The pandemic claimed a lot from each one of us, including all our vacation plans, while also teaching us a lesson or a two in the process. As Albus Dumbledore once said "Happiness can be found even in the darkest times, only if one remembers to turn on the light". As for me, happiness came along with my new found love for trekking. I was surprised to learn how Karnataka has so much to offer to all trekkers, amateurs and professionals alike and I have been ignorant until 2020. Having done 3 weekend sunrise treks this year, I decided on my fourth solo trek to Kuntibetta with one of my regular and trusted Trek Operator, Namma Trip.
Kuntibetta in the Pandavpur village of the Mandya district of Karnataka is only 130kms away from Bangalore and 2800 ft. above sea level. Legends have it that Kunti and the Pandavas took refuge in these hills during their exile, hence the name.
We left (a group of strangers and I) from Bangalore around 11:30pm, stopping at various places picking up fellow trekkers. We comfortably reached the base around 3am dozing and drowsing along the way, after a 2 hour drive, freshened up and began our trek in the pitch of night. Be assured that there is a somewhat clean restroom at the base for all trekkers, incase you wondering.
Our trek leader Kumar, led the way into the thick woods and rocky steep terrain while we all followed like an obedient herd. All treks are time bound and it is imperative to keep moving and not waste time resting unless absolutely needed. The amazing part of such treks is that how strangers become a team and find strength in each other.
This trek was a fairly short (4-5 kms to and fro) and easy one, except a few tricky sections where one needs to be watchful of their footwork. In any trek it is advised you wear fully covered clothing to protect against any scratches from the wild bushes and shrubs.
In 1.15 hour (4:30am) we reached the flagged Kuntibetta peak. Given the early winter affair, the sunrise was predicted to be at 6:15am and we just decided to stargaze and lie down on the pokey boulders under the open sky. Gosh, what an experience! It was super windy and chilly and I am glad I went all prepared with my woolens. There were few who suffered because they thought they could beat the dropping temperatures at the peak without a warm covering. Boys, I tell you!
And finally after having waited with bated breath it was time for sunrise. To our misfortune, the miserable cloudy and foggy morning crushed our hopes of a glorious sunrise, but nonetheless the view from the top was breathtaking enough to make up for the disappoinment. Trekking has taught me to believe and appreciate the journey more than the destination.
After a satisfactory photography session it was time to descend. While you are at the top and resting, please ensure to fuel your self with energy bars and juices because climbing down will need more strength than you required while trekking up. Descending was definitely not as easy as the climb, it took a toll on our knees and thighs. However, in your struggle down, don't forget to take a moment and look around and soak in all that nature has to offer. The view along the trail is unmissable.
The trek finally concluded at the base which is actually an old Ganpati temple premise. This ancient temple and it's surrounding appeared to bear testimony of time and thousands of spirited trekkers.
The drive back in the daylight was equally scenic. We crossed acres and acres of Sugarcane fields with a cloudy overcast. While I had seen Sugarcane crops in the past, I witnessed beautiful sugarcane blooms for the first time. If you are planning a trek around the winters here, be sure to catch a glimpse of the vast expanse of pink prettiness along the Mandya and Ramanagara highway.
Hoping you trek soon and unearth the inner happiness like I did. ❤️
