Chunchi falls - Sangama - Mekedaatu

It was almost fifteen days since we had been on our last adventure (@ Maidenahalli), we were again searching for some getaway place nearer and finally we decided on Chunchi falls near Sangama for a short visit. I had good vague memories of Chunchi falls which I had visitied on a office trip somewhere in 2003! (the splendid falls was etched in my memory which made us decide on the venue this time).

10th august 2008: As strict as I am ever, never mind the "aah not again" chores from my regular group of Raja, Guru and myself, we left bangalore by razor sharp 6:30 am on a dull saturday morning towards kanakapura, with the regular fuel filling exercise at talghatpura IOC pump and with a small tea break there. Guru had another reason to be tired because of the severity of the toothache he had added with fever (poor chap! he struggled for almost the entire morning, still put up a brave face), we breezed past kanakapura and stopped at a small village enroute for the much needed breakfast. Still we had quite a slow drive with neither my eyes nor the body willing for the drive but being forced to till we had breakfast. The breakfast was pretty good added with a good cup of hot tea propped us up. Just before 15 to 20 kms before sangama is a huge arch to the left which is the deviation to Chunchi falls and a board is also put up notifying the same. Another 5-6 kms through this road landed us at the edge of a cliff from where a little bit of walking is required to reach the falls. There was a old man there issuing tickets and collecting parking fees and we were the first ones there as it was quite early in the day. We spotted a watchtower to the left in the opposite direction of the falls and we walked up there first to get a view of the valley through the fields making our own path. The view from the watchtower was good with a cool breeze blowing over. Spent a lot of time lazing at the tower and after an hour of idling time decided to trek up to the falls. From there no definite path was visible, we started walking on the banks of the river Arkavathi, on the boulders, b/w the shrubs literally wherever we could place our feet firmly. We were able to hear the sound of water falling from quite a distance and was like solving a puzzle to reach the falls. Well when we reached there, we could see the silver drops of water falling graciously from the top, in two stages or rather because the water flow was very less so much that the inner rocks and the parch green was clearly visible. Overall we were dissappointed having see the same falls in full flow last time and later when we got to the place where we had parked the car, got to know that the water is diverted to a power plant and is released to the falls only on few days. Still putting the dissappointment behind we enjoyed the mini trek and the bumpy walk.

As we were back much earlier than expected, we decided to head towards Sangama and if possible Mekedaatu. Even the water flow at sangama was moderate but the crowds were more as also the plastics and the drinks. Incidentally I have been to sangama around 3-4 times but never ventured out to Mekedaatu. This time however as none of us had been there, we started our walk crossing the river towards Mekedaatu. No difficulty is crossing the river as the water level was only upto knee height and at the other end of the bank there are 2 buses which ferry people to Mekedaatu and back to the river bank for 12 rs per person. We heard its about 4-5 kms away and decided to walk rightaway upto Mekedaatu. Empty stomachs, hot sun and a dry muddy road made it tiresome and we took more than a hour to reach there and the distance was 6kms. Many groups who had started walking behind us in b/w changed their minds and had boarded the bus, but we kept on moving as we had decided to walk irrespective of how far it ever would be! On reaching

there we could spot hoardes of people there almost covering every inch of space available. Here the main attractions are the rock formations and the force of water flow. On one of the boulders we could see hardly any people and rightaway decided that would be our territory, as we tried reaching there realized the difficulty and the reason for no people swarming there :).

Mekedaatu instantly impressed me on my first time visit itself - the gushing water, the amazing cut in the

rocks & boulders, the scenery, the lush green surroundings and heard its abundant in wildlife too. Sitting on the edge of the rocks and peeping down to see the water is itself an experience that cant be described with the water sprinkling onto the face and sometimes scary too (one small slip and you are gone for ever!). We spent as much time as we could watching the rivers flow in such force and carving out various shapes in the rocks which dare to stop their flow and later we chose the easier option and came back by the bus till sangama. Played for very less time in the water (i'm scared of drowning in the water from previous experiences!) and started searching for food as our stomachs started crying. There is only one dhaba kind of a hotel where we had some food (but expensive) to appease our grumbling stomachs. All the while one thought was running through the mind of a few display boards which we had seen. The boards are actually "Warning messages" put up by the friends and families of the victims who were washed away in the waters at Sangama and to warn people of the dangers (Swimming, swirls/whirlpools, crocodiles) but people care a damn and regularly the victim count is increasing (hope the government does something!). Mid evening and the crowd had considerably reduced and the rain gods made their presence felt with heavy lashings and finally we decided to head back to the dry, safe confines of our homes. Heard there is an old guesthouse there at Sangama (plans for utilizing that has already started in my mind)!

