Stories from the road

Friday Morning, 6 AM | KR Puram Metro Station, Bangalore

The clock hadn’t even struck 6 when I pulled into KR Puram on my Royal Enfield Super Meteor. This time, I had my Maddog Rage mounted – visibility was crystal clear even before sunrise. Left Sarjapura at 5:15 sharp. The Bangalore morning chill, empty roads, and that rumbling thump of the Super Meteor – perfect start.

Fifteen minutes later, Deepak rolled in on his KTM 390, followed shortly by Nisarg on his Ninja. I used those precious 15 minutes to shoot some reels – sunrise lighting and thumping engines, can’t go wrong.

Then came the car gang – Kanu’s fully-loaded top-end XUV700. Inside: Balaji, Alok, Swapnil, and of course, Kanu at the wheel. Swapnil, still nursing a hand injury, had to give his bike a miss this time. And Lalit, who had planned to join, bailed out last minute – turns out a post-party dance floor injury kept him grounded!

8 AM | Breakfast Stop – Sambrama Hotel

Our first stop was Sambrama Hotel, where we met Shamanth who was on his TVS Ronin. The ride till there was mostly city traffic, but bearable. Nisarg, who barely slept the night before thanks to a Go-Live at work, throttled ahead on his Ninja and reached 10 minutes before us. The man runs on black coffee – and not just one, he had double black today.

At Sambrama, we stuffed ourselves with dosas, sambars, and all kinds of chutneys. Caffeine and carbs – the essentials.

On the Road Again – Route Debates & Rider Pitstops

Shamanth, being the local pro, chalked out the route: go via Hassan, then decide based on weather whether to take the Sakleshpur route. As always, my bike gulped fuel, so I stopped for a refill and bumped into two roadside vendors. We casually asked them for a picture, and surprise – they turned out to be vloggers with thousands of followers! Now thinking of collabs 👀

While the bikers took the scenic Sakleshpur route, the car gang had a different mission: ICE. They searched half the region before finding a small ice factory. Mission accomplished, drinks secured!

The Sakleshpur route was a dream – winding roads, misty hills, dense greens. But 40 km before our homestay in Chikmagalur, the skies opened up. It poured. I forgot to coat my visor with water repellent, and with the added weight of panniers, I had to go easy on the curves. The last 30 minutes, I led the way using Google Maps on my Poco M7 – no rain cover, fully drenched, and still the phone held up like a champ.

We reached our forest-encased homestay by 12:30 PM. Nisarg and I celebrated with a little dance in the rain – fully geared, fully soaked, fully happy.

Settling In | Homestay Vibes

Bikes parked just outside our room. Riding jackets and lowers were hung under fans in different rooms to dry. Shamanth was the smartest – wore his raincoat and saved his gear. Respect.

The living room had windows on three walls – just sitting there with the sound of rain outside was therapeutic.

Drinks were poured, and lunch was ordered from a restaurant 30 minutes away (since the homestay didn’t serve lunch). It took an hour to arrive, but when it did – chef’s kiss. Chicken, fish, mushroom starters, biryani – finger-licking good.

Evening Ride & Plantation Party

The rain kept playing hide and seek. We loaded all 8 of us into the XUV and set out to see a nearby waterfall. Halfway through, we realized we’d lose daylight if we continued.

So, Plan B – took a detour into a private plantation, cranked up the music, stepped out, and danced. Nisarg tried to record us… but forgot to hit the record button. All our effort – gone 😄

Back at the homestay, Balaji and Swapnil climbed the water tank. Others strolled around, found a local tea shop, and got snacks for the night session.

Night Tales – Gazebo Gossips, Test Rides & Pork Debates

We moved to the gazebo in the property – sat around, laughed, sipped our drinks. Kanu was curious about my Super Meteor, especially the panniers. He wanted to take a ride at 9 PM, but the soil was slippery and the weight was too much. Swapnil gave it a go and regretted it – his hand pain flared up.

