Udupi - Wayanad Trip: A Solo Adventure
It had been a long time since I went on a solo motorcycle ride.
All I needed was a good motorcycle trip — just me, the bike, and the open roads.
My version of Maslow's Pyramid ;-)
Since my birthday was around the corner, I wanted this trip to be during my birthday week.
Kerala, also called God's Own Country, had been on my list for a long time, and this was my chance. I also added Udupi to my itinerary.
So, the plan was to ride to Udupi first, ride along the coastal roads to Wayanad, and finally return to Bengaluru.
I must say, this was a very well-planned trip. I booked my stays in advance. The forecast predicted rain, so I was prepared. And, I rented a Honda H’ness CB350 — perfect for the kind of adventure I had in mind.
With my luggage packed and strapped to the bike, I was all set!
Day 1: Bengaluru to Udupi
Route: Bengaluru → Nelamangala → Hassan → Mudigere → Samse → Karkala → Udupi
The day started with heavy rain. I didn't expect the rain as soon as I hit the road. It kept raining on and off throughout the day.
The highlight of the ride was the stretch through Kudremukh National Forest. The lush greenery and misty hills were a delight, even in the rain.
I reached my homestay around 6 PM. The owner was very welcoming and shared some must-visit spots around Udupi. However, I learned that a yellow alert had been issued in Wayanad due to the rain. I worried I might have to cancel my plans if it turned into a red alert.
But for now, I decided to stick to my plan and went to bed after dinner.
Day 2: Exploring Udupi
I started the day with a visit to Malpe Beach and took a ferry to St. Mary’s Island. The sandy shores, unique rock formations, and the calming sound of waves were absolutely peaceful.
Later, I visited the Hanging Bridge in Heroor. The views from the bridge were scenic, and I even tried kayaking there for the first time.
In the evening, I rode to Maravanthe Beach, where the road runs between the sea on one side and a river on the other.
For dinner, I had a Masala Dosa and the delicious Mini Gudbud Ice Cream at Woodlands Restaurant.
Checked the news, the rain was under control in wayanad and it was getting better. So, my plans were still on.
Day 3: Birthday Ride to Wayanad
This was the day I was most excited about — a birthday ride into the heart of Kerala!
The stretch from Malpe Beach to Mattu Beach was stunning, with the road running right next to the sea. It felt perfect for my birthday. I rode along Padubidri Beach, Surathkal, Mangalore, Panambur Beach, and Kasargod, couldn't even realise I had entered into Kerala already.
It was the time for lunch. So, started searching for places to eat. Finding vegetarian food in Kerala was a challenge, but I settled for some egg fried rice and pineapple juice at a small eatery in Mattul.
The ride through the Thalassery and Mahe was breathtaking, with beautiful views giving me the company.
However, it was late evening, and I was still about 120 km from Wayanad. So, I skipped Kozhikode and took the shortest route to Wayanad via Vatakara.
By 6:30 PM, I finally reached my stay in Kalpetta, Wayanad, covering around 430 km. I was tired but thrilled — a simple yet fulfilling birthday ride!
Day 4: Exploring Wayanad
Wayanad was calm, peaceful, and full of natural beauty. My day began with visits to Karapuzha Dam and Kanthanpara Waterfalls.
Then, I turned off my maps and rode through random countryside roads to explore freely.
I wrapped up the day at Banasura Sagar Dam — the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. I took a motorboat ride there. The view of the vast reservoir with surrounding hills was the cherry on top of an amazing day.
Day 5: Back to Bengaluru via Mysuru
On the way back, I rode through the Bandipur Forest. I took a breakfast break at Vinayaka Mylari in Mysuru for their legendary masala dosa.
By evening, I was back in Bengaluru, completing my 1500-km journey. This trip was exactly what I needed — a perfect mix of beaches, forests, and countryside roads.