It's been quite sometime we went out with family for a weekend outing. Even my Vento would have been bored of office-home-weekend shopping routine!
That's when I heard of Shimoga and it's surrounding tourist spots. My wife was wanting to visit Murdeshwar for quite some time and this trip could make that wish come true.
So dates were finalised for 18-20th July. Accomodation was ready - Thanks to a cracking deal at Groupon for 2N/3D stay at Royal Orchid Shimoga.
18-July-2014
After a swift packing and breakfast, we left our house at 10.30am. Took Nice Road all the way to Tumkur Road and started our journey on NH4. After Tumkur took the state highway to Shimoga via Tiptur. Lunch was at Kamat, Tiptur. Lunch was quite good and after almost an hour's break, we resumed our journey. It was raining off & on, but never threatening enough to stop our journey. This route is very lively and scenic when compared to NH4 - with several rivers, lakes, ponds, green fields all along your view on both sides. Finally we reached Royal Orchid Shimoga@5.30pm and retired for the day after a sumptuous dinner. Accommodation was very good and we happily dozed off anticipating a great next day.
My Daughter's reaction would summarize our excitement quite well.
19-July-2014
Woke up at 7am; got ready and after a nice breakfast buffet, left our hotel at 9.30am. First stop was going to be Jog Falls. Jog falls is on the Bangalore - Honnavar Road and about 100kms from Shimoga. Roads were quite nice and I was able to reach deviation to Jog falls at about 11.15am. The place was surprisingly less crowded around that time. Maybe due to the rain forecast that weekend. I'd let pictures do rest of the talking.
Bridge to Jog Falls
Views on either side of the bridge
Jog Falls
After few more photo shoots, we started off to Murdeshwar which is 25 kms from Honnavar and about 100kms from Jog Falls.
Roads were quite good throughout except for the odd potholes. Roads were quite scenic throughout and we thoroughly enjoyed the drive.
Water Fall spotted en route
River crossing
Greenery All around
Our beloved Vento
Mosses on either side of Road just before Honnavar
Backwaters at Honavar
And finally we reached Murdeshwar at about 1.30pm. Main temple was closed by then. So chose to see around the place and have lunch. Rain was off and on; Sea was quite fierce and dark clouds all around.
Rough Sea
Temple
Shiva
And one of my favorite shots. Just when Sun was getting covered off.
After all this we had a nice lunch at RNS Hotel on main road and started our journey back to Shimoga.
Intentionally decided to skip GoKarna for 2 reasons - 1. we didn't wanted to return back through the forest area in dark and 2. we decided to come again to Shimoga some time later and wanted to leave few spots for that trip. :D
Reached Shimoga back at around 7pm and dozed off early after a satisfying 400kms drive.
..To be continued.
Thread moved from the Assembly Line to Travelogues. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Ventoman
Thanks for the awesome pics and sharing route. I am planning for Blore-Jog Falls-Karwar-Goa this 18th Oct sunday. How about taking Bangalore-Mangalore highway 48 (left after Nelamangala) via Kunigal, Yadiyur, Gandasi & Ariskere? From then onwards to Shimoga it is same route as you traveled. Please let me know.
Thanks again.