Solo Bike Ride to Mumbai - Karnataka - Goa - Mumbai from 30th Dec '16 to 3rd Jan '17
Day 1 -
It was decided with another biker friend to leave for Goa on 29th Dec but he had some work so was postponed to 30th Dec. We started early morning at around 6am from Vashi via Old Mumbai-Pune Highway. It was chilled in the morning and just before Khopoli, my friend started feeling much cold and he was not able to ride further as he thought he could not complete such long journey. So he went back home. And I continued my ride as I am used to any kind of weather conditions.
Within a hour (7:25am) I reached Green House Cafe at Khandala Ghat and had my awesome breakfast Medu Vada & Coffee. From there again started my ride via Satara - Kolhapur - Belgaum NH4 with some short breaks on the highway I reached Hubali (Karnataka) in late afternoon at around 4:04pm. 500kms ride completed in 8hours approx. This was possible because of smoothest and awesomest NH4. This is one my best roads for riding or driving smoothly without any potholes or road blocks. Just few speed breakers during junction crossings. On the way had taken loads of selfies with Roads, Rivers, Scenic Mountains.
Reaching Hubali I searched a hotel for me which I got at just Rs. 500 a night stay. They also had restaurant so had dinner and next day morning breakfast there only.
Next Day 31st Dec'16 I left for my next destination Badami Caves & Fort.
Day 2 -
About Badami Town -
Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for its rock cut structural temples. It is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya lake. Badami has been selected as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India.
Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for its rock cut structural temples. It is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya lake. Badami has been selected as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India.
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| Badami Town - View from Badami Caves |
About Badami Caves -
The Badami cave temples are a complex of four Hindu, Jain and possibly Buddhist cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka, India. The caves are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, which dates from the 6th century. Badami was previously known as Vataapi Badami, the capital of the early Chalukya dynasty, which ruled much of Karnataka from the 6th to the 8th century. Badami is situated on the west bank of an artificial lake ringed by an earthen wall with stone steps; it is surrounded on the north and south by forts built in later times.
The Badami cave temples represent some of the earliest known examples of Hindu temples. UNESCO has described the designs of the Badami cave temples, and those in Aihole, as having transformed the Malaprabha River valley into a cradle of temple architecture that defined the components of later Hindu temples elsewhere in India.
Caves 1 to 4 are in the escarpment of the hill in soft Badami sandstone formation, to the south-east of the town. In Cave 1, among various sculptures of Hindu divinities and themes, a prominent carving is of the Tandava-dancing Shiva as Nataraja. Cave 2 is mostly similar to Cave 1 in terms of its layout and dimensions, featuring Hindu subjects of which the relief of Vishnu as Trivikrama is the largest. The largest cave is Cave 3, featuring Vishnu-related mythology, and it is also the most intricately carved cave in the complex. Cave 4 is dedicated to revered figures of Jainism. Cave 5 may be a Buddhist cave. Another cave was discovered in 2015, about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the four main caves, with 27 Hindu carvings.
The Badami cave temples are a complex of four Hindu, Jain and possibly Buddhist cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka, India. The caves are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, which dates from the 6th century. Badami was previously known as Vataapi Badami, the capital of the early Chalukya dynasty, which ruled much of Karnataka from the 6th to the 8th century. Badami is situated on the west bank of an artificial lake ringed by an earthen wall with stone steps; it is surrounded on the north and south by forts built in later times.The Badami cave temples represent some of the earliest known examples of Hindu temples. UNESCO has described the designs of the Badami cave temples, and those in Aihole, as having transformed the Malaprabha River valley into a cradle of temple architecture that defined the components of later Hindu temples elsewhere in India.
About Badami Fort -
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| View of Badami Fort from Badami Caves |
Badami fort lies west of the Bhuthnatha temple, atop a cliff right opposite the Badami cave temples. The entrance to this temple is right through the Badami museum. It is a steep climb with many view points and dotted with little shrines. The path is laid with neatly cut stone, the same that adores all the architecture around.
From there I visited Aihole & Pattadakal.
