We hadn't driven in this monsoon while we were egging everyone to get out and get soaked in the rain. We could only blame it on late arrival of rains. But when you get a chance to be with the legend of Indian road trips for a monsoon drive in Western ghats, you don't miss it. Do you?
When H V Kumar ( Check out this facebook Group page for details
H V Kumar - Fan, Forum and Message board) organised a monsoon drive last week we had to say yes. It was a god sent opportunity for us to drive in the monsoon. Being road trippers ourselves, we had to go.
We normally start around 5 AM and there was no difference this time too. Driving early in the morning before anybody hit the road helps you to pick up speed and cover distance quickly. As Kumar always say, cover half the distance to destination before others hit the road! That's what we did and before people could hit the road we were in Davanagere relishing "Benne Dosa" for breakfast!
The sky was overcast throughout and started raining off and on. The road throughout was excellent. A detour at Dharwad took us through one of the picturesque roads to drive on. We were sceptical about this road as we had nightmarish experience few years back. Checking with Kumar in advance helped. He confirmed that the road is excellent and we decided to drive on. What a pleasant surprise it was.
We reached Mollem in Goa and joined others in a convoy. Winding through the roads of rain soaked Goa the convoy of 55 cars arrived at a spectacular place for a break in North Goa.
Join us on this drive in the rain. Get soaked in loveliness of nature!
Click on the pictures to see them in Original size.
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| Rain drops on the windshield of the car as we hit the highway |
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| The road from Dharwad to Goa via Ramnagar is top class with lush greenery on either side! |
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| We saw this small lake with lotuses in bloom waiting for the rains. |
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| The railway track to Goa, the one we had trekked last year to Dudhsagar |
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| Rains in forest means clear tarmac and lovely greenery! |
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| Surprised to see terraced farming in this area. Isn't it beautiful? |
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| We crossed a river which was coming to life with bountiful rains. |
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| First waterfalls spotted. Hidden inside the thick foliage! |
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| Fog enveloped as we drove. Rains splattering every now and then. |
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| We had to stop on seeing these series of waterfalls! |
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| Four little waterfalls at their glorious best! |
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| As we drove on, we saw another one! |
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| Soaking in the rain! |
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| We stopped again on seeing this. A stream gently hurtling down the rocks! |
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| Some more rain, this spot will be wonderful. |
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| We join the convoy at Mollem |
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| We wind through the roads of Goa soaked in rain! |
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| A Portuguese bungalow in Goa. We loved the contrast in this picture. |
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| We reach this spectacular hillock with painted rocks in Vagator |
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| Cars parked in the open area at the foothill |
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| Time for a hot samosa and chai in the rain! |
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| Panoramic view of Vagator beach from the top of the hill |
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| A small cross installed atop the hill |
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| On the hill, in the rain. |
It was a pleasurable drive and amazing vistas on the way. A drive where every minute was memorable.
The route - Bangalore - Tumkur - Chitradurga - Haveri - Hubli - Dharwad - Ramnagar - Anmod - Mollem
Road condition - Excellent through out. A small rough patch in Anmod ghat. No worries.
Eating places on the way - Enjoy Benne Dosa at Kottureshwara in Davanagere.
Loo breaks - Cafe coffee day at Dabaspet and Haveri, Kamat outlets at Dabaspet, Sira, Hubli
Wait. The fun is not yet over. Look out for next part of our return drive to Bangalore through canopy of waterfalls in Amboli ghat.
Till then make plan to go out this monsoon. Here is a list to help you. Everything you wanted to explore and enjoy rain - drives, itinerary, places, waterfalls, monsoon treks.......
Celebrating Indian Monsoon - A List!
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