Trek to Western Ghat trail 1-Kanchikallu Gudda and Anshi Evergreen Forest

This trek was greatly motivated by the article published in Deccan Herald written by  traveller and photographer Mr. Prakash B V. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/274573/shades-blue-green.html
This article provided me sufficient fuel  in constant search of wilderness.
The Place:

Kanchikallu Gudda is a hillock in the forest range of Gund, 30 KMs from Dandeli. The hilltop offers a fabulous view of the blue and wide Kali river surrounded by chains of hills with a blanket of green. These trails and destinations are hardly known, which is why the area has still remained virgin. With the Kali river flowing through alarge part of Uttara Kannada district, the forests here are teeming with wildlife. It is not very difficult to trek through seven kilometres to reach the Gudda.
Anshi National Park has the distinction of being the only national park in Asia where Black Panther can be seen in its natural habitat. For animal lovers who wish to seek adventure amidst dense forests, scenic beauty and some rare species of birds and animals, Anshi National Park is the perfect place to be. The rich flora and fauna of the place, the steep climbs and the rugged terrain make it an ideal adventure destination for trekking lovers.

Trekking Trails around Dandeli and Anshi Forest

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Clicks Of 2012

The final 12 out of around 30+ entries from different participants which they took during different events organized by Bangalore Ascenders.
The complete set has been published in,
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.494972100542152.106720.118321651540534&type=3
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/sets/72157632578353610/

Included those in its order,

#1: Underground Shiva Temple

Entry id: clicks2012-21
Image By: Madhav Jois
Location: Underground Shiva Temple, Hampi
Description: Stagnent water gave great reflection of the temple. Waited till everybody had left and the water to get still. Fortunate to capture this image.
Event Name: Hampi - Trip to Vijayanagara Samrajya
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8402532850/in/set-72157632578353610
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972527208776
#2: Muthanga, Waynad

Entry id: clicks2012-26
Image By: Jinu John
Location: Muthanga, Waynad
Description: Morning we stopped for tea and the fields litted up by sunlight.
Event Name: Treknic with PJ group to Waynad in Kerala:Treknic7_Jan-14-15-2012
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8402537792/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972570542105
#3: January Dawn

Entry id: clicks2012-27
Image By: Santhi Sree Aluru
Location: Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, Shimoga
Description: A Golden January Dawn with birds...Come back soon...! that is what the Bee Eater says.
Event Name: Wild_Ride/1: Agumbe Trek - Jan21st and 22nd January 2012.
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8402541096/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972620542100
#4: Bee Eater

Entry id: clicks2012-29
Image By: Padmakar Reddy
Location: Hampi
Description: Bee eater found by the tunga bhadra river bed.
Event Name: Hampi – The Kingdom of Vijayanagara
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8401453479/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972727208756
#5: Kudhremukha Lush Green

Entry id: clicks2012-2
Image By: Sreeraj PS
Location: Kudremukh
Description: 360d lush green view, at mid way to Kudremukh.
Event Name: Trek the Horse Face - go wild in Kudhremukha :Wild5_Sep_8_9_2012
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8401420249/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972143875481
#6: Goechala Trek, Sikkim , Oct 2012

Entry id: clicks2012-19
Image By: Girish NL
Location: Dzongri Top, Sikkim
Description: Into the Clouds...
Event Name: Goechala Trek, Sikkim , Oct 2012
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8401440257/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972433875452
#7: Sunrise captured while on the trek to reach Kumara Parvata Peak

Entry id: clicks2012-28
Image By: Santhosh Kumar BVSRK
Location: Kumara Parvata
Description: Sunrise captured while on the trek to reach Kumara Parvata Peak
Event Name: Trekking to Kumara Parvata - KP/8 - 8th & 9th December 2012
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8401453397/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972673875428
#8: Pangong Lake

Entry id: clicks2012-20
Image By: Girish Motwani
Location: Pangong lake, changthang, Ladakh
Description: This pic was taken during our cycle ride along pangong lake while going from Spangmik to Maan.
Event Name: Himalayan Cycling Expedition in Leh-Ladakh-Nubra Valley on July 4th to 20th 2012
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8402531176/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972470542115
#9: This is the view from Shesha parvatha.

