Living in Bangalore for more than 7 years – I always managed to take out time to travel on weekends and holidays. In fact – I have covered most the weekend getaways around Bangalore.I ran out of travelling places for weekendsnear Bangalore.Ady,Harsh and others-the RTMC gang had just posted a few pictures to the RTMC mailing list - about their trip to Rappa and camping near the Dam.Ady- an ace photographer -his pictures of the Old Church and the Shettyhalli Dam left me mesmerizing. Also, the camps they had pitched near the Dam was a perfect place for the weekend. I often wondered-how did i miss this trip. Even RTMC had made a weekend trip to Rappa. As my exams were getting over - i had just one weekend - to break free. Cause-i would have to repeat the same old long lectures on Saturdays. Route plan. Our plan to visit only Rappa and relax there. But-with loads of heritage sites near Rappa - it was a perfect opportunity. Rappa is just 16 kms. from Hasan -and near Hasan - are the Karnataka heritage.Belur/Halebidu.
Route:Bangalore>Neelamangala>Kunigal>Yediyur>Chanarayanpatna>Hasan. Thursday night-we spent packing till midnight. Friday morning - i was with all gear heading towards office to Marathalli. I had a few onlookers gazint at me in Bellundur Junction - gear and saddle bags.I did not spend much time at work as i was rather thinking of gettin out on the highway. I left office at sharp 3pm. Picked up my wife from HSBC-Sarjapur Road and headed for Hebbal. Riding till Neelamang
ala via Hebbal & outer ring road - was crazy. I was sweating as if i had been in a hot furnace-wearing the Cramster riding jacket - god>the heat was awful. Tanked up near Neelamangala(they have a new Macdonalds on this route) and chased for the highway. We were cruising at 95/100 as i had to rush to reach Halebidu. I had a booking at one of the hotels. Since we left mid-day -we wanted to cover a good distance so that we could spend a good time at Rappa. By 6'ish-we got stuck midway-rains,rains, rains. We stopped for about 45 mnts. sipping Tea n coffee. Adding spice to this-the roads were bad at some stretch. Now-my tone towards the throttle was soft and calm. With ease and alarmed driving-Me n Shoma were doing a night drive. I followed a Maruti Van-a taxi walla -who was much fast and he seemed - to know the highway roads much better. We did not stop in between - as it seemed so eery to drive in comple te darkness. it was just "us" and the Maruti van. I just prayed to Gods - that my bike "The Blue" not give any goof ups. It was 9pm by now-we covered a good distance and Hasan was just not far (1 hr drive). We cancelled our trip for night stay at Halebidu. Stopped for a good chai break n pakoras. Once on the highway - we met our old freinds - the Maruti Van wallas. I should really thank them - as i managed to escape some potholes. By 9:45pm - we were in Hasan. Made a few calls for a decent hotel to check in. 2 shots of rum with spicy chicken masala & dal fry-we dozed off. Next morning - we woke up by 8 - only to realize - it was less of driving and more of sight seeing. 
Route:Hasan>Halebid>Belur>Hasan>Rappa.
Route:Bangalore>Neelamangala>Kunigal>Yediyur>Chanarayanpatna>Hasan. Thursday night-we spent packing till midnight. Friday morning - i was with all gear heading towards office to Marathalli. I had a few onlookers gazint at me in Bellundur Junction - gear and saddle bags.I did not spend much time at work as i was rather thinking of gettin out on the highway. I left office at sharp 3pm. Picked up my wife from HSBC-Sarjapur Road and headed for Hebbal. Riding till Neelamang
ala via Hebbal & outer ring road - was crazy. I was sweating as if i had been in a hot furnace-wearing the Cramster riding jacket - god>the heat was awful. Tanked up near Neelamangala(they have a new Macdonalds on this route) and chased for the highway. We were cruising at 95/100 as i had to rush to reach Halebidu. I had a booking at one of the hotels. Since we left mid-day -we wanted to cover a good distance so that we could spend a good time at Rappa. By 6'ish-we got stuck midway-rains,rains, rains. We stopped for about 45 mnts. sipping Tea n coffee. Adding spice to this-the roads were bad at some stretch. Now-my tone towards the throttle was soft and calm. With ease and alarmed driving-Me n Shoma were doing a night drive. I followed a Maruti Van-a taxi walla -who was much fast and he seemed - to know the highway roads much better. We did not stop in between - as it seemed so eery to drive in comple te darkness. it was just "us" and the Maruti van. I just prayed to Gods - that my bike "The Blue" not give any goof ups. It was 9pm by now-we covered a good distance and Hasan was just not far (1 hr drive). We cancelled our trip for night stay at Halebidu. Stopped for a good chai break n pakoras. Once on the highway - we met our old freinds - the Maruti Van wallas. I should really thank them - as i managed to escape some potholes. By 9:45pm - we were in Hasan. Made a few calls for a decent hotel to check in. 2 shots of rum with spicy chicken masala & dal fry-we dozed off. Next morning - we woke up by 8 - only to realize - it was less of driving and more of sight seeing. 
