Day 1 - Hongirana - Sirsi

After considering trips to Jaipur, Kashmir, Chandigarh and Bhutan we ended up with a road trip through interiors of Karnataka. And I am glad that we did. We planned to drive to Namma Bengaluru through Sirsi, Chikkamagalur and Arasikere stopping one night in eachplace. We enjoyed the trip
thoroughly and I decided to put up all the pictures here as usual. Here I go with Day 1. Ponda - Sirsi.

This is how the road was for the 200+ kilometers that we drove the first day. Exactly the way I like it. Even surface, tree lined, shady and cool. Hardly any traffic. You can stop anywhere, get down and stretch,  enjoy the surroundings for a few minutes and start back. 

My wife desired these wild flowers which were on the tree by the side of the road and after a bit of jumping up and down, I could fulfill the desire. 

A culvert on the road serves as our dining table and my wife prepares the buffet spread!

My son seems to be giving his opinion of the buffet. 

The forest department sign board says 'Tigers Present'. We were hoping to share our lunch with one but apparently they are not inclined to partake a lunch of Roti - Bhaji - Curds rice. 

A lotus Pond behind a temple near Yellapur. Looks good from a distance because you dont see the trash around the pond. We stopped because we dont find one easily. But there were many more enroute. 

The Hanuman Temple 

Banyan Tree In front of the temple. 

View from the place where we stayed. 'Hongirana' Home stay near Sirsi. 

Good watch tower but the floor made of strips from the Arecanut tree is likely to give way anytime.

The Home stay is located on an elevated place provoding a wonderful view. About 10 kms from the Town Sirsi and hence very calm and quiet.

The rooms. Basic but good. Nice caretakers Dhananjay and Anujit. They are caring and courteous. The place gives a nice feeling and for our luck we were the only guests that day. The picture shows the rooms.