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Mission: Bangalore-Goa-Amboli Ghat- Murudeshwara-Bangalore
Man and the Beast:
The thought of travelling to Goa was in my mind from January, time work and all other factors kept pushing the plan.
Finally I was able to arrange it for September.
On the previous day to the trip: Washed the car, did a Full tank of diesel, Tyre pressure check, packed snacks, clothes and I am all set.
Number of traveler:2
Route and Road conditions: Started on Tuesday night around 10. Took the NICE road- from Bannerghatta road to Tumkur road- AH 47 till Hiriyur and then on to NH 48 till Hubbali. From Hubbali you have to take a left to Goa. The road passes through Bhagavan Mahaveer Sanctuary. The road till Chitradurga is simply superb. From Chitradurga to Davangere, there are many deviations and those useless humps in between.
We reached Bhagavan Mahaveer Sanctuary by 2 am. This is a very dense forest and is always best that you cross this forest during day. It took me 3 hours to cross this forest section. I also had to drive through 0 visibility fog for about 15 km. It was a very scary experience for me as the visibility was very low due to fog. There were very few vehicles in the road during that time.
Once you cross this forest you will hit the Panjim road that takes you to Goa.
We reached the hotel by 8 am.
Accommodation: Booked Hotel With OYO.
Hotel Name: Zinhos Beach Resort
Cost: 2300 per day is the charge. Was able to get it for 1100 per day when booked through a friend of me who works at OYO. The Hotel is situated very close to Baga Beach and is perfect for a awesome stay.
Fuel: Total spent on diesel: Rs 6384.
Total distance Traveled(Bangalore-Goa-Amboli Ghat-Goa- Murudeshwara-Bangalore): 2327 Km
Mileage: 21(overall trip)
Places visited
Day 1(Wednesday): Basilica of Bom Jesus
Located in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Site. It was raised to the status of a minor Basilica in 1946 and is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Goa. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in Goa.
A very peaceful location with lots of history sleeping inside.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Visited this place by 2pm.
You have to take your car in a Ribandar ferry to this spot. They just charge 10rs to transport a car from one side to the other. On the western tip of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after India's best-known ornithologist. This is Goa's only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island.
The area consists of mangrove vegetation. Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive ones known.
Day 2(Thursday): Amboli ghat
Started from the Hotel at 5 am and reached the spot by 7am.
Is situated 90 kms from Baga Beach.
The beautiful hill-station of Amboli is rightly called the 'queen' of Maharashtra;. Such is its natural splendour Famous among environmentalists as a precious ecological hotspot, it is cool, calm, serene and enriched with all the treasures that the world of flora and fauna can bestow upon it. Located in the princely state of Sawantwadi, Amboli is located on the ridge of the Western Ghats and is particularly majestic during the monsoon when impromptu waterfalls gush down the hilly terrain.
The entire region gets covered with a dense fog during several times a day. It is then that you can actually experience the power of silence and how nature makes it own music.
Returned from Amboli ghat by 1pm headed straight to the hotel. Spent the evening time in Anjuna Beach. Nightlife in Goa can be best Experienced in Baga and Anjuna Beach.
Day 3(Friday): Fort Aguada
Started from Hotel by 9 am after breakfast that was provided by OYO.
Fort Aguada is just 20 minutes drive from Baga Beach. Standing on the headland overlooking the mouth of the Mandovi River, Fort Aguada occupies a magnificent and successful position.
You will get a great view of the sea from this fort. You can also see the prison that was used in the earlier days and their ventilation/monitoring infrastructure will leave you puzzled.
We spent almost 4 hours at Fort Aguada. This place is very breathtaking and the wind will keep you energized throughout.
Arvalem Waterfall
We left the fort by 2pm to Arvalem Waterfall and reached the spot by 3.15pm.
At a distance of 30 km from Panjim, Arvalem waterfalls cascading down from the mountains from a height of 50 m (24 ft), is one of the most amazing spots situated in North Goa.
This beautiful waterfall forms a huge lake at the bottom, which is much popular amongst the swimmers. The color of the waterfall becomes muddy brown in monsoon rains and the water flow is quite less in summer.
This waterfall is set amidst charming surroundings, with the Rudreshwar temple in its vicinity. The Arvalem waterfall is one of the most crowded tourist spots in Goa. The Government has developed a park at the waterfall where one can peacefully sit and enjoy the beauty of the waterfall. The time I visited this falls was great. As it was monsoon time the falls was heavy.
The falls are easily accessible from the nearest road point .
We were at the falls till 5pm and then returned to the Hotel. Spent some night hours in Baga Beach.
The next day I have to leave Goa to Murudeshwara and then to Bangalore. The fact that I have to leave Goa tomorrow was pricking me.
"What happens in Goa stays in Goa" is very true to the concept!
