Florine Roche

Daijiworld Media Network

Mangalore, Oct 11 : Enjoying the infinite beauty of Agumbe during rainy season is quite an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Can anyone conjure up images of a jolly bike ride soaking in the drops of mist amidst the picturesque environs of Agumbe? Also is it possible to even think how electrifying it would be to ride in the riveting atmosphere of Hebri-Agumbe stretch when it drizzle just a little neither to drench you nor to allow you to get exhausted due to the sun’s heat. We must believe that good things come in small packages and rightly so.

This is exactly what a group of adventurous bike riders from Mangalore experienced on September 14, 2014 when they went on a jolly bike ride from Mangalore to Agumbe meandering through the hairpin bends of Agumbe Ghats, the picture-perfect Kundadri, Sirimane Waterfalls, Malgudi House and return via the think foliage of Someshwara forest. I was itching for an opportunity to do something different other than trekking and some likeminded souls agreed to have a bike ride to Agumbe just when the rain had begun to recede.

Upbeat Mood

As a result does that 39 enthusiastic adventure loving members of Youth Hostel Association India, Mangalore, succeeded in giving a new meaning to the adventurous streak in them when they zoomed past the picturesque Agumbe, Kundadri hills and Sirimane waterfalls in 29 bikes. Some braved the 250 km odd to and fro ride in their scooters which speaks volumes of their high-octane energy levels. Some had a pillion rider for company and a few rode it all alone. It was indeed a feast to the eyes of passersby who watched these bikers mostly dressed in white shirts and blue jeans with proper riding gears whizzing past them though they rode at a modest speed of 40 to 60kmph.

The rally was flagged off from Bunts Hostel junction exactly at 6.30 am. Excitement was quite palpable among riders consisting of a mixture of young and not so young blood. But it is the spirit that matters and there was dearth of it. The riders were given strict instructions not to over speed or overtake and everyone followed these regulations without much ado. Adding to the excitement is the incredible ride through the mist-filled scenic roads from Vamanjoor to Moodbidri. The riders were fortunate to experience such a climatic atmosphere which is uncommon in Mangalore.

We took a break at Moodbidri for a sumptuous breakfast and it was the meeting point for all the bikers who had joined us in between at Vamanjoor, Gurupur and even Moodbidre. Wherever there was deviation point we halted to avert confusion that might arise for those who were trailing the pilot group. Fortunately, the weather was perfect and riding through the thick forests of Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary intercepted by the lush green forest, paddy fields, mist covered valleys and hills was heavenly. Conquering the air-pin bends of Agumbe was quite exciting as much as we passed through thick foliage of forests and scenic beauty.

In between some of the rider filled their petrol tanks to be sure they wanted a hassle-free ride back home. All through the ride we came across the sound of an occasional chirping of bird or the sound of flowing rivulets or could see some villagers doing their regular chores of carrying wood, grass (there is no Sunday for them) was quite different from the mundane city life.

Awe-inspiring Kundadri

We reached Agumbe Male Vishranthi Dhama at 10 am and some of us badly wanted a cup of tea just to give stimuli to our tired bodies. Though the expectation from the only tea stall was not very high he surprised us with an amazing steaming cup of hot chai that brought our energy levels back to top gear. Though starved of more facilities this place is quite charming with a lake filled with fish and swans swimming with surrounding background greenery. Some monkeys welcomed us perching on top of the welcome board. Just when we were relaxing clicking photos and enjoying the serine environs waiting for the last trail we got the news that one of the bikes had broken down on Hebri-Someshwara stretch.

I think one of the riders Adolph used his contacts and fixed a mechanic who promised to come in the evening and fix the problem. So Rajmohan left his bike and came in a bus and from there the riders went to Kundadri hills.

The ride to Kundadri was quite breathtaking as we passed through Guddekeri and from there it was a ride in narrow winding roads with steep gradient and hair-pin bends with green trees forming a canopy on either side. Soon we were on Kundadri hill which has a 17th century Jain temple perched on top. Beside the temple there is a pond which is full of fish and it augments the beauty of the place. Kundadri is named after the Jain monk Kundakundacharya who believed to have practised severe penance here. From the hilltop you can get a 270 degree mindboggling view of the surrounding areas clothed in evergreen forests and cultivated fields.

Rustic charm of Malgudi mane

We came down from Kundadri with a heavy heart but then we were famished and that is what drove us towards Malgudi Mane (also known as Dodda Mane) where the historic TV serial Malgudi Days was filmed. The house has a rustic but timeless charm that can only be felt. This Malgudi Mane now doubles up as a home stay and hospitality centre with good homely food served with lot of love. The lady of the house Kasturi Akka gave us a brief account of the 150 year old house and related stories. Her mother 92 year old Srimathi proudly tells us that her grandfather’s brother had built the house 150 years back. The food served at Malgudi Mane was really mouth watering and scrumptious. For a discerning lover of rustic homes this house is nothing but a treasure to be taken care of with lot of attention.

From Malgudi Mane we began another wonderful journey towards Sirimane Waterfalls. The road ride was quite enjoyable as the sun was not completely out and occasional drizzle made it a comfortable journey. The road was not very comfortable but much better than some of the Mangalorean roads. We reached Sirimane waterfalls located at Sindodi grama of Yadadalli at around 3.30 pm. This waterfalls located at a distance of about 5 kms from Sringeri is about 2408 feet above sea level. Its charm is irresistible and though i was in two minds to get or not to get wet before reaching the spot I could not resist the temptation of the snowy water. A few bikers who had not brought extra pair of clothes did not get into the water and missed all the revelry.

This waterfall can be enjoyed just after the rainy season. Needless to say we were fortunate to disport in the cool waters when the waterfall was at its peak. Since it was evening the water was quite cool but once you enter the water you forget everything else except the soothing touch of the flowing water. There are two rooms for changing clothes and after spending an hour in the splendorous milieu we were ready for the drive back home. Though tea was available at the many stalls it wasn’t up to the mark. By now it had started raining and the area where we parked was slushy. But we had no choice and after a photographic session we embarked on our return journey through Kudremukh forest reserve.

Treasured experience

We knew it would be an arduous journey back home tired as we were and the continuous spell of rain added to our miseries. Rajmohan collected his bike during his return journey and had a safe ride back. The return journey was quite challenging than the onward journey and was lonesome as the enthusiasm was at its lowest ebb. We halted for evening tea at Bajagoli and from there riders went on their won to reach Mangalore at around 8.30 -9.00pm. It is only the memories to a ferly experience kept our spirit still soaring high. On the whole, we had covered about 280 kms on our bikes, the memories of which will keep embedded in our minds for long time to come.