Drive day to Lepakshi : With Tata Motors SOUL Group

Lepakshi is a perfect choice for a long drive from the crowded city, to appreciate open highways and enjoy your set of wheels. As the place has a history dated back to Ramayana, it's a good option for kids or grand-parents too.  The place is blessed with amazing architecture stamped with mythological stories.

This trip was organized by the S.O.U.L group from Tata motors (SUV Owners United League), basically, a group dedicated to owners of Tata SUVs. If you own a Tata SUV (Hexa, Harrier, Safari), you can register on the SOUL website.

The starting point was pinned at the Adishakti Tata Motors showroom in Hebbal. The group got together at 6:45 AM for sipping hot coffee over the chit-chat to get to know each other. The flag off happened a bit late than anticipated, as one of the SOUL member had to come from Electronic City (in his defense, he has to travel from almost another city as per Bangalore roads are considered :) 

That's how the convoy looked like, chaining across 4 Hexas, 3 Harriers, and 3 Safaris.

 

The dedicated spot in the chain definitely helped to keep the drive organized.  We had a breakfast point at Nanda Gokula. Nothing beats a butter masala dosa with hot tea on a Sunday ;)  Being a weekend, the place bit crowded though, maybe that's why they messed up with our order :p

With filled tanks and stomachs, we head out to our destination of the day #Lepakshi. The drive is really a piece of cake with smooth highways. We stopped for a quick photoshoot, though wish to get better use of my drone next time :D It was sunny and windy, so didn't get a perfect #KodakMoment.

Moving on, we reached Lepakshi around 1PM. The Sun was at his peak, with no mercy of slowing down.   We spend most of the time in the main temple: Veerabhadra Temple. This temple is full of imagination and stories captured on the walls and roof.

The temple has many interesting stories, including the bloodstains on the wall. Legend says that the main architect was accused of corruption and using the wealth for his own food instead of the construction of Kalyan Mandapa. The king gave ordered to remove his eyes, after knowing this the architect took his own eyes and threw them at the wall. Quite fascinating, isn't it? 

The other interesting story is behind the hanging pillar, which is almost above the ground except for a small contact patch. You shouldn't miss the Ganesha and Shivlinga carved out of a big stone. Imagine all the hard work that has gone behind shaping this granite rock (one of the toughest materials after diamond).  

We had a quick photo stop at the Nandi bull statue, which claimed to be the largest Nandi carved out of a single stone.

As it was hot enough to bake a cake on the road, we decided not to go to the top of Jatayu. This structure can be seen from a bit far while approaching the town. Interestingly the place is named Lepakshi or "le pakshi" (rise bird) after Lord Rama found Jatayu injured after battling Ravana. Hope to take a selfie or drone shot next time :D

Quick recipe:

Main attractions

1.Virbhadra temple

2.Nandi Statue

3.Jatayu statue

Total distance: 240KM (120KM each way)

Parking fee: 50Rs.

Toll Charges: 285.

Toilet facility: Yes (at the main temple)

Weather: 30-35C. 

Best to visit: Early morning.

Signing off with a bunch of happy #SOULITES

There is no video log this time, stay tuned for the next journey like below

 

Disclaimer: I am not associated with any brand, it's just my personal view without any intention to promote/demote any individual or brand. Though it's only done to share my memories and not for monetary benefits, please give due credit or take permission for using any content (blog/images/videos)