So 2019 is here and I have chalked out a travel calendar already.
Finishing 2018 with "Cruising in the Clouds", a journey that took us through all the hill stations of South India ( check the story ), made me want to travel even more ( on two wheels ) in 2019.
There is something about riding on the highways, I feel alive!!
With over 20 destinations to visit this year, I started 2019 with a trip to northern Kerala.
When we think of Kerala - God's own Country - we think of lush green forests, backwaters, the houseboats and some beaches in the south of the state.
But did you know about the rich history of the northern most parts of Kerala and also it's beaches.
One such destination not too far away from my hometown of Bangalore is Kannur ( also known as Canonore ).
Just about a ride/drive of 7 hours...this town has many beaches one can visit and relax, from forts to temples, it makes a good weekend destination
I decided to ride out on the 25th January weekend.
As usual my partner in crime Johnson ( my RE TB 500 ) was all set to take me there and back. We started out on 25th morning, the journey took me through Mysore Road - Hunsur Town - Gonikuppa - Virajpet - Kannur.
The route had everything one can ask for - National Highways, a ride through a national park, through Ghats and some brilliant roads through the coffee county of coorg. Many scenic spots for one to stop and soak in, click pictures or just chill under a tree and wonder.
Be careful about food, after Hunsur Town there is very little to stop for.
In Kannur I stayed at the Kizhunna Beach. A small homestay called White Shell which was right by the beach. After I checked in I took a walk on the beach and was blown away with the beauty of it.
The beach was long with white sand and barely anyone around. For the most part it was only me. Imagine having a beach just to yourself.
I spent the first day just strolling on the beach and watching the sunset ( one of the best I must say ).
Day 2 - After a perfect run on the beach and a great breakfast I decided to brave the weather ( it was fairly hot and humid ) and check out St. Angelo Fort and the Muzhappilangad Drive in Beach.
The fort built by the Portuguese in 15th century exchanged hands twice, once the Dutch and the other British.
Day 2 - After a perfect morning run on the beach and a great breakfast I decided to brave the weather ( it was fairly hot and humid ) and check out St. Angelo Fort and the Muzhappilangad Drive in Beach.
The fort built by the Portuguese in 15th century exchanged hands twice, once the Dutch and the other British. The fort is maintained by the ASI and the entry is free. Right by the Sea side in the heart of Kannur Town - the fort is a architectural wonder. Perfectly preserved walls and nicely maintained lawns, it's a place to chill a while and read a book. Once can easily spend a few good hours.
Post that I ate lunch at the famed Odhen Hotel which gets super crowded.
After a sumptuous meal I rode to the Muzhappilangad Drive in Beach. About 15 kms from the main town this is the only drive in beach in India and the longest in Asia (4.5 kms). Also featuring in the top 5 Drive in Beaches of the world.
Drive-In beach as the name suggests is a beach where one can drive their vehicles on the sea. I thought that the place might be dirty. But to my surprise is was fairly clean and gets a lot of crowd. One must see it to believe it.
After riding around on the beach splashing waves ( make sure you get your vehicle washed afterwards as the salt water can corrode the vehicle) , it was time to wrap and go back to my homestay to witness another spectacular sunset.
A day well spent!!
Day 3 was all about getting back home - I decided not to take the same route back and discover something new.
I had heard a lot about the Malabar Hill Highway. I needed to take the NH 66 ( Konkan Highway ) and then turn towards the hill Highway which would take me back to Coorg..
I left at 8.30 AM after getting some good rest. No sooner than I hit the NH 66 I stopped for breakfast at one of my yesteryears favorite place - India Coffee House. Its sad that ICH closed down in Bangalore a short while back.
After breakfast I continued to ride and made a huge mistake of not using the GPS. Kerala roads can be very tricky, best to use GPS or you could lose your way. That's what happened to me.. there was no network and Noone in sight to ask. A few who were there did not understand what I was asking.
After roaming around aimlessly for 1 hour I finally found my way back home. But I am so glad that it happened as I found some of the best roads and routes in the country side of Kerala.
Being a Sunday I expected heavy traffic on Mysore road which delayed me a little more. But after a crazy ride of 10 hours I finally got back home at 7.30 in the evening.
If you are a Beach and Solitude lover, Kannur is a must try for it's serene beaches and secluded options to stay.
Until the next one, signing off!!
