Stories from the road

There’s something magical about heading into the wild on two wheels with close friends, rain-soaked roads, and no fixed agenda—only the thrill of the journey. Our trip from Bangalore to Bandipur in the heart of the monsoon was nothing short of unforgettable. Seven friends. Four bikes. One car. And countless memories.

The Ride Begins

We started our journey early Friday morning from Bangalore. The riders included Raj on his Yezdi Adventure, Santosh on his Honda CB350 R, Waseem on his Royal Enfield Thunderbird, and me (Gaurav) on my Royal Enfield Super Meteor. Joining us in the car were Raju, Prabha, and Yoges—carrying the luggage, keeping us company, and capturing the journey along the way.

Our first stop was the iconic Vasu Hotel for a hearty South Indian breakfast. Steaming hot idlis, crispy dosas, and piping chai & coffee fueled our engines (and our souls) for the road ahead.

Rains, Rides, and Rainwear

About an hour into the ride, the skies opened up. We pulled over to gear up with rain jackets and pants. The cool breeze, misty roads, and rhythmic drizzle added a new charm to the ride. Raju, from the comfort of the car, took on the role of cameraman—clicking pictures and shooting videos of all four bikers cruising through the rain-drenched roads.

Midway, Prabha got the itch to experience the thrill firsthand and hopped on a bike for a few kilometers—smiling through every splash and puddle.

Sunflowers and Speed Thrills

Our next break came at a beautiful stretch of sunflower fields, where we took some time to soak in the view and click a bunch of selfies against the bright yellow blooms.

As we approached Bandipur, Prabha took the wheel of the Tata Nexon and picked up the pace—hitting 120–130 kmph at one point. I chased the car for a stretch on my Super Meteor, turning that segment into a little high-speed adventure of our own.

We reached Bandipur around 2 PM, soaked, tired, and thrilled.

Into the Wild

That evening, we headed out for a tiger safari in Bandipur. The forest was drenched in fresh rain, making it lush and vibrant. After a round of roadside chai and snacks, we headed back to our stay—Ambuja Farm, tucked deep inside the forest, surrounded by the calls of deer and elephants in the distance.

The night was laid-back and fun, filled with laughter, a few drinks, and a long card session under the sounds of the jungle canopy.

Elephants, Mountains, and Unexpected Adventures

Saturday started with another spontaneous plan. Raj and I took off early on our bikes to a nearby village. A local villager tipped us off about wildlife sightings. Following his directions, we rode to a water body and were lucky to spot two wild elephants. We waited quietly, hoping for a glimpse of a cheetah, but it remained elusive.

Later that day, all seven of us rode to Mudumalai—with three pillion riders joining the bikers. The route was breathtaking, with winding roads, misty hilltops, and lush green forest views made even more magical by the rain.

After returning for lunch, we planned an evening trip to Madumalai for another tiger safari. Raj and I went ahead on his Yezdi Adventure, while the others followed in the car. However, a fallen tree blocked the car’s route, forcing them to return to Ambuja Farm. Raj and I continued and hopped onto a camper van safari, where we spotted deer, bison, and even a mesmerizing waterfall deep within the jungle.

A Wild Return

While riding back to Ambuja Farm, darkness had set in. In the middle of the road, we encountered two elephants, calmly blocking our way. With no one else around, it was a tense moment—until a Forest Department van arrived and guided the elephants safely back into the woods. It was a surreal experience that we’ll never forget.

Final Day: Farewell to the Forest

Sunday morning, Raj, Prabha, Waseem, and I rode once again to the Mudumalai Elephant Camp, where we watched the elephants bathe in the river—a peaceful and heartwarming sight. After returning to Ambuja Farm for breakfast, we packed up and started the ride back to Bangalore, reaching around 4:30 PM

This wasn’t just a weekend getaway—it was a ride into the heart of nature, filled with scenic routes, wildlife encounters, spontaneous plans, and moments that bonded us all. From the thrill of the open road to the quiet charm of the forest, our Bandipur trip was a reminder of the joy of the journey.

We returned with wet clothes, muddy boots, and full hearts—already dreaming of the next adventure.

The Afterglow of the Adventure

As we wrapped up the trip and returned to our everyday routines, the spirit of the journey lingered on. For Raju and Yoges—who had spent most of the ride in the car—watching the thrill of biking up close was nothing short of contagious. The camaraderie, the freedom, the connection with nature… it struck a chord. So much so, that this trip sparked a fire in both of them to finally get their own bikes. Inspired by the ride, they’re now all set to swap four wheels for two and join the gang full throttle on future adventures.