Monsoon was supposed to hit Bangalore by 01-June, one week earlier than normal. However, one month past that date and it was playing hide and seek with the speed breaker city. Hence we thought of going in search of monsoon.
Deciding the location was easy, Chikmagalur was one place we have been planning to go since a while. Also, we felt it will be a perfect place to just relax and enjoy the rain, sipping tea from porch.
11- July - 2015
A late morning start and we take NICE road out of Bangalore, it was 06:10 AM by time we reach NICE road Hosur side toll booth.
By the time we reach Tumkur road, traffic was building up.
We had decided to take Tumkur road instead of the straightforward Hassan - Belur road to try new road and also to visit Ishvara temple, Arasikere.
During our earlier trips to reach Arasikere / NH 206, we have taken road through Tumkur town. However, latest updates mentioned that Tumkur bye-pass road is patched up. Hence decided to give it a try.
Road condition was decent, however we felt the time taken via bypass and via city was almost same.
Road condition once we reach NH 206 is good and traffic moderate
Soon we reach Arasikere, Ishvara temple is about 1 KM off to right from main road. We take the turn and find the roads inside Arasikere in bad shape.
Ishvara Temple Location
Temple is maintained in good condition by ASI, we were the only one visiting the temple that time. Time was 09:10 AM and trip meter read 212 KM.
The main attraction of the temple is the 16 pointed mantap. I was not able to capture the entire roof in one picture even in the widest zoom.
We start off by 09:25 AM. Thanks to waking up early, we are already hungry and decide to stop at Cafe Coffee day soon after Arasikere for breakfast. After a 25 mins break for breakfast, we start at 10:00 AM.
At 10:20 AM we reach Kadur and take left towards Chikmagalur, enroute we decide to stop at Ayanakere.
Ayana Kere Location
This is a tank made during Hoysala period for irrigation of surrounding areas.
Ayana Kere is a deviation of 4 KM's from main road. The deviation is marked by couple of sign boards. Once you cross the town of Sakrepatna, you need to keep a look out on your right for the deviation.
The road is narrow but with decent surface.
We encounter traffic block
Just before reaching the lake, there are a few government buildings. It looked like the buildings belonged to fisheries department.
Though it was not raining till now, we can see dark clouds forming.
Apart from enjoying the scenery there is nothing much do around here.
Optimus gets a photo session
We start off towards Chikmagalur by 11:10 AM.
Road between Kadur and Chikmagalur is beautiful and a biker's dream, especially as you are approaching Chikmagalur. It has both straight and curvy stretches, saw few bikers enjoying the curves.
Chikmagalur welcomed us with rain
![Wanderlust Traveller: Chikmagalur (KA) in search of rain-suh_2308.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/travelogues/1393891d1691422891t-wanderlust-traveller-chikmagalur-ka-search-rain-suh_2308.jpg)