[ampere]

There would be options available in Hassan as compared to CKM.
Read: Hotels compared to Homestays!!! I know you REALLY like home stays

[paragsachania]

Both CKM and Hassan have good options to stay when it comes budget lodging. Both these places do have expensive hotels as well.

Even Belur since the past 3-4 years is working out as an option when CKM and Hassan is full during peak weekends. So staying overnight shouldn't be a problem at all.

If you decide to stay in Belur or Chikmagalur, PM me the dates and I can book the accomodation for you through my relatives. If Hassan, I think Addy should help.

One more thing. I would advise you to Visit Belur & Halebidu during daylight else you would surely miss the magnificent carvings. There is no point in seeing both these places in dusk. These 2 places ARE for carvings and stonework.

An good amount of time to understand the story behind the intricate carvings would make your visit more memorable. I would suggest that you don't forget to hire a guide at both these places.

Deciding to stay in Hassan would make sense in case you want to start to Bangalore-Hosur and further on the next day since going back to CKM after Belur and Halebidu would be a detour when you anyways will be passing Hassan for Bangalore which is 36 and 30 Kms from Belur and Halebidu respectively while CKM is 60Kms.

[ampere]

If you stay in Hassan you can also visit Shravanbelagola the on the way back.
But its 1000 steps and your Mom may not be able to do. But a good option.

Dont FORGET you camera. I forgot mine at home on the way to Belur!

[aargee]

Originally Posted by addyhemmige

I'd suggest this itinerary

Yes, this sounds like a very good option too & may be I can save sometime too; let me go over this on the Google map. Pls give me sometime. Tks.

@Parag & @Addy - Guys, look the map below. I just had a thought that, if I'd stayed in Hassan, I should be driving back & then going forward to Bangalore isn't it? So, my thought goes now that, why not stay at CKM (even if I reach early fine, will take some rest for a long drive next day) start early next morning, drive towards Hassan & then towards BLR/Hosur. What do you guys think?

Originally Posted by paragsachania

One more thing. I would advise you to Visit Belur & Halebidu during daylight else you would surely miss the magnificent carvings. There is no point in seeing both these places in dusk. These 2 places ARE for carvings and stonework.

Very valid point; Thanks so much for the pointer.

Originally Posted by paragsachania

don't forget to hire a guide at both these places

I haven't hired a guide ever in my life, let me see if the maiden attempt is a successful one

Originally Posted by ampere

Dont FORGET you camera. I forgot mine at home on the way to Belur

Oh!!! that's another story!!! I've S5IS P&S; but the rechargable batteries are weak; so I ordered about a dozen rechargable batteries (Sanyo) from US through my friend. So one set of guys came, who promptly passed on to another set who were supposed to bring today; the second set of guys promptly passed to third set who're supposed to come Tuesday. First it was a question on leave from office for next entire week & now it looks like a green signal & my Daughter is struck with fever. Now we're in a dilemma to make it this weekend or not as we've almost prepared right from postman to milkman & servicing the car. Too much of planning spoils the trip

Originally Posted by ampere

Read: Hotels compared to Homestays!!! I know you REALLY like home stays

Ampere, its not of that bad experience, but, somehow I don't feel comfortable staying in some strangers house, no matter how much hospitable they are.

[ampere]

Ideally speaking you need not go to Hassan at all. If you stay in CKM you can continue by-passing Hassan.

[MX6]

Looks like you have a cracking plan now aargee. Also don't miss out on Batata vada of diana and ideal icecream as well.
And bypass hassan. Stay at CKM. leave the next morning and spend ample time in Belur and Halebidu enroute to Bengaluru.
And if you intend to catch up with some relatives in KRpuram, I'd also suggest some hotel closer to their place to stay. Also try driving off on NH4 from KRpuram through Hoskote, kolar, mulbagal, chittor. You can give the Krishnagiri stretch a skip. Not sure of the road condition between KRpuram and chittor. But I remember travelling in Airavath 4 - 5 years back in this route and was good.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by MX6

Looks like you have a cracking plan now aargee

I hope you missed reading in between my post; its not cracking, its shattering

Originally Posted by MX6

Also don't miss out on Batata vada of diana and ideal icecream as well.

Sure I won't miss it.