Entry id: clicks2012-17
Image By: P Devendra Reddy
Location: Shesha Parvatha
Description: This is the view from Shesha parvatha.
Event Name: Trekking to Kumara Parvata - KP/8 - 8th & 9th December 2012
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8402547042/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972343875461
#10: Green Velvet

Entry id: clicks2012-4
Image By: Aniruddha Gupte
Location: Kudremukh
Description: Kudremukh national park in the Western Ghats of Karnataka offers one of the longest expanses of protected shola forests in the country. It is little wonder that this place holds a rich array of flora and fauna and is soon to be declared a tiger reserve.
Event Name: Trek the Horse Face - go wild in Kudhremukha :Wild5_Sep_8_9_2012
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8401429747/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972187208810
#11: Green & Red bloods in true spirit of exploration..

Entry id: clicks2012-11
Image By: Vishwas Krishnamurthy
Location: Near the peak of Kumaraparvatha from Beedahalli side
Description: "Green & Red bloods in true spirit of exploration.."
Event Name: One day trek to Kumara Parvatha: KP/6_July-8th-2012
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8402528656/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972263875469
#12: Endless pretty paths.. endless talks..

Entry id: clicks2012-6
Image By: Krutika Suchak
Location: Kemmangundi ( on the way to Hebbe falls)
Description: Endless pretty paths.. endless talks..
Endless beauty of nature .. and what else wants.. !!
Event Name: Trek to Mullayanagiri, Kemmangundi and Hebbes falls
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bangaloreascenders/8401433311/in/set-72157632578353610/
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494972220542140Here are images from 2011: Clicks of 2011

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Trek to Bhagamandala Forest

This trek was motivated by Nitin's blog i.e. http://questsofavagabond.blogspot.in/2009/08/nadumale.html
This was my first trek organized through BASC.

Place: Bagamandala is a village situated at a distance of 24 miles to the west of Madikeri and connected with it by a good all-weather motorable road. Bhagamandala is the name well known to every pious Hindu. It is here that the sacred rivers, the Cauvery and teh Kannike meet. Tradition has it that Sujyothi, a subterranean stream, joins these rivers here. Hence the place is popularly known as "Trivini Sangama". Madikeri is around 250 kms from Bangalore.

Plan: Our plan was to start the trek from Talacauvery towards Nadumale, night halt at Nadumale, (13kms trek). Next day trek towards Kanoor side (11 to 12kms trek)  and exit. But the actual trek went through a different route after we begun the trek from Talacauvery.
The team: Srivatsa, Devendra, Ramkumar, Anoop, Niranjan, Manoj, Sudhir, Girish, the Gujju, Deepak Jain, Deepak HK, Tulasi GV and myself.
We started from Bangalore on 21st Dec night.
22nd Dec: We reached Bagamandala by early morning 4:30-5 O clock. It was little chilly and quite dark. Somehow we found out the range office and parked our vehicle there. No one was ready to get out of the vehicle as it was quite cold. Soon we finished our breakfast at nearby hotel, packed our lunch and bought all the necessary raw materials for preparing dinner. Thanks a lot to Tulasi, Niru and Deepak HK for assisting me. A special thanks to Tulasi for giving us a perfect idea of the raw materials. It was 8:30 AM, me and Deepak HK went to forest office. I was in constant touch with the RFO Mr. Uthhappa. We paid the trekking fee and the guide fee and left the forest office. The TT got jam packed as the RFO sent two guides named Jayaprakash & Ayyapa. Soon we reached Talacauvery. In a jiffy, we prepared ourselves to begin the trek.

I was very happy that finally we got on to this trek. The RFO told us that this trek goes though jeep trail inside the thick forest. But alas, when we started the trek it was totally jeep track and no forest coverage at all. Everybody got completely crazy when the guide told us that, the entire route till Nadumale is just the same.

Whats the fun walking on a jeep track under the scorching Sun. After a short discussion with the guides we decided to change our route. Now started moving towards Nishanibetta. And decided to night halt at forest staff quarter near Nishanibetta.

It was an 13-15 kms trek through steep ascent and descending through beautiful valleys of Bagamandala forest range. But we started getting forest coverage. By afternoon 2:30 or so we finished out lunch near a very thin stream. After finishing their lunch, Jayprakash and Ayappa went fetch water for us. Because, the there was hardly any potable water where we took lunch. And the more steep climb was about to start.
 


