[SteadySteer]

Embarking on a road trip can be an exciting way to explore new places, and that's exactly what we did on our recent journey from Pune to Belgaum, Mangalore, Virajpet, Wayanad, Hubli, Solapur, and back to Pune. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!

It all began with a discussion of which direction to head - South or West. While there were numerous options in the South, we were only considering a trip to Rajasthan in the West. However, given that it was April, we ultimately decided to go South.

Choosing a destination in the South was no easy feat - the list of possibilities was endless. We considered several destinations, including Puducherry, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Coastal Kerala, Coastal Karnataka, Mysore Ooty, Coorg, and Wayanad. After much debate and disagreement, we finally settled on Coorg and Wayanad for their scenic beauty and cultural attractions. We decided to take a road trip and cover all the tourist destinations en route. Our initial plan was to travel from Pune to Davangere, Davangere to Coorg, Coorg to Wayanad, Wayanad to Shimoga, and then back to Pune.

Determining the dates for our trip was the next challenge, considering my office schedule and my son's school calendar. Initially, we chose to travel from April 21st to April 28th, but we later found out that my son's school had scheduled a mandatory parent-teacher meeting on April 28th. This forced us to reconsider our plans and pushed our travel dates up by a few days.

On the first weekend of March, I sat down to revisit our travel plan and made some significant changes - we decided to take a different route and extend the duration of our trip. We settled on a ten-day journey that would take us from Pune to Belgaum, Murudeshwar, Udupi, Mangalore, Coorg, Wayanad, Hubli, Solapur, and then back to Pune.

The task of securing confirmed hotel bookings was daunting, but we were eventually able to book stays at UK27, The Fern Hotel in Belgaum, Ginger in Mangalore, Club Mahindra Resorts in Virajpet Coorg, Vythiri Village Resort in Wayanad, Fortune Park in Hubli, and Balaji Sarovar Premiere in Solapur.

With our bookings and dates finalized, we began planning the tourist attractions and places we wanted to visit. We created an itinerary with all the famous places along our route and were pleased to find that the roads in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala were in great condition except few kilometers due to road construction on highways.

As we were traveling in April, we were warned by relatives and friends about the heatwave, but the weather turned out to be pleasant and manageable. The temperatures in Coorg ranged between 23-30 degree Celsius, while Wayanad was much cooler. We did not plan for rest or meal stops, but we were able to find great options through Google Maps and user reviews, such as Ajanta Cafe in Belgaum and Udipi Cafe at Sai Palace in Mangalore.

In preparation for my road trip, I extensively researched various blogs and Team BHP posts to ensure that I was well-equipped for the journey, Many thanks to Team-BHPians and bloggers. While my 2018 Brezza ZDI model lacked some of the advanced technology found in newer cars, I decided to upgrade my vehicle by installing a 9-inch screen with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Hero Qubo dashcam, and stylish ice grey leather seats. These enhancements significantly improved my driving experience, and I felt confident and excited to embark on my adventure. To ensure we stayed well-nourished and hydrated throughout the trip, we made sure to pack a variety of snacks, food items, and mineral water.

All in all, our road trip through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala was an unforgettable experience and we were able to explore some of the most breathtaking destinations in India, made possible by our careful planning and research.

Day 1 - Pune to Belgaum:

We started our road trip from Pune to Belgaum, we took NH48 Pune-Bangalore Highway and despite it being a Friday afternoon, the traffic was manageable, and we comfortably cruised at a speed of 80-100 kph. We stopped for a tea break at Kale Pachwad before continuing our journey.



We arrived at The Fern UK 27 in Belgaum for dinner, which provided excellent amenities. We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Panchavati restaurant before retiring for the night.

Day 2 - Belgaum to Mangalore:

We woke up to a lovely morning with bright sunshine in Belgaum and had breakfast at Ajanta cafe before setting off towards Murudeshwar, passing through Ramnagar and Dandeli forests, which were picturesque and green.



The route from Belgaum to Mangalore takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Karnataka, covering approximately 420 kilometers and taking around 8 hours to complete.