Route:Hasan>Halebid>Belur>Hasan>Rappa.
Halebid -We left our saddle bags at the hotel for city tour of Halebid and Belur. Finding our way out of the city-we stopped near a engineering college dhaba for Idli's n Vadas. The taste here was much better with loads of spice added to the breakfast. Further, the drive was amazing. Less traffic with more of cows and goats heading to the fields for grazing. Amidst fresh air, we spotted a few lakes and wind mills. Within an hour - we the incredible city of Halebid - the city of ruins. We were 1st few tourists to enter the temple early morning. I am not going to give much gyan about Halebid - but do read some interesting facts. We visited Hoysaleswara and Shantaleshwara Temples. The garden was simply amazing and neat.We left soon after a good photo shoot. Had Naariyal Paani. I got into a small discussion with Shoma about Rural Marketing - Idea's plan of expansion in the south & the Big Brands in South. Check out the photo - which Brand do you think is popular Idea or Royal Enfield. Belur After a quick 8 kms ride to Belur - we checked in to visit the Chennakesava Temple. One of the finest architectures from "The Hoysalas", it had loads of history and intricate sculptures within the temple. We were done doing sight seeing by 11 and wante
d to leave for Rappa. Vijay(the owner at Rappa) - was not keen to invite us. A few days back, the place had a huge short circuit midnight and most of his valuables had burnt down. So ideally, we had nothing to stay n see. If Rappa was not worth it-i had a plans to visit Chickmaglur. We left for Hasan soon. The highway from Belur to Hasan was kickass. With amazing roads and lovely foliage of trees shadowing the highway-it added more adrenalin to my speed.It's an hours drive from Belur to Hasan - which i managed to do it in just 40 mins. "Dont mistake me- of trying to conquer some record stuff-it's just driving you would love to do in a some beautiful stretch." Wooff. A few formalities at the Hotel and we were on the Hasan-Sakleshpur highway once again for Rappa. We followed the directions given by Vijay recevied by SMS. As we approached Rappa - the landscape was lush green. Small houses with few people. Before reaching the bridge - to our left - we found a very old Church. I stopped at the bridge to get view of this amazing landscape. In the far distance - you could spot the "Old Church". Since it was summer - the water was less, so one could enjoy motorcycling in the river bed.A few snaps and moved further towards Rappa. Rappa Rappa rocks. We were welcomed by the Shunti,Shadow,Milo and Brownie.(they are not dogs but Vijay’s family).They were all over me in excitement - one of them even jumped on my fuel tank. The place looked perfect for a weekend. We wanted to stay here and not go to Chickmaglur. Vijay was at his best - his experiences on sailing to the Red Sea &his antique collection. Lunch was pretty heavy - felt like taking a small nap. We left in the evening for the 'Old Church" - a photo shoot rather. An 8kms ride was worth visiting the place. As we approached closer to the church - it looked more beautiful with the amazing backdrop. I couldn't resist myself - but took a dozen photos of the church. Soma loved being here and she settled to sit for a while. I was more busy taking photos of "The Blue" with the Church. The Church is submerged in monsoons - making it difficult for few tourists to have a look. We were the only one's there. It was absolute silence with the echo of the buzzing wind wooing the ruins.I dont know much of history to this but it was worth visiting. A few drizzles made me click some more photos,,one of them is below... We soon left for Rappa for the evening. We sat with Vijay to listen to some adventurous journeys sipping the hot coffee served. As the lights faded- we checked in some cool tents he had made on the machan. We loved this - as it reminded me of the stay we had on new years at Wayanad. Soon - a bonfire was arranged with a table for some daroo session. After a small bottle of drinking-we had to leave for the machan as it started raining. Vijay's friend - Anand & Pami had come in their Bolero for a visit.
