thats good update about roads,
blre -> tumkur -> shimoga -> jog falls -> siddapur -> sirsi is very scenic route I take that route 9 out of 10 times when i visit sirsi/ankola.
We never get tired in that route.
Few stretches are scary i do agree
no traffic at all especially in the night, morning, afternoon.
It would bit take extra time comapred to chitradurga/haveri route but beause its 35km extra long and no 4 lanes.
hotel shivani is luxury hotel and if you need pure veg without drinks choose panchavati / maduvana in sirsi.
Gokarna cross BP Petrol bunk is very good, he is cheap as well by 20 paisa i guess, recently he has BP speed stock as well.
Good that you enjoyed.
Regards,
Ravi.