Our journey began in Belgaum, heading towards Kittur, a small town with historical significance as the site of the 1857 uprising against the British.



We then proceeded towards Alnavar, a small town located on the banks of the Dandeli River. The road to Alnavar passes through dense forests and hills, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.



Next, we headed towards Haliyal, a small town located on the banks of the Kali River, and then towards Yellapur, a small town known for its natural beauty, with dense forests and waterfalls all around.


From Yellapur, we headed towards Sunksal and Honnavar, two coastal towns located on the Arabian Sea coast, before proceeding towards Murudeshwar, a popular pilgrimage destination known for its iconic statue of Lord Shiva, located on the Arabian Sea coast and offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding hills.







We made a quick stop at Marvanthe Beach, a stunning beach on the west coast of Karnataka, before heading towards Udupi and Mangalore.

https://youtu.be/J9OsW1X3N7s

Finally, we headed towards Udupi and Mangalore, two major cities located on the Arabian Sea coast. Udupi is known for its ancient temples, while Mangalore is a bustling port city known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and delicious seafood. Reached Malpe beach, Udupi for a relaxing evening watching ferry boats and Sunset with a hot cup of tea.




After a relaxing evening at Malpe Beach in Udupi, we checked into our hotel in Mangalore, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and retired for the night.

Day 3 - Mangalore to Coorg

We started the day with a leisurely breakfast at Udipi Cafe, Sai Palace, Mangalore. This authentic South Indian cuisine restaurant offered us a delicious meal of dosas, filtered coffee, and hot badam milk.




Our journey from Mangalore to Coorg was scenic and filled with small villages and food joints along the way. We followed the route from Mangalore to Madikeri via Bantwal, Puttur, Sullia, and Sampaje. This beautiful route spans approximately 140 kilometers and takes around 4 to 5 hours.



We started from Mangalore and headed towards Bantwal, where we enjoyed the countryside dotted with coconut and areca nut plantations. Then, we proceeded toward Puttur, which is known for its rolling hills and green forests.



After Puttur, we reached Sullia, a small town located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, which is famous for its natural beauty.




From there, we continued towards Sampaje, a mountain pass located at an altitude of 1000 meters. The winding and steep road to Sampaje offered breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.











Our next stop was Club Mahindra Virajpet Resort, which is located in the small village of Coorg. The roads between Madikeri and Virajpet passed through small villages and scenic patches, offering us an enjoyable experience. After a whole day of the journey, we decided to relax in the resort room and explore the resort in the evening.

[SteadySteer]

Day 4 - Explore Coorg

We woke up to a bright and sunny morning at Virajpet and decided to explore Coorg that day. We visited Raja's seat, which is a beautiful garden and viewpoint that offered stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. We did a small photo shoot over here and then went for a coffee plantation walk.














Coffee plantations in Coorg are a major tourist attraction, and many people visit the region to experience the beauty of the plantations and to learn about the coffee-making process. We visited Spices Garden Homestay & Plantation Tour Coorg, where a guide gave us a coffee plantation tour and explained about varieties of coffee and the complete lifecycle of coffee. We came to know about Cauvery, Arabica, and Robusta flavors of coffee. After a full-day exploration of Coorg, we were back at the resort around sunset and relaxed there.

Day 5 - Coorg to Wayanad

After spending two days in Coorg, it was time to move to Wayanad. We took State Highway 33 (SH33) from Virajpet towards Gonikoppal and then continued on the same road towards Kutta, which is the entry point to Kerala. This scenic route passes through dense forests and plantations, which offer some breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The journey from Virajpet to Wayanad via Kutta, Kattikulam, Panamaram, Kalpetta, and Vythiri is approximately 125 kilometers long and can take around 3 to 4 hours to complete.























After crossing the border into Kerala, we reached Kattikulam, a small town known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. From there, we continued towards Panamaram, a town situated on the banks of the Kabini River. Panamaram is famous for its rolling hills and lush green forests.


Lunch at Holiday Hill restaurant, Kuttikulam

Next, we headed towards Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad. Kalpetta is a bustling town with many shops, restaurants, and other amenities. It is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls, and hills, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. From Kalpetta, we headed towards Vythiri, a beautiful hill station known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The road to Vythiri passes through some of the most picturesque parts of Wayanad, with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.





