Huthridurga Trek : When wet and misty

 

Location: Huthridurga

Date: Dec 10th, 2022

To get there: From Bangalore, go on Tumkur Road, and take the left to Hassan/Mangalore at Nelamangala. Take a deviation towards Hutridurga before you reach Kunigal.

Distance: Apprx 80km. 

Trail type: We were able to do only about a kilometer to the abandoned temple. This part had manually cut steps on the rock with railings for the most part. Rest was easy to walk trails with man-made or organized steps. The final part was a bit steep but still fairly easy.

Facilities: There is a temple with plenty of paid parking hosted by the family staying there. We paid 50rs for our car. Small shops in the village nearby.

Map: Trek Start point 

This was one of those constantly talked about but always postponed plans with our Saturday basketball group. Finally, only 4 of us managed to shake off scheduling conflicts and ignore weather predictions (rainy!) and gathered at my house near Thalagattapura around 7am. We carpooled and started off promptly under misty, cloudy, and intermittent drizzle, with rain gear and snacks!

The drive was comfortable on mostly NH roads except for the last 10 or so kilometers. The trek start point is just past a village temple which also provides ample parking space. The family there maintains that and charges a nominal fee to leave your car. Since it was already close to 9am we chose to eat up some of the food we had bought then itself before heading out. I chose to leave my camera behind because of the weather and the threat of heavy rains later. Therefore, our photo shoots had to be with the mid to high-end cell cameras that all of us carried.

So, it was in uncomfortable ponchos and bulky rain jackets that we started up the paved path toward the hills of Hutridurga. However, the ethereal look of the hills shrouded in mist and clouds at the top, wet paths, and washed clean nature more than compensated for the dreary weather. We trudged up the sloping rocks with cut steps with a lot of expectations and energy. Bird watching was minimal with most IDs by calls and little visual activity by Sunbirds, Munias. 

The views were spectacular as we progressed at a very leisurely pace.  Even at 10am, we were the only ones trekking up, understandable as ours was the first car parked and the weather was still poor. It made the trek experience that much more special and personal with invariable photo shoots every 10 steps or so!

After about a kilometer, we reached an abandoned temple structure to the right of the path perched on the edge of the hill. It had a small Kalyani with water. We chose to stop here and go through the rest of our snacks. The place was isolated at that time with spectacular views all around. We stayed there for almost 30 mins, just munching on food, chatting, and catching up with nostalgic, often hilarious stories mostly from our school and college days.

As the weather still did not clear and the higher reaches of the hills remained shrouded in clouds/mist, we decided to climb down and head back. This time we encountered several parties making their way up including a large trek group. Better late than never, I guess. 

We were back at the trailhead by 11am and enjoyed a "productive" photo shoot with the weather clearing a bit and the trail and hills giving us wonderful clean backgrounds. Shortly thereafter, we were back in the car and planning a much-deserved (or not!) lunch self-treat!

As always, when on a trek anywhere, take only memories and photos and leave behind only your footprints. Avoid disposing of all kinds of trash.

Click here for more images.

Ebird Checklist

Return to Hutridurga on 21st Jan 2023

I returned to Hutridurga with a larger group and better weather. This time we reached around 9am after stopping for breakfast at Paakshala@solur on the Mangalore highway. As the weather was good and it was a saturday, we found out just how popular this trek was. Parking was almost full with more cars parked outside the village. The climb until the Temple point was still good though not as scenic. We stopped for 10 mins at this place to rest and continued along the path for another half kilometer or so where we came upon a nice flat area of the peak, which turned out to be an excellent spot for picnic and views. We relaxed here for almost 30 mins with various photo shoot attempts before heading back. Reached the parking place before 12 noon and headed back to Bangalore.

Birding was very poor because of the time of day and lack of focus. However we were lucky to spot the vulnerable Yellow-throated Bulbul and a pair of Egyptian vultures.

Click here for more images.

Ebird Checklist

Backdoor Climb to Nandi Hills

Location: Nandi Hills

To get there: From Bangalore towards Hyderabad past the airport

Distance: Apprx 50km. 

Date: 2nd July 2022

Trail type: Mostly (90%) manually created stone steps.

