Nostalgic: Vidyarthi Bhavan Masala Dosa at Gandhi bazaar, Bangalore

Finding a car parking in gandhi bazaar is very challenging on a Saturday evening!! But I assumed, it will be more challenging to get a seat when i saw the mad rush outside the hotel. A gentleman was taking down the waiting list names and calling out the next in-line in kannada.

Saturday evening rush

"So much rush for a Dosa ?? Look at that board. 1943 ??" I thought. The place definitely looked old. As I stood outside, people were coming out of the hotel with a sigh of contentment radiating from their face. Happy foodie faces. Was eager to discover what this is about. It was already 20 mins since we waited and finally they called out our name. We gushed in J

Inside

Another inside pic

Note the pencil sketches

foodie fames:  Vishnuvardhan, Yediyurappa and SM Krishna

Menu as of Dec 2014

We were a bunch of four. As we went in, a supervisor guided us to the seat. I could see the menu hanging on the wall. Limited items. Lots of pencil drawn potraits of kannada literary gaints adorned the walls. And color photos of Vishnu sir and Yeddy as well, as I turned around my head. The place is well maintained, clean and decently lit. The servers were all clad in blue with a panche. There was noise. People anxiously waiting. Chit chatting. Ladies checking out other ladies. A mixture of people from all ages. Food seemed to be served in batches. There was already a scent of filter kaapi and ghee in the air. Someone hurriedly placed water cups on our table. And then waiter came to take the order.

“Sagu masala dose?” a favorite and we asked for same. Waiter replied that it is served only in the mornings. “Ivaga idly, vada, khara bath, dosa: masala/plain maatra” he added. So, we settled with “3 plate rava vade, 2 plain dose, 2 masala dose, 2 coffee, 2 tea”.

Rava Vada

The Rava vades are a must try. They serve as a appetizer until the dosa is served. It is a replica of Maddur vada, half bathed in Chutney. They were soft, not very crunchy and hot. Served in a small sized plate. We were hungry and devoured the same. There seems to be too much of chutney for the small vada. The chutney itself was unlike the regular. We felt the presence of gram flour in it.

Dosa stacked !!

10 mins later, we saw the waiters carrying the dosa out of the kitchen. There is a distinctive style in which they carry the same balancing it against one’s chest. Then our waiter served us with the dosa and continued for another three tables. The dosa was served in a plain plate.

First reaction: "how am I supposed to eat this ?. People were looking at each other !! Something seems to be missing. No sambar or chutney for the dosa? Did the waiter forget to serve the same? " As I was wandering in my thoughts, faraway, i saw the waiter had a utensil (with a stick hand), typically like the one used for making tadka. And he was generously pouring chutney in the plates !! You will not get sambar for your dosa here (not sure if they serve unless asked). We already had a plate full of chutney from the previously eaten vada and decided to use the same instead of wasting it.

Masala Dosa

The Masala Dosa is crisp, slightly thick and soft from inside with a good amount of well made bhaji in it. Already a small amount of oil had gathered at the plate bottom. Ghee was dripping out of it. When you take chutney along side, you fail to see it. As you take a bite, you will understand why it is so sought after. You have the “Melting” feeling in your mouth, seldom experienced. My taste buds seems to be dancing. The gluttonous heart in you will be craving for each bite whilst the health conscious head will be asking you to stop. And then you feel, its once a while that you eat such a awesome dosa. It is the taste that won for me. Definitely, the way to my heart was via my stomach J Visit and decide for yourself.

Half eaten with the bhaji

Check the ghee drippings !!

The coffee was ok in taste. Pricing seems to be moderately decent for the food you get. Service was good. During peak hours, you will spend around 20-40 mins. Say whatever, You have to taste the dosa here !! No second thoughts. This definitely is a breakfast place.

Vidyarthi Bhavan has its history. Since 1943, the board said. Gosh !!, even my dad was not born then :P Gandhi bazaar is one of oldest localities in Bangalore and amidst it stood many eateries. VB has stood the testimony of time. Its walls must have seen it all. The Urals and the Adigas have done a wonderful job. Being in business for 70+ years, the new generation can empathise here with old Bangalore. It was a meeting place for serious discussions, a light chat with friends and for a good time with family. There are memories captured here.

Each pencil sketch adorning the wall was done by VBs very own waiter Su. Vee. Murthy. Another interesting read is about Dr Raj’s visit to this place. I would request you to visit this hindu article here and know more about this place and its humble beginnings.

As we paid the bill, another set of people came and stood next to us. They were waiting for us to vacate the table. And we made our way out.

I have to admit it. It is not only about the dose. It is the place, the people, the humungous history, the overall experience. The foodie in you will sense happiness that lingers in the air. And that is what will make you visit this place many more times. Saw a grandfather quoting his stories, to his grandson about the place. Many families will find connection to the bangalorean roots here. It is reminiscent of taste of bygone Bengaluru, still available to be experienced. Nostalgic indeed !! Visit it for what it is..

Hosanadu Kodyadka Annapoorneshwari Temple and Attur church

DATE OF TRAVEL: 26 Dec 2014, Friday
MODE: Car (4+1)
ROUTE: Ex UDUPI

COST: Petrol for 110 kms, Free Lunch (anna prasadam) at temple, Tea at Manipal

ROUTE TAKEN:

Udupi – Katpadi – Shirva – (Belman – Mundkur – Sacharipete – Kodyadka)

(Kodyadka – Sacharipete - Mundkur – Belman) – Nitte – Doopdakatte –Attur

Attur – Gundyadka – Moodubelle – Manipal - Udupi

ROAD STATUS: As of 26 Dec 2014, Road is decent. The route has curves and bends and traces of forest. Road widening (supposed state highway) is under construction between Belman and Attur. The Attur to Udupi route is under construction and around 4 kms of road in total at different places is very bad, but motorable

DETAILS: 

It was Christmas evening. We were in hometown for long holidays. One of those days when we were at home in Udupi and had nothing to do. I was seeking ideas for places to visit nearby and mom suggested Kodyadka Temple. And then when I checked google maps, I added Attur church (And to drive across Nitte College) to the plan as my parents hadn’t seen the church. And that was the trip plan

It was a Friday. Since the temple is of Devi Annapoorneshwari, we decided to see the noon aarti and have the annaprasadam(lunch) at the temple itself.

We started at 11:30 am at Udupi towards Katpadi junction for Belman. From Belman, when you drive for 500 mts towards Padubidri, you find the Arch for Mundkur Durgaparameshwari temple on left. Take this route.

Deviation Arch at katpadi towards Belman

Diversion to Moodabidiri (kodyadka) after Mundkur

After Mundkur, this road continues to Kateel Temple. There is a diversion to Moodabidri on this route that goes via Kodyadka. (I would strongly suggest to start a bit early and see the enroute Mundkur durgaparameshwari temple as well)

The temple entrance

The Annapoorneshwari temple is also called as Hosanadu Kodyadka Kshetra. We reached there around 12:30 pm. Parked the vehicle inside the temple arch. Tempo Travellers and bigger vehicles have to park the vehicle outside the arch itself. There stood an elephant at the temple entrance. There was average rush although it was a Friday. The afternoon pooja time is mentioned as 12 pm, and the lunch hall timings are 1:30pm to 2:30 pm. The official site seems to be this 

Temple elephant

Mini zoo in the temple premises

Durga idol

Apsara and the rotating granite stone

Radhe Krishna

Temple garden

Hanuman Idol, 61 feet tall

The temple surroundings is very beautiful. It is huge and well maintained. What we observed as we reached the temple first was a gaint Hanuman statue. The mammoth is 61 feet tall opposite to car parking. There are stables for elephants and horses (although we did not see horses on that day). There is a small garden adjacent to the beautiful statues of goddess durga, apsara and Radha-Krishna. A rotating water stone structure is unique. Tattirayas/Gaarudi gombes were also present. There is a mini zoo that had a stag, some wild hen and rabbits, ducks etc. And some petty vendors selling books and house articles.

As one enters the temple, the Devi idol is inside the garbhagudi, which is followed by a hall and then the main entrance area. The temple complex has idols of various gods and goddesses. Photography is prohibited. Offerings/Kanike can be made in cash and kind. Directions are installed to put everything in the hundi itself and nothing to be offered to the priests. We went around the temple and there was a separate line for entering the area in front of garbhagudi. A priest segregated gents and ladies and sent us in for aarti. The goddess idol itself is huge. I am approximating 6 ft tall. Very beautiful and appeasing. The Friday alankara was mesmerizing. We then came out to take the teertha and out in the entrance area to see the afternoon mangalaarti. Devotees were already sitting in the hall for the aarti. As the aarti finished, we went to the lunch halls. There are two halls. We were served with a sumptuous anna prasadam that included Rice, pickles, sambar, rasam, buttermilk and payasam. It was indeed very filling. We came out and visited the mini zoo and rested in the surroundings. The ladies did some bangle purchasing

And then we decided to start towards Attur Church. Drove back to Belman and towards Karkala, across Nitte college. Shocking to see how much the area outside the college has changed. The road widening has changed the landscape. The familiar shops were still there. As we reached Doopadakatte, we see the entrance arch of the church on left hand side. From here, it is another 3.5 kms to the church. The road seemed the same as when we were in college :(

Inside of Attur church

Xmas hut

Attur Church Sideview

Attur Church Front view

Church along with parking

Monkeys in church vicinity

We were at the church a day after Christmas. Attur church has a interesting read behind how the one foot idol of Saint Lawrence was installed. There was a board depicting the same to the visitors, but seems to be not there any more. The story of pious St Lawrence and his sacrifices is worth reading here at the wiki site for attur church. This is one of the beautiful and huge churches you will see in this area. One of the interesting things to see is the big lens. The are two huge church halls and there is a big lens in the separation wall through which you can see the one foot idol from the entrance of the second hall. The outer second hall is normally closed during non prayer hours. Inside the church is a feeling so calm and appeasing. The radiating idol of the saint is pleasing to the eyes as the face is highlighted by a light projection. Many devotees were present and praying. One can buy candles from the Church store and light them. The miraculous pushkarni (water pond) is close by and people can visit the same.

The Annual festival of the church happens in last week of Jan month. It is worth visiting. The celebrations run day and night with huge number of visitors during this time. We took some photos in the vicinity of the same. Then we started back to Udupi via Manipal. The road next to church continues to meet the Udupi route.

Butterfly

There were around 6-8 peacocks in the field

On the way back, we saw a group of peacocks in a open field which was not so common sight. We stopped at Manipal for a tea break.

We reached home back in the evening. It was a nice drive and time well spent.

One day Architecture Inspired Ride around Bangalore

This was my first Lone Bike ride on September 22, 2010. The intention was to visit the less known hoysala architecture monuments/temple around Bangalore. For now, I am outlining the details for anyone who can take this route. I will try to fill in the other details sometime whenever possible

Places of Visit:

Gomateshwara Betta, Shravanabelgola
Shri Brahmeshwara Temple, Kikkeri
Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Govindana halli
Sri Lakshminarayanaswamy Temple, Hosaholalu
Yoga Narasimha Temple/Cheluva Narayana Swamy Temple, Melukote
Kunti Betta, Pandavapura

Stats:

Distance: 510 Km in One Day
Mode: By Bike, All alone :o)
Cost: 10 liters of Petrol for my bike (Rs. 650) + Food (Rs. 300) + Willingness to Ride (Free)

