Day 1 | Coorg in Monsoon, A Hidden Treasure

Madikeri (Coorg) is very famous with the name, Scotland of India and also sometimes referred as Kashmir of Karnataka. The instant I heard these two metaphors, a thought constantly occupied my mind that what special will be there in Coorg so that it is called by these names. The moment I entered into the boundary of Madikeri... not exactly entered, even before that... I started to get my answers. Coorg is indubitably having such a scenic beauty that you will feel like lost into it; woody hills, green valleys, coffee plants, amazing falls, being into cloud feeling etc... will take you in the world where you will forget yourself, your routine and stressed life, each and every thing that you are worried about. In two days of our trip not only me but we all were like lost and totally soaked in the beauty of Coorg. We even forgot that we stay in Bangalore or we had to go back there… L

Basic Info

Coorg is basically a small district in Southern Karnataka. It consists of three taluks or Administrative units: Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet (This thing I came to know while visiting Madikeri else I was thinking Madikeri is just other name of CoorgJ). Amongst these Madikeri is said to be most beautiful and in almost same confusion people call Madikeri as Coorg. River Cauvery, largest here will keep on following you wherever you will go in Coorg. Also you can see coffee plantation everywhere around you when you are in Coorg. These small trees look very cute and sometimes you can smell coffee while running on the road because both sides of the roads are covered with coffee plantations.

Some Pre-journey Facts…

This is a different story altogether. In India one thing that is widely available for free is advice. We were also suggested to not to visit Coorg during monsoon.  Everyone was telling me that this is not the right time to go there. Infact they were telling that we should not even think of going there at that time as it is having frequent landslides and all roads would be blocked so we would not be able to roam a lot in and around Coorg. Initially we got influenced and tried to decide for some other place but at last we could not run away from our temptation and decided to leave for Madikeri but with a lot of risk in our mind.

Starting of Journey infact fun

We left our rooms in Bangalore at around 1:20AM in night as we had booked a car for the trip which was already waiting… picked other friends and by 1:40AM all of us were there in the car.. ready to start our journey for the Heaven on Earth. Within no time car was running with full speed as city had almost slept leaving us with no traffic on the roads. After sometime we were on Mysore Road... as usual singing, gossiping and enjoying in ourselves. Around 3:30AM we took first halt for tea and also I am a big fan of it J... for me journey without tea/coffee is incomplete. It took somewhat long time for that man to give us tea and when we tasted it we got to know that that man in shop by mistake prepared coffee instead of tea... seemed that even he knew that we were over excited to visit one of the largest coffee producers of India.

 

Road to Mandalpatti

After having that lovely coffee we started again and this time some of my friends started dozing as it was already very late. Rest of us still kept their eyes on road including me. After Hunsur we took right on Mysore Madikeri Road and we had to be on this road only so after Periyapatna we again took right. After Teak Forest, at Doddahonnurkaval we took left towards Bylakuppe. It was 5:30AM, and dawn had already started to spread its hands. We were finding ourselves at a place having huge grasslands until to the point where our eyes could see. I was wondering that even heaven wouldn’t be better than this or is this place itself known as Heaven. No morning can be better than that morning when you just find yourself in the middle of a road amidst the hill of Western Ghats and farms in the base full of green color.

Day 1 | 29^th June 2013, Saturday

First in the itinerary was Bylakuppe/Golden Temple. We were running towards it and got into the Bylakuppe Area around 6:00AM… and started to search for guest house although was not 100% sure whether we would find any. Our driver was also insisting us that there is no concept of guest rooms there… but we got a little restaurant before Sakya Monastery… there we asked to the caretaker and he said that rooms were available in Sakya Guesthouse but it will be open by 8 0’clock. We all requested to that person and he got ready to open rooms at 6:30AM. The room charge was INR 400 per day only. We were extremely happy as we wanted a room just to get ready for the day ahead. When I came out of the room I realized that while searching for the rooms I did not notice the scenery, the natural beauty which was spread in the whole area there.

Bylakuppe/ Golden Temple

While wandering in the area I got to know something about it. Till then I was thinking that Bylakuppe & Golden Temple are the two names of one thing but the fact is totally different. Bylakuppe is not the other name of Golden Temple but it is actually a Tibetan Refugee Camp that was first camp established in India among other 25 camps in different parts of the country. Here around 5000 Tibetans (yes, it is kind of small town) stay, apparently making it second largest Tibetan settlement in India. They have grown crops here, small but good restaurants are there inside Bylakuppe, many monasteries are here among those this Golden temple is the biggest one, and some shopping centers are also here.

     Some of my friends were still getting ready so we decided to visit the nearby Chalukya monastery... this is the smallest of all the monasteries here. It was not open till then but still we could not hold ourselves stepping into its premises soaked in serenity. We explored every nook and corner of it.. any area which was open to us. I was feeling nostalgic and lost into the memory of Ladakh trip. When came back.. most of my friends were ready and at 8:15PM we got in our car started towards Golden Temple that is in Bylakuppe itself some 3kms away from Sakya Guesthouse.