Some photos at the beach:
Day 4(Saturday)
Checked out from Hotel by 9 am after breakfast that was provided by OYO.
Took the Margo-Kasargod Road to Murudeshwara . A 240KM drive from Baga Beach to Murudeshwara .
The Roads were pleasant with no Toll in between. While crossing the Goa border to Karnataka you have to come across 2 checking posts where the police search your car fully for alcohol or Goan Spirits.
Some shots on the way to Murudeshwara
Murudeshwara:
Murudeshwara is famous abode of Lord Shiva and a popular pilgrimage center in South India.
We Reached Murudeshwara by 4pm. Was very tired by the time I reached there as I was the only person driving the car for the last 4 days.
Parked the car in the beach and took rest for 2 hours.
At 6pm took darshan at the temple. Murudeshwar is famous for the world's second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 ft) of Murudeshwar Temple. The sea on three sides surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri.
This is a great place to watch the sunset. Murudeshwar is also known for the Murudeshwar Fort and wonderful beaches.
After the Darshan, we bought prasad, laddo and spent some time in the beach as the view of the temple in moonlight was breathtaking.
We left Murudeshwar by 8pm. Map shows 549 km for home(Bangalore)! Whooo!
From Murudeshwar we headed to Kumta, had dinner there and continued via Sirsi to Haveri. From Haveri it is the same route that we traveled while going to Goa. Once we reached Chitradurga, I parked the car near the toll and slept for 1 hour. Highway police Ertiga was parked near the toll booth the only reason why we felt that the place is safe for a small break.
We continued from Chitradurga by 2.30 Am, passed Tumkur and reached home by 6.30 Am.
The return drive from Murudeshwar was a very slow drive and almost took 11 hours.
I have a Spooky Experience to share that happened on this route.
It happened around 11.30pm, 10-15 kms before Ranebennur, before the Kamat Upachar and coffee day. I was driving at a speed of 80-110 and all of a sudden a iron rubbing tire sound started coming from the Front right tire. I thought that the tire is punctured and parked the car to the side and checked all the tires. To my surprise all the tires are in shape. I opened bonnet to check if something is stuck in between or broken. Everything looks intact. I was really shocked and was unable to know what caused the sound. In all my years of travel, I haven't ever heard of a road creating that kind of a groaning. I decided to continue riding and if the noise comes again then will park the car in some safe place and call for service.
Note: The stretch where I heard the noise is in the highway with bare lands on both the sides. There where no lights in that stretch. The road was very nice, no potholes, cement or anything. I know while driving in cement or tiles we hear sound from the tire but that road was complete tar. No issue visible in the road.
I have heard various sounds that are due to the friction when the car passes by certain dividers or barricades but this was odd as there seems to be no difference in the road surface for a few kilometers before and after.
After all the checks I started the car and once I reached 3rd gear the noise came again.
I decided to ride on till I find a petrol pump/hotel or toll. I kept riding in 50 and after 4-5 km i spotted Kamat Upachar and coffee day. As I was driving towards Kamat Upachar the noise disappeared. Well, I decided that I will park the car in Kamat Upachar and call for service rather than taking risk of driving another 300 plus km to Bangalore.
I parked the car at Kamat Upachar and I was checking on the tires and engine bonnet again. All of a sudden the security from Kamat Upachar came to me and asked me are you wondering about the noise you heard from the car about 5km before?
I was shocked, how do he know this? I told yes, he told me that after 8pm most of the cars passing toward Bangalore via that stretch hear this noise from the Front right tire and stop here for checking. He told me that it is not a issue with the Car but a issue with that particular stretch(almost 5km). He also added that many accidents and theft/robbery cases have been reported in that region.
Hearing this, I was happy that there was no issue with the car and was shocked to think that I stopped right at the spot where I heard the noise and checked the tire and engine.
There was a Coffee Day next to Kamat Upachar. I had a coffee there and those guys also told me the same story that was told by the security .
I spent almost 1 hour there and after getting out of the shock started the Car and started riding to Bangalore. That noise was no more there in the Car now. I ticked 160, no sound or signs of issues. I did some Hard Braking, jumped some Humps just to be sure that the car has no issues and yes, there was no problem at all. Everything is normal. The Car was at its best.
After reaching home some unanswered Qstns remain in my mind: What caused this noise for 5 km?(The road was very nice, no potholes, cement or anything.
If it is a Robbery attempt, how is this noise made? Any Ghost activity?
It is spooky in a sense this was unnatural..
Are there any TAI members who experienced this issue? If so please comment with your experience and your findings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zest was very responsive in all the roads and I enjoyed the ride and stability. The power of the car and way it handled the rough patches of the road was awesome. This trip added yet another feather to my Trust in Zest and TATA.
Arjun MP Singing off.