Solo bike ride: Bangalore to Puttur / Mangalore / Udupi

DATES OF TRAVEL: 29 Oct 2011 - 2 Nov 2011
MODE: Honda Unicorn 
COST: (Total: Rs.1775) and willingness to travel ALL ALONE
a) Fuel charges Rs.1375 (862 kms )
b) Food Charges Rs. 400 (Breakfast/Tea and lunch only for two days)
ROAD STATUS: As of 29 Oct 2011, The entire Route has very good roads except for a stretch of 25-30 kms in the ghats. You can assume a average min speed of 60+ km throughout the journey except for the ghats section (approx 50kms). Also, Mangalore to udupi road is under construction
ROUND TRIP ROUTE (882 kms):
Day1/325 kms: Bangalore (Murugesh Palya) - Nelmangala - Kunigal - Yediyur - CR Patna - Hassan - Sakleshpur - Nelyady - Uppinangadi - Puttur
Day2/127 kms: Puttur - Mani - Kalladka - BCRoad - Farangipete - Padil - Nanthur(Mangalore) - Kottara Chowki - Surathkal - Udupi
Day5/430 kms: Udupi - Kottara Chowki- Nanthur(Mangalore) - Padil - BCRoad - Uppinangadi - Sakleshpur - Hassan - Nelmangala - Bangalore


It was a long awaited wish, to drive long distance all alone on bike. Initial plans were huge. A SOLO RIDE. Either, a inter-state ride or a All Karnataka Road trip. But with all the drama in the family and elders saying yes/no/yes, i was allowed only Bangalore-Udupi-Bangalore trip. Its a herculean task convincing elders to agree, especially if you are married. I had to start somewhere and hence grabbed this opportunity. I had quit my current organisation and had some time off now. And it was dear Soujanya's aka Souji's wedding at Puttur. I told my other friends that i was riding solo to the wedding venue on the bike and many asked if i was foolish to do so. They had their own views and i had mine. Only bikers know about the absolute bliss and pleasure in riding.


A week before, i enquired many on the route, the condition of roads. Although, i could have gone via Belur-Charmadi or Srirangpatna-Madikeri route, i chose the Sakleshpur-Hassan road which i was told is better. Got my bike serviced and ready two days prior to the ride. Purchased the riding gears (cramster colt saddle bag, pair of riding gloves etc). Worked out more for the shoulder and back to ensure i was fit. And before i knew it, it was the D-day.


DAY1 : BANGALORE TO PUTTUR


4:45 am, the Alarm rang. Freshened up and By 5:30 am, i had hit the  road. Filled in 6 litres of petrol at the 24/7 BP petrol bunk opp Manipal hospital on old airport road. I wanted to fill the rest in Hassan, as i will have to ride the ghat thereafter. The plan was to reach Puttur by 2 pm, enter the hotel and sleep and attend the dinner party Soujanya had thrown in the evening. I Rode via MG Road - Chalukya hotel - Cauvery theatre - Sankey Tank - Yeshwantpur. It was aound 6:15 am when i reached Nelmangala Junction where i took a left towards Hassan. 

Toll Collection hasn't started yet

Approximately 2 kms from the junction, i could see the toll booth. The Toll collection had not started. The next 110 kms was absolute bliss to drive. Four lane road, early morning emptiness, rising sun and a very nice weather. What more could i have asked for. 

Tea Stall At Yadiyur, on the Service Road

Once i reached Yadiyur, i decided to take a small tea break. Got into a chat with the shopkeeper who gave me a riding tip that i least expected, but a very useful one. "Eee Marulu Lorrigalu hogi hogi roadina sidenalli marulu bidderutthe. Speednalli iruvaga marulu kanisoalla. Gadi turn maduvaga jagrathe madi saar." (Due to the movement of sand lorries on the road, sand is spilled at the road edges. At high speeds you wont notice the fallen sand. So, be careful, especially on turnings so as not to lose control). I thanked him and bid a good bye. Unlike Mysore road, there were no cattle and less people crossing the road. Uptill Adichunchungiri, i just zoomed off in 80s without any issues. 

