At the outset, I start with pranams to Jagadguru His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal, the ruling and 36th Pontiff of Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetham for everyone’s welfare and continued prosperity.
Trek to Skandagiri hills – 19th Nov-2011
We ( Sundaresan, Srinivas and Prashanth) planned our next trek to Skandagiri hills. This time, we decided to try our hand on a difficult trek and chose Skandgiri. Our objective was clearly to achieve good speed in climbing on a difficult mountain terrain and reaching the summit with short stops for rest. (of course, not compromising on safety) . Scenic photographs may be missing in this blog edition!
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| Skandagiri betta |
Skandgiri is about 70 Kms from Bangalore and and one point of time served as a hill fortress of Tippu Sultan and before him a local chieftain. This is part of the Nandi hill ranges and stands top most on the scenic view. We started from Bangalore at 5:00 AM and reached Skandgiri by 6:10 AM.
After parking our vehicle on the base of the temple, we decided to take the difficult route to the top of the hills. ( There are 2 routes from the base). As we wanted to clock some good speed and have adventure, we choose the difficult route ( one towards the left of the temple) wherein the terrain is more steeper and challenging.
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| Paths of Glory : The route we took |
We started our climb with a small prayer and slowly but steadily started our ascent. With just about 20 mins of climb, we saw breath taking view of the village below disappear in a ocean of white milky clouds. . A picture perfect setting created by nature!
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| Village covered by White Milky clouds |
On the way, we saw the Sunrise and proceeded further.
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| Sunrsie - As viewed from the 200m from the base of hills |
All through the climb, the top of the hill is visible. We divided the climb into 5 stages and every time we have completed ascending a small hill the next one unfolds herself and invites you to conquer her. On the way a couple of shelters erected (probably used as watch towers by the erstwhile rulers) can be prominently seen. Do take care not to disturb them or lean on them, as these structures are completely worn out with the ravages of time and weather.
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| The Pathway to the Summit ! |
We reached the top within 1 hr and 35 mins. Definitely, we have clocked good speed considering the average!!. On reaching the top, one can still the remnants of the old forts in dilapidated condition. On the top an old temple constructed out of stone slabs still stands guard.
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| Nature @ her best : A View from the top |
The scenic view from the top of the hills was just enchantingly beautiful. After taking few photographs we started the descend.
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| On the Summit : L-R: Srinivas, Sundaresan and Prashanth |
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| Trying our hand at Photography: Spot the Moon behind !! |
On our way, we visited Muddennahalli village the birth place of the legendary Sir.M.Visweswaraih, one of the India's most accomplished engineers. We paid our homage to one of the leading sons of Indian soil. As we marveled and talked about his achievements, we were humbled by his simplicity and humility. The visit was definitely a nostalgic one
We left Bangalore by 5:00 AM and were back in Bangalore by 12:00 noon.
Some helpful tips for enthusiasts wanting to explore this place:
1) Skandagiri hills – 70 Kms from BLR on the Bellary highway. Take a left on the National highway and Proceed towards Nandi hills. At Karahalli junction take the Right turn (left turn goes to Nandi hills) towards Muddanahalli village and on reaching the village Muddanahalli take the route towards viallge Kalvarahalli…( Ask anybody Skandagiri and they will guide you)
2) There are 2 routes, for beginners and 1st timers the route towards the right of the temple and Mutt is recommended. The one towards left is recommended for experienced climbers.
3) Difficulty rating: Medium to moderately difficult. There are thorny bushes in many places and take care to cover yourself properly. In some stretches steps are carved in rocks to assist climbers
4) In Some places the mountain terrain is very steep and slippery. Ensure that you wear good shoes with proper grip.
5) If you plan to spend some time at the top, a wind sheeter will be handy as it would be very windy and chilly on the top.
6) It takes approximately 2hr and 30 mins from the foot of hills to reach the top.
7) If you are attempting night trekking, take the help of locals for assistance. Ensure that you bargain well on the fees demanded!
8) Park you Cars/Bike near the temple entrance. It is safe to park your vehicles here.
1 comment:
I see a real trekkers in you people... Grt ..... I will try :) :)
Rise early. Fix a time-table to which you must try to keep. One seldom regrets having made an early start, but one always regrets having set off too late; first for reasons of safety-the adage 'it is later than you think' is very true in the mountains-but also because of the strange beauty of the moment: the day comes to replace the night, the peaks gradually lighten, it is the hour of mystery but also of hope. Setting off by lantern-light, witnessing the birth of a new day as one climbs to meet the sun, this is a wonderful experience. (Gaston Rebuffat, from On Snow and Rock, 1959)
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