Road Trip to the Mahakumbh

Road Trip to the Mahakumbh,,,

As stories built up about people traveling to Allahabad, i was eager not to miss it this time. 

The Last Mahakumbh was 12 years earlier while i just started my Career in American Express - New Delhi. I wouldn't have dream't to travel on a local train and get to Allahabad for Darshan. 

Well, i was lucky now - to be very close to Allahabad.

Thanks to Chetan (my younger brother – a Photographer) who gave me inputs about “The Mahakumbh” and told me stories about Sadhus, largest Human gathering on earth, loads of people,,,etc.

Plan – while I started my search on the Internet for accommodations, it seemed a failure to get any hotel bookings at all. The price for 1 night accommodation in a decent Hotel – approx.Rs.8000.00,,,wow – that’s a lot of money. I spent a similar amount traveling while i flew from Chennai to Colombo. Well,,,,it was now time for jugaad and look out for more options.

My GRD friend – Bhupinder, a very close friend from my school days. He missed the reunion last year in Dehra Dun. He is settled now in Mirzapur and runs a Transport Company.

My plan was to travel on my bike from Patna to Mirzapur via Varanasi. Stay at Bhupinder’s place, a one day visit to Allahabad and other places and ride back next day to Patna. 

Day 1    27^th Jan.2013

Maner-Ara-Mohania-Varanasi-Chuna-Mirzapur  (280 Kms)

I never planned to the Bike Trip today, i guess – that "enthu"built in me when the Patna bikers headed to Maner on 26^th January for a small road trip. As the mornings were cold and foggy, today was slightly a better day with clear skies. I just woke up in the morning to check out on the weather and decided to ride,,,

By 9ish – I was out on the roads once again to ride to Allahabad. Wow – whatta feeling to ride after 2 years. To top it – this was my 2^nd solo trip after RM Kolkata. I missed my riding jacket and other gear, but I had the basics to ride with.

The ride from Maner to Ara was excellent – just to get the hang of riding. The NH 30 from Ara widens with double lane roads and wider,,,wow,,,as it was early morning,,,found less traffic and was zooming at goodspeed. Who says – the roads are bad in Bihar, thanks to the new government – the roads are much better now and safer,,otherwise I wouldn’t have dared to drive solo,,,

From Ara to Mohania is a National Highway – early morning breeze, the Sun and yellow mustard fields – nothing beats riding early in the morning with the Bud Bud sound buzzing your ears,,,Once I reached Mohania – I had to take a right to on the main GT road,,,this GT road connects from Kolkata to New Delhi and further ahead,,,,I remember doing this 2 years earlier when Royal Beasts did the road trip to RM Kolkata – I joined the Beasters mid way from Aurangabad to Kolkata.

Bhupinder – my friend had given me guidance from Mohania to Mirzapur. I had to travel another 40 kms.on the main GT road and before reaching Varanasi – take a diversion. Once I reached the main bridge, I took the diversion for Mirzapur.

I just had a tea break in between and my waz  bit hungry now. Stopped near the bus stop for some oily bread pakoras and samosas – something I try to avoid while biking. As it was noisy and dusty – I soon headed out fo Mirzapur.

This was a smaller road – but the National Highway – and the roads were bad. Bhupi had informed me about the roads – but I couldn’t help but keep on riding.

I could feel the difference here as now – I was in Uttar Pradesh. There were stretches were I got stuck in traffic jam – as it crossed villages with dense population. From Chunar further – the roads were better,,it was now time to belt on,,,,

By noon – it was time to take a break as Mirzapur was not far. From Chunar further – roads were better and I was cruising at good speed, I had to stop at 2 railway crossings before I reached Mirzapur.

I really cant express how excited I was to meet Bhupinder – after 13 years,,,,that’s a long time. We finally reached home,,time to relax and enjoy home food, beer and chat on old stories from school.

Day 2    28^th Jan.2013

Mirzapur-Allahabad-Vindhyachal-Mirzapur  (200 kms)

Its about 1 ½ ride to Allahabad, i was at ease and not in a hurry to reach Allahabad. Had a quick breakfast and headed for Allahabad.

The roads were similar to what I had ridden yesterday. Of course, I could spot loaded buses heading for Mahakumbh and swanky cars – Fortuners, Tavera’s, Scorpios with pilgrims from various states heading for the grand mela.

Thanks to the UP administration – they had done a fantastic job on organizing such a mega event. I couldn’t believe once I was there – you are at “one of the worlds biggest human gathering on earth”.

