[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by xoom

The roof box indeed adds character to your electric ride. Have you noticed any drop in range owing to the increase in drag coefficient from the box?

Yes there most certainly will be some level of range drop. However, I have not actually measured it per se. I just mounted this a couple weeks ago and this is the first time Im driving the car for some distance after mounting it.
Saying that, on this visit to Ooty, after reaching here and charging the vehicle back to 100%, I covered about 70kms on day 1 (local loafing to Aruvankadu and Wellington and Kotagiri and the Doddabetta stretch back up etc) and another 80kms on day 2 (more local loafing - to Emerald and Avalanche and back to Edakadu and Manjoor and so on, returning to Ooty).

Lots of lovely twisties and wonderful ups and downs keeping the regen settings on Zero, but using the paddles actively, increasing the regen to slow down on the downhill stretches and curves and hairpin bends and all that - basically using the regen paddles exactly as I would, the paddle shifters on my normal ICE, AT vehicle.
Driving throughout on eco mode with the AC on and the windows down for significant periods so as to enjoy the hill country air redolent with the scent of eucalyptus and pine - with plenty of photography stops.

I love hill driving because I cut my teeth here, driving our Amby and Dads jeeps etc and have always thoroughly enjoyed attacking these beautiful twisty roads while maintaining the rev band and rowing through the gears.
Yes this is an EV but the principles of the angles of attack remain the same and the sheer exhilaration of acceleration on the lovely curved uphill stretches, makes for a feeling of freedom like no other.
Suffice it to say that I ‘used’ my vehicle to the hilt and loved every moment.

At the end of all the loafing, yesterday, I went back and put the vehicle on charge because I was anyway going to be staying put. On plugging it in, I noted it was on 47% and over 3 and a half hours it came back up to 100%. So basically with the regen and the normal ‘non-babying’ usage, the vehicle had drunk up 53% of charge while having done ~ 150kms.

I think that’s fine really. Basically, with this, the third medium-long distance trip in my EV, I have decided that I will continue to use my EV just like I do my normal ICE vehicles. And by this I will attempt to banish the demon of range anxiety from my head forever.

[xoom]

Leaving home for the coastline

The itch to hit the coast motivated this 800+kms roundtrip to Kapu Beach over a long weekend.

Besides the lure of the pristine beach, the drive to Kapu offers a scenic journey all through. Given the perpetual roadwork on Shiradi Ghat, we chose to take the Bisile Ghat on our onward journey, and return via Charmadi Ghat. This ensured our drive was as enjoyable as the destination.



We started with a 100% SOC and stopped midway about 200 kms from Bangalore. Shiva Surya in Sakaleshpura is a good pitstop for a coffee and a top up at the Statiq charger on site.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/npbHWN63ZBQwR4xK9

En route, Bisile Ghat viewpoint offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats and the wind in your face makes it even more enjoyable.







The road till Kapu is of pretty good quality (barring a few rough patches). Kapu is one of the fine beaches on the Udupi coastline, and perhaps the most pristine and private as well. The charming light house adds more character to the place.



We stayed at the amazing Manthan Beach Resort which is a nice oceanfront property that's close enough to all popular destinations in the Udupi and Manipal area. It has also an onsite EV charger.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4qguPm5ue6RWwRC79

There is plenty to do in Kapu and its vicinity - I would particularly recommend driving on the picturesque coastal road with the ocean and the river on either sides.


pic credit sanchari_731 on Instagram

The road terminates at the beautiful Delta Beach.


pic credit wanderboat

You can take a river boat ride to explore the mangroves and the birds that nest there.



On our way back, we took the scenic route via Charmadi Ghat which was a joy to amble around in our Windsor.


pic credit Incredible Karnataka on Facebook

Around midway to our destination in Bangalore, we stopped at Hotel Skybird at Shantigrama for a break. The Zeon charger on-site topped our EV while we enjoyed our dinner.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/c6NGrDeoQV9XaA5R9

[Sohail_91]

Originally Posted by xoom

The itch to hit the coast motivated this 800+kms roundtrip to Kapu Beach over a long weekend.

Your post took me down memory lane to my engineering days in Manipal, when Kapu Beach was our go-to spot for a peaceful, non-commercialized escape, and the drive itself was a small road trip. Malpe, on the other hand, was always too crowded.

The lighthouse is truly a beauty. Back then, there was a ticketed entry for those wanting to climb to the top (not sure if it’s still allowed), but the view from up there, overlooking the other side of the beach was simply breathtaking.

Thanks for sharing this! It brought back some great memories.

[BoneCollector]

Originally Posted by Sohail_91

The lighthouse is truly a beauty. Back then, there was a ticketed entry for those wanting to climb to the top (not sure if it’s still allowed), but the view from up there, overlooking the other side of the beach was simply breathtaking.

The lighthouse is still open. The ticket prices are Rs. 30 per person. Entry starts at 5:15pm and closes at 6:30pm. This was when I visited in December 2024 end.

