Beat the Heat... Trek to Nagalapuram East...

The summer & trekking does not go well for non-himalyan treks, except short one night hikings .. but as with anything , this also has exception.  Imagine in such scorching summers , you get to jump, swim, relax in water pools ,  (no not in any water resort) .. but in the crystal clear waters of natural water bodies , that too in forest, with fish cuddling your legs- spa treatment...  ouhhhh.. to live this imagination one must head to Nagalpuram ... nothing  less than heaven for poor souls affected by summer sadness :-)  

           

          I had  heard about this place a lot & decided to make it this time. So we around 22 folks, started to head towards this place on friday night, by two TTs, by old madras road.  After crossing Hoskote, had small break near CCD on highway , to have formal introduction round.  

          Nagalapuram town is situated around 270km  from Bangalore & it's about 40km from Puttur.  We reached around 6AM in Nagalapuram , where our guide Giri was waiting for us. Further we need to cover around 10kms & reach 'BeeraKupam'   starting point for this trek , its a small village. There is one more trek trail on western side of Nagalapuram , for which you need to start from 'Pichatur'  town, also situated close to Nagalapuram.  

          We had dosa/Idly in small eatery , which was awesome tasty.  After freshening up we were to ready for the trek.. common things were distributed among all. 

         The initial patch is very uninteresting barren land.  Since it is peak summer we could see temple, which otherwise remains submerged in heavy monsoon.  

                         

 

Le Le Le Le.. Selfie Le Le re :-)

..... 

We could sight 1st small water pool, after couple of kms & saw some local kids were having fun time. 

Curious

 'Happiness Personified'

From here we took right & entered the forest area. One of the problem with this trail is, though you are in forest area, you face hell lot of humidity & thereby sweating like pigs.. &  it makes you to get drenched as soon as you see waterpool :) .  As we proceeded further, we realized that few guys were very much behind & had taken different route & were communicated to follow correct route. So till they catch us, we utilized the time by drenching in nearby small waterpool, a refreshing break indeed. Unfortunately our group had 1st casualty here ..as Abhijit lost his wristwatch in the waters! .. The efforts to search it did not yield any results.  By this time the lost group, caught us & then we all started to trek cautiously to make sure nobody gets lost. 

            Further into 10-20 minutes of hiking & we were at the 1st major water pool, around 11am and we were ready to jump into the clear & deep waters.  

            Everybody had great time here diving from 10, 15, 30feets.. encouraging each other..  Indeed it took me a while to gather the courage to take that leap from ~30feets & the adrenaline rush that you experience, can't be penned down with words.  It is that one moment , one step decides whether you will be part of the thrilling jump or not.

                After enjoying in the waters for one hour or so, we had the lunch, which we had got packed from the eatery in village, in the morning.  With our stomach fool & minds refreshed, we proceeded further, The trail is easy in terms of trekking  & most of the times you walk by the side of water streams , under shadow of trees. After ascending one small patch of the hill , we were at the next water pool, called as 'magic pool', around 3pm.  & Its really a magic, as you can enjoy sliding in the water, on a naturally formed slider in the rock.  I have never seen such a awesome natural slider, taking you into deep waters further.  One can slide & swim across deep water & again come back from a adjacent rocks. 

             What a rejuvenating experience it was! Our guide Giri too joined us & showed his skills of diving from great heights.   

Sliding ...Magic Pool

            Around 5pm we started to wrap up, as we need to camp in nearby open area & cook the dinner before it becomes dark. Wood was gathered from a nearby area & ladies members took the charge of mountain top kitchen, as guys also helped in preparation of 'bisibele bhat'. 

Camping in Open 

'Bisibele Bhat.. in progress.. '

            Around 7pm we sat together making a circle, as Mr Rudra (A wild Folk :-).. as he calls himself) shared us the stories of his encounter with paranormal events. Btw Rudra is really wild guy .. climbing like Spiderman & though does not know proper swimming, easily taking dives  from great heights with life jacket.

            As everybody started feeling hungry, our taste buds were treated with delicious 'bisibele bhat'.. really it was one of the most awesome dinner in trekking.  Around 9:30 we spread out sleeping bags in open area, though it was difficult to sleep due to humidity.

