Trekking in the monsoons
Thursday, August 23, 2007


Trekking through the ever green jungles of the Brahmagiri mountains

So, you are all set to hit the mountains when it pours heavier than cats and dogs? The mountains of the Sahyadris, or the Western Ghats, as they are more popularly known as, adorn their verdant most costumes during the months of monsoon and, although some might argue otherwise, they make for some really memorable treks. If you don't mind roughing it out a little bit to see the Ghats at its best, then take a look at a few suggestions. Being in Bangalore, you are never more than an overnight’s journey away from any of these beautiful places:

1. Karnataka’s highest: The Mullayanagiri, Chikmagalur. Well, the highest mountain of the state is definitely not the toughest one to climb. The trek begins at 'Sarpahaadi' on the Chikmagalur-Bababudangiri road. It’s a short trek of 3 hours that takes you to the top of the world (ok, the state)! There is a temple at the top and you could request a halt at the priest’s quarters for the night. The winds are strong, the temperature is cold but the sights will just take your breath away.

2. Rockets in the jungle?: Yana, Uttara Kannada. The giant rock formations that mock the man made rockets were first made famous (rather regrettably) by the Kannada movie "Nammoora Mandara Hoove". A local bus from the town of Kumta takes to the starting point of the route. The trek is mostly on flat ground and you can stay at the little temple nestled at the base of the rocks.

3. A sage on the hill: Kodchadri, Shimoga. A tougher trek than the others, but the route is no less scenic. The trek starts a few km off the temple town of Kollur. The high point is the view of the Arabian Sea from one of the kerbs on the way to the mountain top, on a clear day of course. There is a Bhatta’s house near the top and he can take care of your food. There is a govt inspection bungalow too, up there.


Archives

August 2007   September 2007   October 2007   February 2008   March 2008   April 2008   June 2008   August 2008  

Subscribe to Posts [Atom]