Monsoon Adventures of Riding from Hyderabad - Dandeli - Vijayapura - Hyderabad
Day 1 - Rain-soaked Adventure: Riding through Monsoon Magic with Buddies Hyderabad to Hubballi
The heavens opened up, and the city of Hyderabad began its pursuit of rain-soaked moments. However, we, a group of adventurous souls, had a different idea altogether. Ignoring the cozy confines of our homes, we set our sights on a thrilling escapade - a taunting ride through the monsoon towards the enchanting haven of Dandeli, where the jungle awaited us with all its mystique.
Our journey began on a crisp morning, the clock striking 6 am. We kick-started our engines and headed out of Hyderabad, leaving behind the cacophony of the city. But before we hit the road, we made a crucial pit stop at a local gem ARUNACHALA MURUGAN'S, renowned for its sumptuous king Kong-sized idles that could easily satisfy the hunger of any rider's soul. As if that wasn't enough, we indulged in dosas that were like works of art, all topped off with a rejuvenating cup of filter coffee, the elixir of the road.
With our bellies full and spirits high, we set forth towards our first checkpoint - Raichur. The journey took us past the mesmerizing thermal plant, an expected marvel on our route. As we cruised ahead, the road seemed to mirror our excitement, becoming a tad jittery and scattered with speed breakers. But these obstacles only served to amplify our hunger, making us yearn for the much-anticipated lunch that awaited us.
And finally, our stomachs led us to RR Family Restaurant Sindhanur, where we found solace and shelter from the rain. The skies had cleared by then, granting us respite. It was a welcome chance to catch our breath, relish a hearty meal, and share stories of our rain-soaked encounters thus far. The camaraderie of friends, the laughter that echoed, and the sense of adventure brimming in the air - it was a perfect pause amidst our exhilarating journey.
The rumbling of engines signalled the end of our mealtime interlude. It was time to hit the road once again, leaving RR Family Restaurant behind. As we carved our path through the rain-kissed landscape, we found ourselves in the quaint town of Kalburgi. Towering windmills cast long shadows across the road, welcoming us with open arms. The asphalt stretched ahead; a clear path lined by nature's own sentinels.
With each passing mile, our anticipation grew. Our destination, Hubballi, beckoned us with promises of rest and rejuvenation. As we rolled into the city, weary but satisfied, we knew we had successfully conquered Day 1 of our monsoon expedition. Dandeli lay just beyond the horizon, its mysteries and wonders awaiting our eager exploration. Underneath the sheltering roofs of Hubballi, we found respite, our bodies aching but our spirits soaring. The rain outside tapped a soothing rhythm, like a lullaby that serenaded us into a well-deserved slumber. The next morning held the promise of Dandeli's wild embrace, a testament to our courage and unity as we braved the elements together.
Day 2- Embracing Nature's Symphony of Monsoon Adventure in Dandeli Hubballi to Dandeli
With the break of dawn, our spirits were ablaze, ready to dive even deeper into the heart of the monsoon-drenched jungle. Our destination: the unspoiled beauty of Dandeli, where we aimed to etch memories into the very fabric of our lives.
Our journey began with a delightful breakfast at a place steeped in history - GURUDATTA BHAVAN. The aroma of tradition and the taste of timelessness lingered in the air as we savoured the delectable offerings that had been cherished for generations. Energized and eager, we embarked on the road ahead, our destination pulling us like a magnet.
As our tires carved a path through the enchanting jungle roads, we were enveloped by a sea of greenery. Nature seemed to stretch out her arms in a welcoming embrace, offering us a respite from the cacophony of daily life. Each breath of monsoon air was like a sip from the fountain of vitality, rejuvenating our souls and washing away the mundane worries that clung to us.
Parampara Cottages welcomed us with open arms, a haven nestled amidst nature's grandeur. The allure of adventure beckoned, and we eagerly answered the call. Dandeli's Kali River presented an irresistible invitation to indulge in water sports. Despite the absence of rafting due to the weather and the river's dammed state, the river's tranquillity held its own magic. We embraced the serenity with kayaking and boat rides, forging a connection with the river's soul.
Our exploration continued as we ventured to the magnificent Supa Dam. A testament to human engineering against the backdrop of untamed nature, it stood as a beacon of awe-inspiring juxtaposition. The journey to these gems was nothing short of a dream for biking souls with a passion for jungle roads. Each twist and turn unfolded a breathtaking vista, a canvas painted with the hues of adventure.
After our exhilarating morning escapades, we regrouped for a satisfying lunch, eager to satiate both our appetites and our yearning for further exploration. Unfortunately, one of the picturesque roads was off-limits due to ongoing bridge repairs, a testament to the unpredictability that often accompanies the thrill of the road. Undeterred, we redirected our course, drawn to a rendezvous with the wildlife that thrives in the embrace of the Kali River - the ancient and awe-inspiring crocodiles. As we approached the river's edge, our anticipation mingled with caution, yet our excitement soared as we laid eyes on these magnificent creatures. Basking in the gentle caress of the sun, the crocodiles graced us with their presence, offering a fleeting yet mesmerizing glimpse into their world. It was a captivating encounter, a harmonious symphony of nature and adventure that left an indelible mark on our hearts.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, we gathered for the cherished tradition of "jibber jabber." Laughter echoed as we recounted past escapades, reliving the moments that had united us on this exhilarating ride. The generous offerings from Parampara's kitchen satisfied our appetites and nourished our bonds.