            Next day woke up around 6:30AM. As we got freshened up, tasty maggi was prepared for breakfast. Around 9am we left the camp site near magic pool & descended the same route, which was climbed previous day.  After descend, took right , & trekked besides the pristine water streams for 2/3 kms & we were already at the 'dead end' pool. This pool is called so, because there is no way to cross it & trail ends here and only way is to swim across deep waters , to reach other side.  The exquisite setup of cool , pristine  water pool , surrounded by rocks of hill, was just irresistible.  No wonder our group took no time, to get  soaked in this nature's wonder.   

          As you swim beyond the huge rock , from a small opening beside it, you will be enthralled to see abysmal  beauty,  with you in the middle of deep waters & rocks of spiral patterns surrounding you almost from all sides. Nearby we got the full body water massage done, under the small but ferocious waterfall.  

'Dead End'..Pool

              We started to return around 11am, after enjoying the dives & swimming in this 'dead end' pool. (Btw , came to know that if you cross this dead end pool & trek further you can visit one more water pool known as 'picnic pool').   By 1pm we covered most of the distance on the return path. As sun was at the peak , we were really parched , with humidity making it worse. So took one more swimming break near small water pool & relaxed and had fun time there.  (Abhijit & some more guys took this opportunity to search for wrist watch, which was lost yesterday in nearby other water pool & today their hard work paid off ; as they could find the watch...!)

              We left this pool around 2:30 & headed back to base village where TTs were waiting for us. By the time we completed the trek , it was already 4pm. As we had missed the lunch,  everybody was feeling ravenous. But there was no facility in 'BeeraKupam' to satiate our hunger, at that time, so left that place & reached 'Pichatur' town on return way, where we had nice Andhra meal in local mess, around 6pm. Also, very close this eatery, enjoyed the beautiful sunset view against the backdrop of water dam, with sky filled with flocks of birds returning home;  it was one of the most memorable view.  Around 6:30pm we started return journey to Bangalore.

PC : Sushma Swamy.

            Well, show was not really ended yet. Courtesy to one of our group member, Kumar sir, who wholeheartedly sponsored the late night gala dinner in one of the roadside dhaba, where we stopped around 11pm.  There we had sumptuous meal followed by cake,ice-cream, sweets, juice etc... 

PC : Sushma Swamy
CC (cake credit :-)  ): Kumar 

We then left the dhaba around 12:30am & reached the Bangalore very early morning around 4am. 

          

Overall it was awesome break from routine, in the scorching summer, enjoying in nature's own water resort, with great trek-mates...!

  

Thanks For Reading.....!!

PS.: "22 female kottayam"- nice thriller Malayalam movie.. watched in TT during return journey.. :-)

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Madhugiri Fort ... A Deceptive yet pleasant Climb

After about two months after the jumbo Trek in Sahyadri's , I was eager to trek somewhere and decided to explore Madhugiri Fort , a trek organised by BAT (Bangalore Adventures group).                               

Madhugiri is a small town about 120 kms from Bangalore & about 44 km from Tumkur. & here this Madhugiri Fort (Kote) is situated.  This fort i.e. Madhugiri Hill or Madhugiri Betta is 2nd largest monolithic in Asia with a height of 3930 ft  ( Largest being the  Savandurga (4022ft)) and provides for a very good adventurous climb to the top.  It is said  to be build around 1678 during the reign of Raja Hera Gowda (as per google :-) ) , but is in a very  dilapidated state today due to negligence.

We were arond 14 people , gathered early morning near Majestic & started towards Madhugiri around 6AM , in three cars , via NH-4 Tumkur route.  As usual it happens in trekking, we all strangers started to get to know each as we started to chit-chat.  

Around 8, we stopped for breakfaat  at hotel 'Brindavan' on the highway & also had introduction round.  Lunch was packed here itself, as its difficult to any other decent hotel till Madhugiri. While having breakfast, one of the trek mate , Shashank shared his inspiring story of weight loss , through disciplined diet/routine. :-)

One need to take right turn after reaching  'Dobaspet',  to head towards Madhugiri via Korategere. (Alternatively you can go till Tumkur & then take right to drive to Madhugiri). We reached Madhugiri around 10 , the fort entrance is near to bus stand only. 

        

    

As we had 1st glance of the fort, it looked magnificent & beautiful , which added to our excitement of climb.  

