Heading inland today. Lots of climbing and always hairpin bends – never seen so many. Some potholed stretches but mostly decent roads – or are we just getting used to it? Jog falls are spectacular, but less water than before a dam was built upstream. The cafes there specialise in banana pancakes with optional white chocolate.
I took over driving from there to Shimoga through farmland and forest – very beautiful. Have just been wandering the streets of Shimoga – a city not used to western visitors. Everyone incredibly friendly, curious and wanting to chat.
One small mishap on the way here when our ignition failed to get any response. The mechanics swapped the battery and we were away, though I think our car is the one with the least oomph. Even when we are foot to the floor on the occasional straight piece of road, we are lucky to make 70 kph and others overtake us even in cars with the same size engine. Lucky we are not in a hurry!
Tomorrow 180 kms to Silent Valley Jungle retreat in high mountain forest.
