Bangalore-Hassan-Sakleshpur-Mangalore-Road Condition

[appus]

Completed the trip yesterday 1.30PM

Total KM Traveled - 930.
Total Diesel Used - 2500
Mileage - 19.6KM/Ltr (AC ON full time)
Max speed - 110 onward and 140 inward (at few stretches in toll roads). Otherwise 60-90KM

Route : -
Onward
PESIT-Nayandahalli ring road - Tumkur Road - Nelamangala - Mangalore Toll Road - Hassan bypass - Sakleshpura - Shiradi Ghat- Dharmasthala - Belthangady - BC Road - Pumpwell - Manjeshwar - Kasaragod. 440KM (5.15 AM - 10.30AM in Dharmasthala - 4PM in Kasaragod)

Way back
Kasaragod - Pumpwell (Mangalore) - BC Road - Uppinangadi - Shiradi Ghat - Sakleshpur - Hassan Bypass - Nelamangala Toll road - Nayandahalli - PESIT (403KM)
(5.45 AM - 1.30PM in Bangalore - Almost 2 hrs of break (Mangalore -20min waiting for a friend- BC Road for 30 min breakfast - Sakleshpur 30 min - Hassan bypass 20 min- kunigal 20min for snacks)

Other places visited (nearby Kasaragod):
Ananthpura Temple
Parthasarathy Temple
Madhur Temple
Bekal Fort & Nearby beach.

(Was not interested in traveling more places as we wanted to relax from busy schedule)

Road condition :- Nayandahalli to Hirisave (before hassan where you take left for going to Shravanabelagola) is almost 4 lanes with median. Once you pass that, you see lots of road widening and you have to travel thru one way (due to diversion).
Hassan bypass - Loose gravel, patchy roads due to work in progress. Two more toll roads are getting ready.
Sakleshpura - Shiradi Ghat : Roads looks great. But, it is bumpy. The roads are wider and you will never feel that you are riding thru ghat section like ooty. As carfreak rightly pointed out, you need to watch out for that gas tankers and other big vehicles.

After the ghat and before Nelyadi we took a right towards Dharmasthala. As Mukesh said, the roads are less crowded and feel good to drive (Narrow roads). I thoroughly enjoyed driving that stretch.

Since my MIL knew someone in Dharmasthala (unfortunately, he was not available), some one gave us a chit for special darshan (otherwise it is 200 per person). We had to wait till 12.15 for the Darshan as they close in between. We quickly went to Annapoorna (Food area) and had the prasadam (lunch) during that break. So, we saved time instead of waiting in queue. We had the darshan in less than 20 Minutes.

Once we came out of Dharmasthala, i had two minds. Which way to chose whether it is Uppinangadi-BC road or Belthangadi-BC Road. Asked few guys in shops, bus stop, securities about Belthangadi-BC Road condition and all said "Super roads". Yes - Indeed it is nice roads. But the problem is narrow roads and you cant give side to other big vehicles easily. The sides are almost 1-2 foot down from road. So, was cautious thru out. Few KM were saved. But, i am sure i took more time to reach BC Road thru Belthangady. Lots of buses ply on this route. I think Mukesh's Hawk can go at a better speed as it got better ground clearance.

BC Road to Pumpwell again were good roads. Half of the road with median(dividers).
Pumpwell - Kasaragod : Roads are good but the vehicles on this route go like insane. I do not know why they drive like mad in Kerala (I am a Keralite though )

Clicked very less photos. I will upload once i reach home

I must thank you all for giving the inputs needed. Thanks to everyone contributed to this thread Mukesh, Carfreak, Indian, Navnit and Manjoo.

Used Sygic maps with multiple way-points. Took a print out of google maps too but not used. Even sygic was not necessary with detailed instruction given by you guys

Thanks again,
appus

 

[appus]

Not a pro photographer. Do not know much about editing too.
Here are some photos.