About Aihole -
Aihoḷe is a village having a historic temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India and located 510 km from Bangalore. It is known for Chalukyan architecture, with about 125 stone temples dating from 5th century CE, and is a popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both. With its collection of architectural structures, Aihoḷe temple complex is on the pending list of UNESCO World heritage sites.
About Pattadakal -
Pattadakal, also spelled Paṭṭadakallu, is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage site. It is a village and an important tourist centre in the state of Karnataka and is located on the left bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalakote. It is 22 km from Badami, and about 10 km from Aihole, both of which are well known for Chalukya monuments. It is 514 km from Bengaluru. The Pre-Chalukya historical and archaeological site Bachinagudda is also near Pattadakal.
Pattadakal, also spelled Paṭṭadakallu, is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage site. It is a village and an important tourist centre in the state of Karnataka and is located on the left bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalakote. It is 22 km from Badami, and about 10 km from Aihole, both of which are well known for Chalukya monuments. It is 514 km from Bengaluru. The Pre-Chalukya historical and archaeological site Bachinagudda is also near Pattadakal.
From Pattadakal I immediately left for Hampi. Which was around 135kms, it took around 3hrs to reach this awesome site.
I was very excited to visit Hampi. This was one of my most awaited destination in Karnataka. Once you visit this place you will never forget its beauty.
The ride to Hampi was superb, surrounded by rocks & boulders. As I reached Hampi, it had a street market on the right side of the narrow road, with cottage / home stay, hotels, restaurants everything within 500 meters. Entering Hampi Site you have to cross a river, you can cross this river by boat or park your bike before & cross the river jumping on rocks. Or take your bike to the temple gate from different route this route comes from Hospete. But I had not taken Hospete road.
As you enter Hampi Heritage Site, you will not stop taking pictures from different angels. You will end up with minimum 200 selfies, 300 scenic pictures, around 50-60 videos in your phone. One can night stay at Hampi without any disturbance. You can do anything here. Enjoy sunset at Matunga Hill, play guitar, or sit / sleep inside the ruins of temples / Houses reading a book or playing slow music on your phone. Hampi is the place where you can enjoy stay from Sunrise to Sunset...
My next destination was 300kms away Jog Falls. But this was possible next day only. But before that I had to cover atleast 50% of my journey & till I do not find a good place to eat & sleep. After sunset I left Hampi, with soothing memories which never can be deleted from my mind. With my phone settled on mobile holder, GPS on, I throttled towards Jog Falls. Covering almost 150kms I was passing through a small populated village.
On my right I saw an authentic South Indian restaurant. As I was starving & it was around 8pm I thought of stopping here. On my way I didn't find any hotels for stay & I had made my mind to sleep this new year under open sky at some temple complex on the highway. Yes on my many rides I have slept in temples. Temple is the best place to stay at night. You get shelter, silent zone it is, no alarm needed, in morning 1 pandit will come early morning & give you prasad for sure. But this time it was not temple. At this restaurant I ordered Masala Dosa & Tomato Rice / Pulav. I asked owner that can I find a stay here some hotel or home stay or a temple. And he said just behind our restaurant there is a lodge. And I was like oh great.
On my right I saw an authentic South Indian restaurant. As I was starving & it was around 8pm I thought of stopping here. On my way I didn't find any hotels for stay & I had made my mind to sleep this new year under open sky at some temple complex on the highway. Yes on my many rides I have slept in temples. Temple is the best place to stay at night. You get shelter, silent zone it is, no alarm needed, in morning 1 pandit will come early morning & give you prasad for sure. But this time it was not temple. At this restaurant I ordered Masala Dosa & Tomato Rice / Pulav. I asked owner that can I find a stay here some hotel or home stay or a temple. And he said just behind our restaurant there is a lodge. And I was like oh great.
After dinner I checked in to the lodge. It was decent & cleaned room. It a new year eve outside locals were rushing to the cake shop for buying cakes for the celebration. It was a small village but everybody was excited when it will be 12 & new year will be celebrated. It was 12 & cake was cut by kids, distributed to all, even I had 1 piece. And with a new year resolution to finish my ride successfully I went to sleep.