A night's rest was well-deserved, but for some, a new adventure awaited with the dawn - an early morning safari to Anshi National Park. Those who answered the call were rewarded with nature's wonders, while others might have regretted missing out on the splendours of the park.
As the curtains closed on Day 2, one thing was certain - this journey was an odyssey of camaraderie and exploration. The monsoon rain had become more than mere droplets; it was a thread that bound us together, an elemental force that mirrored the passions within. Day 3 promised new mysteries, new stories, and a continuation of the monsoon symphony that had begun.
Day 3 - Lazy Reflections and Tranquil Roads of Monsoon Odyssey
Day 3 of our monsoon escapade dawned lazily, a gentle contrast to the thrills that had fuelled the previous days. As we waited for our companions who had embarked on the Anshi National Park safari, we revelled in their tales of nature's wonders and the fortunate sightings they had witnessed. Their words painted vivid pictures of the wild, igniting a sense of longing in the rest of us.
Once they rejoined our group, their stories lingering like the morning mist, we set our sights on the road ahead - a journey that would take us from the verdant embrace of Dandeli to the historical city of Vijayapura, also known as Bijapur. The time had come to bid farewell to the jungle roads that had become our allies, guiding us through the monsoon wonderland. The mighty windmills stood as silent sentinels, reminding us of the remarkable journey we had undertaken.
As the engines roared to life and the wheels began to spin, a sense of bittersweet anticipation settled in. The rain gods had granted us respite, offering a perfect riding weather that caressed our skin like a lover's touch. The road stretched out before us, an endless ribbon that carried us through picturesque landscapes and whispered secrets of the land.
A quick pit stop for lunch provided a moment of nourishment, both for our bodies and our souls. The camaraderie of friends, the laughter that flowed, and the memories we had amassed - they all converged in that fleeting moment. With renewed energy, we resumed our journey towards Vijayapura, our wheels carving a path through the asphalt.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm hue over the horizon, we arrived in Vijayapura. The city greeted us with open arms, its historical aura mingling with the modern pulse of life. Our bodies were tired, our spirits introspective, as we settled into the comfort of our lodgings. The day had been a bridge between the past and the present, the lush jungles and the bustling cityscape.
With a sense of finality permeating the air, we engaged in random discussions that had become a hallmark of our camaraderie. History, politics, technology - our words flowed like a river, weaving a tapestry of ideas and opinions. As the evening unfolded, we found solace in the embrace of the Fern Hotel, where good food and comfortable beds awaited us.
And so, Day 3 drew to a close, its quiet moments of reflection and tranquil roads leaving an imprint on our souls. As we drifted into slumber, the journey's end loomed on the horizon, but our hearts remained intertwined, bound by the experiences that had shaped us and the rain that had accompanied us every step of the way.
Day 4 - A Grand Finale: Homeward Bound from Vijayapura (Bijapur) to Hyderabad
As the dawn of the fourth day graced the historical city of Bijapur, a sense of eager anticipation hung in the air. Our journey, though nearing its end, had one final marvel to unveil - the magnificent Gol Gumbaz. For some of us, it was a first-time encounter with this architectural masterpiece, and we were determined not to miss out.
Gol Gumbaz stood as a testament to human ingenuity, its grandeur stretching towards the heavens. As we stepped into its hallowed halls, we were greeted by an awe-inspiring sight - the second largest dome in the world, an architectural marvel that seemed to touch the sky. But it wasn't just the sheer size that left us in wonder; it was the ingenious design that allowed every word spoken within the monument to resonate with crystal clarity, no matter where you stood. Each corner held echoes of history, a symphony of whispers that transcended time.
With the memory of Gol Gumbaz etched in our hearts, we packed our bags for one final time, preparing for the journey back home. The road from Vijayapura to Hyderabad stretched ahead, a path well-trodden but no less significant. Our engines roared to life, and as the wheels turned, we embarked on the homeward-bound ride.
The journey back held fewer tales to tell, save for the unpredictable traffic that we navigated with patience and resolve. The road, while familiar, offered its own share of surprises, as each bend and curve seemed to reflect the twists and turns of our adventure. Despite the challenges of the road, the camaraderie that bound us remained unbreakable.
As the miles melted away beneath our wheels, the city of Hyderabad welcomed us back with open arms. We rode through the streets that had witnessed the beginning of our monsoon odyssey, a journey that had unfolded with rain-soaked roads and shared laughter. Though our physical journey had come to an end, the memories we had forged and the spirit of adventure that had guided us were far from over.
With the promise of another adventure on the horizon, we bid adieu to our trusty steeds, knowing that they had carried us through rain and sun, laughter and introspection. As we dispersed, heading towards the comforts of home, our hearts remained united by the echoes of our monsoon escapade. The road had been our canvas, and the rain our brushstroke, painting a masterpiece of camaraderie and exploration that would forever be etched in the tapestry of our lives. Until next time, the open road awaits, ready to embrace us once more in its boundless embrace.
Hyderabad to Hubballi
Hubballi to Dandeli
Dandeli to Vijayapura
Vijayapura to Hyderabad