Huthridurga Trek : When wet and misty
Backdoor Climb to Nandi Hills
Location: Nandi Hills
Challenging climb for the views
Structure at the top |
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
On the trail |
Bouldering for fun! |
Sandakphu: Trekking for amazing views
Sleeping Buddha (Kumbakarna, Kanchenjunga) |
Date: Oct 31st to Nov 6th 2021
To get there: [Click here for Google Map].
From Bangalore, flight to Bhagdogra. Then on a Jeep arranged by IndiaHikes(IH) Vehicle to Srikhola where our Base camp (teahouse) and the trailhead were located.
Trail type: Mixed trails. Kutcha roads, paved/pebbled/rocky trails, soft narrow muddy trails, and steep climbs through pine forests on narrow trails. We did not encounter snow at all. I trekked the whole time with camera and binoculars around my neck. So, it's a moderate trek and can be done by anyone who is reasonably fit.
Everest range (Lhotse, Everest, Makalu) |
Himalayas always calls you back, I guess. As with the Kheerganga Trek we did in 2018, this was also initiated by a friend of ours and as then, we did not need to be asked again to return to Himalayas for what looked to be an amazing trek organized by India Hikes or IH. Updated details on this particular trek on their website can be found here.
A compromised but worthwhile Urban Nature Preserve
Rugged trails |
View point in middle of park |
Wide paths |
Forest patches |
View from gazebo |
City enveloping the park |
Neighborhood water bodies: Jogi Kere
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!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.
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, BangaloreTrekkers on the trail |
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.
Waterfall |
Endpoint of Savandurga Trek |
Temple at endpoint |
Indian Grey Mangoose |
Blue Rock Thrush |
Tawny Eagle |
Jog Falls - Natural beauty
Date: Oct 30th and Nov 1st, 2019
To get there: [Click here for Google Map].
From Bangalore, it is connected by Train and Bus. Driving takes around 6 hours on pretty good roads for the most part.
Trail type: This is a tourist spot. We did not trek in the proper sense. However, the main Mayura viewpoint of the falls is well developed and managed by the tourism department. One can walk among the ramps to get different views at the top. For the fit and adventurous, they have constructed steps, 1388 in total, to reach the foot of the falls. This, in essence, was our "trek". The stair access is only from 9am to 4pm. Allocate 2 hours or more for this option to have a pleasant experience. The other public viewpoint at the British Bungalow side also has some ramps to walk around and gives a different perspective of the falls.
Facilities: Restaurants and small shops are present. Public restrooms are also there though we did not use it. HDFC ATM booth is also there. Plenty of car parking at both viewpoints.
It was disheartening for me to not have visited Jog Falls since my school days. That finally came to an end when we had to attend a family function at Shimoga to which we added a one-night stay-over near the falls. The Falls is about 100 kilometers from Shimoga and takes 2 hours drive time.
Our aim was to leave Bangalore by 6am and we missed it by 30 mins, even though packing was just dumping all our clothes and snacks into the car! Note that there are not many eating places on this route after Tumkur. We ended up eating at a small roadside restaurant in Hosadurga, which surprisingly had good Masala Dosa. Lunch was at Sagar 1 hr before the falls at a riverside hotel. Unfortunately, there was no bird activity on the lake. On the way back from Shimoga, we were recommended a much better hotel near Tarikere called Aramane.
View from Mayura |
Gray or Hanuman Langur with a better view! |
It was just after 3pm and we inquired about the steps to go down to the foot of the falls. We were told that the pathway closes by 4pm. So, after taking in a quick glance at the falls we hurried over to the steps. Its a total of 1380! but undaunted we started down fast. However, rain played the spoilsport and at about 80% down, we had to surrender and head back up. Our plan was to return the next day.
Clouds coming across |
Stairs to the base |
Resting in gazebo at the start of the steps |
At the bottom, they have created a small enclosure where one can wade in water from a small runoff falls. No one is allowed close to the bigger ones. We were told that when the falls are in full flow, the water will spray all the way to the enclosure. It was not the case for us as the flow was restricted. We spent about an hour there before heading up. We spotted only Pigeons and Egrets here. The Rock pigeons were perched in rock crevices naturally unlike their urban friends (or cousins?) who prefer the man-made tall structures. Hundreds of them if observed carefully tended to fly out in a flock once in a while.
It was a great trip and we were finally happy to have seen Jog Falls in all its beauty and take in the wonderful nature around it.
Bird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S61921322
At the base of the falls |
Back to the Himalayas: Kheerganga Trek
Date: Apr 15 to 17th 2018
To get there: [Click here for Google Map].
From Bangalore, flight to Chandigarh. Bus or Taxi from there to Bhuntar. Then IndiaHikes Vehicle to Barshaini where the trail head is.
Trail type: Wide well worn trail. I trekked the whole time with camera and binoculars in hand. On weekends, we were told the trail attracts lot of people so can get noisy and crowded.
The urge to to go back to Himalayas is always strong once you experience it. All the difficulties, cold weather and hardships of the previous trek, which in our case was Dzongri-La, is quickly forgotten replaced only with memories of pristine mountains and streams, colorful birds, fresh air and the majestic peaks of Himalayas. The hard part is always the planning with conflicting schedules within family or friends group. So, in this case when an initial idea of a moderate trek "somewhere in North India" was proposed by friends on dates that worked for us, we did not need to be asked twice! It all fell into place fairly quickly, thanks to the enthusiasm and purposeful determination of the initial planners. Once the destination and trek conductors, KheerGanga and Indiahikes, were selected, we had rest of the logistics organized within a short time. Finally, we were 5 families making it a fairly large group of 15 with ages ranging from 10 to over 50!