I tried Nisarg’s Ninja, and Balaji took a spin on the Super Meteor. We all grilled Balaji – “Why no bike?” He’s got a Dominar 400, but now he’s eyeing the Honda NX 500. Solid upgrade if you ask me.

Suddenly, Kanu heard a noise in the bushes while leading us back with a torch. Got spooked. Ran back. We couldn’t stop laughing – because I had thrown a stone to mess with him 😆

Deepak brought his JBL speakers. We continued music, drinks, delicious dinner – this time with pork on the menu. I skipped, but others said it was amazing.

India vs. England match was on. We watched, ate, and slowly people started crashing. Only Kanu, Nisarg, and I were up till 3 AM. I went to bed. Next morning, found Kanu sleeping on the sofa – said it felt cozier than the bed!

Saturday Morning | Tea Trails & Ride Back

Nisarg, Alok, and I went for a morning tea walk. Found a tea shop with an Indian-looking Persian cat lazing around. Serene stuff.

After getting ready, we had a hearty breakfast made by the homestay chefs. Some riding gear was still wet – but we managed. Packed up, clicked group pics, and rolled out.

On the way back, Shamanth took us to a scenic photo spot with windmills in the backdrop. Perfect postcard memory.

Finally, reached Bangalore around 5:30 PM. Kanu, the SUV driver, dropped everyone by 8 PM.

A trip to remember – laughter, throttle, rain, and the kind of stories we’ll tell over and over.

Chikmagalur, you beauty. We’ll be back soon. 💚🏍️🌧️

After months of planning, our long-awaited family getaway to the beautiful coastal belt of Karnataka – Mangalore and Udupi – finally began. It wasn’t just another vacation; it was a journey full of nostalgia, togetherness, and adventure.

🚉 Day 1: Boarding Memories – Train Ride to Mangalore

We kickstarted our journey from SMVT Bengaluru, boarding the Murdeshwar Express (Train No. 16585) at 7:45 PM. As the train chugged away from the station, it felt like going back in time — especially when we opened our home-cooked dinner. Sitting with my parents, wife, kids, sister, brother-in-law, and their daughter, we shared food and stories, just like we used to when we were kids. Only this time, I was the one taking my parents on a trip — the roles had beautifully reversed.

The kids were thrilled – it was their first overnight train journey, and the excitement on their faces was priceless.

To top it off, we munched on some delicious vada pav at one of the stations during a halt – a true Indian train journey treat!

🚗 Day 2: Sea Breeze & Local Culture

We reached Mangalore at 8:15 AM, where our self-drive cars (a Suzuki Ciaz and a brand-new Baleno) awaited us at the station. We drove to our Airbnb bungalow nestled between Mangalore and Udupi, facing the sea.

Before checking in, we stopped for breakfast – fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, Mangalore buns, and hot filter coffee – the perfect coastal welcome.

The bungalow was nothing short of a dream. The ground floor had a bedroom, kitchen, dining, and living area (allocated to our parents for easy access), and the first floor had two bedrooms and a terrace with a breathtaking view of the sea.

Just across from the property was the beach — and right there, on the sand, was a hammock tied between two trees.

The kids couldn’t wait to rush down, kick off their shoes, and swing away with the waves in the background. We all spent a peaceful hour or two at the beach, soaking in the breeze and letting the vacation truly begin.

After a refreshing beach stroll and some hammock fun, we headed to see the famous Pili Nalike (Tiger Dance) in Mangalore.

It was a vibrant performance of energy, color, and rhythm. We clicked pictures with the artists and soaked in the cultural experience.

By evening, we visited the Kadri Shri Manjunatha Temple, one of Mangalore’s iconic spiritual spots.

Dinner was at a place called The Village – an unexpectedly massive and beautifully designed restaurant where a golf cart took us from the parking to the entrance! The food was delightful — a mix of North and South Indian cuisines with both veg and non-veg options.

We returned to our seaside retreat and had the most peaceful sleep with the sound of waves in the background.

