Howdy Riders/Readers/Viewers,
It's been some time since I went out on a solo trip. So I had been thinking for a while and was waiting for an opportunity to do one. The May 1st holiday just before the weekend offered exactly that and who am I to say no to riding ?!! ;) However, a friend was eager to join as a pillion, so took him along on days 2 and 3. I really would love to sit and write about the experience of being on my own on an open road, but maybe some other time. For now, let the pictures take you through the journey. Hope you like it.
Wait for a second. Some of you might appreciate a summary of the distance covered, the time it took, fuel consumed, etc, etc and not much into reading texts and watching pics (Really?!?). For them here are some rough* stats:
Total Distance Covered: 1300 km (including detours and roaming around, etc)
4 Day ride split up : 389 + 196 + 184 + 366 (distance shown on google map, between points)
No of days : 4
Fuel consumed : 35 litres of petrol
Average Fuel Economy : 35 km/ltr
Average Riding Speeds on-
Highways : 85 km/h
Mountains : 40 km/h
Expenses:
Food : 1200 INR (appx 300 per day)
Fuel : 2700 INR (Petrol rates vary a bit across states, so this is a rough figure)
Accommodation :
800 INR for the non-ac room we found near Periyar at night. In Coimbatore stay at home and in Anaikatti stay at the resort, both were taken care of by my friend Shiva. Thanks a bunch, buddy for the food and it was a great time I had with your family.
Breakdowns (if any) :
Nothing really. A wire came loose and was touching the rear wheel during ghat roads, so tidied it up with electric tape and then it was all good.
Lessons Learnt :
* Mountain roads too may close for the night, so do enquire when on a tight riding schedule. The best still, is not to have a tight riding schedule ;)
* Don't miss out on small things on the way which might be more fun than you might have assumed. E.g. morning bath in the river in our case :)
* Check and correct tire pressure for the vehicle load (with/without pillion/luggage) while riding in the twisties
* Keep the bike tanked up always and keep cash (not only card) when riding
Day 1 : Bangalore > Hosur > Krishnagiri > Dharmapuri > Salem > Erode > Coimbatore (break/rest/lunch) > Anaikatti
Day 2 : Anaikatti > Coimbatore > Palakkad > Chalakudy > Pariyaram (Athirappilly Falls Road)
The plan was to take shelter in Valparai at night. But when we reached the Kerala checkpost in Periyar (near Athirappilly Falls), we got to know, that the mountain road has been closed at 6pm for vehicles (both cars and bikes) and will only open the next day morning at 6am. This was a shocker, as I had plans to be back in Bangalore by Sunday night. Staying back for that night means I had to ride around 525 km the next day, which wasn't a good idea, considering out of that total distance, around 100 km is mountain roads. First of all, it's not safe to ride fast on the twisties, secondly what is the point of riding fast through such beautiful roads when that's what I have come all this way to enjoy. So that night was long and I decided to add another day and have some fun on the way. Glad I took that decision and we actually had more fun the next day, as we had a lot of time to spare and no rush. The non-ac room we could find at the last minute was a bad idea due to the hot and humid climate but the morning shower in the river more than made up for it:) Had we not been stuck on this road at night, we would have totally missed it.
Day 3: Pariyaram (Athirappilly Falls Road) > Valparai > Polachi > Coimbatore
Day 4: Coimbatore > Bangalore (same route as Day 1)
It's been some time since I went out on a solo trip. So I had been thinking for a while and was waiting for an opportunity to do one. The May 1st holiday just before the weekend offered exactly that and who am I to say no to riding ?!! ;) However, a friend was eager to join as a pillion, so took him along on days 2 and 3. I really would love to sit and write about the experience of being on my own on an open road, but maybe some other time. For now, let the pictures take you through the journey. Hope you like it.
Wait for a second. Some of you might appreciate a summary of the distance covered, the time it took, fuel consumed, etc, etc and not much into reading texts and watching pics (Really?!?). For them here are some rough* stats:
Total Distance Covered: 1300 km (including detours and roaming around, etc)
4 Day ride split up : 389 + 196 + 184 + 366 (distance shown on google map, between points)
No of days : 4
Fuel consumed : 35 litres of petrol
Average Fuel Economy : 35 km/ltr
Average Riding Speeds on-
Highways : 85 km/h
Mountains : 40 km/h
Expenses:
Food : 1200 INR (appx 300 per day)
Fuel : 2700 INR (Petrol rates vary a bit across states, so this is a rough figure)
Accommodation :
800 INR for the non-ac room we found near Periyar at night. In Coimbatore stay at home and in Anaikatti stay at the resort, both were taken care of by my friend Shiva. Thanks a bunch, buddy for the food and it was a great time I had with your family.
Breakdowns (if any) :
Nothing really. A wire came loose and was touching the rear wheel during ghat roads, so tidied it up with electric tape and then it was all good.
Lessons Learnt :
* Mountain roads too may close for the night, so do enquire when on a tight riding schedule. The best still, is not to have a tight riding schedule ;)
* Don't miss out on small things on the way which might be more fun than you might have assumed. E.g. morning bath in the river in our case :)
* Check and correct tire pressure for the vehicle load (with/without pillion/luggage) while riding in the twisties
* Keep the bike tanked up always and keep cash (not only card) when riding
Day 1 : Bangalore > Hosur > Krishnagiri > Dharmapuri > Salem > Erode > Coimbatore (break/rest/lunch) > Anaikatti
Ride route map for the first day
Leaving the concrete jungle via Electronic City road at morning 5:30.