Will be back with new trip and new travelogue soon!!
Man and the Beast:
The thought of travelling to Goa was in my mind from January, time work and all other factors kept pushing the plan.
Finally I was able to arrange it for September.
On the previous day to the trip: Washed the car, did a Full tank of diesel, Tyre pressure check, packed snacks, clothes and I am all set.
Number of traveler:2
Route and Road conditions: Started on Tuesday night around 10. Took the NICE road- from Bannerghatta road to Tumkur road- AH 47 till Hiriyur and then on to NH 48 till Hubbali. From Hubbali you have to take a left to Goa. The road passes through Bhagavan Mahaveer Sanctuary. The road till Chitradurga is simply superb. From Chitradurga to Davangere, there are many deviations and those useless humps in between.
We reached Bhagavan Mahaveer Sanctuary by 2 am. This is a very dense forest and is always best that you cross this forest during day. It took me 3 hours to cross this forest section. I also had to drive through 0 visibility fog for about 15 km. It was a very scary experience for me as the visibility was very low due to fog. There were very few vehicles in the road during that time.
Once you cross this forest you will hit the Panjim road that takes you to Goa.
We reached the hotel by 8 am.
Accommodation: Booked Hotel With OYO.
Hotel Name: Zinhos Beach Resort
Cost: 2300 per day is the charge. Was able to get it for 1100 per day when booked through a friend of me who works at OYO. The Hotel is situated very close to Baga Beach and is perfect for a awesome stay.
Fuel: Total spent on diesel: Rs 6384.
Total distance Traveled(Bangalore-Goa-Amboli Ghat-Goa- Murudeshwara-Bangalore): 2327 Km
Mileage: 21(overall trip)
Places visited
Day 1(Wednesday): Basilica of Bom Jesus
Located in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Site. It was raised to the status of a minor Basilica in 1946 and is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Goa. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in Goa.
A very peaceful location with lots of history sleeping inside.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Visited this place by 2pm.
You have to take your car in a Ribandar ferry to this spot. They just charge 10rs to transport a car from one side to the other. On the western tip of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after India's best-known ornithologist. This is Goa's only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island.
The area consists of mangrove vegetation. Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive ones known.
Day 2(Thursday): Amboli ghat
Started from the Hotel at 5 am and reached the spot by 7am.
Is situated 90 kms from Baga Beach.
The beautiful hill-station of Amboli is rightly called the 'queen' of Maharashtra;. Such is its natural splendour Famous among environmentalists as a precious ecological hotspot, it is cool, calm, serene and enriched with all the treasures that the world of flora and fauna can bestow upon it. Located in the princely state of Sawantwadi, Amboli is located on the ridge of the Western Ghats and is particularly majestic during the monsoon when impromptu waterfalls gush down the hilly terrain.
The entire region gets covered with a dense fog during several times a day. It is then that you can actually experience the power of silence and how nature makes it own music.
Returned from Amboli ghat by 1pm headed straight to the hotel. Spent the evening time in Anjuna Beach. Nightlife in Goa can be best Experienced in Baga and Anjuna Beach.
Day 3(Friday): Fort Aguada
Started from Hotel by 9 am after breakfast that was provided by OYO.
Fort Aguada is just 20 minutes drive from Baga Beach. Standing on the headland overlooking the mouth of the Mandovi River, Fort Aguada occupies a magnificent and successful position.
You will get a great view of the sea from this fort. You can also see the prison that was used in the earlier days and their ventilation/monitoring infrastructure will leave you puzzled.
We spent almost 4 hours at Fort Aguada. This place is very breathtaking and the wind will keep you energized throughout.
Arvalem Waterfall
We left the fort by 2pm to Arvalem Waterfall and reached the spot by 3.15pm.
At a distance of 30 km from Panjim, Arvalem waterfalls cascading down from the mountains from a height of 50 m (24 ft), is one of the most amazing spots situated in North Goa.
This beautiful waterfall forms a huge lake at the bottom, which is much popular amongst the swimmers. The color of the waterfall becomes muddy brown in monsoon rains and the water flow is quite less in summer.
This waterfall is set amidst charming surroundings, with the Rudreshwar temple in its vicinity. The Arvalem waterfall is one of the most crowded tourist spots in Goa. The Government has developed a park at the waterfall where one can peacefully sit and enjoy the beauty of the waterfall. The time I visited this falls was great. As it was monsoon time the falls was heavy.
The falls are easily accessible from the nearest road point .
We were at the falls till 5pm and then returned to the Hotel. Spent some night hours in Baga Beach.
The next day I have to leave Goa to Murudeshwara and then to Bangalore. The fact that I have to leave Goa tomorrow was pricking me.
"What happens in Goa stays in Goa" is very true to the concept!