🌅 Day 3: Yoga, Island Adventures & Paradise Beach

We woke up to the sound of waves and headed to the terrace for yoga, led by none other than my wife. It was a serene start to the day.

We cooked a hearty breakfast using raw ingredients provided by the caretaker and then left for Paradise Beach. The kids and adults alike had a blast with water sports.

Post lunch, we went on an island tour — a small scenic island filled with seashells and surrounded by turquoise waters. Loud music played on the boat, and everyone joined in for a fun dance session.

PAs the sun dipped into the sea, we watched the sunset at Paradise Beach, then dined at MTR, and called it a night.

🌊 Day 4: Blue Flag Beach & Kayaking Fun

We began the day with our usual morning beach walk and yoga, followed by homemade breakfast.

Our next destination was the Blue Flag Beach near Padubidri — clean, scenic, and calm.

A beach shack served mouthwatering snacks, and the highlight was a small adjacent lake where we did kayaking.

The lake was peaceful and empty, giving us a private experience. My 12-year-old son Vivaan confidently did kayaking all by himself — a proud moment for all of us.

Even my father, initially hesitant, joined me for a kayak ride. I went twice — once with my wife, and once with my dad. These were memories we’ll cherish forever.

After beach showers and changing, we visited the divine Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi. The calmness of the temple was soothing. We returned to our bungalow for a relaxed evening.

🛕 Day 5: Murudeshwar via Coastal Roads

Early morning, we hit the coastal road towards Murudeshwar, passing through Maravanthe Beach, where the road runs between the river and the Arabian Sea — truly a picturesque drive!

By noon, we reached Murudeshwar and explored the majestic temple and the giant Shiva statue. Lunch at Pakshala was satisfying.

Our return was through a curtain of coastal rain — adding to the drama and beauty of the journey. We reached our property by evening, exhausted but content.

🚞 Day 6: Vista Dome & The Final Journey

Our last day began with farewells to the bungalow that had become our home. We boarded the Mangalore – Yesvantpur Express (Train No. 16576) from Mangalore Junction at 11:30 AM, this time in the Vistadome coach.

The panoramic glass roof and wide windows gave us unmatched views of the Western Ghats and countryside. We ordered food via Zomato on Wheels, played cards, and relived the trip’s highlights during the scenic ride. By 8:45 PM, we reached Yesvantpur Junction, took cabs home, and thus concluded our beautiful coastal escape.

This trip was more than a vacation – it was a journey down memory lane, a reunion across generations, and an adventure through the coasts of Karnataka.

The kids learned, the parents relaxed, and the whole family bonded in the most wholesome way. From the train rides and temple visits to kayaking and dancing on boats, Mangalore and Udupi gifted us memories we’ll treasure forever.

If you’re looking for a perfect family getaway with beaches, temples, culture, and comfort – this itinerary might be just what you need.

Some of the best memories are made without a plan—and our early morning ride to Nandi Hills was exactly that. It was a crisp Sunday morning when I kickstarted my Royal Enfield Super Meteor around 6 AM from Sarjapur, while Sid rolled out from Marathahalli on his brand-new Honda NX 500. The excitement was mutual, but the real thrill began when we met outside Brigade Orion Mall on Old Madras Road.

We took a short 5–10 minute break there to sync up our new Sena 50S intercom devices using the Mesh mode. Once paired, the connection was flawless—it was as if we were on a call without ever touching our phones. Music, banter, and pure riding joy followed as we cruised towards Nandi Hills, our conversations flowing seamlessly over the wind and the thump of engines.

Midway through the ride, we swapped bikes out of curiosity. I was impressed with the finely tuned engine of the Honda NX 500—it’s smooth, refined, and responsive. Sid, on the other hand, relished the easy cruising nature of the Royal Enfield. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, with a cool breeze brushing past us and an overcast sky adding to the charm.

We reached Nandi Hills around 9 AM, only to be greeted by a monstrous traffic jam. Cars were lined up for almost 2 to 3 kilometers. Thankfully, being on bikes gave us the edge, and we weaved our way through to the top with ease. Thousands of two-wheelers and four-wheelers were already parked, but we managed to find a spot, got our tickets, and safely stowed away our helmets in the cloakroom.