One of my favorite experiences is always, sunrise on the horizon :)
It is always exciting to get a glimpse of mountains, while still being on the plane. Just the mere thought of being on those ghats excites me.
Taking a break on a beautiful morning next to a beautiful road. Too much beauty, ain't it :D
Two different generations of the breed.
One of the most dangerous patches of roads with sharp curves is a collection of crashed vehicle parts. Here the whole car is still lying abandoned. Initially, I didn't give much heed to the warning sign, but after seeing the numerous vehicle parts on the roadside, I slowed down to a safer speed.
I was getting a bit drowsy, so took a break here to have an energy drink.
Day 2 : Anaikatti > Coimbatore > Palakkad > Chalakudy > Pariyaram (Athirappilly Falls Road)
Ride route map for day 2
Two up, started late in the mid-day sun, of Tamilnadu Summer. The view of those misty mountains helped me feel good, despite the heat.
Tea break! I was so happy to find a shade for my steed. Actually, between Bangalore and Coimbatore, it's kinda rare to find some shade to take a break, solely due to the service roads being on both sides of the highway.
Finally reached Chalakudy. Inquired about the route to Valparai as my mobile data connection was very slow.
Sun went down and still had a long way to go.
The plan was to take shelter in Valparai at night. But when we reached the Kerala checkpost in Periyar (near Athirappilly Falls), we got to know, that the mountain road has been closed at 6pm for vehicles (both cars and bikes) and will only open the next day morning at 6am. This was a shocker, as I had plans to be back in Bangalore by Sunday night. Staying back for that night means I had to ride around 525 km the next day, which wasn't a good idea, considering out of that total distance, around 100 km is mountain roads. First of all, it's not safe to ride fast on the twisties, secondly what is the point of riding fast through such beautiful roads when that's what I have come all this way to enjoy. So that night was long and I decided to add another day and have some fun on the way. Glad I took that decision and we actually had more fun the next day, as we had a lot of time to spare and no rush. The non-ac room we could find at the last minute was a bad idea due to the hot and humid climate but the morning shower in the river more than made up for it:) Had we not been stuck on this road at night, we would have totally missed it.
Day 3: Pariyaram (Athirappilly Falls Road) > Valparai > Polachi > Coimbatore
Ride route map for day 3
Morning surprise! Got to know about the Chalakudy river being very close to the hotel.
We took a lavish shower here and enjoyed the flowing water on the rocky bed. It was way better than a bathtub, or wait, it was actually the best-of-its-kind natural jacuzzi. Really!!
Locals taking bath
The beautiful 'Athirappilly Water Falls
After this fall the Chalakudy river continues down streams and finally meets the 'Periyar River' after 50 KMs.
Left the luggage in the hotel for a ride around the place
This route is simply beautiful with such lush green trees, it's so shaded even in the mid of summer.
I could never have had enough of this view.
Some of the not-so-twisty stretches of the 'Athirappilly Water Falls Road'
Not famous, but there are many other tiny falls we came across on the way toward Valparai
Like this one!
Shiva munching on some cashew on a break.
It was a bit hard to believe the greenery, despite the hot and humid weather.
A landslide of sorts had the road damaged. Repairing work going on as seen in this picture.
Just after crossing the Tamilnadu check post, suddenly the view around changed and we got to see the mountains covered with tea plantations.
Sholayar Dam in the background
Roads surface in this stretch was a bit rough, but still manageable.
The 'T' junction is on the way.
Right we go !!
Can you see the woodpecker duo doing some headbanging on that tree?!! :)
Trust me, I live for such scenic views! No words!!!
My bull basking in the beauty, that this terrain had to offer.
It's always the arguable detours, which always led me to the best of views. This was no exception. See the next photo to know what I mean:)
This place was beautiful. We sat here for some time. As sunlight was fading away fast and we still had miles to cover before the night, we decided to come back to the main road and continue with the descent.
Shiva was in the mood to shoot and we (me and my steed) got a chance to pose together :) Am not complaining at all ;)
While leaving Valparai, the mountain roads and the view just start getting exotic.
The scenery was just breathtaking.
Notice the snaky road we rode through, total bliss if you love twisties.
While entering Coimbatore local festival was going on to celebrate the 'full moon'.
Thanks to the bike for reminding me to switch to reserve. This made us stop and chanced upon a few moments of the cart festival happening there.
Day 4: Coimbatore > Bangalore (same route as Day 1)
It's hard to find shade on the highway side in TN. These bus stops could come in handy at such times.
Took a break, and had water to stay hydrated.
Taking a break on the way back to Bangalore
Some hills on the way like this one, do look interesting.
Just checking out my bike's road presence at night. Reflectors doing a good job of keeping me visible on the highway. Still, it could do better with some more reflective stickers.
The last 100 till home.
The return trip was a bit boring initially, as the thought of being back in the office after such a great weekend of riding, wasn't all that exciting. Hey am just being honest here, so don't quote me for this one. Still, I wouldn't be traveling so much if I wouldn't know how to change my mood for the better. A good playlist on my headset and opened up the cruising foot pegs, that did the trick. It was a new ride am in, which took me across 350kms, right back to my doorstep. This was a long day and a hell of a long weekend. The moment I got to the bed I was so tired, yet so happy having enjoyed my time on the saddle. I am simply grateful that I get to do things I love and wish the same for you too.
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"
"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to."
"I don't much care where –"
"Then it doesn't matter which way you go.”
[~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland]
Hope you enjoyed this journey.
Ride Safe and Ride Far,
Sid
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