BHPian GirishMP recently shared this with other enthusiasts: In Nov end, I did solo to/fro trip (hometown Kumta) taking Bangalore – Haveri – Sirsi route as shown in google maps and is indeed fastest of available routes, but during return trip I got fed up of the bad condition on Sirsi outskirts towards Hubli and also after divertion to Haveri till Akki Alur. So during my recent Dec 21st trip with family, I took the following route via Banavasi which is much better in terms on road condition with few speed bumps and no potholes/road-works which allows you to maintain consistent speed and less tiresome: It is same route from Bangalore till Akki Alur, after which you pass through Kubaturu – Banavasi and then Sirsi. This adds around 20km but I felt more relaxed and took similar time traversing this section overall. I actually took diversion at Annavati (around 1 km after Kubaturu ancient temple) instead of at Kubaturu (just before ancient temple) in above link as the map was suggesting a faster route which made me suspect the Kubaturu- Banavasi road condition, but now the maps is suggesting the latter again, so it should be fine. This route also gives you the opportunity to visit 2 ancient temples in Banavasi and Kubaturu if you want to. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
