Nestled in the western ghats, Kodachadri hills offers one of the best trekking experience in Karnataka. As this trek was my first of its kind experience , I was both excited but also nervous at the same time for the trek . It was a spur of a moment decision where we(including 3 of my friends and myself) booked only on the day of the travel.(Thankfully there was space for the 4 of us!)
This was also my first experience with GetBeyondimits and I absolutely loved it. Our journey started from Madiwala,Bangalore at around 10 pm. Total distance covered during the journey was approximately 400 kms. By the time we reached the homestay it was around 7 pm. All of us had to freshen up quickly in order to start trekking by 9 am.There were totally 4 outdoor leaders who accompanied us from GetBeyondimits.
HomeStay
As you can see from the above images, the homestay was very traveller friendly with multiple rooms and washrooms. The hosts were very sweet and prompt i.e by the time everyone got prepped to travel, they were ready with the breakfast along with the packed lunches.
Day 1: Trekking
Total trekking distance: 14 kms
Time Taken : 7 hrs (Including breaks)
Difficulty: Moderate (Though it is challenging in monsoon,as it will become slippery)
As we were getting ready to leave the homestay, we were given the unique opportunity to volunteer for the Project Green undertaken by the GetBeyondLimits team. It is basically collection of the garbage found during our trek and we were very happy and grateful for the opportunity.
Word of advice: According to me winter season is the best time for this trek i.e you do not have to worry about the heat during the summer season and the rain and leeches that you would have to look out for in winter.(Not to mention the risk of cancellation of the trek as a whole)
Every trek is different in its own way with respect to the path,the level of difficulty and the scenic views that you get to see and perceive, but more so with respect to the people you meet and the conversations you have.I have had a beautiful journey throughout the trek with interesting conversations varying between my friends,the outdoor partners as well as the other trekkers.
The trek was of moderate difficulty level with short breaks at the Hidlumane falls,for lunch and at the Sarvajna peetha on the peak.During the return journey, we did not trek the whole way back to the homestay but the travel partners arranged for a jeep ride. Well, who does not like a off roading ride?? I had as much fun in the jeep as the trek!
By the time we reached back it was night fall. We freshened up,had dinner and settled under the stars with campfire by our side. We entertained ourselves for a while with mimicry and dumb charades and retired to our allocated rooms with sleeping bags for the night!
Day 2: Shivappa Naik's Fort-Bangalore
The plan for the next day was to visit the Nagara Fort before we head to Bangalore. So, after getting ready and having breakfast at the homestay,we bid farewell to the hosts and set off to visit the fort. The Nagara fort (AKA Shivappa Naik fort) is located about 2o kms from the homestay.
Apart from the wall surrounding the fort, it is mostly ruins that you see here. A short hike inside will take you to the highest point where you can see the 360 degree view of the surrounding area.From the top, one can spot the Sharavathi river that flows through the town. We spent a lot of time clicking some fun pictures before beginning our return journey back.
Even during the return bus journey we had a lot of fun playing all sorts of games we could think of, with music playing in the background. It is fascinating to note how people can easily mingle even though they have known each other only for a short while. On this thought I would like to bid goodbye.
Challenge yourself and see what the world has to offer each time you travel!