16 hours !

If I compiled all the happenings in my life over the past two years into a book, I guess 'My experiments with Life' will be the best name .

In order to relax and add some thrill of travel into my life which has seen a bit too much of my experiments I badly wanted to take off somewhere. On Friday evening I made an ad hoc plan within 5 minutes that I will be riding to Hassan. The Plan - Srinivas would be my partner - Browny to accompany us as he would be all alone in the house - Leave Bangalore at 5:30 am on saturday morning in my bike - Halt for the night in Hassan - Return to Bangalore by Sunday evening .

Saturday : 5-50 am . Woke up to realize that I was late by 20 minutes. Got ready in top speed and was all set to go. The plan to take Browny along was dropped at the last moment (as a result of a conversation with a friend the previous night) as it would be a burden on him rather than of any help. I arranged for its food and daily walk by giving charge to a neighbour.

6-30 am. Filled petrol for 500 bucks and hit the Yeshwanthpur road towards NH4. The weather was cool as it had rained in the night. I had vowed not to use a bike for a long journey after a near fatal Journey to the hills. But Promises are meant to be broken !! The fact was, I was very well prepared for this ride.



The bike was in top shape atleast by Hero Honda CD 100 standards , with a new makeover a couple of days back which included incorporation of a - new fury handle, new seat, new round dome headlight, a complete engine tune up & servicing and a slight alteration in the aerodynamics by getting rid of the saree guard and the luggage carrier. On top of this I wore a crash helmet for the first time in my life. I realised it is such a high protection to wear one. It completely cushions you and protects you from wind,dust and any impact during worst case . I will henceforth use one when I am going far within or outside the city and STRONGLY recommend others who are not using one presently to do so.

After 35 Kms we took a left into NH 48 towards Hassan. The ride was thrilling even though my bike does not go above 80 which in a way is good. The roads of NH48 are very much decent and pose no problems at all.



We reached Shravanabelagola at 9-30 am covering 124 kms . Shravanabelagola is a holy place for the Jains. By the time we ascended the steps the effect of the breakfast we'd had downhill was turned void.



The grand and imposing statue of the nude Gomateshvara welcomed us at the top. The legend says that Bahubali or Gomateshvara who was the son of Rishabdev, quarreled over their inheritance with his elder brother and nearly killed him. In repentance he quit the world to meditate standing and attained moksha. His meditation was so deep that creepers grew up his legs, snakes settled around his calves and ant hills came up near his feet. It is the worlds tallest monolith.carved from one rock, 57 feet high. People of the bygone era have left so many wonders behind.




The Jain devotees engrossed in devotion at the feet of their god. People have so many beliefs and means of showing their devotion to god. AMUSING !!



The price to climb to the top and pour a pot (Kalasha) of water is 250 Bucks. A pot of milk will cost 500 bucks. ABSURD !! A small fee like 50 is undestandable for the sake of maintainence, but not not figures like 250 and 500. I guess it costed a fortune during the once in 12 years anointing ceromony , The famous Mahamastakabhisheka (The last ceremony was in February this year). Thousands of litres of milk, sandalwood, ghee, water etc etc for a stone statue when so many millions are suffering from poverty and struggling for a morsel of rice. STRANGE !!



We roamed around the hill for some time . A chameleon was enjoying the view from the top.




The climb down is fast. For 250 rupees which is justifiable, you can get yourself carried up and down in a palanquin like structure by four men. I guess most of our 'old' VVIP politicians take this route.

We left Shravanabelagola to Halebid (72 Kms away) via Hassan town. Enroute paid a brief visit to the (in)famous Malnad college of Engineering.




We reached Halebid , the capital of Hoysala empire , at 1:30 pm. The Hoysaleshvara temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.










The stone work, like the intricate dress patterns in layers on some of the statues, showed the heights the sculptors at those times had reached.









At 3-00 pm we left Halebid to Belur. Enroute we were caught in heavy rain. We came across a bus stop shelter where we took refuge and I shifted my camera into the safe confines of my bag. Now that the camera was safe, we started again in the rain. The helmet was in action. 8 Kms later we were in Belur at 3-30 pm.













The Chennakeshava temple is an amazing work of craftsmanship and the sheer detail of the work is mind-boggling.The statues of the princesses and the gods transported one to a bygone era. One could imagine that when the temple project began, Belur would have instantly been transformed into a bustling town with thousands of sculptors working on pieces of stone.





It was 4-45 pm. As we had seen Belur, Halebid and Shravanbelagola, the overnight halt was scrapped and we decided to start off to Bangalore. Night driving would definitely be
an adrenaline pumper. By the time we were in Hassan town 32 kms away it was 5-30 pm. We stopped for a quick bite as we'd had nothing since breakfast. After dosas and a hot cup of coffee to activate the senses I took control of the bike at 6-00 pm. I was to drive until there was light and Srini would take over once darkness had descended.



A few minutes later, the skies opened up in a big way. Thick drops of rain lashing furiously was not a deterrent. Thanks to the HELMET again and the driving jacket. It was thrilling !! After a furious 30 minute downpour the skies calmed down and we were still around 30 Kms from Shravanbelagola. It was begining to get dark and we were totally drenched. We stopped near a petrol bunk and refuelled purely for a precautionary measure and checked the air in the tyres. Srini took contol at 7 pm. Still 140 Kms away from Bangalore we targeted 9-30 pm to reach home. For the next 70 minutes Srini was at his best negotiating the curves and turns and the approaching glare of the vehicles. The darkness of the night, the gusty winds and the lighting every now and then was giving a kick. Once again heavy rain. I took over immediately and the next 30 minutes was one experience which I wont forget for long. Again the controls were shifted and at 9 pm we had reached the end of NH48. From Nelamangala it is relatively easier as the NH4 is double lined from here all the way to Bangalore. Finally we reached Bangalore at 10 pm and Browny was happy to see his master safe !! The 407 kms of biking to catch a glimpse of the remains of the spelndid hoysala architecture was unforgettable.