. Wanted to rent a RE Himalayan but due to non-availability had to settle for Activa 5g
But it never disappointed us during our 2 days 200+ km run within interior and few difficult stretches too.

We took below route to reach Chikmagalur
Bengaluru > Tumakuru > Tipaturu > Banavara > Javagal (To visit spectacular Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy temple) > Belavadi > Kalasapura > Magadi Handpost > Chikmagalur

Note: Never ever try Tumakru bypass road as it is in a complete mess and doesn't seem to get ready for at least next 6 months. Belavadi > Kalasapura > Magadi Handpost is real fun to drive road with complete peace of mind.

After completing hotel check-in at Chikmagalur town and getting the rented scooter we headed towards Hirekolale lake which is around 10 km from the town.
Spending around 30 mins there we rode towards Mallanduru Sunset point (As marked in the map), later came to know that it is actually Mallandur shooting point.

We took Chikkakolale > Kabbinahalli > Ulluvagilu > Jakkanahalli > Mallanduru to reach the spot. This route is super scenic and a must-try.

Spent that evening at calm and quiet Mallandur shooting point and took back Mallandur road to get back to town.

I have attempted to capture the beauty of this ride here even though it doesn't make full justification, enthus can take a look...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK6PjxxDOtQ

[NPV]

Originally Posted by paragsachania

Given the current condition of roads inside Hassan City, best is to take the longer route which is peaceful and adds extra 5 minutes to overall time to get out of the city peacefully.

On my way back from Sringeri, stopped at Hotel Raama for lunch. I was told by the staff there that the road towards end of Hassan bypass (Shown in Parag's post on right pane of the image attached in his post) is closed for road work now, so I took the Gorur Road as shown here - turn right at the big junction after Hotel Raama and then left at the NH 75 towards Bangalore. So I guess, for now this is a good option for those wanting to go towards Belur or returning from Belur via the Thanneruhalla junction.

The concrete work on the SH 57 main road in front of Hotel Raama is complete, the junction of Gorur road is yet to be asphalted, but after that the Gorur road leading back to NH 75 junction is fine except for a couple of places where it a bit rough but definitely manageable.

Here is a pic of what I just mentioned.

[dsnaveen21]

Guys,

Need help: Planning to go Chikmagalur, Karnataka in the 3rd week of Dec.

From Belgaum should i use
Belgaum - Davanagere -Channagiri - Ajjampur - Kapur - Chikmagalur.

Is the road conditions good, car is Civic.

Thanks,

[procrj]

Originally Posted by dsnaveen21

Chikmagalur

Hubli - Davangere is a painful drive thanks to all the deviations because of road construction.

If you want a peaceful and relatively comfortable drive to Chikkamagaluru, I would suggest you take
Hubli - Tadas - Hangal - Soraba - Sagara - Shimoga - Tarikere - Lingadahalli - Chikkamagaluru
- A friend drove from Hubli - Sagara a few months ago and was able to comfortably do the same in 2.5 hrs with a break inbetween.
- Sagara - Shimoga is butter smooth and take about an hour.
- Shimoga - Lingadahalli - Chikkamagaluru is easily doable in 3 to 3.5hrs of driving.

You could also do Hangal - Shikaripura - Shimoga but I am not sure about road conditions between Shikaripura - Shimoga.

[aroonanand]

hi all - wanted expert views on the best route to do Bangalore - Chikmagalur; plan is to start from Whitefield around 6-630 AM with the intent to reaching Chikmagalur by 2-3 PM, which includes a quick visit to Shravanabelagola.

Planning to do this trip during the Christmas break on my Nissan Sunny. I have never driven on this side and hence would appreciate any inputs on road conditions, detours to take to avoid bad roads as well as places to eat on the highway. Thanks much !

[procrj]

Originally Posted by aroonanand

Bangalore - Chikmagalur

Google maps should take you down the right roads. Standard route is Nelamangala - Hassan - Belur - CKM. 6 Lane till Hassan post which its good 2L roads. My preferred pit stops are:
1. Swati Delicacy, after Kunigal
2. A2B Udayapura

[ThilakNex]

For anyone planning to visit Devaramane of Mudigere from Bangalore, here is the latest road update. I have covered both the routes to reach Devaramane. ie: From Mudigere hand post and from Banakal.
Personally I feel stretch from Banakal to Devaramane is in good condition and is great fun to drive.
Have a look and decide it yourself:

http://youtu.be/4xLEXRE9qAg

[dailydriver]

CHIKKAMAGALURU HABBA 2020

Chikkamagaluru district administration is holding a three day cultural festival from 28-02-2020 to 01-03-2020.



The events planned include a range of cultural extravaganza, local food festival, indigenous games, helicopter and glider rides, film shows etc.

More importantly, a kite flying competition and athletic events in farm sludge (ಕೆಸರು ಗದ್ದೆ) are being organized tomorrow => 23-02-2020.

The former will be held at IDSG Government College and the latter at Nallur.

If you are in Chikkamagaluru during the said times, have a go at these events.

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted by dailydriver

CHIKKAMAGALURU HABBA 2020

If you are in Chikkamagaluru this weekend, you are in for a proper feast - in every sense of the word.

