You start of on NH4, which connects Bangalore to Mumbai via Chitradurga,
Hubli, Belgaum and Pune, which narrows down to a two laner after
about 20kms. Keep going straight on NH4 taking the left at the fork
once you pass Hirehalli village. After passing Tumkur fire station
on your left take a right at the fork to bypass Tumkur village.
Continue straight till you arrive at a checkpost. After the checkpost
you will arrive at a roundabout. You can continue straight past
the roundabout or take a left to the interesting town of Chitradurga.
Chitradurga houses the fort of the Mughal emperor Tipu Sultan and
has some gold and silver mines located nearby. It is also a good
midway point to refresh yourself and refuel your motorcycle as the
route moves on to the less developed NH13. If you have the time
you can make Chitradurga your base and visit the nearby ancient
town of Harihar and the beautiful temples and waterfalls in the
area.
Continuing straight past the roundabout for about a distance of
3 kilometres you take a right onto National Highway 13 that runs
from there to Sholapur. The road surface on NH13 is not as good
as NH4 but it is quite motorable although you would not be able
to maintain the same speed. About 80Kms onto NH13 you will arrive
at a fork. Take the left towards Hospet. 30Kms further on one will
arrive at another fork. Bear right towards Hospet. You will cross
a couple of level crossings. After the second railway crossing you
will come to road junction. On the left one can visit the beautiful
Tungabadhra dam and garden. The road on the right goes to Sholapur.
Take the extreme right for Hospet town. The 13km route from Hospet
to Hampi is clearly marked. You can either stay overnight at Hospet
which offers better options or at Hippie Island which is across
the river from Hampi and offers inexpensive basic accomodation.
One can spend days in Hampi just exploring the city. The main sites
in Hampi are Sacred center which includes the Virupaksha and Vittala
Temples, Hampi Bazaar and the Royal Centre. Crossing the Tungabhadra
river in the saucer like boats is a must do. The ruins of Hampi
are very secluded and lonely after sunset and it is not advisable
to move around alone. Tourists are required to register on arrival
but this is not strictly enforced.
Hospet to Badami
Take NH13 towards Bijapur and Sholapur. About 2 Kms after crossing
the Tungabhadra river bridge take a right at the fork and at the
next fork which is about 7Kms further on. Continue on this road
for about 90Kms till you arrive in Hungund town. From the roundabout
take a left towards Amingarh. The roads are narrow and should be
avoided at night. About 22Kms past Hungund you will arrive at a
T-junction. Take a left for Badami. Bear left at the fork past after
you pass the town of Guledagud followed by a immediate left at the
road junction. About 6Kms on you will need to take another left
for Badami. Continue straight for about 12Kms and take a right at
the fork and continue on this road for 5Kms and you arrive in Badami.
Badami was a capital city of the Chalukyan empire and the rock
cut caves and sandstone temples are definitely worth a visit. You
can also visit the towns of Aihole and Pattadkal which are enroute.
North
India States
