Vehicle: Ritz VDi
Route taken :Kundapura->Agumbe->Chikmagalur->Mullayanagiri->Kundapura
Total Kms:350Km
speed: 90-110kmph AvgTop speed:130kmph
Mileage:20km/litr
This drive was planned long back as i had been to mullayanagiri with friends on College trip. My cousin wanted to take his new Ritz for a drive, so took his car than mine(zen). started early morning from kundapur, reached agumbe and checked in to Doddamane(big house). Kasturamma's warm welcome and kashaya was awesome,i stayed there 6 months back with friends.Staying at this place gives you a combo offer " Sunrise at Kundadri and suset at agumbe view point ".This house is famously known as Malgudi days house,Many episode's of shankaranna's malgudi days were shot here.
Asked for route in agumbe, people advised to take balehonnur road to reach chikmagalur.This stretch gives a good view of tea plantation. we reached chikmagalur at 12 had lunch. Post lunch we headed towards mullainagiri.Distance is around 15kms from chikmagalur,First 5-6kms drive was smooth through estates .As we started going up the hill, Road became narrow with sharp turns and hairpin bends.Last 5km were toughest as it was single road and no space to give way for the oncoming vehicles.
It needs a lot of experience to drive on this stretch(*fresher better take a driver). Last 2 km visibility became zero with dense fog, even the fog lamps won't help.Once we reached top, It was worth the effort, lush green forest and deep valleys with fog covered mountains. We couldn't drive to hill top due to fog ,we parked car on the way and started trekking to the peak.
Place is best suited for adventurous drivers.Funny part is driver will enjoy the beauty of the road and people on board will enjoy the greenery.
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| Temple on hill top |
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| En route Agumbe |
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| Zero visibility |
It needs a lot of experience to drive on this stretch(*fresher better take a driver). Last 2 km visibility became zero with dense fog, even the fog lamps won't help.Once we reached top, It was worth the effort, lush green forest and deep valleys with fog covered mountains. We couldn't drive to hill top due to fog ,we parked car on the way and started trekking to the peak.
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| Lush green Mountains |
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| Green Route |
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| way to Temple |
Reached the hilltop around 2, Standing at 6300ft(Highest peak of Karnataka) the view was breathtaking.Way to the temple is a trek through steps,Even steps were not visible because of fog. We didn't waste much time there came back and headed towards seethalayyanagiri.
The advantage of having power steering comes to the rescue, it was easy to take quick turns on those narrow roadsand even mag wheels offered smoother steering and braking performance.
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| Ritzz... |
We didn't risk going to kemmangundi from here ,as i heard the roads are very bad and ritz was new. I would have definitely tried if it was my zen.
So skipped kemmangundi drove back home.
So skipped kemmangundi drove back home.
Highlights
*Dont miss the route,some deviations doesn't have direction boards.
*Loved the pickup (80-90kmph on third gear)and handling of Ritz.
*Last 1.5Km in mullainagiri use lower gears(1st)and engage handbrake properly while parking.
*The trek route SARPADRI gives more chance to explore these mountains.
*No barricades, so drivers be sure when taking car on the edge.
