Day 1 – 26.06.2026 | Bengaluru to Sharavathi Valley (460 km)
The first day of our three-day monsoon expedition to Sharavathi Valley began early, with all ten riders assembling at Nelamangala Toll, Bengaluru, at around 5:30 AM. After a quick briefing and introductions, the group rolled out promptly at 6:00 AM, excited for the 1,100 km adventure that awaited us.
We took the Chitradurga–Ranebennur highway, enjoying the calm morning roads and cool weather. Our first major stop was at Apoorva Resort, Davanagere, where we treated ourselves to the city’s famous Benne Dose for breakfast. It was the perfect start to the journey, giving everyone a chance to relax and bond before heading deeper into the Western Ghats.
As we continued our ride, the atmosphere gradually transformed. The clear skies gave way to dark monsoon clouds, the temperature dropped, and the air became noticeably fresher. From Ranebennur, we took a deviation towards Sagara, choosing scenic village roads lined with lush greenery and open fields. Multiple short pit stops along the route allowed riders to stretch, hydrate, and soak in the beautiful countryside.
The first rain showers of the season greeted us along the way, adding a special charm to our ride. The gentle monsoon drizzle was a welcome companion and marked our first group monsoon ride of the year. Riding through misty roads, vibrant landscapes, and the refreshing scent of wet earth made the journey even more memorable.
We reached Sagara around 1:30 PM and stopped at a traditional Khanavali for lunch. The local cuisine, featuring Akki Rotti, Jowar Rotti, and authentic side dishes, was a highlight for many in the group and provided the perfect energy boost for the evening ride.
Post lunch, we took the scenic loop route towards our stay, riding alongside the serene banks of the Sharavathi backwaters. The winding roads, breathtaking views, and cool monsoon breeze made this stretch one of the most enjoyable sections of the day. By around 5:00 PM, we reached our destination after covering approximately 460 kilometres.
The group settled in at Honnukar Resort near Jog Falls. The evening was filled with conversations, laughter, and stories as some riders got to know each other better, with a few members joining the group for the first time. Two more riders arrived at the resort later in the evening, completing our team of twelve participants for the adventure.
After a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, everyone gathered for a barbecue and dinner. The night was spent sharing riding experiences, discussing the route for the following day, and enjoying the camaraderie that makes group rides so special. With the excitement of the next day’s exploration ahead, we finally called it a night and rested for another day of adventure in the Sharavathi Valley.
Day 2–27.06.2026 | Sharavathi Valley Exploration & Off-Road Adventure (150 km)
The second day began with a beautiful misty morning at Honnukar Resort. The soothing sounds of birds chirping and the cool monsoon breeze created the perfect atmosphere to wake up to in the heart of the Western Ghats. Riders gathered for a hot cup of morning coffee while preparing for another exciting day of exploration.
After gearing up, we had breakfast at around 8:30 AM, enjoying a traditional spread of Idli Vade & Upma before setting off for the day’s adventure.
Our route took us across the iconic Jog Bridge, followed by stops at Raja Stone and the picturesque canal roads that run through the region. We eventually reached the popular Sharavathi backwaters viewpoint. Although the scenery remained breathtaking, the water levels were noticeably lower this year due to delayed monsoon rains. Nevertheless, the vast landscape and surrounding greenery offered plenty of opportunities to pause, click photographs, and take in the beauty of the valley.
The highlight of the day awaited us as we headed towards an ancient fort hidden deep within the forests. The approach involved a challenging 13-kilometre off-road section that tested both riders and machines. The trail featured water crossings, slippery uphill climbs, muddy stretches, and technical sections that demanded teamwork and patience.
The adventure was filled with memorable moments helping each other during minor falls, sharing laughter during coffee breaks in the middle of nowhere, discovering new trails, and stopping at countless scenic viewpoints surrounded by lush greenery. Every kilometre offered something unique, making it one of the most enjoyable segments of the entire ride.
What initially seemed like a short off-road detour turned into nearly 30 kilometres of trail exploration, consuming close to four hours as we navigated through unknown paths and immersed ourselves in the wilderness. By around 6:00 PM, we finally reached civilization, where a well-deserved cup of hot chai and some local snacks helped us recharge for the final leg of the journey.
From there, we made our way towards our homestay at Nittur, nestled at the base of the majestic Kodachadri Hills. The evening ride through the countryside was calm and refreshing, providing a perfect conclusion to an action-packed day.
Upon reaching the homestay, everyone freshened up and gathered for dinner. The night continued with conversations around a warm bonfire, sharing stories from the day’s adventures, memorable moments on the trail, and plans for the final day of the expedition. Surrounded by nature and good company, the group settled in for a restful sleep, ready for another day on the road.
Day 3 – 28.06.2026 | The Journey Home (495 km)
The final day of our Sharavathi Valley expedition had arrived, but one last adventure still awaited us before beginning the long ride back home.
Everyone woke up early at around 5:00 AM, freshened up, and rode to the Kodachadri check post. From there, we hired two Mahindra 4×4 jeeps for the uphill journey to the peak. The 8-kilometre off-road climb was an adventure in itself, with steep, rocky tracks, dense fog, and light monsoon drizzle accompanying us all the way up.
The bumpy ride through the forests and misty landscapes added to the excitement as we gradually gained altitude. Upon reaching the upper section, we got down from the jeeps and began the final trek towards Sarvajna Peetha, located at the summit of Kodachadri Peak at an elevation of around 1,300 metres above sea level.
The one-kilometre trek through rocky terrain and thick fog felt magical. Surrounded by wilderness and cold mountain air, everyone enjoyed the constantly changing weather as patches of mist rolled across the landscape. Although the famous panoramic views remained hidden behind dense clouds, the atmosphere itself was unforgettable. The silence of the mountains, the cool breeze, and the occasional clearing in the fog made the experience special in its own way.
After spending some time at the top, taking photographs, and soaking in the moment, we began our descent back to the jeeps. As if to remind us that it was still monsoon season, the rain started pouring on our way down. Thankfully, everyone had carried their rain gear, making the journey back comfortable and enjoyable.
We returned to the homestay, freshened up, had breakfast, and prepared for the long ride back to Bengaluru. By around 2:00 PM, all riders were geared up and ready for the final leg of our 1100-kilometre adventure.
For the return route, we rode through Nittur, Ayanur, and Tumakuru before heading towards Bengaluru. However, every great group ride deserves a memorable story, and this one came courtesy of our so-called founding member, Sai Ganesh. In a rather amusing incident, he had a minor fall that resulted in his motorcycle being left behind for four days. Fortunately, there was no major damage to either the rider or the machine—only a slightly injured little finger and a lifetime supply of jokes from the rest of the group! 😀
The unexpected delay meant that we had to skip our planned dinner stop and continue riding towards home. Despite the long day and tiring final stretch, everyone reached Bengaluru safely at around 12:30 AM, bringing an end to an unforgettable three-day monsoon adventure.
From misty mountain trails and off-road challenges to endless conversations, laughter, and shared experiences, the Sharavathi Valley ride once again reminded us that the journey is always more memorable than the destination itself.