 






And we reached the top of Nishanibetta. Everybody was totally exhausted by the time we reached the peak. It was really breath taking view from the peak. We spent time taking short nap, some of us with sound too. Also photo session went on for long time with Ramkumar giving different poses and asking people for different poses too. Soon we stared descending towards the staff quarters. 

We cooked nice tomato rice for dinner. Everyone volunteered.

And after filling our stomach we retired for the day. The place we camped, was really awesome and adventurous too. The forest staff at the quarter told us that, few week back a dog was preyed by a tiger. And on the same night (when we were camping) an elephant ruined the banana cultivation close by. But fortunately our camping went on smoothly under the star studded beautiful sky.
23rd Dec: Bell rang at 5 AM, no one responded. Ramkumar got up and tried to  make everyone get up. But all got into deep sleep again, deciding to get by 7.


After a quick breakfast we were ready to march.
2nd day was not pre-planned at all. And it was based on guide's suggestion. We trekked for 9 kms to reach a small stream towards a place call Kurudi (which is 15 kms fro the forest staff quarter). We did not go to Kurudi. We trekked total 18kms through the thick forest. It was trail and then continuous descent. While returning it was quite challenging. Few of us approached a nearby peak.
Next, shades of the beauty on the to a stream towards Kurudi.








Finally we reached the stream. The beauty untouched and mesmerizing. Any nature lover will fall in love. We finished our lunch and took rest.

And started the steep ascent.


And finally we reached back to the forest quarters at Nishanibetta Talamani by 4 PM.
By 5 PM we left the forest quarters and started walking on the jeep trail to reach the main road.



And we reached the tar road.
Written by: Pratap
Photographs: Ramkumar, Devendra and Pratap
Other photographs:
https://picasaweb.google.com/115917003604754420020/Nishane_betta?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3t6PO4pq2f6wE

https://plus.google.com/photos/101082794555209337338/albums/5825354998975075585

https://picasaweb.google.com/116690445567407539969/TalacaveriExplorationTrek?feat=email

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Trek to the Nandi hills

Nandi hills does not need any introduction its Bangalore own hill station. But hardly any might know that there is a trekking trial to the hills and only handful of them might have trekked this trial.

Among the selected 8 participants, only 5 turned up at the Bangalore railway station. We boarded Bangalore Chikballapura passenger train that departs at 8.40Am. There was another big group from BASC that was going to trek Bramagiri hills adjacent to Nandi hills. As we were approaching the Nandi station we could see both the Nandi and the Bramagiri hills at our left. It was a beautiful Saturday with a clear bluish sky. Finally we all alighted at Nandi station at about 10.30 Am. We the Nandi hills team hired an auto to Sultanpet, the trek starting point which is around 8kms from the station. The auto ride was good passing through small villages, watching people doing their every day chores. Took the drivers cell number and sent him asking him to be back at the same place by 3.30. The trek started with the customary introduction of participants.
 
The trial is a stone stairway used during the king’s regime and most of the trial is intact even now. The trail is shady with huge trees planted along and also has small mantapas at frequent intervals to rest. We started to ascend slowly discussing about trekking, photography and taking snaps of the trail and the birds. The stretch has good number of birds too. As we gained altitude we could see the surrounding peaks and the development (read real-estate) activities happening at the base of those hills was quite disappointing. Never the less we continued to ascend at leisure pace. The cool breeze blowing through my hair made me feel free like a bird. The sky was colorful blending with the surrounding landscapes. Finally after one and half hour we reached the back fort entrance, continued further to find a cave temple, the place was very cool with fresh air. Another couple of steps and we reached one of the Nandi hills attraction Tipu’s summer palace, here onwards we will be seen as tourists.

Bramagiri

team to arrive, finally got a call from them saying couple of them are way too behind while descending and they would not be able to catch the train in time. Anyways we boarded an empty coach of the train and said good bye to the deserted station. On the way calculated and settled the expenses of the trek. After few power naps we could see our train lugging into Bangalore railway station around 6Pm.

