Wandering around Hulikkal Ghat

 

19th January 2025

As usual, I left home early in the morning at 0500hrs. The only difference was that, these days, my starting point is Mangalore. The roads of NH 66 were relatively quiet, with only a few heavy trucks, long-route Private buses, KSRTC  Clubclass Iravata’s, and some long destination cars playing on the road, hardly came across three or four long-riding motorcycles. After Brahmavara, took a diversion towards Barkur, as my destination was Nagara.

Lake on the way

 

 The journey continued through Siddapura, Hosangadi, and the Hulikal Ghat section. Along the way spotted a beautiful lake on the right side of the road. Taking a small mud path reached the edge of the lake, clicked a few snaps, and resumed my journey. 

My Taxi....😎😎

Being a Sunday morning, traffic on the scenic ghat was moderate. The road conditions were good, except for a few bad patches and some under-construction sections before entering the ghat. Once the curvy uphill stretch began, the ride became a delight, smooth, paved roads leading all the way to Nagara.

Flower

Scenic ghat road

Just before reaching Masthikatte, I came across a curvy bridge built across the Mani reservoir. The stunning landscape compelled me to stop and take some photographs. 

Survive or Mircale

It was around 0830hrs, and the morning sunlight beautifully illuminated the scenery. From this bridge, I noticed the shooting spot of the Kannada movie “Paramathma.” Captivated; to go there I took a slight diversion from the Kundapur-Shivamogga road. 

The narrow road hugged the reservoir’s edge, offering breathtaking views. However, about half a kilometres in,  found the road blocked due to construction work. Unable to proceed further, I decided to save this spot for another trip and headed back towards Nagara.

By 0900hrs, I reached Nagara. Hungry for breakfast, some locals for recommended the Hotel Shabari near the bus stand. After a satisfying breakfast of four Idli’s and a vada, I headed towards the parking lot of Nagara Fort, located just a kilometres from the bus stand.

                                                          Nagara Fort entrance

Nagara Fort was built in year of 1640 by Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty. Until 1763, it remained under their control but eventually fell into the hands of Hyder Ali. The fort is situated beside a lake, though its current condition leaves much to be desired and calls for restoration. 

I explored the fort, took some photographs from the top, and then returned to the base. There were only a few travellers around. In front of the fort, an elderly lady ran a small shop selling tender coconut water, bottled drinks, tea, and snacks. The parking fee collector also sat under the shade of the shop.

Some views

While chit chatting with the parking attendant, she suggested visiting an old historical temple called Devagange on my route to Siganduru via Sampakatte, Nagodi, and Tumari. Quite interesting, I decided to include Devagange in my itinerary.

The Devagange Temple and its ponds were built by the Keladi dynasty. The ponds, constructed near the Ishwara Temple, are said to have pure water flowing through their intricately designed shapes, and locals claim they never dry up.

It was around 1000hrs, with plenty of time on hand, I headed toward Devagange. After traveling a few kilometres on the Byndoor-Ranibennur road, I noticed a direction board for Devagange on the right-hand side. Following the narrow, winding road, I reached the Devagange parking area, which was at the dead end of the route.

Devagange

After exploring Devagange, I detoured back to the Siganduru road and continued my journey. The distance from Devagange to Siganduru was around 60 kilometres, which I could easily cover in two hours. The road condition was good, and the route passed through lush forests and narrow, winding roads. There was not much traffic occasional oncoming some tempo travellers and Trax, reached Siganduru by 1245hrs.

My 💓💓💓

On the way

The Siganduru Chowdeshwari Temple, located near the backwaters of the Linganamakki dam reservoir (Sharavati), is a renowned pilgrimage spot. However, due to the ongoing festival, it was heavily crowded, and I couldn’t get the Devi’s darshana. I chose not to enter the temple prayed from outside headed towards the Siganduru ferry point.

Ferry Point

The ferry point connects Siganduru to Sagara via Holebagilu. The massive Linganamakki dam reservoir, ferries transporting passengers, two-wheelers, cars, and buses created a picturesque view. In the background, the Karnataka government is constructing the longest bridge over this route, which is expected to be completed soon. The hot weather prompted me to enjoy some refreshing masala buttermilk before starting my return journey.

At around 1430hrs, I left the ferry point and stopped for a delicious lunch somewhere between Tumari and Nittur.

Goragodu bus stop 

While returning back a small beaufiful bus stop and unpaved road in dens forest make me to stop to click some pictures, there met one man who is  kind hearted luckiest person in the earth becuse these beautiful path leads to his home, he invited me to a tea at his home, I dont had much time so polietly said definealty visit next trip and contined.

 I then made my way back to Mangalore via Kollur and Udupi, reaching home by 1830hrs.

It was a fulfilling day filled with beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and serene moments—a journey to cherish and definitely worth revisiting. Total distance covered 391kilmeters.