We reached our resort Vythiri Village Resort around 4 pm and spent the rest of the day relaxing there. Below are the pictures of the resort.

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Day 6 - Exploring Wayanad

Wayanad, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a nature lover's paradise. The region is known for its lush green forests, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you're exploring Wayanad, there are plenty of places to see and activities to do. One of the most popular attractions is Pookode Lake, a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by dense forests that offer a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on the lake or take a leisurely walk around the surrounding area.


















Another popular destination is the Honey Bee Museum, which showcases the world of bees and their role in pollination and honey production. Visitors can learn about different types of bees, see live beehives, and taste a variety of different types of honey, such as Jojoba, Mustard, Sunflower, Lichi, etc.















For those interested in exploring the outdoors, Banasura Sagar Dam is a must-visit destination. This picturesque dam is located amidst lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can take a boat ride on the reservoir or go trekking in the nearby hills.












During our return trip, we stumbled upon "Banana Chips Live" and decided to make a stop to sample their freshly made banana chips. The taste was so delightful that we couldn't resist buying some right away. If you happen to be in the vicinity of Banasura Sagar Dam, this shop is a must-visit for its authentic Kerala banana chips, which is only 1km away.






On the way back to the resort, we saw a few Banana Farms and a couple of Tea plantations, and some scenic roads .

[SteadySteer]

Day 7 - Leisure day at Vythiri Village Resort

On Day 7 of our road trip, we took a leisurely day at Vythiri Resort. After a satisfying breakfast, we strolled around the property, admiring the breathtaking views of the hills and forests.


























We indulged in the unique Fish Spa experience, which involved immersing our feet in a pool of tiny fish that nibbled away at the dead skin. This resort has a swimming pool and artificial waterfall, which offers stunning views of the surroundings.









In the evening, we visited the Vythiri village market for some shopping, where we bought famous local spices like sambar masala, rasam masala, and filter coffee powder.



Coffee Roasting processing unit


















To prepare for the next day's long drive of 651 kms, we stopped by a nearby IOCL petrol pump to refuel our car's tank with diesel. Our leisure day at Vythiri Village Resort provided the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge before the next leg of our journey.

[SteadySteer]

Day 8 - Travel day

Started journey at 7 am from Wayanad to Hubli via Mysore - 652kms, 12 hours of driving ��



The route from Vythiri village to Hubli takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Karnataka. This route is 650 kilometers long and can take around 12 hours of drive to complete.

We started our journey from Vythiri village and head towards Gundlupete, a small town located on the border of Kerala and Karnataka. The road to Gundlupete passes through lush green Bandipur National Forest and hills, offering some of the most picturesque views of the Western Ghats. The route we took covered a lot of ground, starting from Kalpetta and passing through Sultan Bathery and Muthanga. We continued on towards the Bandipur National Forest, where we were treated to some stunning views of the natural surroundings.
























While on the way to Gundulupet, we saw an accident with White Dzire, which hit the electricity pole, and Dzire's front was completely damaged.




The place was so crowded, we were unable to stop the car so we decided to continue our journey.











We entered the Bandipur National Forest, The drive through Bandipur National Forest was incredibly refreshing. The lush greenery of the forest was a feast for the eyes, and we couldn't help but feel rejuvenated by the beauty of our surroundings.


































From Gundlupete, you will proceed toward Mysore, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Mysore is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Karnataka, including the Mysore Palace, the Chamundi Hill, and the Brindavan Gardens, etc we choose to skip these attractions since we have already visited them on a previous trip.

[SteadySteer]

From Gundlupete, you will proceed toward Mysore, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Mysore is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Karnataka, including the Mysore Palace, the Chamundi Hill, the Brindavan Gardens, etc we choose to skip these attractions since we have already visited them on a previous trip.






Rest stop, at the Shell petrol pump, right after Gundlupete town on your right-hand side. The restrooms were clean and well-maintained. There is also a small shop to buy snacks and cold drinks etc.