Chalukya Monastery

      Golden Temple/Namdroling Monastery

Timings: 07:00-20:00 (All Days)                                                                                       No Entry Fee

Within no time, we reached Golden temple and when we got into it.. first we saw a huge campus having multistoried building on two sides with monks moving here and there. After crossing it we could see the Grand Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery, in the premises of which a huge group of monks was assembled for their daily prayers wearing their maroon & yellow color robes. They were sitting in rows in a much disciplined manner and chanting their prayers which were making the environment really peaceful and religious. We got into the Golden Temple and could easily understand why it is named as such. The amount of gold inside the temple is quite impressive and no body can be left untouched by the beauty of 60ft tall (from the base) central Buddha statue, and other two statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Buddha Amitayus both 58ft in height. Gold in not only inside the temple but it is also present in the form of paintings above the monastery. Inside the temple, silence was prevailed everywhere and anybody can feel the divinity spread in the environment. The walls of the temple are covered with splendid paintings of demons and gods from Tibetan Buddhist mythology. Some other temples are also present in the same premises having smaller statues of Buddha. We enjoyed a lot as crowd was not there perhaps because of monsoon season.

 

Entrance of Golden Temple

We came out of the monastery and went for breakfast as we were dying with hunger in a nearby restaurant named Hotel Golden Star opposite to Golden Temple. But food there was pathetic... it seemed like they forgot to put salt in everything… even tea was like hell... so we came out of there and there are shopping centers beside the restaurant. You can try to do some shopping here for traditional Tibetan items…after that got into our car at 9:50AM and started towards Dubare Elephant Camp which is around 20Km from Golden Temple.

Dubare Elephant Camp

Timings: 09:00-21:00                                                                              Entry Fee – INR 30 per person

After getting out of Bylakuppe, we took left at Mysore Madikeri Road, and then from Kushalnagar we took SH91 and from Guddehosur took left again. There are lots of sign boards on the way which will efficiently guide you and also Cauvery will accompany you all the way to Dubare. Roads were exceptionally green again due to monsoon and scenic beauty was spread everywhere and I am the big lover of roads itself so I kept on admiring them. At 10:20AM we reached at the bank of Cauvery from where we had to catch boat to reach the Elephant camp that is a kind of island itself. Boat charged INR 30 per head for to-and-fro journey from there. While in boat we enjoyed a lot as one of my friend was somewhat afraid of this much water so we kept on teasing her.

Elephant taking bath

Dubare is a forest camp dedicated to elephants. Actual purpose of Dubare was to train elephants for logging purpose. But because logging activity has been ceased in Karnataka, so now these elephants have been deployed to entertain the tourists and generate revenue. When we reached there we could see lots of elephants and some elephants were taking bath in the river and their mahouts were giving them a nice scrub. It was pleasant to see so much elephant but as they were taking people on ride in a large group so instead of riding we decided to enjoy in ourselves at the bank of the Kaveri. We took lots of pictures there as big stones and trees in Kaveri were creating a nice background. We were hopping from one stone to another and from one tree to the next.

While coming back you need to board the same kind of boat (two kinds of boats were there) that you took while coming. You can also enjoy rafting in Kaveri here but rapids are not that strong. So if you are a little afraid of real rafting, you can try your hand in rafting here which is actually known as still water rafting. We did not try for it and left for Nishagradhama which we saw on the way some 12kms back.

Nisargadhama

Timings: 9:00-17:00                                                         Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for kids.

Within 20mins we were in the parking of Nisargadhama, all credit goes to the nice roads. Nisargadhama is a 64-acre island formed by the river Kaveri near Kushalnagar in Madikeri. It is very famous for its Hanging Bridge which connects the island to the mainland built over the River Cauvery. The Hanging Bridge on which we were standing was the new one and we were able to see the old bridge beside this one. It was very exciting to stand on the bridge & gaze at the flow of Cauvery as due to rainy season it was swelling with water.  There are always two sides of the coins; so again due to monsoon we were not able to do boating as it is not considered safe when water level is too high.  



Old Bridge at Nisargadhama



On this island, there are some shops selling items famous in Coorg viz. handicraft shops, honey, spices, coffee shop. There are Deer Park and Rabbit Park on this island. In Deer Park, we also saw some dears roaming. There were tree houses also... good for couples to enjoy there and clicking pictures. It is a perfect place for those who love to walk in the nature among bamboo, teak and sandalwood trees. By the time we reached to the car, small droplets of water started to pour in.

It was time to feed our belly so started towards Madikeri town and searched for a nice restaurant. Within some time, we were ordering our lunch at Neel Sagar. We ordered North Indian food and it was very delicious, forced us to lick our fingers. Meanwhile we also searched one very big 3BHK house and rented it for the day and decided to get fresh before heading towards the next point. We were told by locals that it is not safe to go by your car to Mandalpatti, moreover driver was also not ready for it so arranged a jeep to take all seven of us to Mandalpatti and Abbey Falls. You can try to go by your personal vehicle if you are very confident of your driving skills as during monsoon roads get slippery and for later half of the distance you will not find proper charcoal roads.

