Drive to Penukonda Fort with the Skoda Rapid Owners' group

The drive to Penukonda Fort was nothing short of mesmerizing, with scenic hills unfurling before us in a breathtaking panorama.

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In a world dominated by bustling cities and concrete jungles, there's an undeniable allure to escaping the urban chaos and venturing into the serene embrace of nature. And what better way to do so than embarking on a group drive with friends, traversing winding roads and discovering hidden gems along the way?

Recently, I had the opportunity to partake in such an adventure, as a convoy of 10 cars set out from Bangalore with Penukonda Fort as our ultimate destination. Our journey began in the early hours of the morning, everyone was excited as we gathered at Hebbal junction, ready to hit the road and leave the city behind. Despite the unpredictability of group drives, where attendance can sometimes be a hit or miss, we were fortunate to have a strong turnout this time around.

As the sun peeked over the horizon, we embarked on our expedition, the hum of engines and the promise of adventure fuelling our spirits. Our first pitstop was at Nandi Upachar near Nandi Hills, where we indulged in a hearty breakfast, fortifying ourselves for the miles ahead.

Originally, our plan was to head to Big Bay, but as fate would have it, we decided to take a detour and explore the lesser-known Penukonda Fort. Little did we know that this spontaneous decision would lead us to an unforgettable experience.

The drive to Penukonda Fort was nothing short of mesmerizing, with scenic hills unfurling before us in a breathtaking panorama. Despite the summer heat, the weather was surprisingly pleasant at the top, with a cool breeze accompanying us throughout our journey and making the drive all the more enjoyable.

Upon reaching Penukonda Fort, we found ourselves amidst ancient ruins, remnants of a bygone era steeped in history. While there may not have been much to see in terms of intact structures, the panoramic views it offered more than made up for it. After exploring the fort and soaking in its ambiance, we reluctantly bid adieu and began our homeward journey. But no road trip is complete without a gastronomic indulgence, and so we made one final stop at Big Bay for a leisurely lunch, relishing in the camaraderie of shared adventures.

In the end, it's not just about the destination, but the journey itself—the winding roads, the unexpected detours, and the bonds forged along the way. And in that regard, our group drive to Penukonda Fort was nothing short of extraordinary.

This drive was organised by an SROB (Skoda Rapid Owners Bangalore). SROB is more than just a group; it's a community of passionate Skoda Rapid owners in Bengaluru who share a common love for their vehicles. What sets SROB apart is our dedication to sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights about the Skoda Rapid. From discussing the latest mods and accessories to sharing tips on navigating the sometimes challenging Skoda authorized service centers (ASC), our group serves as a valuable resource for Bengaluru owners.

Thank you for reading and here are the pictures from the drive.

Super smooth tarmac of the newly constructed twisties at the penukonda fort.

Some photos of the drive up the hill

The next couple of pictures are on top of the hill. On top of the hill, there is a nice stretch of road which leads to nowhere and people use it for parking.

Some remnants of the fort and some temples atop. There is also some archaeological work happening to restore the ruins on top.

Panoramic view of the cars parked next to ruins. Picture taken atop a small peak that has another temple (the previous picture is where this picture was taken from).

The last picture we took before we lined up the cars to leave.

The snap I captured while we started the descent.

Some pictures while we reached the Bagepalli toll.

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