Overall a nice, good, not so clean, crowded still space for everybody, adventurous, beautiful place and a worthwile trip very closer to our namma bengaluru.

Route: Around 90 kms from bangalore on Kanakapura road on the way to Sangama / Mekedaatu. About 16kms before 'Sangama' you have to take a left turn to the Yeleguri village to go to the Chunchi waterfall. The waterfall is about 6km away from the deviation.

Tips: Play safe in water as the currents are very strong. Don't litter. Avoid plastics / liquor. Dont leave traces of your visit. Preferred to carry own food and water.

Care for the nature and the nature cares for you!

National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries of Karnataka

Accomodation is a key aspect for any wildlife enthusiast who generally cant afford the "resorts" or would rather not prefer too... There are many specimens like me who prefer basic facilities with a lower cost and without many comforts! Listing herewith the list of national parks and sanctuaries in Karnataka with the contact info. (not very sure of the contact info...)

I. Anshi National Park - The park (250 sq.km) lies in the Western ghats adjoining the state of Goa. To its north is the Daneli Wildlife sanctuary from which Anshi was separated. Tourist facilites not available at the park right now. Accomodation available at Anshi nature camp on prior bookings. There is trekking facility from the Anshi nature camp located from where all the 4 trekking routes commence. Reach - from Bangalore - to dharwad (470km) and then to dandeli (62km) and on to Anshi (38km). Contact: Deputy Conservator of Forest, Wildlife Division, Dandeli - 581325, Uttara Kannada District Tel. 08284 - 231585 First a letter to be faxed to the dandeli office and subsequently DD to be sent across for confirmation of bookings at the camp.

II.Bandipur National Park - Bandipur (880 sq.km) lies on the Mysore-Ooty highway, within the chamarajanagar district bordering Kerala and Tami nadu. Safaris as well as elephant rides are conducted daily in the department vehicles (Jeep, Van). Accomodation is available at the forest rest houses in the park at reasonable rates. There are quite a few trekking routes organized from bandipur national park. Note : Park is closed during peak monsoon (ideally July-September) Reach - from Bangalore - 220kms from bangalore and around 80kms from mysore. Contact: Field Director, Project TigerAranya Bhavan, Ashokpuram, Mysore - 570 008 Tel. 0821 - 2480901 - Mr. Phanish. Deputy Conservator Of Forests, Project Tiger Division, Bandipur Gundlupet - 571 126
Tel. 08229 - 236043, 236044.


III.Bannerghatta National Park - Located just 22kms on the periphery of Bangalore city is the Bannerghatta national park (104.27 sq.km). The park has a Lion and Tiger safari, a herbivore safari, a mini zoo, a reptile park, a museum and a picnic corner. Accomodation only in the form of nature camp run by the Jungle lodges and resorts. Now trekking with prior permission is possible inside the park to the Doddaragihalli betta and the Chikkaragihalli betta. Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden, Aranya Bhavan 18th Cross, Malleswaram Bangalore - 560 003 Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd, M.G.Road Bangalore - 560 001 Tel. 080 - 25597021, 25597024.