Day 3 -
It was 1st January 2017,a new day, a new morning, a new world. It was pleasant coll climate. Got freshen up, made my bike ready, cleaned & washed. Had breakfast at the same restaurant & left for Jog Falls. This morning was something different. Wanted some music to enjoy, so played Bryan Adams song Here I Am on my bluetooth handsfree and ride started. This song was perfect for this day. With awesome happy mood, scenic natural beauty, took loads of selfies, pictures & videos of nature & my bike ride videos too. Crossing river bridge, small ghat & I was at the Jog Falls.
As it was December water of the falls was less. Little disappointment but that's the nature and I was glad I was finally at one of the highest falls of India. Taking lots of memories on my phone left for my next destination which I had to finish it by today.
My next stop was Murudeshwar Temple. Yes the big Shiva Statue at the Murudeshwar Beach. I wanted to see this from long long time. My Many friends had already visited this place and I had not. So this was the time for me to go. Reaching this place was not easy. Almost 60kms starting from Jog Falls was a long long Ghat route which was passing through densed forest area. And I had to cover this before sun sets. As it was ghat route speed above 50kmph was not possible. But still I managed & reached Murudeshwar Temple before 6pm. Finally I was here & started capturing memories for me. Within 2kms of the temple there is usually lot of rush & traffic jam because of the narrow roads & there are luxury buses, state transport buses entering till the end of the beach & gate of the temple. I left after sunset for my next destination Gokarna. But that was possible next day only.
My next stop was Murudeshwar Temple. Yes the big Shiva Statue at the Murudeshwar Beach. I wanted to see this from long long time. My Many friends had already visited this place and I had not. So this was the time for me to go. Reaching this place was not easy. Almost 60kms starting from Jog Falls was a long long Ghat route which was passing through densed forest area. And I had to cover this before sun sets. As it was ghat route speed above 50kmph was not possible. But still I managed & reached Murudeshwar Temple before 6pm. Finally I was here & started capturing memories for me. Within 2kms of the temple there is usually lot of rush & traffic jam because of the narrow roads & there are luxury buses, state transport buses entering till the end of the beach & gate of the temple. I left after sunset for my next destination Gokarna. But that was possible next day only.
So in between on NH17 I found a stay at just Rs.500 a night near Kumta,a decent hotel with a veg restaurant. Their restaurant was quite famous as locals & travelers were visiting and it had a waiting for a table. Any how I got a table shared with someone as I was just a single person. I ordered -
After dinner went to the room, saw news on tv, some updates on facebook & instagram and went to sleep.
Day 4 -
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| Breakfast at Kumta |
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| Navy Museum, Karwar. |
It was 2nd January'17 and had to 3xplore many places today. Gokarna Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach then beaches of Goa.  |
| Selfie at Gokarna Beach |
GO GOA GONE
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| Omellete Bread - At Vagator Beach |
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| Chicken Chilly at a shack on the beach. |
One by one explored all beaches Uptill Malvan (Maharashtra) in a single day. Just 10-15 mins at 1 Beach, capture memories and would leave for next beach. I made my personal record of visiting maximum beaches in a single day in my life. Little extra time I gave at my fav destination Goa. At Anjuna / Vagator Beach I relaxed at the shack had some fruit drinks & appetizers and watched the sunset. From there left again for Maharashtra, entered Malvan city & found a home stay for a night at just ₹300. They too had their own restaurant had my dinner there and rested for the day.
Day 5 -
Early morning left for Malvan beach, Tarkarli beach, then via NH17 via Ratnagiri, Chiplun stopping over for tasty Vada pav & Tea,reached Mumbai by late evening.This was my solo backpack cum solo bike ride trip of 4Night 5Days covering 3states, lots of beaches, historic sites, Waterfalls, rivers, temples and so much.
Thanks alot for reading my blog. You can write to me if you got any questions, queries for your trips. Do comment, like and share my blog.
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