Mandalpatti

Timings: 06:00-18:00                                                                                                          No Entry Fee

20 kms away from Madikeri is the famous shooting point Mandalpatti. Around 3PM we were again out of our Homestay in the jeep which was going to take us to the peak. We only knew that it has some nice views to enjoy but were not sure what exactly we are going to watch there. Shortly we saw a sign board for Abbey Falls, but we took the other road to it. Those undulating roads with greenery all around were making us crazy. Don’t forget to take some snacks and water bottle with you as you will not get anything there. As we were going up we were able to see the hills covered with mist and clouds. Road was rough and very slippery but jeep driver was very skillfully driving it. Every view was “No Miss” view and we were enjoying them with our eyes wide open. At one point, there was a broad area and we asked the driver to stop the jeep. We were surprised by the panoramic scenes present there and thinking that we were completely unaware of such an untouched beauty that too so close to us. I was lost in one more thought that if it is this beautiful here, what would be there on the top of Mandalpatti which resulted in doubling our excitement, when we started again.



Expansive view from Mandalpatti

Under a very old tree covered with green algae, driver stopped the jeep and we jumped off impatiently without even waiting to stop it properly. In front of us was Pushpagiri Bird Sanctuary and we had to trek over a small hill which was just around 250-300 meters. We took permission from Forest Officers present over there and did entry in their register. When we reached to the top, instantly a thought hit in my mind that “why Coorg is a synonym to Scotland”. No explanation was needed then. Mesmerizing views over Western Ghats were self-explanatory. I am extremely sorry but I don’t have exact words to explain that. It was seriously like heaven on this earth. Far stretching views of the green mountains and cool breeze was overwhelming. It was a complete unique feeling and still unique to me. There is a view tower on the top of the Hill, wind started to get stronger and colder as we got on it. Nobody of us was ready to move from there but after taking a lot of pictures moved back at 5:15PM. But this place is definitely going to beckon me to come back here again and again. 

Abbey Falls

Timings: 09:00-18:00                                                                                                         No Entry Fee

Next in the plan was Abbey Falls for which we saw sign board on the way. We came to the diversion point and took the other road on which going 3 kms further is the famous Abbey Falls. We reached there at 5:45PM and after leaving the jeep in the parking started to descend among the green plantations. After a short while, we realized that we were walking through coffee plantations. It was so dense that we were able to hear the sound of Water but not able to see a single drop of it.

Do I need to describe this mighty fall?

Just a sight of the famous Abbey Falls, prompted us to jump into it. Due to monsoon, it was having ample amount of water… gushing down with a thrust... and having good crowd too as compared to Mandalpatti. For some time we simply stood there, staring at the fall, as eyes were not going off it. Then we looked around and saw a hanging bridge again just opposite to the fall. It was full of people, but we realized the actual reason after getting on it. Actually water of the Abbey falls was plunging with such a strong speed that droplets of it could be felt while standing on the Hanging Bridge. We also created a safe place for us and stood there. Within few minutes we were drenched completely all because of those droplets and started feeling cold. So at 6:15PM we left for the Raja Seat.

Raja Seat

Timings: 05:30 – 20:00                                                                              Entry Fee – INR 5 per person

Just after the entrance, we could see a very big and well maintained park having fountains in between. It was around 6:35PM so weather was also awesome turning somewhat misty. But we were trying to find out that why this place is known by the name “Raja’s Seat”. So kept on moving further in quest and reached to an open pavilion. Those crescent shaped big steps were having a view area with railings overlooking a vast valley to admire the nature and green valleys all around. According to legends, Kings of Kodagu used to spend their evenings here and watch the setting sun through their seat. The view of the valley covered with clouds was taking our breath away. Although sun had already set by the time we reached there, but still scenes were mesmerizing.

 

A Road in Valley as seen from Raja's Seat

If you are in Coorg, and not enjoying coffee being at such a nice view point, it means you are committing a sin. We did not wanted to be part of that, so ordered a nice coffee from a nearby vendor in the Park itself. Locals told us that the best thing here is Musical Fountain Show, displayed on all days after the sunset, but we decided to miss it and came out after taking a nice break. Just opposite to the park is Toy Train ride for kids and adults both and lots of small vendors with evening snacks to make your evening just perfect. We also tried some snacks and it was just wonderful. 

Our home for that day was just 1.5kms away. We all liked Neel Sagar so much that we decided to have dinner there only. This is how our first day at Coorg came to a nice end unwillingly… L

2nd day was also as much exciting as the first day.. check the details here
Day 2 | Coorg in Monsoon, A Hidden Treasure

Shivagange - An amalgamate of Pilgrimage and Adventure

Main Nandi Statue on Top

Plan to trek this famous hillock called Shivagange having an altitude of 4488ft located near Dabaspet in Tumkur district of Karnataka had been decided while trekking on one of the highest monolith which is also there in Karnataka i.e. Savandurga, but the thing that was not decided - the date. Moreover after returning from Kodachadri (Shimoga) I was well aware if I would not trek Shivagange the next week.. I won’t be able to trek it in next six months atleast. So 2nd feb 2014 was finalized for this trek.

Unlike my usual treks, this time I couldn’t check most of the details because of scarcity of time, but this is also a fun to go without many details. We started very early in the morning.. took morning tea for opening our still half closed eyes. We bought some of the snacks from that shop only… quite mandatory thing while going out for any trek. Then we caught bus for Majestic.

