Trip to Marconahalli Dam, Melukote and Tonnur Kere

Participants:

1. Harsha
2. Srinvas R.
3. Shrikant Gaikwad
3. Myself

Date: 20th November, 2011

Mode of Transport: Bajaj Platina 125 cc, Unicorn

Through-out my earlier trip blogs, I have no-where mentioned the time of start/end time, but I thought of having this for the first time, so that it would be useful to other travelers/biker’s also.

Time: 7:15 hrs

Marconahalli Dam:

Started alone from Kodigehalli to join the group at the Toll in the Tumkur Highway. We went pass Nelamangala and to took a left to follow the Bangalore-Mangalore Highway (NH 48). Driving in the morning hours is fun as you can have very less traffic and you can view the majestic hills far off covered with clouds. We drove at a leisurely pace taking snaps here and there. We reached the Kunigal by-pass and had breakfast the Brindavan Fast Food, on the right. We continued on the NH 48 to reach Markonahalli (opposite to Hotel Mathrushree). We took a left from their and after biking for around 8 kms, to reached our first destination.

Time: 10:45 hrs

Marconahalli dam built was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar under the guidance of Visweswaraiah across the river Shimsha. As we reach the dam gates, we were welcome by the caretaker’s son Mr. Manjunath. He informed us the the dam has 6 crush gates and 5 siphons. With a depth of around 90 ft in the middle and an area of about 3500 sq. kms, the dam is a home for large number of fishes. Fishing is also practiced here in the morning hours. Mr. Manjunath took us downstairs (knee deep water) to give us a overview of the siphons and how it works as a suction pump to pump in access water, as it water moves above the danger level. The dam also hosts a rail for moving a temporary shield in case one of the main gates fails due to water pressure. The crane holding the rail is around 2 T as informed by him.

With water full, the view from the top of the dam was awesome. Crystal clear water glittering due to sun shine with a green grassy background, will be in the eyes of the viewer. There is also a park down there but it is not well maintained.

 

Time: 11:50 hrs

Melukote:

We continued on the same road that led us to the dam. The green paddy fields on both sides made the ride worthwhile. We reached Nagamangala which is around 55 kms from the dam, and continued our journey towards Jakkanahalli. From there, Melukote is around 5 kms. We took a right there to start the climb to the temple. One haves the first glimpse of the temple standing tall on the top of the mountain on the left. Since the the visit is just after the rain, almost everywhere you can find out a lake with water full to it’s capacity.

The temple on the top of the hill is dedicated to Lord Yoga Narasimha. One needs to climb some steps to reach the temple. One can have a good beautiful view from the top of the temple top.

 

A Kalyani is also located at the base of the temple.

The `Puliogare` which you get near the temple is told to be awesome, but we were unlucky to have it.

Time: 13:45 hrs

Tonnur Kere:

As we continue on the road from Jakkanahalli, at a distance of about 20 kms, we reach Mahadevpura. We took a right here to enter the village. As we make in roads through the village, we see the glimpse of the sugar factories. Sugar cane been crushed, juice being boiled and later put on vessels to make jaggery. It was an wonderful experience. We road for about 15kms to reach the lake.

This is an ideal location to enjoy lunch and spend time playing. The water, though safe near the shore, is said to be dangerous. Crystal clear water glittering due to sun shine was a view to be seen. People were there enjoying swimming and taking bath. Since the water was above the required level, a man made waterfall was also in place, wherein people were enjoying smashing water everywhere.

 

Time: 15:30 hrs

We continued on the same road to Padavapura and a glimpse of the village life. Sugar cane fields and factories on the either side and a smell of jaggery made it aromatic. We reached the Bangalore – Mysore highway and continued to reach Hotel Amravathi on the outskirts of Mandya, at around 16:30 hrs and leisurely spend some time there to relax ourselves.

 

Time: 19:30 hrs

Started from Hotel Amravathi on the Bangalore – Mysore highway, after having lunch/dinner back to Bangalore.

Time: 22:00 hrs

Reached back home to got hooked on to the Internet again to plan for the next trip.

At the end of the day we drove around 327 kms and thanking all of my travel mates for having such a wonderful journey.

YouTube Video: