A refreshing ride

Rode after a 4 month hiatus , a rather impromptu ride.

Was always fascinated / intrigued with the North Dharmapuri hills a.k.a Kenneth Anderson's homeland and a monday holiday compounded the enthu.. Thought abt the ride at 11 and myself and my bro left home 15 min later under the burning sun..

Reached Denkanikottai in no time and negotiated my way to Ayyur through tiny winding village roads and fantastic grass land and rolling hills landscapes.

Soon after crossing Ayyur, the topography suddenly transforms to dense jungle past the Ayyur forest check post. Long winding ghat roads leads to the pristine forest top plateau of Bethamugalalam. This village is situated at an altitude of abt 4000 ft above sea level, hence was very cool.


Inquiries with the local villagers soon led to me to a fantastic off roader that I dream t for a long long time.. A 10 km fundoo dirt track with numerous hair pins, steep slopes, crazy precipices leading to the only village ant the end of the trail - Kodekerai...




This village is the base for the trail to Gutherayan Peak located in the dense jungles abutting the Kaveri's northern / eastern banks.
This peak at 1390 m is the highest peak in Dharma puri and supposed to have beautiful views of the surrounding hills and towns as far as Dharmapuri, Hosur, Mettur Dam, Kaveri, BR Hills etc.

Thought couldn't trek to Gutherayan coz of lack of time, made it a point to return to this new found love as soon as I can.

Returned back to Ayyur and proceeded to my next unexplored area.. The Panjapalli dam.

Proceeded from Ayyur via Hosalli, Thippasandra villages to the Panjapalli Dam site :

Situated 20 km to the west of Rayakottai and Marandahalli, this 7 km long dam feeds the downs and villages of Dharmapuri dist. Amazingly the dam was full and provides idyllic settings for a good afternoon siesta.

Returned back home by 6:30 evening via Rayakottai, Kelamangalam, Mathigiri, TVS, Athibele.

A very refreshing 250km ride that I enjoyed the most.

Pics here...