Karnataka elections were declared and we had to stop at all district entries. Election Check post while entering Mysore district.















Upon reaching the entrance of Mandya town, we made a pit stop at Halli Mane Pure Veg Hotel to grab some breakfast. For reference, the restaurant's GMap coordinates are CM8M+WPJ, NH275, Near Sai Baba Temple, Srirangapatna, Karnataka 571438.


Following our satisfying meal, we continued on the Mysore Bangalore expressway and relished the thrill of high-speed driving. Here are a few stunning photos we captured along the expressway.





















Attachment 2451006

















To continue on our journey, we took the Kollur exit at the end of the expressway and joined the Maddur - Kunigal - Tumkur road.

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The 95-kilometer-long state highway that runs through Maddur, Kunigal, and Tumkur is a two-lane road used by both local commuters and long-distance travelers. The road conditions are decent, although there are some patches of roughness and potholes along the way.

The section from Maddur to Kunigal is relatively smooth and well-paved, taking drivers through picturesque rural landscapes and small villages. However, it's important to be watchful for pedestrians, livestock, and other vehicles that may be sharing the road.

As the road continues from Kunigal to Tumkur, drivers may encounter some uneven patches and bumps, but overall, the condition remains decent. This section passes through more urbanized areas with increased traffic, so drivers should exercise extra caution.

While the Maddur-Kunigal-Tumkur road conditions are decent, it's always advisable to drive carefully and stay alert. Additionally, checking for recent updates and road closures before starting your journey is recommended as road conditions can change due to various factors, including political rallies.











The stretch between Tumkur and Chitradurg is part of National Highway 48 (NH 48), which is a four-lane highway and is generally in good condition. The road is mostly straight and flat, with occasional curves and bends. There are several small towns and villages along the way, which may slow down traffic, especially during peak hours. However, overall, the journey from Tumkur to Chitradurg is smooth and comfortable.






Upon entering NH48, we drove for approximately 8-10 minutes before coming across VRL Travels - Refreshment, where we made the decision to stop for lunch.

GMap co-ordinates - F28R+P8J, Vasanthanarasapura, Karnataka 572128


















































The stretch between Tumkur and Chitradurg is part of National Highway 48 (NH 48), which is a four-lane highway and is generally in good condition. The road is mostly straight and flat, with occasional curves and bends. There are several small towns and villages along the way, which may slow down traffic, especially during peak hours. However, overall, the journey from Tumkur to Chitradurg is smooth and comfortable.

The road between Chitradurg and Davangere is also part of NH 48 and is relatively well-maintained. However, this stretch of the road is mostly a two-lane highway and has more twists and turns than the Tumkur-Chitradurg section. Additionally, there are several steep inclines and descents along the way, which may require careful driving, especially during monsoon season. The road passes through several small towns and villages, which may slow down traffic at times.

Overall, the road condition between Tumkur, Chitradurg, and Davangere is relatively good, and you should not face any significant issues while driving on this route.

[SteadySteer]

Following lunch, we proceeded towards Sira, located on the NH48 stretch. This Tumkur - Sira road boasts a 6-lane national highway and offers some picturesque spots.






















The segment of NH48 that runs through this area boasts a six-lane highway and stunning views, particularly near Chitradurg and Davangere. However, we were unable to locate any suitable eateries or accommodations for a quick tea break, so we drove on until we arrived at Makanur. It was there that we chanced upon a sign for the Shiva Hotel - Pure Veg and decided to take a break and enjoy some evening tea. The facilities were well-maintained, and the restrooms were clean, making it an ideal choice for families.

The GMap coordinates for the Shiva Hotel are GQQ5+2Q Makanur, Karnataka.







Following our tea break at Shiva Hotel, we proceeded on our journey towards Hubali. The six-lane road provided breathtaking scenic views throughout the drive. Along the way, we encountered brief periods of rain showers.






Attachment 2451207



























Welcome to Hubli





After a tiring 12-hour journey covering a distance of over 650 km from Kerala through south-western Karnataka to northern Karnataka, we finally reached Fortune Park in Hubli at around 7:10 pm. Following a satisfying dinner, we retired to bed promptly to rest.