d to leave for Rappa. Vijay(the owner at Rappa) - was not keen to invite us. A few days back, the place had a huge short circuit midnight and most of his valuables had burnt down. So ideally, we had nothing to stay n see. If Rappa was not worth it-i had a plans to visit Chickmaglur. We left for Hasan soon. The highway from Belur to Hasan was kickass. With amazing roads and lovely foliage of trees shadowing the highway-it added more adrenalin to my speed.It's an hours drive from Belur to Hasan - which i managed to do it in just 40 mins. "Dont mistake me- of trying to conquer some record stuff-it's just driving you would love to do in a some beautiful stretch." Wooff. A few formalities at the Hotel and we were on the Hasan-Sakleshpur highway once again for Rappa. We followed the directions given by Vijay recevied by SMS. As we approached Rappa - the landscape was lush green. Small houses with few people. Before reaching the bridge - to our left - we found a very old Church. I stopped at the bridge to get view of this amazing landscape. In the far distance - you could spot the "Old Church". Since it was summer - the water was less, so one could enjoy motorcycling in the river bed.A few snaps and moved further towards Rappa. Rappa Rappa rocks. We were welcomed by the Shunti,Shadow,Milo and Brownie.(they are not dogs but Vijay’s family).They were all over me in excitement - one of them even jumped on my fuel tank. The place looked perfect for a weekend. We wanted to stay here and not go to Chickmaglur. Vijay was at his best - his experiences on sailing to the Red Sea &his antique collection. Lunch was pretty heavy - felt like taking a small nap. We left in the evening for the 'Old Church" - a photo shoot rather. An 8kms ride was worth visiting the place. As we approached closer to the church - it looked more beautiful with the amazing backdrop. I couldn't resist myself - but took a dozen photos of the church. Soma loved being here and she settled to sit for a while. I was more busy taking photos of "The Blue" with the Church. The Church is submerged in monsoons - making it difficult for few tourists to have a look. We were the only one's there. It was absolute silence with the echo of the buzzing wind wooing the ruins.I dont know much of history to this but it was worth visiting. A few drizzles made me click some more photos,,one of them is below... We soon left for Rappa for the evening. We sat with Vijay to listen to some adventurous journeys sipping the hot coffee served. As the lights faded- we checked in some cool tents he had made on the machan. We loved this - as it reminded me of the stay we had on new years at Wayanad. Soon - a bonfire was arranged with a table for some daroo session. After a small bottle of drinking-we had to leave for the machan as it started raining. Vijay's friend - Anand & Pami had come in their Bolero for a visit. 
Rappa>Chanpatna.>Yediyur>Kunigal>Magadi Road>Nice road>Bangalore
We were woken by the Vijays galis - "dont you wanna see the sunrise". Brownie-managed to sneak in our tent in the wee hours. Brownie looked so adorable. Soma's words - "yeh kahan se aaya". Well, I could not move Brownie from the tent. Got ready asap and all set for the adventure. Since I had my Sunfeast Marathon coming up next weekend, I thought to flex my muscles a bit. Taking advantage of the Island – which was dry – we took a big round of the Island – some sort of dirt biking. It was a pleasure riding on this patch – it seemed – we owned this Island. Me and Soma did run for 45 minutes around the Island. Some of the Fisherman stared at us – must be thinking -some crazy people in our vicinity. As the clock was ticking for us to head back to Bangalore – we met the local fisherman to check out his catch and headed straight back to the Tent. We had ou
r second program waiting for us – Kayaking. Soma was excited as this was something new for her. Well, I had managed to do this some years back in The Ganges in Rishikesh. I wanted to venture more on swimming the entire stretch to the Dam – but Vijay was pessimistic on this move. I saw Ginger been thrown in the water times – so that she could swim well. I swam for a couple minutes but did not want to go deep in the waters. We soon got out of the water and got ready to leave back home. Vijay was very keen to show some of his antique stuff. So, on the way back, we stopped at a small village – at his friend’s house- Manjunath. The house was clean and well made. The bell was 150 years old and priceless – you would need a crane to lift that bell. Huge,huge,huge. The lady treated us with desi Roti’s and butter. After quick chat over tea, we left for Bangalore. The Ride back home from Rappa to Bangalore was great. In,fact – it was the same route but found it to be quite with loads of trees shadowing the highway. When we took the deviation before entering Bangalore – via Magadi Road – I could not stop – but kept on belting. Magadi Road was awesome and I truly enjoyed when one of the signposts said – “Be gentle on my curves”. We reached home by 4 pm. We relaxed for the evening for Chai n biscuits and discussed some of the best moments we had on this trip.
r second program waiting for us – Kayaking. Soma was excited as this was something new for her. Well, I had managed to do this some years back in The Ganges in Rishikesh. I wanted to venture more on swimming the entire stretch to the Dam – but Vijay was pessimistic on this move. I saw Ginger been thrown in the water times – so that she could swim well. I swam for a couple minutes but did not want to go deep in the waters. We soon got out of the water and got ready to leave back home. Vijay was very keen to show some of his antique stuff. So, on the way back, we stopped at a small village – at his friend’s house- Manjunath. The house was clean and well made. The bell was 150 years old and priceless – you would need a crane to lift that bell. Huge,huge,huge. The lady treated us with desi Roti’s and butter. After quick chat over tea, we left for Bangalore. The Ride back home from Rappa to Bangalore was great. In,fact – it was the same route but found it to be quite with loads of trees shadowing the highway. When we took the deviation before entering Bangalore – via Magadi Road – I could not stop – but kept on belting. Magadi Road was awesome and I truly enjoyed when one of the signposts said – “Be gentle on my curves”. We reached home by 4 pm. We relaxed for the evening for Chai n biscuits and discussed some of the best moments we had on this trip. Rappa Rocks !!!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/kkrajiv/EnrouteHalebidBelurToRappa
