BHPian advenk999 recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Our recent drive from Bangalore to Taj Bekal, Kasaragod, via the Madikeri-Sullia-Bandadka route was a true test-and celebration-of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder’s capabilities. We started from Bangalore at 0600hrs and reached Bekal at around 1500 hrs.Bangalore Mysuru Hunsur Kushalnagar Madikeri (Coorg)Route NH275 via Mysore Expressway and move into scenic coffee-country landscapes leading into Coorg’s lush hills. The first break was at McD’s for a quick Mcmuffin and an Americano. The second break was at Western Terrain Coffee Roasters for a short coffee and bio-break stop, and it’s nice to see boutique cafes spring up enroute to Madikeri. The cold coffees and Pour overs are worth a shot. I love the water beading effect when it rains. Madikeri descent through Sullia A well-maintained ghat section with tight curves and forested stretches; roads here are generally smooth and traffic light. The car was well composed, packed with 4 adults, a full boot and a Shihtzu and none were uncomfortable or motion sick during the winding sections. The car held its line on track and taking curves at decent pace without having to rely much on the brakes and letting engine braking do its job on B Mode. Parked right outside the Big Cup Madikeri. We’re big on coffee and Big Cup’s Aero Press grind coffee is simply brilliant. Sullia Bandadka (~37km, ~1 hr) Once past Sullia, you transition into a lesser-known road to Bandadka via dense plantations near the Karnataka-Kerala border. The go-through is narrow, forested, but more re-surfaced and peaceful. The Forested sections are simply surreal, as you enter a massive canopy of green filled with streaks of light, chirping crickets and birds. Taking pictures in this stretch is a challenge as the roads are narrow and slightly winding, creating blind spots. Those who stopped for pictures and selfies were simply a pain as we had to navigate around them, on a two way stretch. This stretch is simply enjoyed best with your eyes, while you drive. Open the sunroof to further amplify the effect in this stretch if your car is equipped with one. Bandadka Poinachi Kasaragod Bekal (~25-30km) From Bandadka you enter Kerala’s coastal belt, passing Poinachi and reaching Kasaragod before going further south to Bekal. Roads here are generally winding but in decent condition. A section of roads along the highways of Kerala are still work in progress and can be daunting to pass through until you hit the Kasaragod-Kanhangad stretch. The onward journey through Madikeri’s lush coffee country, winding ghat roads, and mist-draped hills was an absolute delight. The Hyryder remained planted through sharp turns, and the EV mode handled slow hill climbs smoothly, ensuring a remarkable mileage of 24 km/l downhill, especially past Sullia. The return leg, climbing back up to Madikeri, was tougher. The steep uphill gradients and extended use of Sport mode naturally brought the mileage down to around 12 km/l, but the engine response and control in corners made the drive engaging. Even with some enthusiastic driving on the return, the trip average balanced out at a respectable 21.2 km/l. Now nearing its 20,000 km service, the Hyryder continues to impress-eight months in, and it still feels like a fresh and capable all-rounder. A hybrid that genuinely rewards highway touring, without compromising on refinement or performance. The destination-Taj Bekal-was equally rewarding. Nestled beside serene backwaters and a secluded stretch of the Arabian Sea, the resort is a blend of luxury, Coastal Kerala architecture, and tranquility of the Malabar Coast. With its lush landscaped gardens, private plunge pools, and proximity to the historic Bekal Fort, it was the perfect place to unwind after a long yet fulfilling drive. Some snippets of this beautiful property. This has become our yearly ritual to simply unwind over a weekend. The visit is totally worth the drive
