It was a rainy Saturday evening in Bangalore, I had just finished my badminton game and was discussing Sunday plans with fellow players, that was when Mr. Harish from our group, who is a hardcore biker said he was going on a ride to Dabbaguli (130 kms from Bangalore) organised by Royal Enfield and only people riding one can join. Fortunately, I ride an Interceptor 650 so I was eligible to join the group.
Before I knew it, I was packing up, charging my equipment, loading up on fuel and soon crashed for the night with a hope that the rain would stop.
After a sound sleep, I woke up to find it was still pouring. We were supposed to start at 5:00 AM but we were delayed by 90 mins. Finally 9 RE's started from the Jayadeva store at 6:30 AM after signing the indemnity form.
Usually, I read a lot before visiting a place but since this was a last minute plan I didn't really have time for my phd. I am actually glad because I went with an open mind this time. (Expectations are just over rated).
Mr. Satish Mohan, the manager of the RE, Jayadeva store and our host did a splendid job on the curation front, We even had a skilled technician among us to handle breakdowns. All the bikers in our group were well experienced and fun to ride with.
I was a newbie to the group. I agree I have always been more of a backpacker & than a biker.
About the Place
Dabbaguli is on the border of Karnataka & Tamil Nadu and the river Cauvery flows through it.
As it is located in the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary, the forest gate opens only at 8 AM and closes by 5 PM.
One can reach Dabbaguli via Kanakapura road from Bangalore. After crossing the Kanakapura city you have to take a deviation to Kanakapura - Hunasanahalli road and that marks the end of a NH 209.
After the deviation you will pass through many villages, the Mugguru Forest and finally into the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. A good part of a journey from here is on unpaved roads so people with Himalayan will enjoy riding this stretch.
Route: If you look up on google maps, you will find there are two places named Dabbaguli. The right one near Mugurruw forest & the one near Manchanabele Dam. Often people get confused between the two and end up going to the latter.
Below is the link to directions till Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, the backwaters point is another 20kms from here. As it is not available on the map you will have to ask the locals after reaching the sanctuary - Click Here For Directions
Expense: 800(fuel) + 30 (entry fee) + 100 (Breakfast) = 930 rs
Tip: The ride cannot be complete without taking a dip in the Cauvery backwaters so do carry an extra set of clothes.
Dabbaguli is sparkling clean & serene. As it is an offbeat destination. I urge every individual visiting Dabbaguli not to litter the place. The herd mentality of humans do take a toll on the nature. There is a strong need for responsible tourism in order to protect it from our destruction.
Leave only foot prints, take back trash and memories!
Check out my other blogs posts:
5 things you must know before trekking Dudhsagar
7 Spellbound Treks of Karnataka
Follow me on Instagram - Im_the_nomad to find more of such unexplored destinations.