The walk to the summit was refreshing. At the top, the wind welcomed us with open arms. We sat, talked, laughed, clicked a few pictures, and took in the panoramic view of the city stretching beneath us—partly veiled in clouds, partly glowing in the morning light.

After about half an hour of soaking in the moment, we started our descent. On the way back, the smell of roasted corn drew us to a roadside vendor, and we couldn’t resist a quick stop for a hearty South Indian breakfast—hot idlis, crispy vadas, and piping puris.

By noon, we were back home—hearts full, spirits high, and a little sun-kissed. What started as a simple morning ride turned into a beautiful memory. That’s the magic of Nandi Hills—and riding with a good friend like Sid made it all the better.

This morning was special.

My wife and I decided to take an 8 km walk around our neighborhood—a route that beautifully blends nature, village life, and calmness. It turned out to be one of those walks where time slows down and every step makes you more grateful for the simple joys around you.

We started just after sunrise, when the air was still crisp and fresh. The walking track around the nearby lake is one of our favorite paths, and today it looked even more inviting with dew-kissed grass and the soft glow of morning light dancing on the water. The lake itself was a sight to behold—calm, expansive, and dotted with blooming lotus flowers that looked like nature’s own art installation.

As we walked around the lake, the chirping of birds formed a natural soundtrack, while occasional breezes rustled the leaves and brushed past us like whispers from the trees. The track was well-maintained and surrounded by lush greenery, making every step a refreshing one.

Further along the route, the scenery transitioned into a nearby village. Life here moves at a gentler pace. We passed by grazing cows and goats, their bells chiming rhythmically as they moved. Hens clucked cheerfully in the courtyards of traditional homes, and we couldn’t help but smile at the raw simplicity and charm of rural life.

Around the halfway point, we took a short break under a giant tree, whose branches provided cool shade like a canopy. From a nearby vendor, we enjoyed fresh coconut water—sweet, cooling, and just what we needed. Sipping it slowly while sitting on a stone bench, we looked out at the lake again, watching lotuses sway gently in the water. It was one of those small yet unforgettable moments.

The final stretch of the walk was quiet and contemplative. With the sun rising higher, the warmth was just setting in. We reached home feeling refreshed, recharged, and deeply connected—with each other and with nature.

Sometimes, you don’t need a vacation or a grand destination. A simple morning walk with a loved one, surrounded by beauty and life, is enough to nourish your soul.

Family vacations are always special — but when 18 of us, including 12 adults and six kids, set out on a journey across Kerala, it became an unforgettable saga of fun, adventure, bonding, and beautiful memories.

Day 1: Two Routes, One Destination

Our journey began with two groups taking different paths. Four adults and four kids started from Bangalore at 6 AM by car.

A hearty breakfast at Saravana Bhavan in Salem gave us the fuel we needed. By late morning, we reached the serene hill station of Yercaud. The cool weather, boating on the lake, and a few rounds of video games at the local entertainment center made the day joyful. After lunch, we drove back down to Salem and checked in at Hotel CJ Pallazzio for the night.

Meanwhile, the rest of the crew — eight adults and two kids — flew from Bareilly to Kochi, landing by late evening and settling into Noah Sky Suites for a relaxed overnight stay.

Day 2: Unexpected Delays and a Jungle Welcome

Post breakfast, our car group hit the road again, aiming for Thekkady. We stopped after Dindigul for lunch, but a minor hiccup — a dead car battery — gave us an unexpected pause. Thankfully, a friendly mechanic and a new battery from a nearby town had us back on track in no time. While the battery was being replaced, we relished some roadside snacks and chai.

The Kochi group also departed in an AC Force Traveller after breakfast and, coincidentally, both groups reached Thekkady around 4 PM.