Hassan - Sakleshpura


Shiradi Ghat (after Sakleshpura)


Dharmasthala Temple


Elephant blesses who give 1Re (Money goes to the caretaker of the Elephant )


Ananthapura Temple in Kasaragod (Famous temple built the same as Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Trivandrum - Surrounded by water)



The temple's lake is also home to a crocodile named Babiya, which is supposed to be the guard of the temple.
When one dies, another mysteriously takes its place. There is a ritual in temple giving rice to Crocodile.
People believe that if one can see the crocodile, your wishes are fulfilled. (May be a myth!)
This is Babiya - The Crocodile


Bekal Fort
Reached there around 5.30. The visiting hours are only till 6PM (8 to 6PM). So didnt get much time to spend there. 17KM from Kasaragod






On the way back, went to nearby beach. Unlike other places, it was not crowded.




Way back to Bangalore





Hope you guys got an idea about my visit

Thank you,
appus

 

[Indian]

Not a pro photographer. Do not know much about editing too.
Here are some photos.

Elephant blesses who give 1Re (Money goes to the caretaker of the Elephant ...

Ananthapura Temple in Kasaragod (Famous temple built the same as Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Trivandrum - Surrounded by water)
....
The temple's lake is also home to a crocodile named Babiya, which is supposed to be the guard of the temple.
When one dies, another mysteriously takes its place. There is a ritual in temple giving rice to Crocodile.
People believe that if one can see the crocodile, your wishes are fulfilled. (May be a myth!)
....
Bekal Fort
Reached there around 5.30. The visiting hours are only till 6PM (8 to 6PM). So didnt get much time to spend there. 17KM from Kasaragod
....
On the way back, went to nearby beach. Unlike other places, it was not crowded.
Way back to Bangalore
...
Hope you guys got an idea about my visit

Thank you,
appus

Wow! nice report appus! I think you had a excellent trip out there.
At Bekal there is nothing you can do and especially its too hot and not shelter at all. But its maintained better now.
Next to Bekal there is a small outing place(they call resort!) but that is nice place to take cover till sun is about to set and take a short dip at the sea. I have done that and also they have nice refreshments and toiler facilities there.
Did you visit Maddur temple?

 

[appus]

.
Did you visit Maddur temple?

Yes. It is just 4KM from my wife's house. Went on 14th. Heavy rush. Parked the car almost a KM back and walked. They have some 'Jathra' (festival) happening. As her family knew many of them, we did not have to be in the queue Experiencing the 'influence' these days. I was always against it. Even now if i am alone, i prefer to be in queue than 'direct darshan'

Bekal we reached late so didnt try any option. You should visit during rainy season so that you get to see lots of greenery

Thanks for the comment

 

[mukeshus]

Appus that was a great trip i guess.
The weather must have been way too hot i guess.

The Dharmastala- Nellyady-B.C.Road was a long route, what you did was a quicker route.

Its on such roads you get to learn driving.

You have to try Polali route to Mangalore its still smaller than the Belthangady-Bantwal route you have done.

Its on such roads i enjoy a lot rather these plane roads.

Its good to know darshan went well.

As per my knowledge darshan in Dharmastala is free, and there is no money for darshan.

Hope you visited Ideal Ice Creams or Pabbas in Mangalore.

Did you happen to visit Laxmi Nivas for KTea?, in Kalladka?

Its a must stop place while returning.

Bekal fort is one which i have missed twice during my visit to Payyanur.

You have actually seen a trailer of driving in Kasargod.

If you want to see the actual movie, you have to drive till Kannur.

The way buses drive there and Diesel Auto's.

So where did you stop at B.C.Road for breakfast, Sathkar or Srinivas?

 

[Tenida]

Great travelogue buddy and the pics came out very well.
And that crocodile pond seems mysterious

 

[appus]

Appus that was a great trip i guess.
The weather must have been way too hot i guess.