There are many ruins of old structures/warehouses , entrances etc..which you can see till top.  The defensive wall which surrounds the fort ,is still in quite good condition.   

As you climb up, you will pass through multiple Entrances in regular intervals. Enjoying beautiful surroundings of Madhugiri town & nearby hills , we crossed few entrances.  

 

After that, climb become little bit steep & can be difficult for beginners in trekking.   There are iron railings at some places for support , but otherwise you need to rely on your own balancing & climbing skills :-)

It is so deceptive that, when you see next entrance from below , you will feel that is the top, but as you reach there, you realize there is still more to trek..  Thankfully sun was not much harsh, & there was wind to energize us. May be after crossing about 10+ entrances , finally we reached the top. 

 

There are remains of ancient temple & few water/grain storage structures... still pleasant to see & it was more than other hills nearby Bangalore , where you will hardly find only couple of small temples or nothing at top.  As it was already about 1pm , everyone was super hungry & so immediately had lunch. Again Shashank entertained us with his singing skills & then we started to climb down around 1:30.  Descend was relatively easy , still need to take care ; as at many places its exposing to steep fall. 

        

As we neared towards the base & thought that trek is over,  our leader Srinivas told us about the climax part of trek , & it was to explore one underground warehouse.  It is well hidden under bushes & had very small space to enter , it was small that you need to literally lie down & get yourself pushed into. But once you enter , you will be amazed to see the huge hall of approx  60X20 feets , having huge rock pillars. Looked like it was used for storing purposes.  After spending some time there, we came out of that mysterious underground hall & reached base around 3:30. 

As we had completely consumed all water we had carried, got our thirst satiated & freshened up in nearby eatery shop & also settled the expenses etc.. & then drove back to Bangalore...

Below are some of unique observations I could make about Madhugiri , compared to other hills around Bangalore..

- Though fort remains neglected, you have plenty of old structures to admire , instead of boring plain climb on rocky mountain.

- Though it is very near to town & it was weekend , still it was not crowded as such.

- There are No vendors along the way & top , of food/water... so no monkey menace.

Overall I would say ,  it is must visit historical & adventurous getaway , on weekend.

               

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Bewitching and captivating temples of Belur, Halebidu & Shravanabelagola

If you are planning for a pilgrimage with some sight seeing,  historic tour & want to admire the marvellous ancient temples then head to Hasan district in Karnataka.  
We left very early from Bangalore on a historic tour of Belur, Halebidu & Shravanabelagola.  We took exit from 'Magadi road' of Bangalore & joined the Bangalore-Mangalore highway near "Kunigal' . We just zoomed through the excellent Bangalore-Mangalore highway & reached our first destination Shravanabelagola around 8:30am , about 160km from Bangalore.  

Shravanabelagola is pilgrimage of utmost importance in Jain Religion.  We quickly checked into the accommodation provided by Digamber Jain temple trust (situated near bus stand). Temple management also  provides food  to devotees. 

After having quick breakfast we started to climb the 'vindhyagiri' peak-hillock around 10am,  where the colossal statue of lord 'Gomteshawara' is placed & is the main attraction of Shravanabelagola. There are around 700 steps carved into the rocks to ascend to top & shoes are not allowed to carry. So if its hot day, you should wear sox.

During the ascend route you encounter few temples like e.g.  "Trikut temple" which contains beautiful statues of three 'thirthankaras' (Jain Lords) namely Aadinath, Shantinath and Neminath

We also observed some inscriptions  carved into rocks of hill,  in 'kannada' in praise of God & kings , & it is protected with glass cover. There are many captivating carvings & structures on the route, showing various subjects. 


As we reached on top around 11:30 we took 'darshan' of gigantic statue of   lord 'Gomeeshawara' , which of 58-feet tall & It is considered to be the world's largest monolithic stone statue. Every twelve years, thousands of devotees throng here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the statue is poured with milk, curds, ghee, saffron etc..  

There are small statues of all 24 jain 'thirthankaras' around the statue of 'Gomteshawara'.  The temple premises has interesting structures & rock carvings & its worth time spending there. 






           We got down the hill around 2pm & had lunch & then headed to the room. After taking the rest for some time, we spent the evening strolling around the streets of town & visiting other small temples. 