The excitement increased with each day of planning as the D-day got closer. The trek pick up point by India Hikes was at Bhuntar, but we decided to go 2 days early and stay close by. This way we got a bit more of the Himalayas and also some acclimatization before the bigger trek. The place we chose was Usha Homestay, Tirthan Valley, Gushaini. It turned out to be a good decision. Place was scenic with a river view and we were well looked after. On our first day, we did a day trek to Serolsar lake from Jalori Pass. Trek is long but easy as the trail is flat at around 3000 mtrs. So, it served our objective and also got us some fantastic views of the mountains. Second day, we mostly relaxed around the resort preparing for the bigger one ahead.
The place was fantastic for bird watching too. The Plumbeous and White-Capped Redstarts were right on our doorstep in the river. We also, got our heart-fill of Yellow-billed Magpie, Russet Sparrow, Black-bulbul and Grey-hooded Warbler seen often around the place. Highlight was a good sighting of Great Barbet.
Just starting at Barshaini |
Day 1 of Kheerganga Trek.
We were up early and thanks to a round of hot tea, loaded and ready to leave for Bhuntar by 5.30am. It was an adventurous drive along winding roads with a steep edge and river below most of the time which is typical of hill roads in Himachal Pradesh. We reached our pick up point on time at 7am. India Hikes had arranged two vehicles for us to drive to the Trail Head, Barshaini Village. After another longer similar drive, we reached Barshaini late morning. Our trek leader Samkit was waiting for us at a small restaurant. 6 others joined, making it a total of 21 in the group. We were offered an early lunch, which we could also pack to eat on the trail. After the trek briefing, he gave us each a litter bag to fill during out trek. One of many initiatives that India Hikes takes to keep the trail clean and treks environment friendly. (More about them in the end).
Up we go.. |
Parbati River |
The trail was beautiful all along with Parbati River on our left, way down below at about 50 to 100 meters. The path was easy most of the time with some steep parts needing care and hand/stick support to cross. Many mountain streams crossed the trail. It was a pleasure to fill our water bottles with the icy cold water straight from these streams.
Rest stop |
Birding along the way was tough as expected because of the dense canopy and steep edges. We got to see Himalayan Woodpecker, Creepers, Bule-whistling Thrush and Long-tailed Minivet. At the end a Himalayan Bluetail gave us good poses for a long time.
Himalayan Woodpecker |
We reached KheerGanga around 6. An exhausted group trudged the final half km steep climb to our campsite. Immediately all the tiredness was gone as we took in the scenic background with the towering Himalayan mountain range all around. The advance India Hikes team was already there preparing dinner for us. Samkit put us through some stretching routines to loosen our aching and tight muscles. Then he gave us instructions on how to setup tents which we all had fun doing. Then mats, sleeping bags were all setup up with 3 to each tent. Dinner was served at a large and cosy dining tent with Samkit doling out rotis, sabji and desert. Maybe its the cold mountain air or the exhaustion of the trek but any hot food tastes divine in the Himalayas and miracle of miracles, kids rarely complain and leave nothing on the plate!
Natural water station! |
Day 2
The original itinerary was to have breakfast, break camp and head to Buni-buni pass. But due to heavy snow on that trail, it was cancelled. Instead, Samkit planned a small but strenuous trek to a view point just behind our campsite. After a leisurely breakfast, we set out around 9am. Almost immediately the climb turned very steep with lot of switch backs. Constant rest was required even though the top looked tantalizingly close. We hit couple of snow patches to everyone's delight leading to some friendly snow fights. As we crested the top, we were greeted with an awesome view of the snow clad mountain range.
View point |
The field behind the campsite was a great place for birding. Finches, Bushchat and Thrushes could be watched up close by just finding a nice spot on a rock and sitting still which some of us did most of the evening. Others relaxed in the tents and after our evening tea and snacks, all joined in for some hilarious games of Bluff.
Day 3
Wild flowers |
Unknown Butterfly |
We took the same trail back to Barshaini. We broke into 3 groups as before into the energetic teens, practical middle and the slow birders. Each group had its share of adventures on what was supposed to be quick 3 hour trek. The middle got lost and were almost run over my horses who claim the narrow trail to be their own! (Hint: Stay on the mountain side and let them cross, if that happens to you) The birders also got lost and did a longer trail by 2km, crossing the valley to the other side and going through the small village of Nakthan. All had to contend with rain towards the end. But, it all added to the experience and got us bonus moments which we will surely cherish.
Back to base! |
We reached Barshaini late afternoon. After refreshing ourselves, we got on the cabs for the long drive back to Bhuntar to catch our bus to Chandigarh where clean beds and other modern amenities awaited us. I am sure we deserved them after being without for 3 days!
A few words on India Hikes, my first with them. They are a unique company as their goal is not profit but to discover and document trails to enable people to go by themselves! Incredible. Therefore their cost is very low and they share all details of the trails on their website. At the end of our trek, we were told that this particular trek is free for us to repeat anytime in our lifetime. Have to take up on that offer! Also, they are very environmentally conscious in various ways. 1) Request the trekkers to get our own utensils both to save on disposables as well as for better hygiene and reduction in logistics if they have to carry themselves. 2) Gave each trekker a litter bag to pick on the trails. Needless to say most of our bags were full by the time we reached the end! 3) Encouraged us to carry our backpacks to reduce the impact on trails as otherwise we would need more porters and mules.