Facilities: Some roadside eateries at the trailhead where you can park also.

Map: Start point 

I had never really trekked up Nandi Hills in the numerous times I have gone there since my early childhood. We always drove up and if it was for birding we would just stop along the way at suitable birding points and do most of the wonderful Nandi birding at the top like we did on this trip in 2009. However, this time when a friend invited me to come along on a trek to reach the top via a backside trail, it was quite intriguing and I tagged along eagerly. 

We reached the start point around 6.30am. The trailhead has some parking along the road leading up to it. A lot of vendors selling the usual roadside snacks, if you are up for it, are set up here. We had our packed breakfast and chose to start out without any delay. However, kids had their own schedule and we stopped within 15mins for our first round of treats! There are plenty of spots along the way to stop, take in the views, and have a picnic. We did that around 45 mins into the trek. The trail itself is not very long and we reached the top near the Nursery or Temple pond area in just over an hour. We then spent an hour there taking the bus to the Tipu Drop Point and then back. Climbing down was uneventful and quick and we were back in our cars by 9.30 heading back to Bangalore.

Overall an easy climb that you can do as an alternative to going by the busy main road to Nandi Hills and you get some great views and a workout as a bonus! Briding was very poor as the weather was cloudy and rainy some of the time. 

As always, take only pictures and leave only footprints. Do not leave behind any trash on the trails.

Challenging climb for the views

Structure at the top

Location: Skandagiri Peak, Chikkaballapura
To get there: From Bangalore towards Hyderabad past the airport
Distance: Apprx 60km. 
Trail type: Easy hard mud, Rocky with some boulders.
Facilities: Toilets, Forest guards
Map: Skandagiri Peak Start point 

Date: Sep 19th, 2022

We planned this trek as preparation for our Sandakphu trek in the Himalayas. It fitted the requirement as it was moderate, close by, and required some climbing and effort testing our fitness levels. The trek can be done only by booking with the Karnataka Eco Tourism who will give permission to take the trail as well as provide a guide to the top.

Facilities at the start point

On the trail

Our group of 12 across 4 families, met at the parking place, Papagni Mutt where there is ample organized parking place. However, it was quite full on the day we went, so better to get there early. From there, it's about 200 or so meters to the trek starting point where there are toilets and the guide will meet you.

Bouldering for fun!

The trek itself was fairly easy if you are reasonably fit and do not have any physical issues. Otherwise, you may find the ascent and the rocky trail in some parts a bit tough. With suitable rests and proper pacing, its still doable. We did stop at couple of places for refreshments and let the kids do some bouldering which they enjoyed. The views are speactacular as always and we can see Nandi Hills from the top. There is an old abandoned temple on a a large granite boulder with remnants of a fort like compound all around. We rested and picniced there. Our birding was quite limited on the trek and the only highlight is we spotted Blue Rock Thrush at the top.

Descent was quick and we all enoyed a well deserved and  rejuvenating tender coconut at the bottom.

As always when on this trail, leave only your footmarks and take only photographs,

Some images that were taken on the trek  (and the ones inserted into this blog (c) Prasanna)

Ebird checklist of the trek.

A compromised but worthwhile Urban Nature Preserve

Location: Turahalli Tree Park, Bangalore

Date: Nov 12, 2021

To get there: Take the Kanakapura main road. About 6km from Sarakki Signal, you will pass DMart on your left. Take the next right towards Turahalli forest. Turn left opposite Sobha Forest Edge apartments.

Trail type: Broad paved and unpaved paths. It also has extensive narrow trails for exploring the park boundaries.

Facilities: Parking. Benches to sit and relax. Forest officials are present sometimes. Toilet facility has been built but was closed when we went. Gazebo and large viewpoint with plenty of seating to relax.

