My Travelogue: November 2010

Kalwarbetta, 68 Kms from Bangalore is one the hill forts amongst the Nandi Hill ranges.The dilapidated walls of Tipu's fort can be found today on steep Kalwarbetta,near the village of Kalwara. History says this was a small but strong hill fort.It surrendered to British troops on 19 October 1791.It remained in British hands until the peace treaty of 1792,which concluded of the third Anglo-Mysore war.

This is a tedious trek as the hill is precipitous and high.The trek starts from the Mudhena Halli and ends at Papagni Temple at the foothills of Kalwara village.The fortress of Kalwarbetta is in full sight throughout the walk uphill.This steep and fantastic trek through a maze of dense shrub is highly intriguing.

Kalwarbetta is a teaser.Just as you reach the fort wall contended that you have topped the hill, you see another ring of fort.No sooner you reach there; you will find another majestic fort wall waiting to be conquered.There are six such series of stonewalls protecting an abandoned temple on the hilltop.

There are 2 caves on the mountain. One starts from the base and as per locals, leads to the temple and fort at peak and another one is somewhere midway which is about 30 feet only. Both are yet unexplored, especially the first one. Locals say that there are pythons in the caves and have swallowed their goats who wander in the caves. Supposedly, there are 6 Samadhis in that cave and thus the area is considered holy.

Skandagiri.. The heaven on earth… Here is the proof

Awesome views of Skandagiri

The view of Chennagiri and Nandhi hills from the peak.

Here is the trail of the trek. We finished both the trails. The trail from the Mudhena Halli is lesser distance but steeper and little confuse too. The trail from the Papgni matt Ashramam is longer and less steeper than the other.

View Skanadagiri in a larger map

Here is the complete set of pics

Skandagiri Trek (28th Nov 2010)

Summary and info for future trekkers

Theme               : Night Trek
Terrain              : Hill, Boulders and Bushes .
Grade                : Easy to moderate.
Start time          : 12:30 AM, Sun, 28th Nov, 2010
End time            : 08:00 AM, Sun, 28th Nov, 2010
Trek Distance   : 13 Km’s
Nearest town    : Chikballapur
Team size          : 55
Total expenses : 150 INR/head
Camping           : On the peak.
Transportation : Own vehicle is the best option

Day 0:
10: 45 pm - Start from Bangalore.
12: 00 pm - Reached the start point of the trek (Near Mudhena Halli)

Day 1: (5 +8 = 13Km’s trek)
00: 01 am - Started the trek
03: 45 am - Reached the peak and take rest
05: 38 am – Sky started turning red
05: 45 am - Sun raise
07: 00 am – Started getting down
10: 00 am – Reached Papagni Matt Ashramam
10: 10 pm - Started back to Bangalore

Few Suggestions:

Kalwara means ‘Thieves’, Halli means ‘Village’ and Betta means ‘Hill’. So, don't carry expensive items with you.
Night trekking is banned in this place because of robbery incidents, so be careful while parking your vehicles.
Don't forget to carry energy drinks.(Non-Alcohol ).
Kindly follow no trace policy and saves mother earth.

Being part of “Bangalore Ascenders” Trekking club, my days are more memorable. All the club members meet in Cubbon park on monthly basis for discussing about the road map. It was Sunday morning, Planned to attend the meeting.

Along with the meeting we planned to go for wall climbing at Kanteerava Stadium. After sending the invitations, finally 12 members registered for the event and all decided to meet at the climbing wall on Sunday morning.

All the members were at the wall on right time, but its our bad luck. Due to the National wall climbing competition, the climbing wall was restricted. After discussing with the other team members, we finally decided to go for some fun in the stadium.