HP Petrol bunk at Hassan bypass junction

It was 9 am when i reached hassan bypass junction. Had a list of people to call and inform about my current status. There is a HP Petrol bunk at the junction where i filled up my petrol tank. I knew, it was ghat section next and untill i reach puttur, petrol bunks will be hard to find. Also, gulped down a plate of lemon rice at the small shop near junction. I knew i had completed half my total distance and could drive leisurely there on. I then started towards Sakleshpur. Road was moderately good with minor crack/potholes here and there and i could drive in 65s-70s without any issues. 

That Mountain really stood tall !!

I like this picture

Inhabitated areas in the ghats !!

I knew i was entering the ghats next. I just prayed that my vehicle doesn't break down and i do not run in to a flat tyre. There is that risk when you drive alone anywhere, but a flat tyre in the ghats would really upset anyone big time. Whats life without risk i thought !! Anywayz, from what i had enquired, many had warned me that the ghat section had depleted roads. I had that in my mind and was prepared. The ghat ran for approximately 45-50 kms. As i entered the forest, the first 15 kms was really nice to drive (till Donigal). The next 20-22 kms was gruesome and took me around an hour to cover. 

Pathetic Roads as on 29 Oct 2011

Depleted Road and Lots of dust around

Pathetic roads indeed and lots of dust. Shiradi ghat seemed busted. Cars and trucks seemed to move in 1st or second gear only and never moved horizontally to the road :o). Everyone envied me as i overtook them easily. The condition of roads is horrible and in some parts the there are no roads. As i noticed, there are two puncture/flat tyre/vehicle breakdown shops in the ghat section. One opposite to the Choudeshwari temple you will find on the way. Also, i did see a tow vehicle patrolling the ghat. Not sure if it was a regular patrol vehicle there. But thats good news for all travellers. The road was supposedly entirely concretised during the 6 months period it was closed. Our government and the quality of work done.. these roads dont even last for more than a month.. phew !! Thoughts ran in my mind as i drove. I had read a day earlier in the paper that the DK (Dakshina Kannada) Cab association had called for a ban on travelling on this road untill the road is repaired. Now i knew why !! I took few stops in the ghats to capture some nice sceneries.

River takes a bend

i hope i could take a swim !!

As the Ghat nears its ending, you see a river running parallely to the road, which merges in to Nethravati. Not sure what it is called. But there are places where you can get down and go to the river. 


Eye catching: St Stephens Knanaya Catholic Church



Rubber Plantations: Plastic wrap directs the collected latex in to a mug

I could see the deviation roads to Dharmasthala and also to Kukke Subhramanya as i drove further. As i reached Nelyadi, rubber trees on the roads caught my attention. And the multiple churches amongst which St Stephens Knanaya Catholic Church caught my attention. We hardly notice these when we travel overnight in this route. Again made a call to my near and dear ones to inform i had crossed the ghat safely. Finally, i reached Uppinangadi. I had already driven 308 kms by then. I knew, i had to take a deviation of 12 kms to Puttur, a bit ahead from here. Sun was already above my head and it was getting humid too. Enquired with the locals and reached Rama Hotel in Puttur by 12:45 pm, an hour prior to what i had planned. 323 kms and i had reached my destination for the day. Checked into the hotel and drove around the city to hunt down a local hotel serving food of my liking and ate like a glutton. Came back to hotel and slept around 3.


I met Gowri and Hema who were in the town in the evening. We all attended the Souji's dinner party that evening accompanied by Good food, bonfire, dance etc in a close by resort. As i slept that night, it was a sigh of relief. My first drive was much better than i expected