Map: Turahalli Tree Park Main Gate

Rugged trails

This park exists adjacent to the larger Turahalli Forest for public access and enjoyment. The forest and the park are divided by a 100 ft road. The forest itself has been closed off to public access for a few years to protect the flora and fauna from human disturbance. So, the Turahalli tree park is the alternative to experience a bit of the forest ambiance. I say it is compromised because there is much pressure to turn into a normal park solely for the entertainment of us humans than ensuring the well-being of the creatures and plants which inhabit it. For example, a children's play area has come up now. Many statues have been installed, presumably to share nature information with the public, like Tiger, Pangolin. Though the intent is commendable, I feel they don't belong if the idea is to keep the park as natural as possible. Shouldn't information posters be sufficient? But then that's just me and in the minority on this, I am sure.

View point in middle of park

Wide paths

Anyway, back to our visit and I hope yours too sometime soon. Even though this park is very close to our place, we had never gone there mostly because Turahalli Forest was a better option for bird watching. When the forest was close to public, we decided to do a bird walk here with little expectations. About 4 of us managed to make time in the morning and we were at the main gate around 7.30am. A wide path greeted us as soon as we entered the park through the side gate. We chose to take a narrower more natural path by turning right after the gate. Vegetation was quite wild and thick here. We continued until we hit the park bounday near the road and then did a counter clockwise walk along the edge of the park on narrow natural trials. At some points we came inwards a bit to check out the Gazebo and the view points. 

Forest patches

View from gazebo

Overall the park has been maintained well with some healthy undisturbed vegetation in several patches. Most paths are narrow and natural with the exception of some near the gate which are wide with skirtings. An ill adviced childrens play area has come up now. Hopefully it is the first and last! as it does not support the concept of a tree park and will only disturb the wildlife there. Also, my personal opinion is that children should attempt to learn about nature in these types of parks and not to play on man mande structures. We also had a decent birding experience with Small Minivet, Gray-breasted Prinia, Black-shouldered Kite being highlights among others. Click this link for a complete checklist with the images on Ebird. 

City enveloping the park

In spite of some drawbacks, I feel this park is a good step towards creating family and public friendly nature parks which lets the average person experience nature easily. Hope the Karnataka Forest Department, maintians it well and does not succumb to construction pressure and build unnecessary structures that does not fit into a Nature Park. It also relieves pressure on the Turahalli Forest, only true foreast patch within city limits, to be opened up for public.

Enjoy your visit!

Neighborhood water bodies: Jogi Kere

Location: Jogi Kere, near Thallagatapura, Bangalore
Date: Mar 4th, 2021
To get there: [Click here for Google Map].
It is located in South Bangalore on Kanakapura Road in Judicial Layout, Thallagatapura.
Trail type: Paved walking path going around the Lake for 0.5 km
Facilities: None at the lake as of now. 

Sometimes we travel a long distance to see birds but ignore good birding places in our neighborhood gardens and nearby lakes. For these, all you need is a couple of hours of free time. Binoculars and shoes are optional! Previously, I had written about other city lakes, Puttenahalli Kere and Doddakallasandra Lake. This time, we visited one such lake, smaller but close enough to just walk to it.

Jogi Kere is that water body to which we paid a visit, a mere 1km walk from our residence. Kere  translates to lake in Kannada language and Jogi means a hermit in many Indian languages. Surely, this lake is where one can meditate in the midst of nature! Jogi Kere will barely make the cut as a lake, but it has been cleaned up recently by local folks, government agencies, and NGOs. Sewage inflow is cut for the most part and the foliage in the island and boundaries are beginning to show signs of recovery. The lake itself, unfortunately, follows the ill-advised design of a soup bowl with rocky embankment all around and a walking path on the bund thereby denying the much-needed shore and vegetation near the waterbody for birds to thrive. But somehow nature overcomes and thrives!

It was a sunny weekday morning when 6 adults and 4 kids which formed our group started out after 7am on the path towards the lake. It passed through some undeveloped land with plenty of shrubs and trees. So, our birding started early as we spotted wagtails, robins, parakeets, bulbuls, etc., and stretched a 15 min quick walk into a 45 min exciting stroll. We could hear the Red-wattled Lapwing calling as we neared the lake. There is only one entrance at a corner and we were greeted by a mixture of water birds immediately, as we passed through it. Spot-billed ducks, Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, Eurasian Coot, Common Moorhen were on the welcoming committee. As we took in the birding bounty, there was a lot of energy and commotion on the large tree opposite dominated by Rosy Starlings, Mynahs, and Parakeets flying in and out constantly. A solitary Coucal decided to join the fun by hopping over the fence and climbing the tree. We suddenly saw a flash of blue streaking over the water and perch on a concrete platform nearby. Lo and behold, the very colorful Common Kingfisher had made its appearance and obliged us by staying there for a while. Walking around the lake we managed to spot few more birds like Pond Heron, Indian Robin, Pied Bushchat under the constant chatter of the migratory Starlings which were there in huge numbers.