The Dharmastala- Nellyady-B.C.Road was a long route, what you did was a quicker route.

Its on such roads you get to learn driving.

I liked Nelyadi - Dharmasthala road. I think that was narrower than Belthangady road. I do not like scary thing. Suddenly going off from road as they do not have any plans of giving side to us. The distance from road and the off road was scary. 2 feet. I think they are planning to widen the road.

You have to try Polali route to Mangalore its still smaller than the Belthangady-Bantwal route you have done.
Its on such roads i enjoy a lot rather these plane roads.

I like narrow route if i can give way by getting off the road and if it is scenic. I been to Polali i guess. (That comes thru pilikula junction?). Used to take right after BC Road if you are going from Bangalore ?

Its good to know darshan went well.

As per my knowledge darshan in Dharmastala is free, and there is no money for darshan.

There is no fee except for Special darshan. Normal darshan queue were really long as it was Ugadi day. They have special darshan for 200Rs where you get a 50Rs prasadam as part of it.

Hope you visited Ideal Ice Creams or Pabbas in Mangalore.
Did you happen to visit Laxmi Nivas for KTea?, in Kalladka?
Its a must stop place while returning.

We didnt not go to Mangalore as we took left at pumpwell. Ideal /Pabbas are our usual joint for 5 years during Mangalore Aloysius life :)

I do not know whether we went to Laxmi Nivas . We stopped left after passing BC Road. We needed to get down few steps to enter in that hotel. They were talking in Tulu. They asked you want KT? I didnt know it was Kalladka Tea. I said okay. We got the same KTea and it was tasting great (Milk on bottom and tea layer on top with spoon and a steel cup). The breakfast was excellent. Tasted few varieties of dishes. Channa (White pea) with Avalakki (Beaten rice), Kadle bele (Green gram sprout) with Beaten rice (Avalakki) and Idlis.

Bekal fort is one which i have missed twice during my visit to Payyanur.

Oops. Where do you visit in Payyanur ? I belong there

You have actually seen a trailer of driving in Kasargod.
If you want to see the actual movie, you have to drive till Kannur.
The way buses drive there and Diesel Auto's.

Yes. Used to see every day during my PUC. 36+36Km (up n down) for 2 years.
Been in few buses which collided even killed few (escaped with no fractures )

So where did you stop at B.C.Road for breakfast, Sathkar or Srinivas?

I think you know by now. I was so hungry in the morning and did not notice the name. The restaurant we visited were full. I think we stopped at kalladka only as we got KTea.

Thank you

Great travelogue buddy and the pics came out very well.
And that crocodile pond seems mysterious

Thank You Tenida (I always read it as Ten-India)
I wanted to visit that temple for many years. Finally successful on last trip

 

[Indian]

We didnt not go to Mangalore as we took left at pumpwell. Ideal /Pabbas are our usual joint for 5 years during Mangalore Aloysius life :)

... They asked you want KT? I didnt know it was Kalladka Tea. I said okay. We got the same KTea and it was tasting great (Milk on bottom and tea layer on top with spoon and a steel cup).

First of all nice to know you are Aloysion! Me too..but long time back(I guess)

Well KT i think now its available everywhere in our area, I really wonder if they do it like that in Kerala

Next time in Mangalore to to Ideal Cafe for a breakfast, they have this amazing combo for 60Rs, its mouth watering But make sure to meet me too!

 

[appus]

First of all nice to know you are Aloysion! Me too..but long time back(I guess)

I was in Aloysius campus from 1995-2000 ( PCScM )

Well KT i think now its available everywhere in our area, I really wonder if they do it like that in Kerala

In Kerala, people make 'Meter chaya' where they pour from one to another from a distance of 1-2 meter.
KTea they make just by pouring black tea on milk. There is no mixing involved. You get Kerala tea in 'My Tea House' near Banashankari 3rd Stage. It is called 'Kerala Thattukada Chaya'.