After a quick view on the outskirts of Sangam, we headed for a boat ride. This was more spiritual – as we had to take a bath in Sangam. In the afternoon – at the ghats, Sun was burning. We visited one of the Akharas – to get blessings from one of the Naga babas. There were more than 21 akharas here, all full with devotees standing outside.

Pilgrims had come from all parts of India and loads of “Bideshi” tourists. The bathing ghat’s were full of pilgrims ready to take the sacred dip. It was very well organized – police patrols all over, information kiosks at every turns, medical & help centers.

He was from Jabalpur and knew Sanskrit. Nice to talk to. We visited  a few more babas. I found lots of photographers who had come here to click pictures, of course – where would you get such lovely portraits. We took a few bottles of water and soda’s to get away from the heat.

By noon – we were done doing the Darshan of Mahakumbh. There was lots to see but since I had a only a day for Allahabad, I had more places to visit.

I bid farewell to Mahakumbh and headed once again back to Mirzapur.

We stopped close to Mirzapur to Vindyachal – one of very important Hindul pilgrim centres. A quick darshan at the temple and back to base – Mirzapur by evening.

I met Bhupinder’s friend and we headed for the bar,,,,

Time to relax as it was a long ride back home

Day 3    29^th Jan.2013

Mirzapur-Chunar-Mohania-Sasaram-Ara-Maner (340 kms)

I left by 8 am as had a long day to cover. It was the same route back to Varanasi, so I was familiar now with the roads. I was rather belting early in the morning with no traffic et all. Bhupinder had informed me about the Chunar fort and its horror stories, I was not gonna miss it.

I reached Chunar by 10 am and asked people about the Chunar Fort. An uphill of 2 kms, this was a very big fort. Unfortunately, the Chunar Fort had now turned in a Police Base. The view of the river over looking the plains was breathtaking. With a few clicks, I was back with my helmet on and headed further for Varanasi.

I reached Varanasi pretty early and was on the GT road once again. I was belting on the GT road. Once I got to Mohania, I enquired about Sasaram. From Mohania to Sasaram – its 60 kms and a 1 hour drive. It was a smooth drive right to Sasaram. Once I got to Sasaram, I had to take a deviation for the Tomb.

Sasaram, is a small quiet town very well connected to the National Highway. The Sher Shah Tomb is a UNESCO Heritage sight. One of the Mughal Kings who build the grand – G.T road.

I crossed the main bazaar area to get to the main junction. After asking a few people – I got to the main place. Parked my Bullet and headed for a visit.

My gosh – this place was incredible. The tomb looked superb as it was surrounded by a lake. A very quiet place with lots of greenery around. I took a few pics and headed for the main tomb. It is unfortunate, that not many people know about this place, even I was under the assumption – that the Tomb was worn down, by here – the Archaeological Survey of India had done a fantastic job. 

I could not spot any local guide who took me around - may be, i could have got more details on the history.

After a short visit, i was on the move to get out of the city and head back home. 

Sasaram to Maner is 2 hours (131 Kms). I asked a few people about the road to Arrah - the nearest town,

Once again, i was on the highway. 

This route from Sasaram to Maner was amazing - not much traffiic, superb road and good speed. 

I stopped at Udwant nagar - a few kilometres before Arrah - to taste some "Belgrami" - a sweet delicacy.
It was noon while i reached Arrah and was not headed towards Koilwar and then to Maner. I reached Maner by 3 pm and relaxed for a while. Yeah, an accomplishment to have visited Mahakumbh.

Well, as now my trip came to an end, i finally decided that i need to explore more of Bihar roads. Now, i feel safe driving and much more to explore.

This was 2nd longest road trip visiting my old school friend, Mahakumbh and Sasaram.

Hope i get to ride and visit Allahabad after 12 years.

Ride Safe.

*********************

Day 1

Me,mi amor and Chickmaglur

You would be thinking by now - what does mi amor mean ?

It's from Spanish "mi love"

This ride was specially dedicated to my wife on our 1st anniversary.

I have been to Chickmaglur a couple years back with some of my friends but i always wanted to do a bike ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the Coffee Plantations.

Initially, we had planned for Valparai - a small tiny Hill Station off Coimbatore. But due to non-availability of holidays, we decided to ride down on a weekend to Chickmaglur.

Plan

Our plan was to ride on the weekend - i.e. Saturday early morning. Reach Chickmaglur by 1PM. Take rest and see the nearby places. 

Sunday - was more on leisure and have a easy ride to Bangalore.

Saturday (05th March.2011)

Bangalore>Magadi>Kunigal>Hassan>Chickmaglur :  260 Kms.