Way to Shivagange

At Majestic, fourth member of the group was already waiting and we started to find out the bus for Dabaspet. Buses those were going to Tumkur were not allowing us and saying that they will not stop at Shivagange. So after enquiring from 1-2 drivers, we searched KSRTC bus stop no. 2. From this stop of KSRTC bus stand that is beside Majestic, we caught bus for Dabaspet. After getting down I realized that almost every bus stops here and we could catch those initial buses also.

Shivagane as seen from auto

Now we started to search for food point where we could get some nice breakfast. But it is kind of bypass so obviously our hopes failed and we ended up with some pathetic breakfast. Now we took a shared auto from the Junction where bus dropped us… towards Shivagange which is around 8kms from there, auto charged us Rs. 20 per person. The point where he dropped us was the entrance of the temple with one Shiva Statue on one side of it. For few mins we were amused that had he dropped us at the right place as there we couldn’t see any hill. But after enquiring from some local shops, we got to know that it is the starting place for the trek.. and we need to go through that Gopuram. Basically this place is quite famous as a religious place more than a trekking point. So we were going to enjoy a 2-in-1 combo. J

Lord Ganesha with Panditji :)

Lord Ganesha Statue

We were again confused that we should start with our foot wears or should leave them at the base only. After noticing some people we came out of dilemma and started with foot wears. Just after few steps there is a big statue of Lord Ganesha on left. Perhaps it is there because we should first take the name of Lord Ganesha before starting any auspicious task according to legends.

Nandi Statue

After climbing around 30 steps, we encountered a big statue of Nandi Bull. Behind that statue further steps were going up. But instead of taking those steps we took right one as there was one Gopuram indicating that some kind of temple should be there ahead. Almost all of the information written there was in Kannada so we were not able to understand that and kept on guessing.

Anyways our assumption was correct and we got a very nice temple of deity Honnadevi. Initially we thought that as Gavigangadhareshwara because it was also constructed under a rock. That rock structure can be noticed very well and forced us to think that how tough it would be to construct this kind of temples. After darshan we started upstairs and here was another temple.

Gavigangadhareshwara Temple

Gopuram of Gavigangadhareshwara

This temple was looking very huge as there were railings to move but we could not see any gate through which we can see the statue of deity i.e. main part of temple. Outer premise of this temple itself was so big that we were wondering how huge will be the temple!!!

As expected this temple was the temple we were waiting for i.e.  Gavi Gangadhareshewara holding beauty in some renovated way. This is the temple which is famous for most wonderful thing here on Shivagange.. here the ghee turns into butter on abhisheka. It is believed that the ghee that turns to better has medicinal powers and can cure many ailments. I could see ghee in many hands perhaps they were the people who had come here for worshipping lord Shiva unlike us.

I was looking here and there continuously for that famous cave (Gavi means cave in Kannada) which connects this marvelous temple to the Gangadhareshwara temple in Bangalore. But I could not notice any and started to move outside in the hope that I would find it out in the outer part. But my instincts called me back and then I noticed a group of people who were bent towards something. And yes it was that cave I was desperate to see. It is not like ancient usual caves from outside as temple management has also renovated it. A kind of square hole is there which is big enough to peek into the cave. With the help of light in our cellphones we also tried to check and initially it seemed to be block but later with further lights we found that it is having some way but it is too dark to guess whether a path still exists. Let me tell you that it is said that this tunnel connects to Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bangalore. I was very happy after coming out from this temple because I love this kind of structures a lot.

At the back of the temple when we came out we found a magnificent structure. It was the back gate of the temple but then it was in no use because gate seemed to be locked for quite a long time. Architecture there is really memorable. Carvings on the pillars are very detailed. Also present there is an obsolete structure containing a number of pillars and pillared ceilings. Inner part was completely covered from top but because of no maintenance grass has been grown over and there.

Carving on the Pillars

Starting of the trek

Here were one or two shops and we purchased water and cold drink to keep ourselves hydrated during the trek. And then started the rocky part and it was really very slippery although we had not really started the trek yet. In the rock very small steps have been created so that our feet can take support and avoid body from slipping back. Railings in the mid of both steps is also standing to provide additional support. From surroundings it is quite evident that Shivagange is equally famous as a religious place and devotees go upto the top bare footed.

Olkala Teertha

Our next stop was another temple Olkala Teertha. This is again Shiva temple. Here were two or three stalls selling a number of items. For this temple we need to purchase tickets for Rs. 5 each. This temple was under the rock means we need to descend steps instead of ascending that is commonly available in temples. Here we saw that famous hole in which we need to put our hand and try to touch water. That part is behind the statue of Shiva and we have to take left and very narrow path. Only one person can cross that part at a time. You will feel that water is very near and you will easily touch it but it’s not like that. It is believed that only pious person can touch this water.  On the other side of this hole was Shani statue and because of oil that is poured on it.. that rocky part has become so slippery that there also we crossed by holding railings and sitting because of height in that part was really less.