IV.Kudremukh National Park - (563 sq.kms) is located in the western ghats having one of the most beautiful landscapes. September to January is the ideal time to visit here. Trekking on 13 different routes is possible with prior permissions. Bhagavathi nature camp located along the state highway forms an excellent camping site. Other forest rest houses also available inside the park which are Samse, Kudremukh (on the Mudigere-Kudremukh state highway in the heart of the park), Kerekatte (located along Sringeri-Mangalore National highway), Navoor rest house near Belthangadi (20 km) etc. The rest houses also are starting points for treks. Reach - from Bangalore - 95kms southwest of Chikmagalur and around 350kms from Bangalore. Contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests, Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Karkala - 574 104 Udipi District Tel. 08258 - 231183. Range Forest Officer, Wildlife Range, Kerekatte, Sringeri Taluk, Chikmagalur District. Ph: 08265 - 561041 Forest Officer, Wildlife Range, Kudremukh, Mudigere Taluk, Chikmagalur District. Ph: (08263) 255998 Range Forest Officer, Wildlife Range, Belthangadi, Dakshina Kannada District. Ph: (08256) 403189 The Chief Wildlife Warden, Aranya Bhavan, 18th Cross Malleshwaram, Bangalore Ph: 080 - 23341993 / 23345192.

Fax / Call a letter of request to the DCF, kudremukh wildlife division, karkala on 08258-231183 for accomodation at Bhagavathi camp and later send the DD of the said amount for confirmation of bookings. Personally i had stayed here and its truly a wonderful place to be in kudremukh.

V.Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) - Nagarhole (643.39 sq.kms) is located to the northwest of Bandipur national park; kabini reservoir separates the two. The name is derived from Naga means snake and hole means river. Ideal time to visit the park is from September to May.

Contact: Conservator of Forests, Wildlife South Circle, Aranya Bhavan, AshokpuramMysore - 570 008 Tel. 0821 - 2480 901 Deputy Conservator of Forests Wildlife Division Hunsur - 571 105 Tel. 0822 - 652 041.

VI.Adichunchangiri Peacock Sanctuary - Adichunchangiri (0.84 sq Kms) was declared a Sanctuary on 21st Oct 1981. It has mainly scrub forest and plantations, and is intended especially for the protection of the peacock. It is located in the Mandya district.

Contact: Assistant Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Sub-Division, Aranya Bhavan, Ashokapuram Mysore - 570 008 Tel. 0821 - 2480 901.

VII.Attiveri Bird Sanctuary - Attiveri (2.23 sq Kms) was declared as a Bird Sanctuary on 17th Aug 2000. The Attiveri Reservoir was formed as a result of the construction of a dam across Tayawwanahalla in the village of Attiveri. This reservoir attracted many birds, especially aquatic species, and was therefore developed as a bird sanctuary. The Reservoir covers an area of 1.01 sq Kms and the remaining area of the sanctuary is covered by riverine and dry deciduous forest. The agricultural fields surrounding the sanctuary are host to a variety of aquatic creatures, which are a major source of food for the birds of the sanctuary. Between November to March is the best time to visit the sanctuary.

Contact: Assistant Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Sub-Division, Ranebennur - 581 881 Haveri District Tel. 0836 - 860 394.

VIII.Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary - The Government of Mysore declared the Bhadra forests a protected area, the 200 sq Kms Jagara Wildlife Sanctuary, in 1951. It is situated in the Western Ghats, and has mostly moist deciduous forests in the southern parts, and dry deciduous forests in the north. There are shola-grassland patches in the Bababudangiri area. The rechristened and the extended Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (492.46 sq Kms) was notified on 25th Sept 1974. It is divided into to blocks, the first consisting Lakkavalli, Muthodi and 14 other state forests (470.38 sq Kms) and the second made up of the Bababudangiri State Forest (22.08 sq. Kms). The sanctuary was upgraded to Tiger Reserve status on 19th Nov 1998, becoming India’s 25th Tiger Reserve. Departmental vehicles are available for wildlife viewing. the reserve has a moderate climate, with three seasons: summer, monsoons and winter. Between October and February is the best time for visiting.

Contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bhadra Wildlife Division, Chikmagalur - 577 101 Tel. 08262 - 234 904; Fax. 08262 - 230032.

Fax a letter of request at Muthodi to the DCF,chikmagalur and subsequently send a DD for the said amount for confirmation at either Muthodi / Lakkavalli / Kasave / Seegekhan / Sukalhatti forest rest houses.

IX.Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (B.R.T) wildlife sanctuary - The Sanctuary (539.52 sq. Kms) is unique in that it is situated the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats, and therefore has floral representatives of both regions. Its southern boundary adjoins the state of Tamil Nadu. Between November and march, the dry season, is the best time to visit the sanctuary. Jungle Lodges and resorts runs a resort at K.Gudi, near the western boundary of the Sanctuary.

Contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Chamarajanagar - 571 313 Tel. 08226 - 222 059.

X.Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary - Brahmagiri (181.29 sq. Kms), being part of the Western Ghats, it has evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, as well as the shola-grassland habitat. the sanctuary is surrounded by agricultural fields and coffee plantations. The eastern tip of the sanctuary almost touches the north western edge of the Rajiv Gandhi national Park, separated only by a narrow strip of Coffee plantations. The southern boundary adjoins Kerala State. Between October and May is the best time to visit the sanctuary.

Contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Hunsur - 571 105 Mysore district Tel. 0821 - 652 041.

XI.Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary - (475.02 sq. Kms). Most of the area has moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. It is located in the Uttara Kannada district. A relatively undisturbed area of 250 sq. kms in the southern part of the Sanctuary became the Anshi national park. Between October and March is the best time to visit the Sanctuary. Accommodation available at the Kulgi nature park on prior bookings.

Contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Dandeli - 581 325 Uttara Kannada District Tel. 08284 - 231585 (same procedure for Anshi / Kulgi nature camps).

Milind's Homestay - Mr. Milind Kodkany

Club Road, Old Dandeli, Uttara Kannada district, Dandeli - 581325

Tel: 08284 230213; 99459 59505; 99725 37742.

XII.Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary - Daroji (55.87 sq. Kms) is the only Sanctuary in Karnataka specially created to protect the sloth bear. The sanctuary has a rocky terrain, boulders and caves, which is the ideal habitat for the sloth bear. It is located near Hospet in the Bellary district. From August to April is the best time to visit the Sanctuary.

Contact: Assistant Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Sub-Division, Ranebennur - 581 115 Haveri District Tel. 0836 - 860394 Range Forest Officer, Wildlife Preservation Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Kamalapura Hospet taluk Bellary District Tel. 0839 - 441 869.

XIII.Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary - (29.78 Sq. Kms). The boundaries of the sanctuary enclose a stretch of about 28 km of the river Ghataprabha, including the reservoir resulting from the dam built near Dhupdhal, and over 20 islands along the stretch. The sanctuary is surrounded by agricultural fields. It is located in the Belgaum district. Between November and March is the best time to visit the Sanctuary, when most of the migratory bird species nest there. Contact: Assistant Conservator of Forests / Range Forest Officer, Wildlife Sub-Division, Ranebennur - 581 115 Haveri District Tel. 0836 - 860 394.

XIV.Gudavi Bird Sanctuary - Gudavi (0.74 sq. Kms) comprises of a large water tank covering 0.30 ha and a patch of dense moist deciduous forest. The sanctuary is surrounded by agricultural fields on the west and north., and by moist deciduous forest on the east and south. It is located in Shimoga district. Between June and November is the best time to observe nesting birds. Contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests, Shimoga Wildlife Division D.C. Compound Shimoga - 577 201 Tel. 08182 - 222 983.

XV.Melkote Wildlife Sanctuary - Melkote (49.82 sq. Kms) sanctuary is divided into two blocks, Mudibetta (4.48 sq. Kms) and Narayanadurga (45.34 sq. Kms). In between the two blocks are a number of villages and cultivation. The landscape is rocky, with dry deciduous and scrub vegetation. This sanctuary is mainly for the protection of the wolf. It is located in the Mandya district. Between October and April is the best time to visit the Sanctuary. Contact: Assistant Conservator of forests, Wildlife Sub-Division Aranya Bhanav, Ashokpuram Mysore - 570 008 Tel. 0821 - 2481 159.

XVI.Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary - Mookambika (247 sq. Kms) sanctuary is divided into a core zone (114 sq. kms) a buffer zone (90 sq. kms) and a tourism zone (43 sq. Kms). It has evergreen, semi-ever green and moist deciduous forests covering the steep slopes typical of the western Ghat mountains. The sanctuary shares its northwestern boundary with Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Udipi district. Between November and March is the best time to visit the sanctuary, since it rains during the rest of the year. Contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests Kudremukh Wildlife Division Karkala - 574 104 Udipi District Tel. 0825 - 731 183.