           Next day we woke up early & climbed the smaller peak-hillock called has  "Chandragiri " , its quite easy compared to 'vindhyagiri'  hill , with only around maybe 200+ steps. It was pleasant climb, as the sun was not harsh. Here too you will find many beauitiful Jain temples of 'thirthankaras'  like 'Parshwanath' , 'Neminath'.  

You can clearly see the statue lord 'Gomteshawara' on 'vindhyagiri' peak , from here & it looks enthralling.

We got down from "Chandragiri " hill around 10am , checked-out the room & left Shravanabelagola , to head towards in the early capital of the 'Hoysala' Empire i.e. Belur.

               Belur is located about 82km from Shravanabelagola  & ~30km from 'Hasan'.  From Shravanabelagola  , we crossed 'Channarayapattana' &  reached 'Hasan'. But instead of entering into  'Hasan' city , went from outer road on Bangalore-Mangalore highway & directly went to belur road on State Highway 57 , to avoid city traffic.  As we reached belur it was about 1pm & it was quite hot .

              The 'Hoysala' empire was a prominent Southern Indian Kannadiga empire that ruled most of the  state of Karnataka between the 10th and the 14th centuries. The capital of the Hoysalas was initially located at Belur but was later moved to Halebidu. It is said that young man Sala, who saved his Jain guru Sudatta by killing a Lion he encountered near the temple of the Goddess Vasantika at 'Angadi', now called 'Sosevuru'. The word "strike" literally translates to "hoy" in Hale Kannada (Old Kannada), hence the name "Hoy-sala".  During the 'Hoysala' empire  many marvellous temples were built & architecture itself known as 'Hoysala' architecture.  The popular ones , which exhibit an amazing display of sculptural excellance, include the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at 'Halebidu'.

            The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakeshava temple , which contains the Chennakesava Temple (dedicated to Chennakeshava (Lord Vishnu) , meaning handsome Vishnu) as the centre piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple built by Shantaladevi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana.

 It is said that it took  around 103 years to complete this complete.  Inner sanctum of temple has intricate & bewitching carvings of various mythological figures & interesting patterns of design. The intricate design includes elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological episodes. Also the pillars are carved in very delicate manner.

   

                      

One of the common sculpture depicting 'sala' killing the Lion , is carved at multiple locations , not only at this keshava temple, but also in all temples built during 'Hoysala' , including one at 'Halebidu'. If you are really interested in history, you should hire guide , who explains every details of various sculptures. After spending around one and half hour in belur we left 'Belur' around 3:30pm & headed towards 'Halebidu' , which is around 15km from Belur.
                            We reached 'Halebidu' around 4:15.  The city got the name "Halebidu"  (literally "old city") because during the early 14th century, it was ransacked two times by the Muslim  invaders from northern India like  Malik Kafur.   The main attraction is  Hoysaleswara temple  dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. It was built during the rule of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The construction was started around 1120 CE and completed in 1150 CE. The temple has two shrines and two superstructures, one for "Hoysaleswara" (the king) and the other for "Shantaleswara" (named after Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana) and is built with Soapstone. 

There are two big Nandi statues in front of each shrine. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of depictions from Hindu mythology, animals, birds and shilabalikas or dancing figures. No two sculptures of the temple are the same. In all there are two hundred and forty such images/carvings.The intricate sculptures are found everywhere in temple premises , which leaves you spellbound. There is also beautiful garden in front of temple & its very tempting to spend time there particularly in evening.

There are few more attractions like Kedareswara temples and two Jain basadis(temples) , but we could not explore that. We left Halebidu around 6:30pm , enroute had dinner in Hasan and reached back Bangalore around 11:30 pm.

It really amazing , despite numerous attacks from outside invaders on India & each time they ruined the native monuments/temples , but still we have so much left & which is marvellous , beyond the description of words, so intricate & captivating. Its must visit to these temples , if you want to admire the grandeur of ancient India.

Note-

All temples in Belur, Halebidu & Shravanabelagola close by 6pm , so plan your visit accordingly.

Aadinath,Bahubali,Belur,Chennakeshava,Gomteshawara,Halebidu,Hoysala,Kedareswara,Neminath,Shantinath,Shravanabelagola.Hasan,

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