Water Sports: Nallur Lake
Paragliding: AIT grounds
Helicopter ride - Chikkamagaluru Darshan:IDSG College grounds
Dance Festival: Kuvempu Kalamandira
Cultural Events: District Field
Food Festival: Roads adjoining District Field
Film Festival: Nagalaxmi & Milan theatres

[paragsachania]

Travel advisory in case anyone has planned to visit even from a non tourist perspective.


I was there 3 weeks before visiting my folks when cases in Bangalore were under control.

Later Bangalore started to witness a spike and it is when there was a meeting held by the Homestay and hotel owners with Administrative officials and they seem to have taken this decision.

Source: WhatsApp.

But seems like this one is from ToI that I don't subscribe. However, hearing recent developments from my folks here, I will blindly believe this piece of news.

[Alchemist]

Originally Posted by paragsachania

Travel advisory in case anyone has planned to visit even from a non tourist perspective.

Thanks @paragsachania for this news bit. I was planning a drive this weekend (23rd Aug) to Chikmagalur and Im wondering if this is still the situation. Would you or anyone here have any further information to share.

[paragsachania]

Originally Posted by Alchemist

Thanks @paragsachania for this news bit. I was planning a drive this weekend (23rd Aug) to Chikmagalur and Im wondering if this is still the situation. Would you or anyone here have any further information to share.

Situation is back normal. In fact, I drove 3 weeks before with parents and everything was slowly limping back to normalcy though the tourist crowd wasn't in typical numbers as before.

Hence, nothing to worry.

[Ragul]

Hey Folks
I am heading to Goa via Chikmagaluru - Jog Falls mid-week next. The plan is to have an overnight stay here then another overnight stay around Jog falls before hitting Palolem (or maybe do Jog falls overnight on return trip). So I have some questions about road conditions and scenic spots to stop and go for time-pass.

Primary goal is to experience isolation and serenity in pin-drop silence click some nature shots. I am driving a Gypsy and looking for some mild non-technical off-road adventure in forest trails Here are two options I have in mind and seek your feedback about.

Options:
1) Do a 4h round-trip around the circumference of Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary from Chikmagalur - Balehonnur - Tarikere and back to wherever I book the stay. What are the road conditions on the circuit seen in the map attached? How many places are worthwhile for stop and go for picturesque views and phot-shoot and experience of forest bird/water sounds in otherwise blissful silence? If its mostly narrow metal roads with steep drop on the sides I can avoid this option - I am looking for short picnic stops along water bodies or views of forest topped peaks on the way.
2) Head from Chikmagalur straight to Hebbe falls and back. I haven't been there in more than 10 years and would like to know options for safe parking. Amount of time to walk to the falls and back (looks like 8km one-way)? Mine is a soft top Gypsy and while we will take care not leave behind any belongings in the car, I just want a general sense around theft robberies around this place.
3) Bhadra wildlife Safari - The only issue is that I am travelling with my pet dog and I cannot leave him behind as the vacation is also for his experience of outdoors. I hear one can still visit Kallathigiri mountain inside the sanctuary without opting for Safari? Are pets allowed inside here if not opting for the Safari jeep ride but using own vehicle?
4) Heading out from Chikmagalur to Jog the next day, I want to go via Shivamogga - Agumbe ghat - Baindur up to Jog because I cherish my last visit driving the ghats in Agumbe. But that was in a Tempo traveller with a larger group. Do you think this route (second map attached) trumps the direct route up north from Shivamogga to Jog in terms of scenic beauty for stop-click-go enjoyment? Are the roads around Baindur under repair?

We plan to reach Chikamagalur by 12pm and have just that one day for this. Is Hebbe falls and back do-able in 4h assuming 1h at the falls?

Thanks for your inputs on this.

[mankuthimma]

Hi Guys,

We are heading to Mudigere on this Good Friday weekend. Our plan is to start by 5-5.30. And it is not a pleasant experience driving from Whitefield to reach Mangalore highway on a long weekend. I was looking at alternatives this time to avoid all the mess. One option is Devanahalli - Dabaspet - Gudemaranahalli. But it takes double the distance and time. Other way I was thinking why not drive through the city and reach Sunkadakatte-Tavarekere and take the Gudemaranahalli route. Gmaps says it is about 20kms extra against the regular route.
https://goo.gl/maps/z87YEfMg3uyGVt9YA

I came here to ask about this route and I see these comments.

Originally Posted by paragsachania

Earlier I had recommended those staying in South Bangalore to take the NICE exit at Magadi and then reach Hassan Highway at Gudemaranahalli (before Kunigal)via Magadi but I drove last Saturday on Bangalore-Magadi road and the condition of this route has deteriorated with occasional rough patches and potholes.

Originally Posted by Dr.AD

We used this road recently in one of the WindowsDownMotoring drives to go toward Chikamaglur. That was in October 2020 and this road was quite nice that time. It was quite scenic too, and we enjoyed the early morning misty views while driving on this. But even that time, I did not think it saved us any time.

What do you guys suggest ? Any other alternatives ?