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Double Bonanza
When it rains the whole day, thanks to a cyclone on the East Coast, the urge to go on a ride spurts in. That's how the double bonanza of riding the 27 hairpin bends back-to-back happened. The cloudy weather hinted at another grey day. It was the perfect weather to head towards the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The initial plan was to ride to Hasanur and return. The weather was very pleasant to turn back at Hasanur. The traffic was sparse, and the sudden burst of rain while nearing Hasanur was the cherry on the cake.
Image courtesty: Google
This route, NH948, connects Mysore to Coimbatore via Sathyamangalam. It passes through the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and the spectacular 27 hairpin bends of Dhimbham Ghats. The Tiger Reserve is unique as it connects the Western and Eastern Ghats. It acts as a corridor, allowing the gene flow between diverse populations in these regions. This Tiger Reserve is wedged between the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary on one side and BRT (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple) Wildlife Sanctuary.
A day ride meant I got to do these hairpins both ways and ride through the serpentine roads of the Reserve back-to-back on the same day. Ain't it the best double bonanza!