XVII.Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary - Nugu (30.32 sq. Kms) being situated just north of the Bandipur National Park, the flora of the two areas is similar, except that the Nugu area is still recovering from the earlier degradation. much of the northwestern part of the sanctuary is occupied by the Nugu Reservoir. It is located in the Mysore district The area is covered by scrub forest and cultivation adjacent to the reservoir and by degraded dry deciduous forest in the southern portion of the sanctuary. Tourism has not yet been developed in the sanctuary. Contact: Assistant Conservator of Forests Wildlife Sub-Division Aranya Bhavan Ashokpuram Mysore - 570 008 Tel. 0821 - 2481 159.

XVIII.Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary - Pushpagiri (92.65 sq. Kms) situated in the western Ghats, the area has a thick evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, and shola-grassland habitat in the higher areas. the steep terrain of the sanctuary has resulted in some impressive waterfalls along the various streams that originate in these mountains. It is located in the Kodagu district. Between November and March is the best time for wildlife viewing in the sanctuary Contact: Conservator of Forests Kodagu Circle Madikeri - 571 201 Tel. 08272 - 225 708 Assistant Conservator of forests Wildlife Sub-Division Madikeri - 571 201 Tel. 08272 - 228 019 Range Forest Officer Wildlife Range Somwarpet.

XIX.Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary - Ranebennur (119 sq. kms) Sanctuary was declared as a Sanctuary mainly to protect Blackbuck. It comprises of two unconnected portions, an eastern and a western bit. The sanctuary has a core zone of 14.87 sq. Kms and a buffer-cum tourism zone of 104.13 sq. Kms. the area is covered mainly by scrub forest and Eucalyptus plantations, and is also inhabited by the highly endangered Great Indian bustard and the wolf. Agricultural fields surround the Sanctuary. It is located in the Haveri district. Between October and March is the best time for observing Blackbuck, while the bustard is most easily sighted from February to June. Contact: Assistant Conservator of Forests Wildlife Sub-Division Ranebennur - 581 115 Haveri District Tel. 0836 - 860 394.

XX.Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary - Ranganathittu (0.67 sq. Kms) is made up of two unconnected clusters of islets along the Cauvery river. The western portion of the Sanctuary attracts a large number of tourists, who come to observe water birds nesting on the island’s trees in thousands. The islets are surrounded by the water of a reservoir formed by the construction of a check-dam. The agricultural fields surrounding the Sanctuary are a host to variety of aquatic creatures, which are a major source of food for the birds that nest in the Sanctuary. It is located in the Mandya district. Between June and November, when the water birds are nesting, is the best time to visit the sanctuary. Contact: Assistant Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Sub-Division Aranya Bhanav, Ashokpuram Mysore - 570 008 Tel. 0821 - 2481 159.

XXI.Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary - Sharavathi (431.23 sq. Kms) lying in the western Ghats, has a dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The Sanctuary shares its southwestern boundary with the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Shimoga District. Between November and May is the best time for wildlife viewing in the sanctuary. Contact:Deputy Conservator of Forests Shimoga Wildlife Division D.C.Compound Shimoga - 577 201 Tel. 08182 - 222 983 Range Forest Officer Wildlife Range Kargal - 577 421 Sagar Taluk, Shimoga District Tel. 08186 - 340 387.

XXII.Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary - The Shettihalli (395.6 sq. Kms) is divided into a core zone (100.6 sq. Kms), a buffer zone (237.4 sq. Kms0 and a tourism zone (57.6 sq. Kms). It lies adjacent to Shimoga town, and has forests ranging from dry deciduous to semi-evergreen. Between November and January is the best time for wildlife viewing. Contact:Deputy Conservator of Forests, Shimoga Wildlife Division D.C.Compound Shimoga - 577 201 Tel. 08182 - 222 983 Range Forest Office Wildlife Range Hanegere Tel. 08182 - 283 050.

