[Lukeskywalker]

Saw this thread very late, else I'd be on the wagon too :(, I would suggest the Belur-Chikmagalur-Aldur route too, just a few metres stretch as you enter C'magalur (as mentioned by Condor)is bad, I travelled on this stretch 2 weeks ago.

[rk_sans]

As mentioned by others better to stop for breakfast at Maurya.

[asdon]

Ok, ok peak driving dropped. Though I did it in 2007 in alto, we will keep this to the resort plantation, forest drive and lots more.

If breaking at Hassan not advisable, we will go little far and then decide on breaking.

[KarthikK]

Some teaser pictures of what the route will look like with tons of scenery and greenery (I know I'll get flamed for this) Too many spoilers are bad for the trip. Rest of the scenery to be viewed in person on 18th and 19th Anyway, this was the road quality when i last visited this route.

Belur - Chikmagalur stretch



Approaching the mountains of chikmagalur



Chikmagalur - Balehonnur roads through estates

[Fauji]

The road quality of Hassan - Chikkamagalur is good. Beyond Belur, they have filled up all potholes. The road from Chikmagalur to Mullayyanagiri is excellent. I hope everyone in the team have done some sort of ghat driving. The road from Kaimara to Mullayanagiri - specailly the last few KMs is very narrow and have to be careful.

Let me add some pics of Mullayanagiri to add to the excitement. This was taken during sunrise a fortnight back.

Approaching Mullayana Giri



The winding ghat road



The panoramic view of the hills in the morning - You will see sun setting beyond these hills.



Dont forget to take Binoculars. Enjoy maadi!!

[shamanth]

If we are planning to Mullayanagiri, Last couple of kms which leads to peak could be done by fewer vehicles, just have to be careful. Many do trek these 2-3 kms also. Otherwise its an amazing place(Highest place in Karnataka). Best part is last part where we climb steps of 100 mts, Oxygen is low here, if its sunset or sunrise we can see clouds floating below us.

[asdon]

Originally Posted by shamanth

If we are planning to Mullayanagiri, Last couple of kms which leads to peak could be done by fewer vehicles, just have to be careful. Many do trek these 2-3 kms also. Otherwise its an amazing place(Highest place in Karnataka). Best part is last part where we climb steps of 100 mts, Oxygen is low here, if its sunset or sunrise we can see clouds floating below us.

Tum log phirse sote hue sher ko jaga rahe ho... When I ment peak driving, its not that we have to go with 15 car convoy, 7/8 cars would have been enough, but will not add any more masala to this, lets see on the D day, whats the mood. BTW is the road till Baba Budangiri is still closed?

[rocky080]

Originally Posted by Driving_Nomad

Mysteriously, I have not got a PM.
Nevertheless, you guys enjoy to the maximum extent!! Am gonna definitely miss the meet.

Hey if anybody is still interested, i just got confirmation that they have accommodation available at shantikunj which is a few KM further from where the meet is being held(Eagle eye resort).

Shanthi Kunj

Unfortunately i have already made bookings at Waynad over that weekend, else would have joined the meet.

EDIT: Looks like Shantikunj resort is before eagle eye resort on the route being taken.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...cf217b2887c3e7

[raj.barcode]

2 days and one night you guys wanna do so much, guess it will be tiresome, best is to extend by another day as Monday is a holiday and enjoy the places around so that trip will be even more eventful rather than driving up and down just for a resort night stay

[condor]

@Raj, Monday is not a holiday for every one. Many of our trips have been over-nighters like this. But on occasion, some members have extended their stays, but on their own arrangements.

[raj.barcode]

Originally Posted by condor

@Raj, Monday is not a holiday for every one. Many of our trips have been over-nighters like this. But on occasion, some members have extended their stays, but on their own arrangements.

thats right sir, but after travelling 250 odd kms prefer see the nice places that the nature has to offer and travel back, enjoy all

[asdon]

Originally Posted by raj.barcode

2 days and one night you guys wanna do so much, guess it will be tiresome, best is to extend by another day as Monday is a holiday and enjoy the places around so that trip will be even more eventful rather than driving up and down just for a resort night stay

We might not have a full course site visit this time, if it looks hectic to all, mostly valley, forest drive, estate visit will be on cards and if get time then one of the peak(may be).

[abhinav.s]

Originally Posted by asdon

BTW is the road till Baba Budangiri is still closed?

Yes, it is closed until first week of march atleast. Roads are also under construction and in very very bad shape!

[royalcruiser]

Wonder if I'm the only "laid back" member here, checking and replying only over weekends! But, life's been that way - a bit too hectic lately.
Short update - I'm headed to Sringeri over Sun/Mon and will be traveling via C'lore and Balehonnur. Will update the thread upon return, since I'm planning to drive back via Aldur to Belur bypassing C'lore. Will get to know the road condition and distance, which should help us decide the route to take.
Cheers!

[chetan_l]

Originally Posted by royalcruiser

Wonder if I'm the only "laid back" member here, checking and replying only over weekends! But, life's been that way - a bit too hectic lately.
Short update - I'm headed to Sringeri over Sun/Mon and will be traveling via C'lore and Balehonnur. Will update the thread upon return, since I'm planning to drive back via Aldur to Belur bypassing C'lore. Will get to know the road condition and distance, which should help us decide the route to take.
Cheers!

Don't worry - I am lazier than you on this thread.
Great to have a reconnoiter done before the actual travel - thanks! Also look out for ideal pit-stop points if possible. Look forward to your updates