PAYANIGA

Continuing the West coast ride story

Yagachi river backwaters

Just less than 10 KMs from Belur while going towards Chikkamagalur comes a huge water body on the left side of the road. In my previous journeys in that route, I had assumed this place as just another lake, a huge one. Very recently I came to know that it’s Yagachi dam (or reservoir) built across river Yagachi (one of the important tributaries of river Kaveri).

Yagachi dam is relatively new to the list of reservoirs in India, which was dedicated to the nation in 2004. The main purposes of the dam are irrigation for thousand’s of acres of land in Hassan & Chikkamagalur district and source of drinking water for Belur & Chikkamagalur cities.

Another view of the reservoir

We parked our bikes near the front gate only to see couple of policemen sitting in the shade & the words on a board which said ‘No entry to visitors’. While we were contemplating whether to continue with the ride or to speak to them, one of them waved at us. They were bit curious looking at us, our bikes & the luggage. Like it happens most of the times, they were surprised to hear our ride plan. When we inquired about entry to the dam, we were told that due to security reasons no one is allowed to enter the dam premises, but can go till a place where they had placed barricades. We were more than happy to listen to that. We roamed around the place looking at the blue water collected in the reservoir. View was amazing. After spending almost half an hour, we bid adieu to the cops & caretakers of the reservoir and were back on the saddles.

Ganapas

While we were there couple of tourist vehicles stopped by. They also paid a visit to the dam & were gone in 5 minutes. Wonder, why to visit a place if you don’t have time to enjoy the place for few moments!

The ride: Start – Belur – Yagachi dam – Sringeri – Agumbe – Udupi

The stone sculptures

Nowadays when you visit a well known tourist place; even if it’s you first visit, every nook & corner looks familiar. That’s what happened to me when I was in Belur (though it was second visit for me, after a long gap of 13 years). Thanks to the amount of information & photos available on the internet.

Birds and the temple gopura

It was 10.30AM when we reached Belur & had an hour’s time. Hence decided not to take a guide. Instead roamed around the temple premises aimlessly. One hour we spent there is not at all sufficient. I plan to go there some time soon – visit both Belur & Halebidu.

The Silhouette of Manasthambha

The temple and the manasthambha

The stone pillar

Few places nearby places which I’ve not yet visited & plan to visit when time permits -

Halebidu
Halmidi – place where Kannada’s oldest shaasana was found (kannada script on a stone)
Hanuma Devara gudda – a small hillock between Hassan and Belur

The ride: Start – Belur – Yagachi dam – Sringeri – Agumbe – Udupi