Now we had started further and now rock was not slippery but it has turned rocky having some sort of vegetation. Now sun was also shining with its full strength and we were having water again and again and gradually ascending.

Ganga Water present on the Hill

After few metres at one place we saw a long queue and beside that queue was a small statue of God with one priest worshipping there. We were not able to understand initially what was there as there was a very huge rock and people were going down. And we were really wondering what was there. We asked to 2-3 people but no body gave us the satisfactory answer. All were blindly following the crowd. Then suddenly I recalled that this should be that pious Ganga water that is said to be present here on this rugged hill. That water was really very cold, soothing for our eyes and we suddenly felt very fresh. According to priest that water never disappears from there. Amazing my India is… we don’t have any idea about so many things present around us.

Ganges Water

Still an hour away

Now we could see a very steep trail ahead… after enquiring from guys who were coming down we came to know that it would further take around 1 hour to reach us to the top. Till then sun had also started shining with its full glory as it was around 1 o’clock. Although path was really steep making us tired but it was full of stones so it was not that slippery as Savandurga (there it was really tough to come down). There were so many people especially female who were bare footed as it was a religious place to them. The good thing on this pious hill is that you will have stalls upto the top… selling cucumber, buttermilk, bhelpuri etc. that will prevent you from dehydration and also do not need to carry so much things with you. We also stopped at one such point because it was providing much needed shelter and we could get rid of sun for some time. We had buttermilk there and it was so rejuvenating that compelled us to take one more glass. It restored a good amount of energy in the body which has been drained by the almighty sun.

Shiva Parvati Statue in the middle

All around were breath taking views. Higher we were going clearer and awesome was the view. Also big rocks were spread all around us. So from some distance we noticed a very big statue of Shiva and Parvati. Thought of taking rest there and when we reached there it was a small temple and outside that temple is this statue of duo which was also shining to its fullest because of sun light reflecting on it. Beside the temple a small shelter has been constructed which provides a much needed break to all the people whether they are hikers or religious people. So many monkeys were also there and some were literally searching for some drops of water in the bottles thrown by the people. It was really pity of them.

Shiva Parvati Statue

After this we again stopped at another stall and had some cucumber to get rid of our fatigue. We took ample amount of time there because it was in kind of valley between two very huge rocks making the view spectacular. There we took some pics too.

Final Part of the trek

Now the part we could see was the real steep part because of which probably it is said that hiking on this hill is not easy. I can say that if those railing would not have been there then normal people can’t reach to summit. That part is kind of proper vertical with very big stones, if by chance u slip then no chance of getting saved in case if railings are not there. But thankfully railings were there all upto the Nandi statue on top and with some effort we were successful in going up.

Nandi Statue on Top

The rock on which Nandi statue has been carved is very narrow and steep. But it is also having railings. That Nandi statue has been carved out of a single rock. Wind there was blowing with its full speed. And that stone is so steep that placing our feet firmly on it was really tough. We enjoyed for few minutes there, were in no mood to come down as usual. But as space is not there and so many people want to come, we came down. But the most surprising thing is how that sculpture would have carved this status of bull on this highest point of the hill which is not having sufficient space to stand.

Shantala’s Suicide Point

Opposite to Nandi statue is the Shantala’s suicide point. We got to that point and surprisingly there was another stall having all normal things that we may need like fruits, cold drinks, buttermilk, some branded products kept in a refrigerator( I was very surprised after noticing it)… just with some extra cost you can get all those. Here was another small ancient temple and like all other temples this temple was also having its base very cold instead of this hot scorching sun. A very small temple behind the stall also exists which was left almost unnoticed by the visitors. And then we got to the suicide point. There two dilapidated pillars were standing. Here were also railings which were making that point safe. View from this point is breath taking.

Shantala's suicide Point

The point is named after Queen Shantala, wife of Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. It is said that this queen was a great Bharatnatyam dancer was having a great influence in the administration also. But she was depressed because of not able to give birth to the heir of the kingdom. One night she came out of her palace to this place and prayed at the Honnadevi temple. After that she jumped from this point and ended her life. Local people still believe that the restless soul of queen still wanders here and sound of her anklets can still be heard at night.

We spent a good amount of time, gave various poses with all possible angles and spent around 1.5 hrs there. Around 3:30 PM we started our way down. Till then crowd had also reduced. We were somewhat faster as pace is usually fast in descending.. also sun was on its way back. At one point… only we four were there and were surrounded by so many monkeys who had blocked our way and not letting us to move ahead. We looked for some other people but no one was there so we moved up for some distance. Then we saw another group of guys was coming and we both groups came together to big Shiva statue. We again stopped there because now view was very astonishing as sun was also running to take rest with us.

Patalagange

We came down very fast and then suddenly a thought strike in our mind… we didn’t see Patalagange yet. Unfortunately we were not aware about its exact location. So we started to ask the local people and shopkeepers. Some were telling that it is near Olakala Teertha, some were saying that it has been already passed and we were only and only perplexed with those kind of answers.

Ultimately we found it and let me tell you it is a narrow path just opposite to Ganesha statue that we encountered first just after some steps while starting the trek. Some information was also written on every point but in kannada so anybody of us couldn’t read that. So just followed what people suggest we went on that path and after around some 500-600mtrs, we found a temple premise. And people who were coming out told that it was the place that we were searching for.

