Ayyanakere Lake

Ayyanakere Lake is situated in the Malnad region of Karnataka. Lake is situated around 30 KMs from Chikkamagaluru (near a village called Sakrepatna). The Ayyanakere Lake is the 2nd largest in the state. The lake is surrounded by hills and is one of the most popular destinations around Chikkamagaluru.

We were in Chikkamagaluru for a quick hangout with friends. Its been quite some time we grouped together. We planned for a quick drive around Chikkamagaluru. Mahesh booked a homestay near Sakrepatna - Sirivasa Home Stay. Home stay is around 20 Kms away from Kaduru and 4 Kms from Sakrepatna. We started around 12.00 AM from Bengaluru. Though we could have started early morning from Bengaluru and reach the destination by check-in time we just started early to spend some time together.

Chikkamagaluru is around 240 Kms from Bengaluru and can be reached within 5 hours. Plan was to visit Ayyanakere during sunset which is just around 4 Kms from the homestay we stayed.

But because of late night drive we could not make up sunset.

Next day morning we woke up early and headed towards the lake. No one else were around the Lake. We just walked around the lake and clicked few pics.

We could spot some birds and spent some time around and headed back to Homestay.

There is no entry fee to visit Ayyanakere Lake. It welcomes its visitors from 6:00 AM in the morning to 6:00 PM in the evening on all days.

Bandipur

Bandipur is one of such places, you never get bored to visit this place again and again 😊

We were planning for a family get together and decided to visit places around Bandipur. Chetan booked one Homestay inside Bandipur (near Mangala village). There are lot of resorts around this village which is just outside the forest range of Bandipur.

Bandipur is around 225 KMs from Bengaluru, but we took different route to reach Bandipur skipping main road Bengaluru - Mysuru - Gundlupete route.

Plan was to take Kanankapura road, stop for Breakfast near Malavalli and visit BR Hills - K Gudi and take Chamarajanagara route to reach Gundlupete. Which is almost 60 KMS long route but journey will be memorable one.

We started at 5.00 AM from Bengaluru, rain welcomed our journey! till we cross Kanankapura it was raining. We reached Malavalli around 8.00 AM for breakfast. After having breakfast, we headed towards BR hills which is around 170 KMS from Bengaluru. I just love to drive through this route, it was my 2nd visit in a gap of a month 🥰 We could not visit temple because of crowd and considering the time. Headed towards K-Gudi and stopped near K Gudi check post for some time for photo session.

Spent some time around this place clicking pics and headed towards Bandipur. Now forest department started collecting fees for parking our vehicles around this place.

After couple of stops near Chamarajanagara and Gundlupete we reached Bandipur around 3.00 PM. Till we reach Mangala village route we could not spot any wild animals. By the time we took turn towards Mangala forest we spotted a group of elephants, it made our day!

Reached our homestay dropped all our luggage’s and had delicious lunch and its time for some relaxation.

We heard some more Elephants are just outside the Homestay, but its bit furious and attacked one bike rider and be very cautious. Hearing that we scared a bit to take Kids along with us to see that elephants. But I could not wait to see those elephants. Just took out my car and drove near that place where a bunch of elephants were there. Since it was getting dark could not get clear picture of the elephants.

Came back to homestay with satisfaction of spotting elephants but i was totally disappointed since i could not capture it in my camera.

Again morning went out with camera to check our luck to spot any wild animal. Spotted only Deer’s and peacocks. 

Again, back with disappointment and vacated our room. Headed towards Waynad which was our next destination for next 3 days.

Banasura

After a memorable drive through Bandipur forest, Our next destination was Banasura Dam back waters Wayanad which was around 70KMs. We came back to Gundlupete and drive through Sultan Bathery Forest. Though the distance was less it took close to 3 hours to reach our destination Seagot Banasura Resorts & Villas.

About Banasura Dam: Banasura Dam is the largest earth dam in India, and second largest in Asia. The Banasura Sagar Dam is situated at 20 Km from Kalpett (Wayanad), the district headquarters.

Being an important tourist attraction, the Banasura Sagar dam is situated at the foot of Banasura Hill. The dam provides water for Kakkayam reservoir situated in the Kozhikode district. Banasura Sagar Dam supports kakkayam Hydroelectric power project that contributes to irrigation.

The Resort is in a beautiful place. They provide different set of accommodation. 2 BHK, 3 BHK and 4 BHK villas facing towards dam backwaters. Even they provide tent accommodation.

Very good place to enjoy with family. They have some adventure activities as well. Infinity pool is the main attraction around this place.

Spotted some beautiful birds around this place during early morning walk.

Sunda Minivet: The Sunda minivet is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it occurs on Sumatra and Java

Velvet-Fronted Nuthatch: The velvet-fronted nuthatch is a small passerine bird in the nuthatch family Sittidae found in southern Asia from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka ‍and Bangladesh east to south China and Indonesia.

The only drawback at this resort is food!!! We have very limited options and taste is also not up-to the mark. When kids are around it will be difficult to manage. We must drive almost another 10 KMS to get some decent food.

Location is ultimate, very good place to get some beautiful pics.

Seagot Banasura Resorts & Villas

Contact details: +91-9747440404/ +91-9747550505

Address: SEAGOT BANASURA RESORT & VILLAS, Adhikaripadi, Padinjarathara Road, Bible land P.O, Wayanad, Kerala - 673573

While driving back through Sultan Bathery Forest, we were lucky enough to spot a group of elephants on road side 😊

With loads of good memories headed back to Bengaluru via Mysuru. Stopped near Pujari Fish land for lunch and it was my first drive on newly constructed Bengaluru - Mysuru Highway (though still its partially done). Liked the drive on this new road.