XXIII.Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary - Someshawara (88.4 sq. Kms) lying in the Western Ghats, has semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. The Sanctuary comprises two unconnected parts. the smaller part being situated to the southwest of the major part. Adjacent to the Sanctuary are 26,000 acres (105.3 sq. Kms) of evergreen reserve Forest. The Kudremukh national Park lies to the southeast of this Sanctuary. This is located in the Udipi district. Between November and April is the best time to visit the Sanctuary. Contact:Deputy Conservator of forests Kudremukh Wildlife Division Karkala - 574 104 Udipi District Tel. 0825 - 731 183.

XXIV.Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary - Talacauvery (105.01 sq. Kms), situated in the Western Ghats, is mostly covered with tropical evergreen forests. It was named after Talacauvery, the origin of the River Cauvery, which lies on the eastern edge of the Sanctuary. It is located in the Kodagu district.The dry season, from November to March, is ideal to visit the Sanctuary. The Cauvery Nisargadhama (0.26 sq. Kms), an island on the River Cauvery, lies 2 Km from Kushalnagar, 28 Kms from Madikeri, and is worth a short stop-over. Contact: Assistant Conservator of forests Wildlife Sub-Division Madikeri - 571 201 Tel. 08272 - 228 019 Range Forest Officer Talacauvery Wildlife Range Bhagamandala Tel. 08272 - 233 215 For Cauvery Nisargadhama: Conservator of Forests Kodagu Circle Madikeri - 571 201 Tel. 08272 - 225 708

Do check this link for more around bangalore...

http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/bangalore/forests.html

Care for the nature and the nature cares for you!

Kodachadri Magic !!!

Kodachadri was on our wishlist from a long time and more so after the recent kannada movie "Gaalipata", conquering kodachadri was on the top of our list which finally came true in the summer month of April 2008. As refereed in the movie, (referred as Mugilpete), Kodachadri is always covered by clouds. Sun is allowed only to play hide and seek here and it’s not for a longer duration you get to see him. Finally 4 of us achieved the feat in the summer of 2008. (Many suggested avoiding the summers, but we went on and we were convinced either summer or spring or winter or monsoons, Kodachadri could be visited anytime).

Kodachadri is the second highest peak in Karnataka at 1813m (next only to Mullaingiri) located in the Shivamogga district nearby to the pilgrim center Kollur in the Western Ghats. It’s around 380 kms from Bangalore and about 20 kms from the temple town of Kollur and can be reached by either a trek or a rough jeep ride.

We had 3-4 days at our disposal and we clubbed Kodachadri with a few other places to suffice the days we had. We covered Bangalore-Sagara-Sigandoor-Kollur-Kodachadri-Byndoor-Murudeshwar-Gokarna circuit. The second part was quite tiring and we struggled a bit because of the weather and the travel part...

Our journey: 25th 26th April 2008 – Took off from Bangalore by the Kollur bus (those who plan to go to kodachadri directly can board this bus and get down at the Karakatte gate - one of the gateways for the trek), which leaves razor sharp at 8:30pm from the KBS. Reached Shimoga somewhere early dawn, got into a hotel with influence for the morning duties and left for Sagara to head towards Sigandoor, which was our planned destination. Private buses rule in this part of the state and they are very dependable and convenient. Sigandoor is around 35 kms from Sagara town wherein you need to ride on a launch (Crossing the river on a launch with the bus, cars bikes and people on board) and further ahead can reach Kollur via Nittur. The launch ride was itself an experience with the surprise that such mode of transport still exists.

 

 

(1)early moring at Shivamogga ..... (2) posing at the now defunct sagara railway station....

 

 

on the way to sigandoor... (below).. the launch ride....

 

 

(below)... disembarking from the joy ride; (2)the sigandoor temple....

 

(below).. the kollur bus stand; (2)posing at byndoor beach....