We checked into the beautiful Mountain Courtyard Resort, nestled amidst lush greenery at the jungle’s edge. Post a refreshing welcome drink and a short rest, we headed out for the traditional Kalaripayattu (martial arts) and Kathakali shows. The fire act in the Kalari show left everyone amazed, though the Kathakali felt a bit slow — yet the kids enjoyed clicking pictures with the painted artists!

Dinner back at the resort was relaxed, with some drinks and laughter before everyone crashed for the night.

Day 3: Into the Wild – Bamboo Rafting in Periyar

A thrilling day awaited us. We woke early for the Bamboo Rafting experience in Periyar National Park, which included a 5 km jungle trek accompanied by a forest officer and a gunman. The government’s thoughtful setup included backpacks, water bottles, breakfast, and leech-proof socks!

The trek was magical — lush greenery, chirping birds, and a few wildlife sightings including bisons, the Indian giant squirrel, and other exotic birds. The trail led to a tranquil lake nestled between the hills, where we had breakfast and boarded bamboo rafts. Gliding through the calm waters, we even spotted a few snakes! My son Vivaan led us enthusiastically through the entire trek.

Post adventure, we had lunch in town, bought spices and banana chips, and returned to the resort for a quiet evening.

Day 4: Elephants, Jeeps, and Spice Gardens

We took it easy in the morning, enjoying a walk around the resort before heading to Elephant Junction. There, we rode elephants, played with them, and even bathed with them — a fun, unique experience! Watching them follow commands, lift logs, and pose for pictures was delightful.

Lunch was at Atithi pure veg restaurant, serving hot, tasty North Indian vegetarian food — chapatis, dal, sabzi, rice, and chilled shikanji.

Post lunch, we visited a local spice garden, where we learned about Kerala’s rich variety of spices and herbs. The guided tour was both educational and aromatic, and many of us picked up packets of fresh spices as souvenirs

But the day wasn’t over yet — next came the jeep off-roading safari through the rugged landscapes and tea plantation trails of Thekkady. Bouncing over rocky paths, climbing steep terrain, and taking in panoramic views made this an exhilarating experience. It added the perfect adventurous twist to our otherwise cultural day.

By evening, we returned to the resort, packed up some of our things, and relaxed. Tomorrow, we’d be heading to Alleppey for our much-anticipated luxury houseboat stay.

Day 5: Cruising the Backwaters in Style

After an early breakfast, we hit the road towards Alleppey, arriving at Spice Routes Luxury Houseboats by 1 PM. The houseboat was nothing short of a floating palace — five fully air-conditioned bedrooms, attached bathrooms, a cozy living room, and a beautiful open-air deck upstairs for panoramic views.

Cruising through the Kerala backwaters was surreal — calm waters, swaying coconut trees, and glimpses of daily life along the banks. As part of the experience, the crew took us to a local riverside fish market, where we handpicked fresh Tiger prawns of our choice. They were later grilled and cooked to perfection by the onboard chef — a delicious, personalized treat that made the meal even more special.

The overall food spread was incredible. The chef served a mouth-watering feast with veg and non-veg options — including chicken, fish, prawns, and sides like beetroot curry, sambar, and fried rice.

We played cards, celebrated a birthday on board, enjoyed some drinks, and danced as the boat gently glided over the waters. After about four hours of cruising, the boats were docked. We took a short evening stroll in a nearby village and returned just before dark to spend a peaceful night on the water.

Day 6: From Backwaters to the Tea Hills of Munnar

Waking up to a sunrise over the backwaters was magical. After breakfast and a final hour of cruising — during which we saw school children commuting by boat — we checked out and left for Munnar.

By afternoon, we reached Briar’s Tea Bungalow, a charming property perched amidst acres of tea plantations. It offered four spacious bedrooms, a library, a badminton court, and a bonfire area, all surrounded by nature’s silence.

Day 7: Treks, Tea, and Waterfalls

The day began with a trek through the tea estates, leading us to a quaint mountain village. After returning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast on the terrace facing the hills.

We then visited Eravikulam National Park, where golf carts took us through the misty tea-covered hills. In the afternoon, the resort staff guided us to a private waterfall with ice-cold water. Despite the chill, we couldn’t resist jumping in!