Patala Gange basically means the “Underground Ganges”. We enetered in that premise and some 50 people were already there and it also had entry ticket of Rs 5 per person. We also waited for our turn and were guessing what we were going to see. Gradually we moved and then it was very dark and we were holding one rope on the side. After 2-3 steps the view I could understand… there were two huge rocks and water was there between those rocks. We could not see any end to that water and also water there is said to be very deep and no one could ever know about its depth. This water is said to be connected to a place called Antaragange in Kolar very far off from here.

Way Back

Ultimately we came down. Opposite the hill is very big pond which was almost isolated at that time and buses were going from there for Tumkur. We decided to start from there before sun sets completely. We booked one auto from there for Rs 100 and came to the flyover where we got down from bus in morning. We searched for tea and also got some evening snacks which were necessary after such an exciting trek. We waited for the bus and got in KSRTC bus which was over crowded.

Anyhow we all were very happy as completed our day successfully… for me it was a trek that I was thinking of so long. We lost in our discussion.. got down at Majestic and again got in the bus… reached home around 10PM and it was the time to get lost in sweet dreams J J .

General Information with Day Plan

Date of Visiting : 02-Feb-2014 Sunday

Distance from Bangalore : approx 60 Km from Silk Board

Entry Fee : No Entry Fee is there for the hill

Mode of travelling : By Bus(BMTC and KSRTC)

Plan for the day : BTM->Majestic->Shivagange->Majestic->BTM.

Days required : 3 hours to go up and 1 hr on top and then 2 hrs to come down.

Kind of place :  Equally famous among trekkers & pilgrims. Final part of the trek is really challenging. A lot of shrines are there upto the summit.

Skandagiri Trek... Totally Rejuvenating

If you have been bored of your daily routine, feeling lifeless, want to try something adventurous that should be quite rejuvenating too, then trekking is an activity that makes you stress free in every possible way. After reaching at the Top, heart and mind both get filled with relaxing and soothing sensation that helps in getting away from daily hustle-bustle of life. Skandagiri is one of the best places around Bangalore to give an amazing respite and re-energize us for stressful daily lives and traffic jams.

Skandagiri having an altitude of approx 4430 ft (or 1350 mtr) is located near Nandi Hills (about 23 kms) and 3 kms from Chikballapur in Karnataka. It is also famous with other name Kalavara Durga among locals. Remains of Tipu Sultan Fort and an ancient temple still exist at the top of the Hill. Normally Skandagiri is more famous for night trek among adventurous enthusiasts as views from Skandagiri are spectacular during dawn with an indescribable view of rising Sun.

We started our Sunday by reaching Nandi Hills very early in the morning, then visited Bhoga Nandishwara Temple by chance after that we continued towards Skandagiri. On the way from Nandi to Skandagiri, there were many people selling grapes. Those grapes were looking very different than the usual ones but we didn’t stop to try them.

We took left after departing from Bhoga Nandishwara temple and ultimately through a very narrow and bad road we reached to Papagni Math. Parked our car in the side of Temple & offered prayers in the Math before trekking... let me tell u that this MATH is very famous among locals as they believe that anybody with bad intentions can’t even dare to enter in it. We saw another couple who was going to marry (First was in Bhoga Nandishwara) in the temple.

We were getting late for the trek as we had to come down before the sunset so we decided to start the trek. After taking all our water bottles and snacks we continued in the direction guided by the Locals and were looking for a sign. (Please carry all water bottles and food items with you as you won’t get anything there.) But after a while we noticed that we were going in plain with no sign from where trek could be started. With that confusion in our brains (that were we on correct route) we kept on walking and after approx 15 mins we could see that much awaited sign “Way to Hill”.

Just before the trail we encountered two young boys who offered us to guide but we refused their proposal as most of us had heard stories like they leave trekkers alone just after some distance. So we started the trek and initially we found it very simple as kind of steps have been formed and it is very easy to climb up on them.

Trek will seem easy initially but will get tougher eventually as with time trek will get steeper… We were on a very slow pace in no hurry at all, enjoying the serene beauty of the scenes spread in-between. In the initial part of trek there was no vegetation, no greenery, no plants at all. After around 40mins, trek had started going tougher, going steeper but we all were enjoying and singing but slowly started to feel more tired. So we were taking breaks after every 15-20 mins. Trek is well marked with the arrows and also there are very little chances of getting lost as all the way you will have a very narrow path to go forward. At some places two big stones were laying side by side, we had to go through them either by scrolling under the gap or by jumping over them. Overall trek was very interesting.

Stones in shape of Cave

After one hour we left with some drops of water in our bottles and thought of preserving that water for the Top. But after some time those few drops had find their destiny in one of our bellyJ.  Every time we were having a feel after seeing stonewall that we were about to reach the Top, after a while we could see another stonewall to conquer. Like this there are six sets of Stonewalls those seem to be beckoning to the trekkers one after the another.