DAY2 : PUTTUR TO UDUPI

Next day was Souji's marraige. Couple of other friends joined us in Puttur for the same. Everyone was exicted and shared their comments on me driving all the way alone on bike. Finished lunch and by 1:00 pm everyone dispersed. My plan was to reach my home in udupi which was approx 110 kms from there before dusk. But Ranjitha/Shinna invited me to their house in bantwal. I did that gladly and drove to bantwal (approx 30 kms from puttur) and we chatted a lot. Remembered the times when we first visited Ranjitha's house in 2003 during our class picnic. Slowly, It was time to leave. BC Road is a major junction enroute Mangalore that i had to reach first. Ranjitha's Dad told me to take a deviation at Padil and reach Kottara chowki via nanthur to directly reach Surathkal. This way, i avoided entering Mangalore city. I knew Mangalore city well and it was not hard understanding the instructions. Thanks to him. So, BC Road-Thumbe-Faringepete-Padil-Nanthur(Mangalore)-Kottara Chowki(mangalore)-Surathkal-Udupi is the road i took. Nanthur to kottara chowki is kind of ring road of Mangalore. Four laning of the road is going on and the road is under construction till Udupi for most of its length. I had no complaints about the road. Just needed to be careful about the sudden deviations boards that you come acrosss. And the private express buses that ply in this route. Unlike any other part of the state i have seen, the way the private buses drive here is crazy. The drivers think their bus is indeed a car and they are in some kind of wrc car rally. Localites and those who have travelled will understand what i am trying to say. I always dreamt of riding on this road on bike and finally i was doing it. The road near entrance to udupi city (the swagatha gopura/udupi dwara) is under construction and hence i entered the city via Ambalpady. By 5:30 pm i had reached Udupi. Called wifey and all the relatives to inform i had reached safely. Had a nice bath and freshened up. Gave the trip account to dad in the evening. Had dinner at home and slept in peace.


Day 3/4: AT HOME


Spent the day with family. Had a dinner with Shinna (Srinivas Prabhu) at Attil, a multicusine restaurant on Udupi-Manipal highway.


Day4/430 kms: UDUPI TO BANGALORE


It was part two of my solo ride. The day before, i had petrol filled to the brim. This was the longest i had to drive in this trip in a day. I wanted to reach Bangalore before the evening city traffic starts. I was glad as i knew how the roads were and could easily plan the speeds/time at which i need to drive along the route. I planned to start a bit late as i did not want to drive in the ghats early in the morning. There is less visibility and bad roads as well. I started at 6:15 am from Udupi. Followed the same route back to Bangalore. Around Nelyadi, there was a small tea shop that i stopped at. The shopkeeper served my favourite hot mangalorean buns which was my breakfast for the day along with a nice cup of hot tea. Mist/fog was just clearing as i entered the ghat section.

Beautiful view of the Shiradi Ghat in the morning

Mountain Cliff

Choudeshwari temple. Opposite to this, there is a Puncture/flat tyre shop

Drive in the ghats was pleasant. Dad had specifically asked me to offer prayers and kanike to the choudeshwari temple in the ghats, which i did. I was re-collecting the stops i took amongst the ghats as i drove. I could also see some railway tracks in the mountains. Once i crossed the ghats, it was plain roads anymore. 

Better Roads in the ghats

View of the hill range

As i crossed the bridge at Sakleshpur, i could see a big  shiva idol by the lake side. I reached Sakleshpur around 10:30 am and took a tea break. Met a group of bike riders who were heading to Goa. Exchanged thoughts with them about the road conditions and route. Called up everyone on my list and informed that i had crossed the ghats.

memorable drive

Four Lane Road

Reached Bellur Cross by 2:15 pm. I had already driven 300+ kms for the day. Stopped at a hotel and had Chitranna, accompanied by Vadas. It was hot that afternoon. After lunch, i took the toll road and reached Nelmangala by 4:15 pm. I reached my home in Bangalore by 5:30 pm. 430 kms is what i drove for the day. Called up everyone and told them i had reached safely. My in-laws were at home and awaiting me for tea. Wifey reached home from office in the evening and i shared the tour diary with everyone at home. Friends supported my idea to blog the experience and after a month, i am doing it. Better late than never and here it is, my FIRST BLOG. Although this was not really a very long ride, but this is my first humble attempt towards sharing my experience and details about the same. You never know whom you inspire, as it happened with me and who requires these details


I had completed my ride without any issues.  As i slept that day, i was happy that i did something that i always wanted to do, something i love to do !! And hoping that i get on the road for my next trip sometime soon..