Day 8: Speedboats and Souvenirs

We started our day with breakfast and then drove to the scenic Mattupetty Dam for an exciting speedboat ride. Post the adrenaline rush, we visited Ripple Tea Shop, bought some locally grown tea and spices, and headed back to the bungalow for our final night in Munnar.

Day 9: Farewell, Kerala

After one last breakfast with the mountains as our backdrop, the two groups bid farewell — one heading back to Bangalore, the other to Bareilly. Our hearts were full and our phones were overflowing with photos and memories.

Final Thoughts

This trip wasn’t just about Kerala’s beauty — it was about reconnecting as a family, experiencing nature and culture together, and making countless memories. From treks and waterfalls to elephants and houseboats, every day had something special.

Kerala — you were magical. Until next time!

Every family needs a mountain escape, and our road trip to Kodaikanal turned out to be a perfect blend of nature, bonding, and joy. Our recent road trip from Bangalore to Kodaikanal was just that — an unforgettable escape into the lap of nature with two full families, endless laughter, great food, and the kind of peace you can only find in the mountains.

The Crew: Two Families, One Bond

We were a big gang – myself, my wife Pallavi, our three little adventurers – Vivaan, Nihaal, and Aarna – and my parents. Alongside us was our close friend Mohit, his wife Deepti, their daughter Myra, Mohit’s parents, and Deepti’s parents. With three generations traveling together, this was not just a trip – it was a celebration of togetherness.

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Day 1: The Journey Begins

We started early on Saturday morning at 6 AM, escaping the city’s chaos with excitement bubbling in our hearts. Our first pitstop was for a South Indian breakfast near Salem – and with so many highway-side options, we were spoilt for choice. Hot idlis, crispy dosas, and strong filter coffee gave us the much-needed energy boost.

Around lunchtime, we stopped at Dindigul, famous for its spicy biryani. We gorged on the legendary Dindigul Biryani followed by the much-talked-about Jigarthanda, a chilled dessert drink that was just perfect for the warm afternoon.

By 4 PM, we reached our destination – Le Mistral, a serene property tucked away in the hills of Kodaikanal. The place was like a dream — surrounded by lush greenery, blooming flowers in every color, and a breathtaking view of the mountains right from our rooms.

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A Warm Welcome at Le Mistral

The property had a homely vibe. A friendly caretaker and his family took care of all our needs, and they even had an adorable pet dog who instantly made friends with the kids. The evening was spent soaking in the mountain breeze, relaxing in the gazebo-style glass dining hall, and enjoying a bonfire complete with veg and non-veg snacks, some drinks, and a lot of laughter. Dinner was delicious, and after a long day on the road, everyone had a sound, peaceful sleep.

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Day 2: Trekking, Lakes & Little Adventures

The next morning started slow and serene. There was a walking track around a green lawn where we stretched out with a little morning walk and yoga.

Later, Mohit, Deepti, Pallavi, and I went for a short trek. The trail surprised us with fresh berries growing on wild trees, and in a fun twist, we stumbled upon a wild animal’s skull! The view along the way was nothing short of a painting — misty hills, chirping birds, and forest trails that told stories.

After breakfast, we headed for our first major sightseeing – Mannavanur Lake and the Sheep Farm, around 1.5 hours away. A gentle drizzle made the drive even more scenic. With no mobile network, we got separated into three cars, but all managed to reach the destination within half an hour of each other.

The place was magical — a lake surrounded by mountains, with soft clouds hovering above. A small canteen there served piping hot Maggi, bread omelette, tea, and of course, ice cream – a hit with the kids!

We enjoyed horse rides, a short zipline, and even a Coracle ride. On the way back, we discovered a restaurant with a glass high-rise ambiance — delicious food with panoramic views. We also visited the Rose Garden before heading back to the property for another bonfire evening, this time with cards and stories.