Before reaching at Top we found a lot of plants overgrown to our heights and we had to go through them. We were following the way through that vegetation that would have been probably formed naturally as all trekkers have to pass through that to reach at Summit. It was quite thrilling. It took around 3 hrs to reach to the summit. And after reaching we found out some stones on one edge of the Hill & crashed there with no water. 

After resting for 20 mins we started to realize how beautiful the place was. Views from every angle from Peak were amazing. We started to literally hop from one part to another then another to another. Like this we explored every nook n corner of the Hill. Views there, Feel of being there after such a nice trekking filled us with energy again.

There was a small ruined temple in which most probably night trekkers spend their night as there were signs of ashes left behind inside the temple. Behind the temple was a small wall of dilapidated fort on which another group of trekkers was already resting.

We stayed there for more than an hour and like other places were in no mood to leave the place, most of us were busy in clicking pictures as much as possible others were guiding them(photographers of our group) about some new angles but after some time left with no option other than to descend. It was really tough to come down as soil was very slippery as it was having grain kind of structure making grip of feet on ground tough.  So we continued very slowly by balancing ourselves on the slope and were surprised that we trekked through this kind of tough trail just some hours back. But it was certainly relishing. That different group (who was resting on wall) was coming very fast and many of them were falling and getting injured in front of us. They were large in number so whenever they were coming we were giving them a way to pass as we were in no mood of getting any kind of injury :).

While coming down just before trek was going to be over, we all saw an amazing sight… it was a double rainbow. A bright rainbow and below that a less bright one. I don’t remember that I have seen double rainbow like that till that day in my life. It was a lifetime achievement.

In around 1:30 hours we came down… making this fact true again that while coming down we can cover same distance in less time J and continued towards our car, washed our faces and got crashed in the car full exhausted and made a very simple wish for having a nice tea… the much required thing at that point of time. But like all of our wishes don’t get fulfilled this one also added on top of that. We didn’t get it till Bhoga Nandishwara.. it had been already started dark. So without taking any halt we came to that same point where we stopped for tea in morning while going to Nandi Hills but there too we couldn’t find anything.

We decided to move towards Punjabi Dhaba (about which I read when planning the trip). Although was not sure how it would be but wanted to have something very badly… so decided to move towards the dhaba. We took left instead of right and were on NH-7 in opposite direction of Bangalore… drove for around 200 mtrs, we got it... all got down instantly. But ambience there was not good at all not like a typical Dhaba in any sense. We were suspicious initially, just ordered 1 or 2 dishes to taste. All our doubts lost in vain… it was really very tasty, we ordered full meal and all were eating like demons ordering one plate after another. Then was the time to go back and continue to normal routine from the very next day.

General Information with Day Plan:

Date of visiting: 20-Oct-2013 Sunday

Distance from Bangalore: around 70 kms from Silk Board

Entry Fee: No Fee

Plan for the Day: Bangalore->Nandi Hills->Bhoga Nandishwara- >Skandagiri->Bangalore

Some Other Points:

• Try to carry loads n loads of water or anything that’ll quench your thirst.
• Also try to have snacks with you as you will get nothing on the top or during the trek even near Skandagiri.
• Skandagiri is more famous for night trek. Start around 2AM in the night. It would be really adventurous and view in dawn would definitely be mesmerizing
• Do not try trekking in monsoon because ground there is full of gravel making it extremely slippery during rain.
• Do not trust the local guys for having a guide… try it by yourself, it will be real fun. Also chances are very less that you will get lost.

It was overall a marvelous trekking experience… completely exciting and rejuvenating. It is a trek about which any trekker can rave about and should not be missed if you live in Bangalore.

Trip to Big Banyan Tree & Manchanabele Dam

View inside Big Banyan Tree Premise

Here starts a fun-filled Day

Intro:

Impossible to believe that it is a single tree

It was an awesome day full of fun and quite adventurous too. My roommate Pragati has got her joining location as Pune and she has planned to leave Bangalore on 2^nd May 2013.

But before that she wanted to explore(she realized it very soon ;)) Bangalore as much as possible, but was left with almost no time. So we decided to go to any place possible as we did not had any personal vehicle.

She had one exam on Sunday morning (28^th April), so I decide to proceed after that. We started out around 12:30PM when I left my room for Majestic. She was already there waiting for me and killing her time anyhow. By that time it was quite hot.

Majestic to Doda Aalada Mara:

After I reached Majestic, we enquired about the bus and some other details. Within 10 minutes we caught the bus from Platform no. 19 as we were already kinda late. As the bus proceeded towards Mysore road, we started to feel cool breeze as temperature was degrading slowly and after sometime temperature was quite good.

lovely roads

We were really very happy as bus was going with a good speed but Pragati was like somewhat worried that how we will return back but I just wanted to see that Big tree which is famous with name Dodda Aalada Maara (DAM) in local people. After sometime we got off from Mysore Road.. we have to take right from Rajarajeshwari Engineering College and from there a narrow road was there. And then we were able to see small villages of Bangalore and they were really very beautiful.. houses were really well constructed and have good designs. I was really surprised with the road condition as there was not a single pit even in such a outer area. Roads were narrow but definitely wanna mention that this kind of road we could not expect.. and also BMTC is running bus with such a good frequency in such outer areas.. heads off…

Astonished while realizing what am I watching:

Temple inside Big Banyan Premise

We reached at Big Banyan around 2:45PM.. and we literally jumped off from bus. I was astonished and could not believe on my eyes that what I am seeing is one tree only or is it a bunch of trees.. but then we entered in its premise.. I shud say premise as it is really a very very big area that you even can’t imagine and they have maintained it really well and constructed a boundary around it( to feel it u have to visit it).. just after the entry gate is a board on which basic details about this tree is written which says that it is the fourth biggest tree in World which is spread in a area that is around 3 acres.