After a leisurely stroll around the lake, we walked across the road to check in on an abandoned quarry opposite the lake which because it's isolated completely usually has some surprises. This time it was a flock of 10 Lesser Whistling-ducks and a solitary Purple Swamphen among other water birds. By this time the sun was up and it started getting hot. We headed back to our place and finished the neighborhood lake bird walk in around 2 hours. 

Overall, it was a wonderful experience for all. Easy walk to experience a healthy urban bird diversity spot in our neighborhood itself. Good luck and kudos to all the workers and volunteers, who are making this experience possible and fighting to retain the water body without letting it get destroyed or encroached. Bangalore needs every one of these gems, big and small, to remain in a healthy natural state for the survival of our feathered friends.

Selected images taken during our visits here can be viewed at the link below.

Jogi Kere Bird Images

Checklist of birds seen on Ebird

Bidarakatte : A Scenic Trek

Location: Bidarakatte, Next to Savandurga, Near Bangalore
Date:  Oct 11th, 2020

To get there: [Click here for Google Map].  Take Mysore road towards Ramanagaram. Take a right from Ramanagara bus station and head straight for around 40 minutes. Take a right under the arch saying - Kempegowda Vanadhama Savanadurga to reach the Ramanagar division forest department in about 5 minutes. Check Forest Dept directions also for any updated information and also for booking (250 Rs/person) the trek as only guided treks are allowed here. There is another shorter route through Manchinbele, which we took on our way back.

Distance: About 50 to 60km from Jayanagar, Bangalore

Trekkers on the trail

Trail type:  Around 3 to 4 km one way if you take the longer scenic path that our guide chose on the way to the destination point. Less than 2 km with a short cut which we took on the way back. About 80% of the trail is walking on rocky mountains or monoliths. For an experienced and well-balanced trekker, this will be a breeze. But for those of us on the wrong side of the age curve or with some balance fears, this trek will feel very adventurous even though danger is minimal. Regardless, one has to be a bit careful where the slope becomes steep. In a few places, it is easier to slide down on our butts unglamorously than walk down in style. I chose the former! Note that it can get quite treacherous with rain or even a drizzle. Rubber-soled shoes with a good grip are ideal footwear.

Facilities: Ramnagar is a big town to stock up on any essentials if you are leaving Bangalore too early. A lot of village shops can be found on the way. Trailhead has a Forest Dept office with parking, drinking water, and basic toilet facilities. Warning: Toilet is usable but not clean.

It had been a while since we had gone on any group family trek close by. When a close friend suggested this half-day trek to get relief from the covid mandated incarceration, that drought finally came to an end. Bidarakatte is one of a set of eco trails that the Karnataka Forest Dept is managing and would be a first for us. Only small groups with guides are allowed on the trail with pre-booking. Our group of 6 was to start at 7.30 am. 

Up early, too early, on the trek day, with packed breakfast, we managed to pile into their XUV, delayed by only 15 mins from the 5.30am departure time. Taking some short cut village roads on a very cloudy day with the threat of rain, we reached the destination pretty much on time. We found the guide ready along with 3 others who would make up the full party of 10 now.

Waterfall

Endpoint of Savandurga Trek

Masks on initially, we headed down an easy path to what appeared to be a man-made lake. Scenic with the Savandurga Monolithic rock face towering over it. We didn't linger long and doubled back to head out on the actual trail along the foothills of the rock face. Calls of Sunbirds, White-browed Bulbul, Coucal could be heard but any movement was absent. No doubt, the birds were smarter to stay warm wherever they were instead of flying around in the dreary weather like us, humans. We did spot the tail of what looked like a Malkoha but the bird itself was too well hidden among the leaves to make a positive ID. 