[SteadySteer]

Day 9 - Hubli to Solapur

We kicked off our ninth day of the road trip by unwinding at the lavish Fortune Park Hotel in Hubli, which was much needed. After relishing a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we refueled our car's diesel tank for a hassle-free journey ahead. Our initial itinerary included a visit to the Shri Kshetra Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple and Shree Swami Samarth Mandir in Akkalkot. As a result, we altered our route and took the Hubli to Pune via the Solapur route.

Before leaving Hubli, we couldn't resist indulging in the renowned Dharwadi Pedha at Babusingh Thakur Pedha, which turned out to be the most delicious one we have ever tasted.












Refueled our car at the Indian Oil petrol pump in Hubli and started the journey towards Ganagapur.











Another Karnataka Election Checkpost









We headed towards Vijayapur on Hubli - Vijayapura - Gulbarga road and took right to Kolhar road junction on NH50 to join SH124.























Our first destination for the day was the serene town of Ganagapur, which we reached at 4 pm. We took some time to explore the Nirgun Paduka Darshan and Amarja Bhima Sangam Darshan, relishing the peaceful atmosphere and tranquil surroundings. Then we left for Akkalkot which is approx. 75kms from Ganagapur.



We witnessed a stunning sunset while en route to Akkalkot.





Afterward, we headed to Akkalkot and reached our destination at 6 pm. At the Shree Vatavriksha Swami Samarth Maharaj Devasthan, Akkalkot, we experienced the Swami Samarth Paduka Darshan, which was an unforgettable and spiritually uplifting experience.


As the day began to wind down, we made our way to Solapur. We reached the Sarovar Premier Hotel at approximately 8:30 pm and indulged in a delightful dinner at the nearby Bramhand Restaurant before retiring for the night at our hotel.

Day 10 - Solapur to Pune

On Day 10, our amazing road trip will be ending today. As we woke up, we felt a mix of emotions - happy for all the incredible memories we had made, yet also sad that it was all coming to a close.



Our journey from Solapur began at 8:15 am, and we headed towards Pune. After a two-hour drive, we stopped at Deshpande Veg near Indapur Phata for breakfast. The food was delicious and left us feeling rejuvenated and ready to complete our journey. We visited a local farmer's shop and bought some local foodstuff. It was a great feeling to support the local community, and the produce was simply delightful.




After enjoying a delicious breakfast at Deshpande Veg, we set off on our journey towards Pune, which was still 150 kilometers away from Indapur Bypass. We wasted no time and began our drive. The drive was smooth until we reached Loni Kalbhor town, thanks to the improved condition of the Solapur Pune highway. However, from Lonikalbhor onwards, we encountered heavy traffic, which persisted until we reached our destination.






Finally, we arrived home at 2:30 pm, putting an end to our road trip. Even though we were sad that it had come to an end, we were grateful for the wonderful experiences we had and the memories that we would always cherish. The trip was filled with beautiful landscapes, dense forests, hill stations, coastal towns, and the beauty and diversity of the Western Ghats region of India. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!

[Rudra Sen]

Mod note: Thread moved to Travelogues. Thanks for sharing.

[Siddy_1998]

That was a good travelogue. Keep it up!

[100Kmphormore]

Excellent travelogue! only one correction - it is Chitradurga.

[grosserimperial]

Excellent travelogue! We were planning a trip to Coorg this year, however I got a tear in my ACL ligament and had to undergo surgery.
Thanks for mentioning Hotel Deshpande Veg; it's owned by one of my close friends and I will surely let him know of your appreciation.

[SteadySteer]

Originally Posted by grosserimperial

Thanks for mentioning Hotel Deshpande Veg; it's owned by one of my close friends and I will surely let him know of your appreciation.

Certainly! Please pass on my greetings as well. The breakfast we enjoyed at Deshpande Veg was truly delightful.

[JoshMachine]

A very unique journey and supported with some very nice pictures!

For someone like me staying in Pune, this travelogue will surely come in handy for planning a future trip to the South. Thanks for sharing.