Then we began to move ahead.. yes u can walk in between tree stems/branches as they have built a kind pavements in between them.. but it was really tought to believe on my eyes and my mind was not ready to accept that it is a one single tree only.. but after sometime I noticed that it was like.. its branches have been fallen off towards the ground and after reaching to it they have started growing again.. (honestly I don’t have words to describe what I saw)

DAM to Dam:

Then suddenly it started raining.. but it was very slow so we were enjoying it initially and then it turned to heavy rain.. we ran and took shelter. After sometime when it slowed down we came out and took bhutta.. it is always awesome to have hot bhutta in slow rain.. I always love it and this thing really made ma day.. then I decide to head towards Manchebele Dam which is around 9 kms from there but did not disclose it to Pragati as she was not aware about it as what exactly is there.. so we jus took the bus that was coming and ran and caught it.. in between we got wet somewhat but it was really grt..

When conductor of the bus knew that we were going to Dam.. he was also keen to know that were we going to catch fish.. but we told him that no.. we are going there just to have fun as this is our first visit.. and he was like surprised that only 2 gals can also do this kind of adventurous thing..

At Manchebele Dam:

Manchanebele Reservoir

As we were reaching there our excitement was growing.. till then Pragati has also known that we were going to some dam.. and as she loves water so she was even more excited than me. Then driver asked us to get off and we head towards the Dam.. just after we got down we were able to see such a scenic view.. we were in completely lap of nature and that’s only 30-35kms from Bangalore.. around walking after 200mtrs we were able to see a glimpse of Manchebelle Reservoir and that was Heights of surprise for me that bus has dropped us to such a close point and BMTC is really providing a very nice facility to mango people..

Then after some more steps we were able to see the bunch of people including families, boys and small groups who were enjoying in the cool water of reservoir. But till then my eyes were searching for only one thing.. as I was still unable to get any view of Manchebelle Dam.. although I was excited enough after seeing such a nice view of water and nature.. but still.. and then I decided to head towards the opposite direction of that crowd and then after walking some more we were ultimately find out that Dam and that time we were like Mission accomplished.

Manchanebele Dam

Back to BBT:

Tell me which is branch and which one is stem

giving a hard hit to brain-- that it is a single tree only

At that point there was no rush at all as people were enjoying water and were busy there.. and we rested there for sometime.. tried to catch that view of dam and water in our eyes and camera.. and around 4:30PM we decided to head back towards Big Banyan tree.. we came back to that point where bus dropped us and waited for around 15mins and came back to Banyan tree again..

Now we enjoyed there a lot.. there were lots of monkeys.. and tried to find out some place to eat but could not.. so plz whenever u plan to go there have some food with u.. as many families were enjoying picnic under that Banyan tree.. and it was cool enough to sit in between such a wide arms of such a giant tree.

To Banglore:

Then again we took bus and came back to Bangalore and this much is also in only Rs. 50/- as we have taken pass while going.. and it was really a wonderful day.. not planned but still much better than expectation and that tree deserves atleast one trip.. but I can go there any no. of times.

Other Plans:

If you love trekking than you can plan a trekking to Savandurga Hills that is around 14kms from Manchebelle Dam and then can come back to Dam itself and then in evening u can sit under tree.. as I am planning the same on any weekend.

Time to visit:

You can go to Big Banyan Tree any time of the year as it is really very cool under and around it but don’t forget to take some food items with you as u won’t be able to find any good restaurant here. But if you go in some cooler months then you can enjoy more at Dam and Tree and also trekking to Savandurga..

Food Availability:

Good Food is not available there.

How to go:

You can take BMTC buses as frequency is really very good and last bus at Dam is available at around 8:30PM, but if you have your own bike/car then that is also a very good option as roads are really well built.

Directions to reach there:

If you are coming from Silk Board side and have your own vehicle then its better to take Nice Ring Road and then take Mysore Road.. after take take right from Rajarajeshwari College.. and now u r on Doda Alada Mara Road..

General Information with Day Plan:

Date of Visiting : 28-Apr-2013 Sunday
Kind of Place : Picnic can be enjoyed under Giant Banyan Tree and drenching in Manchebele Reservoir.. :)

Distance of tree from Bangalore : 35Km, Dam from Tree : 9Km.
Days Required : 1 Day is enough.

No. of People involved  : 2
How we went : By Bus (BMTC)

Plan for the day : Bangalore ->Majestic ->Doda Aalada Maara ->Manchanabele ->Big Banyan Tree ->Bangalore

Direction to reach Big Banyan Tree & Manchanabele Dam:
 
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