[ALTIMAed]

Originally Posted by Sohail_91

Your post took me down memory lane to my engineering days in Manipal, when Kapu Beach was our go-to spot for a peaceful, non-commercialized escape, and the drive itself was a small road trip. Malpe, on the other hand, was always too crowded.

The lighthouse is truly a beauty. Back then, there was a ticketed entry for those wanting to climb to the top (not sure if it’s still allowed), but the view from up there, overlooking the other side of the beach was simply breathtaking.

Thanks for sharing this! It brought back some great memories.

Echoing the same thoughts. Being a Mechanical Engineering graduate from MIT, Manipal (1988 - 92), Kapu Beach was our go to destination after we got our bikes (I had a KAWASAKI BAJAJ RTZ DELTA - KA20E1341). Prior to owing a bike, Malpe Beach was the destination as it was more accessible by public transport.

I distinctly remember, a movie was shot there, forget the name, it starred Salman Khan and Karishma Kapoor.

In 2021, a batch mate and myself re-visited that area after about 28 years. From Mangalore Station, we had booked a Zoom Car and visited all the places we frequented as students, ofcourse Kapu being one of them. We dined at Kediyoor, Diana (the new location), Woodlands and many other places, including Press Carts (only hard core Manipalites would know what I am talking about). At press carts we had bun masala and keshto.

[Jazzybala]

Originally Posted by ALTIMAed

We dined at Kediyoor, Diana (the new location), Woodlands and many other places, including Press Carts (only hard core Manipalites would know what I am talking about). At press carts we had bun masala and keshto.

Ahh man!! Reminds me of the time i spent with my brother when he was pursuing his Mch from KH Manipal. Press Carts had some delectably different fare than what was normally seen around college towns usually.

[xoom]

A slice of Tibet in a day

Bylakuppe is the largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet. It was established to provide refuge for Tibetans who fled their homeland in 1961. It is a location thats probably the best place to experience Tibetan culture, within India.



Located just about 200kms from Bangalore, it is an ideal EV getaway for a day trip.



We started out with a 100% SOC it is a smooth glide all the way till Mysore on the expressway, followed by a scenic single road till Bylakuppe. We stopped at a nice cafe enroute which offers great coffee and an amazing ambience to hang out.



https://maps.app.goo.gl/k45tDQkWvVG7mryG8

Bylakuppe is home to numerous monasteries and temples and a thriving community with a significant Tibetan population.



The Namdroling Monastery also known as the Golden Temple is a prominent landmark.





We were lucky to be there on a day when the place was abuzz with activity and we could experience buddhist way of chanting and meditation.





There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area that offer authentic Tibetan cuisine.



On our way back, we took a coffee pitstop at Le Ruchi in Mysore while our Windsor got its top up at the Zeon Charger at Urs Kar across the street.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fmHQE2bq4khPqsaR6

[xoom]

A short trip to a birders paradise

Inspired by fellow BHPian Dr. AD's post (Impromptu Afternoon Drive to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary), we set out to Ranganathittu at 5AM to experience an early morning date with the birds.

Starting out at around 72% SOC, we comfortably covered the 120 kms with ease and reached the beautiful bird sanctuary around 6:30AM.



Thanks to the mild showers overnight, it was a beautiful morning and a perfect setting to enjoy the serene beauty around us.





Interesting fact to note is that this sanctuary for birds is an accidental outcome of an embankment that was built on river Cauvery in the mid 17th century. The six islets that formed have become home to more than 170 species of birds - both native and migratory.



Dec - Apr is when you get a chance to see migratory birds that have travelled from as far as Siberia and Central Asia to nest here.



You can use the watch towers as well as the boat ride to enjoy the early morning sightings of these exotic birds.









You will meet plenty of crocodiles as well - gliding underwater as well as basking under the sun.

Operating as a protected site since 1940, this place is well maintained with ample parking and other amenities - a great destination for a nice family outing.

Our way back to Bangalore, we stopped for breakfast at the Indradhanush Restaurant while we topped up our Windsor at the Statiq charger on-site.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FV5YRVK7i7XMA6Wt7

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by xoom

A short trip to a birders paradise


Interesting fact to note is that this sanctuary for birds is an accidental outcome of an embankment that was built on river Cauvery in the mid 17th century. The six islets that formed have become home to more than 170 species of birds - both native and migratory.

[

I love these travel vignettes of yours - drive EV-erywhere indeed!
This particular snippet of history was new to me so there is an additional value I derive, from new learning.
Thanks!

[rogercharlie]

The last time I was there I was told that we need to get special permission to enter before 8.30 AM. Could you please let me know if this is still the case? If yes how does one go about getting permission?

Many thanks in advance.

[xoom]

Originally Posted by rogercharlie

The last time I was there I was told that we need to get special permission to enter before 8.30 AM. Could you please let me know if this is still the case? If yes how does one go about getting permission?

Many thanks in advance.

Not really, the bird sanctuary opens at 6AM for all. However you may need to wait a bit for the boat ride if your group is is small - they pool 6-8 people in every trip. You could also consider renting an entire open boat for ₹2000 in case you need a longer ride and freedom to wait longer for photo ops.