Distance: 700+Kms.
Time: 3 days, 2 night halts at Mudigere and Kalasa
Places Covered: EtthinaBhuja Trek, Rani Jhari Edge Point, Kaduge Waterfalls, Kalasa Temple, Amba Theertha, Kalasa Hanging Bridge/Vasishta Theertha etc.
This was an impromptu Trip with my close friend Harsha which turned out to be a memorable one.
My previous trip which was a Solo Car Drive to Hassan, Sakleshpur and Mudigere served as a basis for this trip. It was an even more impromptu one, where I had missed out on the Etthina Bhuja Trek and that was haunting my mind. This trip had made me more familiar with the Route and I was updated with the road conditions around Sakleshpur-Mudigere.
The Work from Home and Corona inflicted restrictions in Bangalore were taking a toll on our mind and health. So we wanted to visit some place away from the city to unwind and that's how this car trip plan took shape. Initially we didn't fix on anything except the Etthina Bhuja trek.
I had already covered Hanbal Falls, Manjarabad Fort, BettadaBhaireshwara in my previous trip so I was not keen on any other places around Sakleshpur.
The no. of days were not decided, although we thought it could easily be a two-nights and three-days trip which is what it turned out to be in the end.
Just the previous night, Mr. Harsha was generous enough to book a Homestay in Mudigere as I had told him there were not many lodges around Mudigere and the Sakleshpur Homestays were not budget friendly.
Homestays usually charge per person and cost around Rs.2500-3500 per person per day. But Harsha found a good deal where we were not being charged per person. Instead they had agreed to host both of us for Rs.2500 including food.
By then it was deciding that we would drive straight to Mudigere and complete the EtthinaBhuja trek, the same day if possible and then move towards some other places like Kudremukha or Kalasa covering Ballalarayanadurga, Rani Jhari etc.
Woke up early and started from home around 5:30am and drove straight to Harsha's place. Was surprised to see his Wife waiting to see him off. Felt bad that she couldn't join us so far on any of our trips.
Anyways we started on time or so we thought, as it was still dark outside. Had not even crossed 150mts., when Harsha asked to stop at an ATM and I thought this guy always has some last minute work. I thought he's going to draw cash but was surprised to know that he actually wanted to deposit some amount in that early hour. Rich Guy!!
It was a pleasant drive all the way and soon we crossed Tumkur Road and entered the Mlore Highway at Nelamangala.
To be continued..
Some pics:
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| Our BreakFast Stop |
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| Harsha's Photography 🤦♂️ |