Originally Posted by MX6

And bypass hassan.

Originally Posted by Ampere

Ideally speaking you need not go to Hassan at all. If you stay in CKM you can continue by-passing Hassan

Are you saying straight drive from CKM to BLR & Hosur & not touching Hassan at all? Good suggestion.

Originally Posted by MX6

Stay at CKM. leave the next morning and spend ample time in Belur and Halebidu enroute to Bengaluru.

Yes, this is what I intend to do

Originally Posted by MX6

And if you intend to catch up with some relatives in KRpuram, I'd also suggest some hotel closer to their place to stay.

No, we'll stay with relatives MX6; why hotel?

Originally Posted by MX6

Also try driving off on NH4 from KRpuram through Hoskote, kolar, mulbagal, chittor. You can give the Krishnagiri stretch a skip. Not sure of the road condition between KRpuram and chittor. But I remember travelling in Airavath 4 - 5 years back in this route and was good.

Oh!!! no no no; I know NH46 is boring (read it real boring with nothing to do other than simply staring the road & pressing the gas), but wouldn't take the Kolar way as the work is still in progress, atleast, that's what I heard about 3-4 months ago. Known devil is better than unknown angel.

[paragsachania]

Originally Posted by aargee

Are you saying straight drive from CKM to BLR & Hosur & not touching Hassan at all? Good suggestion.

The only possible way you could bypass Hassan after you Visit Belur and then Halebidu is by reaching Javagal and then Arasikere & get on NH 206 to reach Bangalore Via Gubbi and Tumkur.

Of course, you could still bypass Hassan town even Via Belur by taking the Hassan bypass but the rains recently has deteriorated the conditions of roads taking you to the bypass and you are better of taking the city route through Hassan and Join NH48 (Honeslty this would take an additional of just 10-15 mins)..

Ideally, the most preferred route from CKM to Bangalore is always Via Belur and Hassan through NH48 unless there is a major reason/compulsion to take another route.

Regarding hiring a Guide, you wont regret for sure. If I were there in town I would've been your guide as our house is still facing the north temple wall in Belur ! (The same side where the Black Chariot is standing outside the temple)

Anything in Belur, Halebidu and Chikmagalur - I can surely help (Including guides at both these places)

[ampere]

Originally Posted by MX6

Looks like you have a cracking plan now aargee. Also don't miss out on Batata vada of diana and ideal icecream as well.
And bypass hassan. Stay at CKM. leave the next morning and spend ample time in Belur and Halebidu enroute to Bengaluru.
And if you intend to catch up with some relatives in KRpuram, I'd also suggest some hotel closer to their place to stay. Also try driving off on NH4 from KRpuram through Hoskote, kolar, mulbagal, chittor. You can give the Krishnagiri stretch a skip. Not sure of the road condition between KRpuram and chittor. But I remember travelling in Airavath 4 - 5 years back in this route and was good.

MX I would not suggest that. Bangalore to Kolar is full of slush due to 4L work and rains (Takes at least 2 hours and that too lots of diversion). After Mulbagal, NH4 is a single lane till it meets NH46. Lots of trucks on the road and they drive pretty rash.

In fact when I went to Tirupathi, I by-passed BLR-Kolar by local SH and the advantage was very much apparent. Even if he stays in KR Puram, its still worth going via Krishangiri, for the hassle-free drive.

Easy to start early the next day, take the elevated toll road at Madivala and its very peaceful.

@Parag, The idea is not to stay in Hassan. He will just drive along the by-pass (I think it goes via the Satellite master control center).

[paragsachania]

Originally Posted by ampere

@Parag, The idea is not to stay in Hassan. He will just drive along the by-pass (I think it goes via the Satellite master control center).

Oh Yes ampere. It also means that from Halebidu he will approach Hassan (the bypass) via Salagame and the INSAT MCF and not via Hagare (10kms) and then Join the Belur-Hassan Road for another 20 Kms.

I regularly used this road to reach Belur from Hassan way back in 2003 when Belur-Hassan was under construction though it was a detour. I guess most of them did.

But from Halebidu, its worth taking the road to Hagare and reach Hassan and take the bypass through Thanniruhalla or Gorur Road or Holenarasipura Road or even through the city itself. I am not completely sure on the current condition of road via Salageme & MCF from Halebidu.