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Day 3: Misty Mornings and Foggy Fun

We started the day with boating at the iconic Kodai Lake. The weather was just perfect – full of fog and mist, turning everything into a fairytale. Vendors selling ice creams on the lake added a quirky charm — because what’s better than cold ice cream on a colder lake?

Post-boating, we indulged in street shopping and tasted local street food before heading to the famous Coaker’s Walk. In that weather, it was surreal — a dreamy walk among the clouds, literally.

Evening brought yet another bonfire, but this time, we turned it into a dance party! With Punjabi beats playing loud, every member from both families let loose and danced their hearts out. It was the highlight of the trip.

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Day 4: Lazy Morning & Whispering Vibes

This was our lazy day. We woke up late, spent time enjoying the property’s amenities, and clicked a lot of photos. For lunch, we went to Whistler Cafe – a stunning place with great ambiance and even better food.

We returned to the property, filled up our cars’ tanks for the long journey back, packed up, and relaxed with some more cards and UNO. The caretaker’s wife whipped up some amazing French fries and Dragon Chicken – the perfect farewell snack for the kids.

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Day 5: Homebound with Hearts Full

We left early in the morning, retracing our route. Breakfast and lunch stops kept us going, and we couldn’t resist picking up some juicy mangoes from a roadside stall near Salem.

By 5 PM, we were back home in Bangalore — tired but full of happy memories.

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Until Next Time…

This trip to Kodaikanal was everything we hoped for – nature, food, bonding, and joy. Traveling with family and friends brought us closer, made the kids happier, and left us with stories to cherish for years to come.

Here’s to many more such hill station getaways — where the mountains heal, and memories are made.

Some mornings are meant for sleeping in — and some are meant for chasing the sunrise on two wheels. This past Sunday was definitely the latter.

Sunday, 2nd March, I embarked on a 100 km maiden breakfast ride from Sarjapur, Bangalore to the iconic Mulbagal Dosa Corner, accompanied by two close friends: Tushar and Vikram. The idea was simple — ride hard, eat heartily, and create memories on the road.

The Machines & The Crew

• Tushar rolled in on his BMW F850, looking like he’d stepped straight out of a vintage motorcycling calendar. Dressed in full retro riding gear, he turned more heads at signals than most movie stars.

• Vikram, the ever-stylish one, arrived on his Royal Enfield Interceptor. With his signature swagger and brand-new Ferrari riding gloves, he looked every bit like a Hollywood star geared up for an action sequence.

• And me? I was astride my beloved Royal Enfield Super Meteor, still soaking in that “new bike” feeling. First ride. First sunrise. First taste of the open road. It doesn’t get more memorable than that.

On the Road

We kicked off the ride at around 5:45 AM from Sarjapur. The city was still half-asleep, which worked perfectly for us. Riding out of the city limits, we hit the newly constructed Kolar highway — a biker’s dream with its wide lanes, smooth curves, and minimal traffic.

The sun slowly crept up as we cruised along, bathing the landscape in golden hues. With wind in our faces and engines humming beneath us, the silence between us was filled with nothing but the joy of the ride.

Destination: Mulbagal Dosa Corner

By 8 AM, we rolled into Mulbagal, hungry and excited. The legendary Mulbagal Dosa Corner did not disappoint. Soft, buttery dosas with that signature crunch, served with lip-smacking chutney and piping hot filter coffee — it was breakfast heaven.

There’s something about eating a meal after a long ride — the food tastes better, the conversations are deeper, and the satisfaction is doubled.

Return Ride & Reflections

After a relaxed breakfast and some fun banter, we saddled up again and began the return journey. The ride back was just as smooth, with the sun now high and the highway still inviting. We reached back to Bangalore around 12 noon, each of us carrying more than just a full stomach — we came back with stories, laughs, and the itch to ride again soon.

This was not just a 100 km ride for dosa. It was about friendship, freedom, and finding joy in the little things — like watching the sky change colors as you ride, or hearing your friend’s laughter echoing through the intercom.

To many, it might just be a ride for breakfast. But for us, it was a soulful Sunday that reminded us why we ride.