March 15, 2015 
PALOLEM to DHARWAD 209 km
Crossed back into Karnataka
Palaksh Inn 1000Rs ($16.12) AC, wifi in lobby, no breakfast 

Anshi National Park
Kali River Basin Forest 
After 30 odd km, we turned left off highway 17 onto highway 34, highway 46 and then highway 28 into Dharwad

Looping South, Then Inland Through National Parks and Lush Hills
 
I'd like to say that we were ready to move on. But in all honesty, both of us would have liked to stay on in this comfortable little place for a bit longer. But... We had a long day ahead of us and got up at 7AM to get packed up. And at 9 am, after our goodbyes, we got a little later start than planned.

....It was a bit overcast and started out cooler than it had been. We followed highway 17 south for 30 kilometers until the cutoff to highway 34 which ascended into the lush foothills which afforded great views over coastal stretches and eventually entered Anshi National Park where we once again kept our eyes out for the elusive tiger. We did see and hear plenty of birds chirping but wildlife remained well hidden from us. I love the little white breasted Kingfishers which are easy to identify by their large head & beak to body proportion. Their iridescent blue and brown body is strikingly beautiful. 

Traffic was light and the pavement smooth which made for a more relaxing ride. In the Kali River Basin Forest, we drove for miles through teak plantations which I recognized because of their bare branches. They lose their leaves during this time of year and reminded us of winter scenery. Here too, as we'd seen in Wayanad, the termite mounds stood like sand castles between them. 

 
Flat Windswept Plains
 
The terrain flattened out after we got out of the forest and onto highway 43. 

We took a 10 minute "butt break" every hour or so. The full brunt of sun's intense heat wouldn't hit us until we stopped. Then we'd realize how exposed we were and replenish our liquids. That's why we felt so drained after riding in the sun all day. The wind fooled us into thinking that we are cool, at least as long as we're riding. 


Home At Domino's Pizza

At around 3:30, we arrived in Dharwad, the first substantial city of the day. We passed several decent looking hotels before spotting a Domino's pizza. Some of the larger towns have one and they are a safe bet for us, no chili surprises. They are pretty popular with the locals. The moment we pulled up in front all eyes were on us and friendly smiles greeted us when we entered. The longer we sat in cool restaurant, the less inclination we had to go on. Dave went out on foot to check the nearby hotel options.
 
The 3-Star Karishma Residency looked nice on bookingdotcom but was a bit of a no-Star dump. Dave decided on the Palaksh, a simple newer place at half the price. Dave tends to go for the "new." The Palaksh Inn hotel was okay for a night. The bed sheet had a footprint of dirt on it and I asked the room boy for a clean replacement. He objected because it was clean. I insisted and he made the change. But he neatly folded up the footprinted sheet so it can be used, without washing, on another bed. The place was only 7 months old and already showed signs of neglect. Scuffs on wall, loose fixtures, a layer of dust on the high shelves. We know the signs and can predict what the place will look like in another 6 months. The AC was cool and we slept like logs...