 

27th April 2008: The D-day... There are 4-5 trekking routes to reach Kodachadri in addition to the jeep track. Advised not to take the jeep ride unless you have strong backs and are lazy enough not to trek up. The experience, excitement, freshness added with the opportunity to view nature at its best is only when you trek and not in the tiresome jeep ride. We started off at 6.15 from Kollur, 15mts delay from our scheduled departure, had a quick breakfast (eventually missed the 6:15 bus) and managed to reach Karakatte gate(our starting point) at 7:10 after paying 200 Rs for the auto ride of around 20kms in the ghat section. There is no gate as such but only a wide mud path, which is to the left when coming from Sagara, which is known as Karakatte gate. From here the peak is about 10 kms, the first 4.5kms on an almost straight wide path ending up near the mallu hotel “Hotel Santhosh”. This is the pit stop for all trekkers passing by where idlis and puttus are available to regain your lost energy because the trek ahead is completely uphill and quite straining for lazy people like us. We reached here at 8:40, a good 90 minutes from the start; it was a nice walk amidst the forest with only the buzz of insects and the chirping of birds to accompany you. With a rest of 40 minutes, with our batteries recharged we started off from there with no idea of what lay ahead but with lots of zeal and enthusiasm to conquer the beautiful peak which lay around 5.5 kms ahead...

 

(1)warming up...notice my juttu.. (2)... ready..steady..go... at the karakatte gate...

 

 

(1)take a break...; (2)posing yo yo guys...; (3)the terrible foursome....

 

(1)long way to go... (2).. at the mallu hotel santhosh.....

 

 

(1)mouth watering idlis & puttus..; (2)a view of the valley as we ascend...; (3)tired ???

The wide jeep track, which we took till now suddenly turned into a serpentine narrow path ahead of this hotel and the ascent, starts from here. In this trek, follow the straight path ahead and you will surely reach the top, don’t take diversions unless you are sure of it. We went ahead passing through dense jungle and suddenly on to bare stretch and again through the foothill of thick forests and again through a bald patch of a hillock, it goes this way as almost you trek through 3-4 smaller hillocks with mesmerizing scenes of the kollur forest range all around you. You can spot the guesthouse from quite a distance, but it’s not as close as it appears. The trek through the forests is quite exciting and frightening sometimes when you suddenly hear growls around; the ideal way is to trek as a group not letting anyone stray away. As it was summer, it was dry around and with no leeches around; still the pale green hillocks offer a soothing scene for us people who are getting used to see no greens at all in Bangalore.

 

 

(1)posing for a shot; (2)see the valley behind; (3)the much needed pit stop.....

At a place where we were exhausted and tired and were about to breakdown, we suddenly spotted a makeshift shop where the person was selling juices and cucumber for the trekkers. It was rather surprising at this place, somewhere in the dense jungle, with hardly few people coming by, made us realize what all people do to earn a living. From this point, the guesthouse is around 30 minutes trek, but we went ahead lazily and casually stopping even for a dance in between with those heavy sacks just in excitement, as we were almost near the peak. Finally after almost 3.5 hours of exciting, entertaining, frightening, water dripping, exhausting trek, we reached the guesthouse, which is the base of the peak. Here there are few bhattara manes and also the guesthouse where you get accommodation as well as food. Half the mission accomplished.. what was a dream just hours ago was achieved and we couldn't believe ourselves that we were really atop the pristine Kodachadri...

 

 

(1)the guest house atop; (2)We did it mate....... ; (3)its just 2pm and the cloud cover.. truly amazing...

It was a bright sunny afternoon and the skies were clear and suddenly at around 2 pm, thick clouds engulfed the sky and the sun was shadowed completely, this hide and seek continued almost till the evening when it was time for us to trek to the peak for the sunset. A 30 minutes trek (the mindblowing valley view..) to the ultimate peak at the right side from behind the guesthouse passing by the ganesh guha, walking amidst the clouds blowing directly onto you (the cool breeze of the clouds is best experienced and not described) the shankara peeta can be spotted with the background of beautiful clouds and the golden sun setting up for a beautiful photo shoot (THE best sunset i have ever witnessed)....

 

 

 

(1)ganesh guha; (2)on the way to shankara peetam; (3)the sunset magic unfolds.....

The thick blanket of snow white clouds huddled together with the golden rays falling on them and topped up with the cool breeze and the calm surroundings makes you feel ecstatic and the scenery mesmerizing. Sitting on the rocks watching the sun go down, with the cool breeze is itself rejuvenating and exhilarating making you forget all your city blues. Chitramoola and Agastya theetha (a small waterfalls with leeches) are the places around which we could not trek due to lack of time. We came back on a slightly different route, but fast paced with the help of a high beam torch we had to the guest house, gobbled up what was served for dinner, chatted for quite some time sitting in the cool breeze and finally laid down and almost everyone dozed off instantly after an exciting day and mind load of memories to cherish.