[addyhemmige]

Originally Posted by aargee

Yes, this sounds like a very good option too & may be I can save sometime too; let me go over this on the Google map. Pls give me sometime. Tks.

@Parag & @Addy - Guys, look the map below. I just had a thought that, if I'd stayed in Hassan, I should be driving back & then going forward to Bangalore isn't it? So, my thought goes now that, why not stay at CKM (even if I reach early fine, will take some rest for a long drive next day) start early next morning, drive towards Hassan & then towards BLR/Hosur. What do you guys think?
Attachment 395904

That is what I was saying all along. If you are visiting Belur & Halebid, it is feasible to stay in Chikmagalur.

Originally Posted by paragsachania

The only possible way you could bypass Hassan after you Visit Belur and then Halebidu is by reaching Javagal and then Arasikere & get on NH 206 to reach Bangalore Via Gubbi and Tumkur.

Of course, you could still bypass Hassan town even Via Belur by taking the Hassan bypass but the rains recently has deteriorated the conditions of roads taking you to the bypass and you are better of taking the city route through Hassan and Join NH48 (Honeslty this would take an additional of just 10-15 mins)..

Ideally, the most preferred route from CKM to Bangalore is always Via Belur and Hassan through NH48 unless there is a major reason/compulsion to take another route.

+1

Originally Posted by ampere

@Parag, The idea is not to stay in Hassan. He will just drive along the by-pass (I think it goes via the Satellite master control center).

Originally Posted by paragsachania

Oh Yes ampere. It also means that from Halebidu he will approach Hassan (the bypass) via Salagame and the INSAT MCF and not via Hagare (10kms) and then Join the Belur-Hassan Road for another 20 Kms.

I regularly used this road to reach Belur from Hassan way back in 2003 when Belur-Hassan was under construction though it was a detour. I guess most of them did.

But from Halebidu, its worth taking the road to Hagare and reach Hassan and take the bypass through Thanniruhalla or Gorur Road or Holenarasipura Road or even through the city itself. I am not completely sure on the current condition of road via Salageme & MCF from Halebidu.

If you take the Halebid-Hassan (direct) road via MCF, the distance is 30 kms and he can bypass the city by taking the ring road (take left before engg college). He will join the main Hassan-Bangalore road at the Hassan Dairy.

Hassan-Halebid road is a narrow single lane road. It is good for most of the distance but has broken down at a few places. Anyone can manage it safely (in daytime). Else there is no problem. I recently took my dad's linea on that road and I did not face any problem (given Linea's low ground clearance).

@aargee, FYI, there are no boards in English after Halebid. But, there is no confusion as it is a direct road with no deviations. You can find english boards only on Belur-Hassan road.

All roads connecting Hassan city to the bypass (NH48) are pathetic. So, if you come to Hassan from the Belur road, better go through the city to rejoin the highway.

[MX6]

aargee. You won't have any issues in finding directions to Bengaluru from halebidu.
Just roll down your window and ask any local.
Bengaluru - Pozham pozham. Baleeee.
You may be let off if you are lucky without having to say lelu allu lelu allu (azhichu vidada patti).


Anyways, I didn't know that the kolar route is a mess now. When are they expecting to complete the 4 laning?

[ampere]

Originally Posted by MX6

Anyways, I didn't know that the kolar route is a mess now. When are they expecting to complete the 4 laning?

Its dragging on for ever! Really bad shap. PLUS 4Laning is happening only till Mulbagal. After that anyway its ony a single lane.

Another nightmare: Once you reach Chittoor, you hit a deluge coming through the NH18 (Cuddapah link), and then you sail through this till you hit 4L at Ranipet. Any way after that its Chennai traffic nightmare !

