Bettamugilalam

Date: 27-Feb-16

It had been more than a month since our previous road trip, and February also marked the arrival of our new travel companion, the Avenger Street 220. Naturally, the combination of a new motorcycle and a long travel break made us eager to hit the road once again. We decided on a short ride to Bettamugilalam, a small village near Denkanikottai in Tamil Nadu, on 27 February 2016.

Bettamugilalam is a quiet village located near Denkanikottai taluk in Krishnagiri district, approximately 100 km from our home. We were well aware that the destination itself did not offer major tourist attractions. However, that did not matter to us. The ride was the real objective of this trip.

The route up to Denkanikottai was familiar, as we had previously crossed the town during our Panchapalli trip. Beyond that point, the journey promised new roads, rural landscapes, and the freedom that comes with exploring on two wheels.

The ride to Bettamugilalam

We started from home at 7:15 AM and rode via Electronic City, Attibele, and Hosur. After breakfast at Ananth Bhavan near Hosur, we continued towards Denkanikottai. Traffic was light, the weather was pleasant, and the roads were in good condition. The smooth ride further reinforced our confidence in the Avenger Street 220, which proved to be an excellent companion for long, relaxed cruising. Since this was one of our first rides on the new motorcycle, we frequently stopped along the way to photograph it against different backdrops. In many ways, this trip felt like a series of photo breaks connected by stretches of riding.

Beyond Denkanikottai, we relied on Google Maps to navigate towards Bettamugilalam. The route passed through several small villages and agricultural fields. We were fortunate to see marigold fields in full bloom, adding vibrant splashes of color to the countryside. The quiet roads and rural surroundings made the journey particularly enjoyable.

Through the bamboo forest

The most memorable part of the ride arrived unexpectedly. A few kilometers before Bettamugilalam, the landscape changed dramatically as the road entered a dense bamboo forest. At the entrance stood a gate resembling a forest check post. The gate was closed with a bamboo barrier, and there was no guard in sight. Fortunately, a narrow opening beside the barrier was wide enough for a motorcycle, allowing us to continue.

What followed was one of the most unique stretches of road we had experienced. A straight, well-maintained road cut through the heart of the bamboo forest, with almost no traffic. Although the isolation initially felt a little intimidating, it soon transformed into one of the highlights of the trip.

A small lake hidden within the forest added to the beauty of the route and provided excellent photography opportunities. The combination of dense bamboo groves, deserted roads, and peaceful surroundings made this stretch truly unforgettable.

Bettamugilalam village

After a few twists and turns, we reached Bettamugilalam. As expected, the village itself was small and did not have any notable attractions. We spent a few minutes walking around, took some photographs of the village houses, and then began our return journey.

Return journey

On the way back, we spent considerable time stopping at various locations for photography. The deserted roads made it easy to pause and enjoy the surroundings without disturbance. For the return route, we chose a slightly different road towards Denkanikottai. This road was in much better condition than the one we had used earlier in the day.

We had lunch at Saravana Bhavan in Denkanikottai, which was the only notable restaurant we encountered during the trip. Travelers visiting the region should keep this in mind and carry food if necessary.

Betraya Swamy Temple, Denkanikottai

After lunch, around 2:30 PM, we visited Betraya Swamy Temple in Denkanikottai. The temple is set beside a beautiful pond that enhances its charm. Since we had been on the move throughout the day, we hoped to spend some quiet time relaxing within the temple premises. Unfortunately, the temple was closed when we arrived. Local residents informed us that it would reopen only at 4 PM.

With the afternoon sun becoming increasingly harsh, we decided not to wait. Instead, we photographed the temple from the outside and resumed our journey towards Bangalore.

For the return journey, we chose the Thally route instead of the Hosur route. The road up to Thally was pleasant and enjoyable. However, a stretch of approximately 10 km between Thally and Anekal was under construction, making travel slower. After crossing Anekal, we continued via Bommasandra and Electronic City and reached home at around 5 PM.

These are some pics of our new Avenger Street 220:

TIPS

• Bettamugilalam is best suited for travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
• There are very few dining options along the route. The only notable restaurant we found was Saravana Bhavan in Denkanikottai.
• The forest route is quite isolated. Exercise caution and avoid traveling through the area after dark.
• If time permits, consider combining this trip with a visit to Panchapalli, which is approximately 24 km from Denkanikottai.

Travel snapshot

One of the unique joys of motorcycle travel is the direct connection with the surroundings. Feeling the warmth of the sun while cool air rushes past creates an experience that is difficult to replicate in any other mode of transport.

This ride also confirmed that the Avenger Street 220 was the right choice for us. Its comfortable cruising characteristics, stable handling, and relaxed riding posture made the journey thoroughly enjoyable. While Bettamugilalam itself may not be a destination worth traveling long distances for, the roads leading to it, especially the bamboo forest stretch, made the trip worthwhile.

• Onward route: BTM Layout > Electronic City > Hosur > Denkanikottai > Bettamugilalam
  Return route: Bettamugilalam > Denkanikottai > Thally > Anekal > Bommasandra > Electronic City > BTM Layout
• Total distance (To & Fro): 200 km
• Mileage (Bike): 43 km/l
• Fuel expense: 292 Rs
• Total expense: 719 Rs 

Route Map