Soon we came out onto massive rocky outcrops, with lots of small pools of water and cacti. Add in lush forest greenery in the ravines and the tall Sanvandurga monolith backdrop, the views were spectacular. Any angle was a keeper for a landscape photographer. Walking on the rocks is easy as long as you are careful and take it slow. We had to pass through remnants of a fort which was quite exciting and aesthetically very beautiful. As we walked along the broad ridges, we could see the valley below with several villages. 

Temple at endpoint

Indian Grey Mangoose

We reached the old abandoned temple in around 2 to 3 hours, stopping only for views and photos. The temple area overlooks a heavily forested ravine and some fort ramparts. Lots of great places to sit and enjoy a picnic breakfast while getting stunning views any which way you turn. Bird watching was a little more fruitful here with Blue Rock Thrush, Rufous Treepie, Egyptian vulture, Peregrine Falcon, and a nice flyby of a Tawny Eagle. A pair of Indian Grey Mangoose, scuttled along the edges giving curious glances at us.

Blue Rock Thrush

After spending a relaxed hour here, eating, birdwatching, exploring, or just lying back and staring at the skies, we headed back with rain, thankfully, still playing truant. As our guide chose a shorter route, we were back at the parking lot within an hour.

Overall, it is a great hike, close to the city with clean thick, and healthy forests. Add in the stunning views of rocks, pools, and fort ramparts, it is truly a gem. I sincerely hope the Karnataka Forest Dept maintains it the same way forever and with only guided treks.

As always, if you do choose to experience this trek, take only photos and leave only your footprints. I mean don't litter or damage the pristine environment.

Tawny Eagle

Some more photos are here.

Ebird Checklist for the avian curious.  As noted before we did miss a Malkoha and I think one other raptor and probably a few others whose calls we heard but could not ID.

An unexpected moment with serpents

This incident occurred in April of 2020. Our layout at that time had about one third of houses built with the rest left as semi maintained plots. Since this was previously open land bordering wilderness, snakes were quite common. During that month in the midst of Covid lockdown, there was one fairly large Rat snake which had a routine of cutting across our backyard everyday evening. Those days any activity around our house was a welcome event and Rat snake crossing our yard was right up there with the best of them. That summer day in April, as soon as we heard the Mynas alarm calls, I knew our passage guest had arrived and starting tracking it while photographing its progress from a safe distance.

Rat Snake entering our backyard from one side cautiously.

It looked around the place for any dangers before continuing on its way to cross our yard.

By the time I scrambled from the bedroom window to our utility door side, it was almost out of our yard and I could just see its tail. I then went out to the front of the open plot to observe it progress.

I took these shots as it crossed our neighboring empty plot. My attention was solely on the Rat snake and somehow never noticed its friend? or cousin?s body barely visible under the hood at that time.

In my next shot, I still had not noticed the additional model in my photograph. Only when I was processing my images,  I could clearly see the Spectacled Cobra or the Indian Cobra under the Rat snake agitated enough to open its hood and be fully alert.

The Rat snake seemed oblivious to the presence of the Cobra or just ignored it? and went along its way. The Cobra just waited it out and continued with its activities. I have no idea where it went after that as I never saw it was there in the first place! Just another routine close encounter in the world of Nature, I suppose.

In the meantime, this cat also thought all this was entertaining and worth  investigating up close. I nearly found out if, Curiosity DOES indeed kill the cat!

Thankfully for this fella, the Rat snake just went on its way and I had no idea where the Cobra went afterwards or even if the cat was aware of the Cobra.

My last shot of the Rat Snake as it entered the backyard of the next house in its constant search for food, no doubt. All this activity took less than 10 mins.

Final note: Snakes for the most part stay away from Humans. Danger only occurs when humans encroach into their area like a burrow/dark areas under stones or if one steps on a resting snake in thick grass by mistake. If you encounter any in your area, please call an ethical snake rescuer(Ex. From PFA:People for animals) who will catch it with no injury to the reptile and minimal stress, then release it in a nearby forest area. Do not get amateur catchers with clipper-like instruments that will harm the spines or more and even cause death due to excessive stress.