[aargee]

Leaves applied; tentatively starting from 21-Aug; redrafting the plan to check if things are OK, as I'm too nervous about KA route

Saturday Start from Chennai & reach Wadakkanchery by evening
Places of Interest - None
Accomodation - No issues
Route - Chennai-Krishnagiri-Salem-Palakkad-Thrissur-Wadakkanchery
Eat Out - Breakfast at Thoppur; lunch probably at Coimbatore/Palakkad

Sunday - Visit Guruvayoor, if possible (due to Onam crowd may not be possible though) & take good rest & visit nearby temples like Uthraalikaavu
Accomodation - No issues
Route - Nil

Monday - Visit Angadipuram as early as possible & reach reach Kollur by evening or night; stay Monday night
Kollur (Angadipuram - Udipi - Kollur) - 450 Kms
Places of Interest - Maravanthe beach near Kundapura for sunset; Sowparnika river
Accomodation -

1. Devi Krupa Lodge near the temple west gate
2. Hotel Ashwathi at Mookambika, Ph: 08254258334
3. Bina Rsidency 08254-258258
4. Lalithambika
5. OR ELSE Proceed to Kundapura - Hotel Sharon there is a good place

Route - Takes 2 hours drive from Udipi
Eat Out - Have lunch at Temple;

Tuesday - Morning darshan at Kollur & surrounding; reach Udipi by evening & stay for Tuesday night
Udipi (Kollur - Udipi) - 80 Kms
Places of Interest - Malpe/Kaup beach; Navaratna theru going around the car street and visit all the three temples there;
Accomodation -

1. Hotel Sharada International on the highway
2. Ramakrishna Lodge - Just beside Geetanjali theater and 10 minutes walk to the temple; 600/day for a room with 2 extra beds; food OK
3. Kediyoor hotel
4. Hotel Karavali

Eat out - good icecream parlour called Dwarika which also serves fast food; mitra samaj opp krishna temple
Fuel - Fill petrol opposite Gitanjali theatre

Wednesday - Morning darshan at Udipi & surrounding & leave to Sringeri; noon lunch at Sringeri & stay Wednesday night
Sringeri (Udipi - Sringeri) - 95 Kms
Places of Interest - Enroute Agumbe Sunset point; Cross over to Narasimha Vana to attend the puja of Chandramouleeshwara Spatika Lingam at 9PM
Accomodation - Yatri Nivas (state you want to attend the night puja)
Route - Udipi - Agumbe - Sringeri; beware of ghat section being a first timer. Takes 3 hours drive
Eat Out - Lunch at Singeri Mutt or any Brahmin mess

Thursday - Morning breakfast at Sringeri; Lunch at Horanadu & reach CKM by evening of Thursday
Horanadu (Sringeri - Kudremukha - Kalasa - Horanadu - Kalasa - Kottigehara - Mudigere - Vastara - Chikmagalur)
Places of Interest - Annapoorneshwari Temple
Accomodation at Sringeri -

1. Hotel Durgamba - just before entering the temple town, on to the left; 500+ on weekdays and 700+ on weekends and holidays; Rooms on the first floor
2. Rooms at the the choultry run by the temple authorities (Question - What should I do for this? A simple walk in will help?)

Eat Out - ??? (Any help with specific hotel in Horanadu?)

Friday - Morning breakfast at CKM, lunch probably at Tumkur & reach Bangalore/Hosur by evening
Chikmagalur (Belur - Halebidu - Tumkur - Bangalore - Hosur) - 500 Kms
Places of Interest - Rathnagiri - park; Dattatreya peeta - temple; Bhadra tiger reserve
Accomodation - GreenDale homestay
Route - Sringeri - Agumbe/Kalkar - CKM one of the routes
Eat Out - ??? (Any help with a good place in enroute? Tumkur?)

Saturday - Start from Bangalore/Hosur; visit Hosur; reach Chennai before evening

Route to follow from Chikmagalur
CKM - Belur - Halebidu - Tumkur - Bangalore - Hosur - Chennai

Enroutes places of additional interest

1. On way from Udipi to Kollur - Anegudde Ganesha temple
2. On way from Udipi to Sringeri - small ganesha temple at Someshwara

[paragsachania]

Originally Posted by aargee

Saturday - Start from Bangalore/Hosur; visit Hosur; reach Chennai before evening

Route to follow from Chikmagalur
CKM - Belur - Halebidu - Tumkur - Bangalore - Hosur - Chennai

Passing Tumkur is not required.

CKM- Belur- Halebidu- Hagare- Hassan-CR Patna-Kunigal-Magadi Town - NICE Road- Hosur Rd- Hosur-Chennai

(You can also stay at Bangalore and then continue further depending on the timings)