A Memorable Road Trip from Bangalore to North Karnataka and Maharashtra
Introduction
BHPian Prithvi Mundur recently shared an exciting travel journal chronicling his adventurous road trip from Bangalore to several historical and pilgrimage sites across North Karnataka and Maharashtra. This article captures his journey filled with unexpected events, delightful encounters, and nostalgic moments.
Motivation for the Trip
After many sleepless nights and battling with issues such as pesky mosquitoes, Prithvi decided it was time for a getaway. Tired of feeling exhausted and frustrated, he yearned for a brief escape and resolved to explore the rich culture and historical significance of North Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Creating an Itinerary
Unlike a rigid travel plan, Prithvi embraced spontaneity for this trip. He opted for an agile approach, deciding on the go without any pre-booked accommodations. However, he faced some constraints, such as avoiding heavy crowds during the holiday season for his mother’s comfort. Additionally, his growing aversion to driving in the rain made planning trickier.
A Surprising Detour: The Kitten Incident
Just before leaving for Pandharpur, Prithvi came across a frail kitten near a drain while visiting a puncture shop. Unable to ignore the helpless animal, he decided to bring the kitten home. This decision prompted a change in plans, as he grappled with whether to leave the kitten alone or take it on the trip. Unable to find anyone to temporarily adopt the kitten, he delayed his journey by two weeks, eventually finding a kind-hearted friend who offered to take care of the little furball.
Travel Preparation: Safety First
For safety, Prithvi packed a portable tire pump, which also served as a handy exercise tool. Luckily, he didn’t need to use it throughout his entire journey. The focus now shifted back to exploring the amazing experiences waiting ahead.
Captivating Travel Stories
Throughout his journey, Prithvi encountered many inspiring moments.
1. The Spiritual Walkers
Prithvi often heard the chant "Ayyo Panduranga." During a tea stop at a stall in Kolhapur, he learned about the Wari yatra— a tradition in which countless devotees walk barefoot to Pandaripura to seek blessings from Lord Vithoba. This heartwarming story ignited his own desire to visit the deity.
2. Night Drivers and Faith
On one drive out of Bangalore at night, Prithvi noted groups of people walking along the highway to Dharmasthala. Initially confused, he learned they were making the journey voluntarily, showcasing the strength of faith and devotion.
The Journey to Pandharpur
With newfound determination, Prithvi packed his trusty WagonR and set off towards Pandharpur. His car, affectionately named, underwent a little pampering before the trip. Although he intended to surprise his mother with fragrant jasmine flowers, he mistakenly bought a different flower instead— a bump on the road, but nothing could dampen their spirits.
Food Stops and Experiences
Prithvi usually chose spontaneous dining, but given this trip, he decided to use Google Maps to recommend places to eat. One stop at a highly-rated restaurant led to an unexpectedly uncomfortable experience with smoke-filled air, causing him and his mother to make a hasty exit.
Vijayapura: A Historical Gem
Upon arriving in Vijayapura, the first stop was the famous Gol Gumbaz. Prithvi marveled at its architectural grandeur, but also playfully pondered the acoustics issues inside the dome. The humor of the moment left a lasting impression as they explored other local attractions, like the unfinished Gagan Mahal and Ibrahim Roza.
Exploring Pandharpur
Going on, GPS led them to the wrong lodging, which turned out fine. They enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the ISKCON Temple with chants and a serene view at Prabhupada Ghat during sunset. The following morning was spent in prayer at the Vithhal Rukmini Temple, a fulfilling experience, especially when witnessing joyful traditional dance performances.
A Boat Ride of Reflection
In Pandharpur, they participated in Annadanam at the Pundalika Temple and took an enchanting boat ride on the river. The boatman shared intriguing tales about the submerged Narada Muni Temple.
A Visit to Tuljapur’s Amba Tulja Bhavani Temple
The temple’s stunning architecture was mesmering. Prithvi and his mother enjoyed a quick darshan before continuing their travels toward Sholapur and experiencing the vibrancy of the Shri Siddheshwara Temple.
Discovering Cultural Riches at Patadakal and Aihole
Exploration led them to heritage sites where Prithvi was reminded of Karnataka’s rich history. Although he found these historical places fascinating, he was cautious about sharing intricate details with his mother, knowing her love for history would lead to extensive discussions.
Conclusion: The Journey Home
As the journey drew to a close, Prithvi skipped detours to Gadag as fatigue started to creep in. For the drive home, he opted for a delightful Punjabi dhaba where he savored delicious Aloo Paranthas and Lassi. Reaching home, the first priority was picking up the kitten. Reunited and happily settled, they enjoyed watching the Republic Day celebrations to finish off a memorable adventure.
Final Thoughts
Prithvi’s trip perfectly blended spontaneous exploration with profound moments of connection to culture, family, and personal reflections. It serves to remind us that sometimes the best adventures come from embracing the uncertainties of travel with an open heart. Until the next adventure!
