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.

Bheemasandra Kere : Lake with a rich diversity

Location: Bheemasandra Kere, near Tumkur, Karnataka
Date: Mar 11th, 2021
To get there: [Click here for Google Map].

It is about 10 km from Tumkur and is one of the two lakes located at the outskirts of Tumkur called Imran Mushtaq Twin Lakes. It is located adjacent to the town Melekote. The two lakes are locally called Melekote Kere and Bheemasandra Kere. We did not plan where to start exactly and ended up reaching the lake bund at its southernmost point by going through Melekote. Roads were narrow but our car made it through safely. We parked on the mud road next to the bund and walked along the canal eastwards and then north after we crossed over the canal at a bridge. This path continues along the lakeside until it reaches the Sewage Treatment plant, at which point we are at Bheemasandra Kere. We walked along the west side of the STP observing the lake all along and backtracked to our starting point along the same path.
Trail type: Muddy walking path in the half circumnavigation we did of the lake. Not sure about the other half but should be the same. The total distance, if we one can go fully around the lake, maybe 4 to 5km. We did about 2 km out and 2 km back.
Facilities: None at the lake. Melekote village is adjacent on the eastern side.

A casual conversation on March 10th with my friend in Tumkur who is an avid bird watcher revealed that both of us were free the following day, which was a public holiday. So, we used that the best way possible, that is to go Bird Watching! The choice was between lake habitat or forest habitat both of which are very good around Tumkur. We settled on a lake in hopes of seeing migrant ducks.

We left Bangalore early morning and reached Tumkur for an early breakfast of their famous Thatte idlis and Dosas. Soon after, we headed towards the lake using Google for guidance. Unfortunately, Maps was not aware of bird-watching spots around the huge lake. It guided us onto open fields and muddy roads which my car was reluctant to go on. Somehow we navigated ourselves back into Melekote village and using my friend's memory and guidance of villagers, we managed to reach the southernmost point of the twin lakes. Not exactly where we had intended. But as with life, it turned out to be excellent giving us a nice surprise, as you will find out.

 

As soon as we got out of the car, we were greeted by warblers, babblers in the bushes, and cormorants flying overhead. But our attention was drawn towards a wagtail on the paddy fields which we found was a Yellow Wagtail. As we watched it hopping around and wagging its tail, we got the surprise sighting of a Bluethroat male feeding in a small stream alongside the fields. We stood mesmerized at the beautiful colors forming a necklace at its throat (hence the name) and watched its antics for a good 10 to 15 mins before reluctantly starting out for our bird walk. 

A canal runs next to the lake bund and we walked on its side past a check gate until we came to a bridge. On this path, a small pond and some woods on the other side of the lake gave us sightings of cormorants, swamphen, kingfisher, warblers, swallows, and drongos. In addition, a Marsh Harrier gave us a flyby, Greater Spotted Eagle a fly overhead, as well as a water snake a swim by! We crossed over the bridge to get on a wide mud road along the lakeshore. We could now see the wide expanse of the lake and plenty more water birds. On the other side was a large and thick patch of reeds. As we stood looking at the reed bed we caught a glimpse of a crake which came out to feed and immediately scuttled back into the reeds barely giving us a chance to take a photo. But the view was sufficient to identify it as Ruddy-breasted Crake. On our way back, the crake was kind enough to re-appear at the same spot giving us heart-fulfilling views. This plucky and shy bird was managing to survive in a disturbed reed patch. One hopes it continues to do so and raises a family successfully.

The muddy trail took us past the point where a man-made bund separates the lakes to get us on Bheemasandra Kere to the north side. Far off we could see a flock of Garganey and another of Spot-billed ducks. At one point along this path, there was a beautiful and serene pool of water which was full of Black-winged Stilts feeding and enjoying themselves. Among them, we could also spot the Wood Sandpiper. Soon we reached a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

As we walked in through the gate, my friend directed my attention to underneath the concrete walkways across the STP sections.  Wow. It was an intricate network of nests built by the Streak-throated Swallows and a sight to behold. 100s of them were flying around while quickly popping in and out of their mud nests. It was hypnotizing to watch their energetic activity with no letup. Reluctantly, we continued along the STP edge until we reached the north point of the lake to be greeted by the sight of Garganeys and Northern Shovelers sitting like school children in a line on the posts of a submerged fence.

By this time the sun was high. Hot and tired we headed back along the same path to reach our parked car around noon. Along the way, in addition to the birds, we had seen, we got to observe frenzied feeding of the Blue-tailed Bee-eaters.  When we reached our car as if on cue, the Bluethroat came out and hopped around the bushes and we could have sworn waved goodbye to us!

It was a great birding outing. As always sad to see some of the human activity close to the lake which is bound to destroy this beautiful habitat and with it the bird diversity. Hopefully, it will be limited and the birds will continue to visit this lake as they escape the harsh winters and provide us the pleasure we experienced that day as our guests for a few months in the year.

Click below for the:

Ebird Checklist

Photos Album

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.

Jog Falls - Natural beauty

Location: Jog Falls, Karnataka, India

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!

There were not many spots on the way either where we could do some roadside birding. So, we reached the Falls at the expected time of 2.30pm. Since the weather was fine, we just checked in and immediately headed towards the main viewpoint at Mayura Hotels. It is well managed here with ample parking space though I am guessing, it may overflow on popular days.

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

As we were told the route will be open for public at 9am, we started out first birding near our resort around 7am and then drove to British Bungalow for the fall views. Here also there are nice viewpoints and you can see and hear Roarer up close. However, the other falls are partially or fully hidden. We then drove on to the Mayura viewpoint (around 2 km) and started down the steps at 9am prompt as soon as the guard opened it. These 2 guards will go down and stay until the closing time at 4pm to prevent any untoward incidents. This time the descent was more leisurely and we enjoyed the views along the way. Birding wise, we were given a spectacular posing by Asian Fairy Bluebird which sat and posed for few mins just a few feet in front of us. Mountain imperial pigeon and small minivets were also seen.

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