Seeing the large fins of the massive windmills being carried on the multi-wheeled trucks on the road has always fascinated me. The feeling is only elevated when you are almost at the level of these windmills. These windmills can be seen on the way to Hassan for a short stretch before reaching Shantigrama. They like to be inconspicuous, so pay attention before you lose sight of them. Having seen them from afar while travelling on the highway, it was an out-of-the-world experience when I was at Mavanuru Shri Bettada Malleshwara Gudi temple looking at these remarkable things up close.
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| View of the temple before the climb (hair-pins) |
After the not-so-eventful ride on the Hassan highway crossing Channarayapatna, a deviation at Dandiganahally kere and a short 30-minute ride will lead to Sri Mavanuru temple. The little longer route, with deviation at this place (5kms before Shantigrama), is a more straightforward route to reach. Turning off the main road, you pass through villages with vast and open fields of agriculture. The only two hairpin bends will lead to the hilltop where the temple is situated. The temple is dedicated to Shiva.
The friendly guard at the entrance was excited to see a solo biker (woman) coming from Bangalore. He chit-chatted for a while enthusiastically. The vantage point gives a spectacular view of the landscape sprinkled with windmills all over. It is a humbling experience to be at this level with the windmills with its humongous fins reminding us that we are nothing but a tiny speck in the vast expanse. Being a weekday morning, I had the place to myself until a couple of bikes started to show up. Interestingly, this seems to be a favourite getaway amongst the college crowd from Hassan and nearby places.
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| a lake en route to Shravanabelagola |
Ditching the boring highway, I continued on the interior roads, and onwards Channarayapatna and then towards Shravanabelagola. I rode towards Melukote, relishing the nil traffic and fantastic views of the unspoiled rural landscape. A pond en route had a surprise awaiting. The migratory birds were soaking themselves in the water and enjoying the moment. Thanks to the road work near the lake that slowed me down to take in this beautiful scenery. The Shravanabelagola – Melukote goes through some reserved forests with a couple of decent twisties in between.
Getting back on the highway after Melukote and a quick lunch break at Paakashaala in Yediyur, it was time to head home. The interior road from Melukote towards Bangalore, via Huliyurdurga – Magadi, is good. This route was explored just after the lockdown restrictions were lifted. The Yediyur – Ramanagar is picturesque but time-consuming (worth the time and effort). I usually ride on these roads only to enjoy and explore the interior routes and not for the destination.
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| a lake on Ramnagara – Huliyurdurga – Yediyur route |