Places visited: Chickmaglur, Mullayanagiri, Maharaja's restaurant

We started at 7:20 AM, oh yes - since i had not touched my bike past 1 month. I initially had problems starting at the Shell petrol bunk. With a few 50 odd kicks - i finally had the engine running to start off. 

Yeah - once again on the highway. Home to Magadi is one amazing route and thanks to Nice Road - one hell of a highway.No more Bangalore Traffic,,,Once we touched the main Highway (NH 48) - it was an easy ride. 

I had done this route last year on the Ride to Rappa - so it was easy. Now, the roads were much better and it was one straight highway. 

We stopped at Kunigal for Breakfast. Some cars caught my eyes on the roadside and i knew - it must be some famous Sukh/Shanthi Sagar (Dhaba) around. We belted with fresh Idli's n crispy Vada's and maseladaar chai. Wow - whatta a meal. Mind you - the breakfast was pretty costly here. 

As we road further down - we could only spot a few cars on the highway. Once we reached Hassan - it was crazy traffic and wanted to get out of the city. 

Enroute to Chickmaglur

Now - it was just another 65 kms to Chickmaglur. With lovely sign boards on the roads - says - " Karnataka - One State, Many Worlds " - we were eager to reach our destination. We got a beautiful stretch were we spotted a lake with windmills. Quick snaps & quick break. 

We were in Chickmaglur at 1PM. Gave a call to Ansar - owner of Nature Craft Homestay - he advised to have lunch at the Maharaja's.

I guess that was a good advice - the Mutton Biryani, Ghee rice with Mutton fry was simply awesome. My mouth still water's when i write this blog,,,,if you make a visit - dont miss the Maharaja's - the cuisine on Mughlai food rocks. 

We soon headed for the Homestay which is 8kms off the main town. 

Nature Craft Homestay - few words to describe this place. Amidst Coffee plantations n thick green vegetation, away from the City noise - tucked is a small Homestay. It was the place we imagined- Ansar's family, Soxy and the ambeince was simply superb. 

Took a short nap post lunch and headed straight for Mullayanagiri. The ride to the top was one kick ass. It's one of the tallest peaks in Karnataka - so you can imagine !!!!. And you have to climb 450 steps to the temple. We had to reach base by 6 - as it gets dark, so we trekked fast to get a view. A 360 view of the entire landscape - this left us baffled. You could see far off - the Chickmaglur town and the Baba Budan Giri ranges. We got a few shots of the sunset and head back to base. 

A few drinks, chicken biryani - it was worth a memorable day.

At Mullangiri ranges

Sunday (06th March.2011)

Chickmaglur>Kemmangundi>Lingadahalli>Birur>Arsikere>Gubbi>Tumkur>Bangalore: 270 Kms.

Places visited: Kemmangundi,Kalhatti Falls

After breakfast, we soon left for Kemmengundi. Thanks to Ansar's advise and route map - The 40 Kms ride from Chickmaglur to Lingadahalli was one of the best scenic rides i would have done. 

There was not a single place that was left empty - only Coffee Plantations - lush green. I had taken off my sun glasses to enjoy the ride,,,

Riding to Kemmengundi Top was fun. Here, it was slightly warmer. As we reached Kemmengundi Top - the view was spectacular. We spotted a few trekkers ,,,

Spent some valuable moments at the top. We soon headed down hill as we wanted to reach Bangalore before Sunset. 

From Lingadahalli to Birur was an off beat road - dusty with pot holes. Once we got to the NH206 - roads were much better.

I was pretty surprised to see that almost every village was connected to the main highway. And the NH206 simply rocked - i was belting on the highway. We did not spot many trucks on this route - but there was lot of tourist buses. Pretty hot by 2pm - Arsikere had a small stretch touching a lake. Reached Tumkur by 5:30 pm to halt for some chai n snacks. I was even faster once we got the NH4 to Bangalore - we took the Nice road to Banerghatta road. But the time we reached home - it was dark - 7PM. 

We really enjoyed this trip and covered so many places. Thanks to "the Blue" my Bike - Electra. After an odometer count of 93K - it still rocks without any trouble.

Catch you soon on the highway >>>>

Cheers 

Rajiv Jispa

(Member of Royal Beasts & RTMC)

Jispa-enroute to Chickmaglur

https://picasaweb.google.com/kkrajiv/MeMiAmorAndChickmaglur?feat=directlink

Enroute Halebid,Belur to Rappa

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 Neelamangala 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 wanted 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.

09th May.2010 (Running,Kayaking,biking in the mud and back to base)

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 our 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