Information to the visitors:

Distance: Nandi hills is around 65 kms from Bangalore. How to reach:By own transport: Take Bangalore-Hydreabad highway, after Devanahalli bypass turn left at Nandi cross, drive straight till dead-end Karahalli cross, turn left and proceed further and then take the first right, you will end up at Nandi hills. There is ample parking space, cars are let till the Mayura hotel and charged Rs 80/car; bikes have to be parked at the main fort entrance.
By train: Take a Chikballapur passenger 8:40Am train, get down at Nandi station, hire a auto to Nandi hills. Return train is at 4:00Pm. Auto charge is around 100/head each way.What to see: Many tourist attractions as mentioned above. Recommended for trekking, macro & bird photography or just a relaxed outing.
Best time to visit:
Any time, winters will be a bit chilly. Early mornings and late evenings are foggy and chilly.Food: At hotel Mayura managed by KSTDC here the food available is lot better than the other KSTDC hotels. A ice-cream and coffee parlor is just beside this hotel. Also at the fort entrance (bustand) there are couple of small eateries.Accommodation: Hotel Mayura managed by KSTDC has 3 double rooms. Rooms have to be booked in advance. Click to Book.
Also the horticulture department of Karnataka has couple of guest houses (currently under renovation) for reservation contact. Things to remember: The main fort gate/s are closed at 6Pm (people who have reservations at hotel/guest-house are allowed inside till 8Pm) and reopens at 6Am so plan your travel as per above timings. Trekking solo or in a small group is unsafe. Do not litter and keep the place clean.
Cost: We spent around 200/head for a days trek.

Written by: Mudassar
Event organized by: Mudassar
Image Gallery: Mudassar

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Lepakshi and Veerapuram one day outing

Lepakshi is a small village, it is a famous place and a treasure trove for people interested in heritage, ancient architecture, pilgrimage, handicrafts, photography and much more. Lepakshi is very important historically and archaeologically. There are three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Virabhadra. The famous Veerabhadra temple, dedicated to Veerabhadra is located here. Built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, the temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar architectural style. It is famous for its sculptures, which were created by the artisans of Vijayanagara empire. A huge Nandi bull made out of a single granite stone is one of the attractions in Lepakshi. The place is renowned for being one of the best repository of mural paintings (see below) of the Vijayanagar Kings. Many old Kannada inscriptions dating back centuries can be seen on its walls. Legend has it that the Naga of the Nagalinga was carved out of a single stone by sculptors while they waited for their mother to prepare lunch.

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Kodachadri Trek , Hidlumane Falls and Arishinagundi falls

 Kodachadri Trek , Hidlumane  Falls and Arishinagundi falls

The Sahyadris – Its majestic quintessence

Conquering a decent stretch of the Sahyadris is one of the things in my to-do list for this year. And I decided to make it happen despite the odds. I had returned home three days before the trek, after several weeks of on-site work. I was drained out and dead. I pushed myself to prepare for the Friday night. I sighed in relief when I made it to the pickup point. A cute and enthu couple gave me company as we waited for the others to gather. Soon many eager trekkers joined us one after the other.

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Shivagange Trek

Almost 5 months in Bangalore and every weekend my feet would itch to go somewhere far. I had heard a lot about Bangalore ASCENDers but never got a chance to travel with them so far. The constant gush of mails from them about upcoming events make me long to go on a trek with this enthusiastic group very soon.

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Night Trek to Nijagal Betta

Even though I love to write my experience in Kannada this time I am writing it in English, since I organized this trek and some Non-Kannadigas were part of it.

About Nijagal Betta:“Nijagal Betta” which is situated in Bangalore -Tumkur Highway(NH-4) near to Dabaspet. Foot steps are there so it is very easy to climb. We Can reach the peak in 1 to 1½  hours.

Ruins have their own charm and historical importance and Nijagal Betta is one of those which is a proof of ruined Kingdom. It is with full of ruined caves, forts and temples.

A mid-seventeenth century fort, build by Chikkadevaraya Wadiyar, adorns this hillock. Here in Nijagal Betta, it’s believed that a war was fought between Hyder Ali and Peshwa Madhav Rao.

In Durgastamaana (kannada novel by T.R.Subbarao famous as ತ.ರ.ಸು) there is a mention about Nijgal fort like how strong the fort was and how Chitradurga Paalegaara Madakari Nayaka who supported Hyder Ali acquired Nijgal Fort

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