Next time in Mangalore to to Ideal Cafe for a breakfast, they have this amazing combo for 60Rs, its mouth watering . But make sure to meet me too!

We would have made it bigger if only two of us were traveling. The cousin wanted to reach home early and we had to cancel couple of plans.
As i mentioned in previous post, we wanted to go to Pilikula to cherish our memories . We wanted to meet our friends in Balmatta. We wanted to go to Ideal ice cream parlor in Hampankatta, etc .etc.

Next time, will definitely meet you ! Be prepared

 

[Indian]

I was in Aloysius campus from 1995-2000 ( PCScM )

hmm...You were about 12 years late buddy!

We would have made it bigger if only two of us were traveling. The cousin wanted to reach home early and we had to cancel couple of plans.
As i mentioned in previous post, we wanted to go to Pilikula to cherish our memories . We wanted to meet our friends in Balmatta. We wanted to go to Ideal ice cream parlor in Hampankatta, etc .etc.

Next time, will definitely meet you ! Be prepared

Yeah, thats the problem always short time and we want to see all. I generally avoid such hectic trips where I wont enjoy. I keep enough time for each stay and would cut down POI and come back again.

Definitely we will meet on your next visit here. If any other people already close to Mangalore can also join in.

 

[mukeshus]

I do not know whether we went to Laxmi Nivas . We stopped left after passing BC Road. We needed to get down few steps to enter in that hotel. They were talking in Tulu. They asked you want KT? I didnt know it was Kalladka Tea. I said okay. We got the same KTea and it was tasting great (Milk on bottom and tea layer on top with spoon and a steel cup). The breakfast was excellent. Tasted few varieties of dishes. Channa (White pea) with Avalakki (Beaten rice), Kadle bele (Green gram sprout) with Beaten rice (Avalakki) and Idlis.

I think you know by now. I was so hungry in the morning and did not notice the name. The restaurant we visited were full. I think we stopped at kalladka only as we got KTea.

In B.C.Road before you have gone to Sathkar, as you mentioned you go down the steps.
So looks like they are copying it every where.

But the Real KTea is given in glass in Kalladka, they use the tea powder of Kelagur Tea.
KTea is served here

Oops. Where do you visit in Payyanur ? I belong there.

My brother in law is from Payyanur, here is the story: http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...pilangad-thalassery.html?highlight=Hawk+prowl

Next time in Mangalore to to Ideal Cafe for a breakfast, they have this amazing combo for 60Rs, its mouth watering But make sure to meet me too!

Isn't it near to City Centre, my usual must visit places.
City Bakery, New Taj Mahal Cafe (Near Passport Office), Then Ideals or Pabba's(As they have car parking space.)

Will try to meet you in June, if everything falls in place.

 

[appus]

@Mukesh,
We went to a different restaurant . Will try next time.

Even though I belong to Kannur Dist, never been to Payyambalam /Muzhuppilangad beaches. I am more of Mangalore person and know those Panampur, Kulai, Mulki, Kaup, Maravanthe beaches

I still love Mangalore. People there are so helpful. I miss Mangalore

 

[Indian]

Isn't it near to City Centre, my usual must visit places.
City Bakery, New Taj Mahal Cafe (Near Passport Office), Then Ideals or Pabba's(As they have car parking space.)

Will try to meet you in June, if everything falls in place.

Yes Mekesh, its near city center mall, just opposite famous 'Sharavu(Ganapathi Temple). I specifically big fan of those combos where you get to taste something from everything. The breakfast is great, ofcourse since its 'Ideal' you have all other usual ice cream goodies too.

 

[carfreak]

@ Appus, good detailed review and nice pics too

Next time in Mangalore to to Ideal Cafe

Oh! One just cannot miss Ideal when in Mangalore

 

[appus]

Thank you carfreak. I wish i know a bit of creative thinking like you (Angle - photoshop color correction etc)