[rk_sans]

I have planned to drive down to Banavasi next weekend. Which would be the best route ?
1. Via Shimoga - Sagar - Sorabha - Banavasi
2. Via Shimoga - Shikaripura - Sorabha - Banavasi
3. Via Chitradurga - Haveri - Banavasi

Suggestions please. It would be a night drive both ways.

thanks,
Santosh

[shishir_bn]

The first route is very good. AFAIK the route is newly laid down and is wonderful. Near sorabha upto some kms the route is bad but drivable.

[rk_sans]

Originally Posted by shishir_bn

The first route is very good. AFAIK the route is newly laid down and is wonderful. Near sorabha upto some kms the route is bad but drivable.

Thanks Shishir, I was assuming that you will post something on this as it is known area for you.
I was looking for more inputs of routes via Chitradurga.

[shishir_bn]

@Rk, be careful when approaching Shimoga, since the road work is going on and most of the roads are 2-way and lots of heavy vehicles will be playing and the roads are also very narrow. But sorry I don't know about Chitradurga route

[ravibhat]

I second Shishi'r suggestion, in addition to that since I travelled via shimoga and Chitradurga just few weeks back I recommand via Chitradurga-Haveri. Excellant road with very less divervsion and almost no potholes. Shimoga route is very bad to be very honest, there are manay bad patches and no byepass road so more traffic and slowdown in day time driving.


Ravi.

[rk_sans]

Originally Posted by ravibhat

I second Shishi'r suggestion, in addition to that since I travelled via shimoga and Chitradurga just few weeks back I recommand via Chitradurga-Haveri. Excellant road with very less divervsion and almost no potholes. Shimoga route is very bad to be very honest, there are manay bad patches and no byepass road so more traffic and slowdown in day time driving.
Ravi.

I am little confused on this route given by google maps. From Haveri, what would the route ? Any idea.

[ravibhat]

In Haveri bypass you take left turn climb down (really scary turn that is...) to Sirsi road. After Akki alur in Y fork right goes to hangal and left goes to sirsi, Within 1 km you get cross road, right goes to hangal and left goes to shimoga via Shiralkoppa. Continue straight to Sirsi. Within 5-10 km you cross Sammasgi and you can fvind left turn to banavasi via Andagi. But this 20km road condition I don't know. If you want safer road drive till sirsi and take left via Marikamba tmeple to enter Banavasi road. Only 20km extra if you drive via Sirsi. I suggest you try road via Andagi but check with locals before you venture out.

From harihara and Ranebennur area there are roads but don't trust those roads. Better routes: haveri-sirsi-banavasi, shimoga-sagar-sorab-banavasi, haveri-Andagi-banavasi. Have a nice time, combine few places around Sirsi too If you have time.

Regards,

Ravi,

[rk_sans]

Originally Posted by ravibhat

In Haveri bypass you take left turn climb down (really scary turn that is...) to Sirsi road. After Akki alur in Y fork right goes to hangal and left goes to sirsi, Within 1 km you get cross road, right goes to hangal and left goes to shimoga via Shiralkoppa. Continue straight to Sirsi. Within 5-10 km you cross Sammasgi and you can fvind left turn to banavasi via Andagi. But this 20km road condition I don't know. If you want safer road drive till sirsi and take left via Marikamba tmeple to enter Banavasi road. Only 20km extra if you drive via Sirsi. I suggest you try road via Andagi but check with locals before you venture out.

From harihara and Ranebennur area there are roads but don't trust those roads. Better routes: haveri-sirsi-banavasi, shimoga-sagar-sorab-banavasi, haveri-Andagi-banavasi. Have a nice time, combine few places around Sirsi too If you have time.

Regards,

Ravi,

This is the reason why always we need to rely on tbhp. First hand info. Thanks a lot Ravi.
Also can you suggest places in and around Banavasi. We intend to reach Banavasi on Saturday morning and stay till sunday morning or afternoon.

[370Z]

@Santosh,
This blog has some info on places to visit in Banavasi. Also, if you have time you can go to Sirsi and visit any of these places. They are quiet near to each other:
1. Satoddi Falls
2. Magod Falls
3. Jenukallu Gudda
4. Sahasra Linga
5. Sode Mutt