Some photos at the beach:
Day 4(Saturday)
Checked out from Hotel by 9 am after breakfast that was provided by OYO.
Took the Margo-Kasargod Road to Murudeshwara . A 240KM drive from Baga Beach to Murudeshwara .
The Roads were pleasant with no Toll in between. While crossing the Goa border to Karnataka you have to come across 2 checking posts where the police search your car fully for alcohol or Goan Spirits.
Some shots on the way to Murudeshwara
Murudeshwara:
Murudeshwara is famous abode of Lord Shiva and a popular pilgrimage center in South India.
We Reached Murudeshwara by 4pm. Was very tired by the time I reached there as I was the only person driving the car for the last 4 days.
Parked the car in the beach and took rest for 2 hours.
At 6pm took darshan at the temple. Murudeshwar is famous for the world's second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 ft) of Murudeshwar Temple. The sea on three sides surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri.
This is a great place to watch the sunset. Murudeshwar is also known for the Murudeshwar Fort and wonderful beaches.
After the Darshan, we bought prasad, laddo and spent some time in the beach as the view of the temple in moonlight was breathtaking.
We left Murudeshwar by 8pm. Map shows 549 km for home(Bangalore)! Whooo!
From Murudeshwar we headed to Kumta, had dinner there and continued via Sirsi to Haveri. From Haveri it is the same route that we traveled while going to Goa. Once we reached Chitradurga, I parked the car near the toll and slept for 1 hour. Highway police Ertiga was parked near the toll booth the only reason why we felt that the place is safe for a small break.
We continued from Chitradurga by 2.30 Am, passed Tumkur and reached home by 6.30 Am.
The return drive from Murudeshwar was a very slow drive and almost took 11 hours.
I have a Spooky Experience to share that happened on this route.
It happened around 11.30pm, 10-15 kms before Ranebennur, before the Kamat Upachar and coffee day. I was driving at a speed of 80-110 and all of a sudden a iron rubbing tire sound started coming from the Front right tire. I thought that the tire is punctured and parked the car to the side and checked all the tires. To my surprise all the tires are in shape. I opened bonnet to check if something is stuck in between or broken. Everything looks intact. I was really shocked and was unable to know what caused the sound. In all my years of travel, I haven't ever heard of a road creating that kind of a groaning. I decided to continue riding and if the noise comes again then will park the car in some safe place and call for service.
Note: The stretch where I heard the noise is in the highway with bare lands on both the sides. There where no lights in that stretch. The road was very nice, no potholes, cement or anything. I know while driving in cement or tiles we hear sound from the tire but that road was complete tar. No issue visible in the road.
I have heard various sounds that are due to the friction when the car passes by certain dividers or barricades but this was odd as there seems to be no difference in the road surface for a few kilometers before and after.
After all the checks I started the car and once I reached 3rd gear the noise came again.
I decided to ride on till I find a petrol pump/hotel or toll. I kept riding in 50 and after 4-5 km i spotted Kamat Upachar and coffee day. As I was driving towards Kamat Upachar the noise disappeared. Well, I decided that I will park the car in Kamat Upachar and call for service rather than taking risk of driving another 300 plus km to Bangalore.
I parked the car at Kamat Upachar and I was checking on the tires and engine bonnet again. All of a sudden the security from Kamat Upachar came to me and asked me are you wondering about the noise you heard from the car about 5km before?
I was shocked, how do he know this? I told yes, he told me that after 8pm most of the cars passing toward Bangalore via that stretch hear this noise from the Front right tire and stop here for checking. He told me that it is not a issue with the Car but a issue with that particular stretch(almost 5km). He also added that many accidents and theft/robbery cases have been reported in that region.
Hearing this, I was happy that there was no issue with the car and was shocked to think that I stopped right at the spot where I heard the noise and checked the tire and engine.
There was a Coffee Day next to Kamat Upachar. I had a coffee there and those guys also told me the same story that was told by the security .
I spent almost 1 hour there and after getting out of the shock started the Car and started riding to Bangalore. That noise was no more there in the Car now. I ticked 160, no sound or signs of issues. I did some Hard Braking, jumped some Humps just to be sure that the car has no issues and yes, there was no problem at all. Everything is normal. The Car was at its best.
After reaching home some unanswered Qstns remain in my mind: What caused this noise for 5 km?(The road was very nice, no potholes, cement or anything.
If it is a Robbery attempt, how is this noise made? Any Ghost activity?
It is spooky in a sense this was unnatural..
Are there any TAI members who experienced this issue? If so please comment with your experience and your findings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zest was very responsive in all the roads and I enjoyed the ride and stability. The power of the car and way it handled the rough patches of the road was awesome. This trip added yet another feather to my Trust in Zest and TATA.
Arjun MP Singing off.
Will be back with new trip and new travelogue soon!!