 

 

the pictures tell it all...........................

 

 

 

28th April 2008: We planned to catch the sunrise atop another peak, but being lazy enough, got up only at 6:30 and lo behold the sight outside was awesome - zero visibility, thick fog cover and forget the sun, nothing could be seen. Still we started our trek to the opposite peak of shankara peeta where supposedly the sunrise had to be seen. Halfway through we were lost because of the fog cover, forgot where we had seen the route the previous evening and just stood still with no idea of where to go and hardly could see anything leave alone the peak. Luckily a strong breeze cleared the fog cover for us and the route became visible and we just followed the path, sometimes the path wading ahead at the edge of the cliff with only the fog blanket which could be seen below. Atop the peak, with only fog-covered landscape to see accompanied by strong winds, it was time again to dance and cheer with the gaalipata song playing in the background aloud to express our excitement and happiness.

 

 

(1)na nai na na nai !!!; (2)poor visibility.. foggy morning... Back to the guesthouse and after having the breakfast we moved ahead next to the peak where supposedly shots of the movie Gaalipata were filmed. The peak is itself a treat to the sore eyes covered by small green plants presenting you a green blanket with a background of a thick green forest covered hill to one side and a beautiful valley on the other side.

 

 (1)the peak; (2)the valley view; 

We started back by 12pm with a promise of coming back here again and again more rather as and when time permits, to rejuvenate ourselves, find solitude and to rediscover oneself amidst the nature. It took us almost 3 hours to (with the customary break at hotel santhosh) descend savouring the beauty of the hills and wading goodbye to them to reach the main road (karakatte gate) at around 3:15. We had to camp on the roadside for the next 2 hours as we had missed the bus at 3 which went off early at 2:45pm. So utilized the time effectively once again dancing away and playing with the amused stares of the passer bys encouraging us all the more. Thus ended our most memorable trek coupled with a few more first experiences and memories to cherish forever... Hail Kodachadri !!!

The only thing that haunted us was the disposal of plastics near the guesthouse as well as the shankara peeta, why are people so callous towards nature even in such a place? Also alarming was the no of people who undertake the risky jeep ride... ??? and when we came back, the place was crowded with jeeps all around confusing us whether did we descend directly into Bangalore or what !!!!

 

(1)dump of plastics; (2)the board telling the history of kodachadri; (3)the numerous jeeps lined up near the bhattara mane......

 

 

(1)bye bye kodachadri; (2)long wait for the bus at the karakatte gate....

Came back to kollur, made the customary visit to the mookambika temple and rested for the day... Still the feeling of conquering Kodachadri was sinking in...

29th April 2008: After a good mosquito night's sleep, woke up and left kollur by 10am to cover murudeshwar and gokarna for the day and return back to our place by the night sleeper coach of vrl from gokarna. The travel turned out to be quite hectic and with the sun blazing hot along the coastline, showed no mercy on us (2 days.. two sides of extreme temperature was felt).... After visiting this, finally left for bangalore from gokarna after 4 days of travel with loads of memories and lots of fresh zeal and enthusiasm to carry on our mundane jobs left behind !!!

Tips: Trek route: We took the karakatte route as this was the most publicised on the net. There are also routes form Kodachadri cross and Nagara. Al routes converge near the mallu hotel. Distance: rather time: Approximately 4 hours even for the laziest bums... Carry light baggage, lots of water and fruits, avoid oily snacks and NO PLASTICS please. High beam torches and sufficient battery backup for the cameras as electricity is only for 2 hours in the night at the guesthouse.

Accomodation: available at the govt. guesthouse as also the few bhattara mane's present there. guest house contact person: Mr. Rajendra - tel no: 092428 92299; 08185 290368 atop kodachadri.

Bus: Direct bus from bangalore to Kollur at 8:30pm everyday, get down at Karakatte gate. Time to visit: All round the year, but avoid peak monsoons. Surf the net and you will get loads of information. Happy Trekking! The team: Nagaraj, Siddesh, Gururaj and Santosh.

Care for the nature and the nature cares for you!