This trek is tough not in terms of the distance covered. But, in terms of trekking in scorching Sun and steep terrain. We were no sure if water would be available at the top; so had to carry water for 2 days.
Well, this trek is on Aramane Gudda.
Aramane Gudd is near to Shiradi Ghat on Bangalore-Mangalore Highway.
We took friday night bus booked to Dharmastala. But, we got down 45 Kms away from Dharmastala / 6 Kms away from Gundya.
There is a small forest check-post and a temple. Many drivers pray to the Chowdeshwari deity and continue their travel.
We got down by 5 or so; and took rest in the temple premisis and waiting for sun to come.
There is a small river named kempu hole flowing back-side of the temple.
After doing with morning activities we started our trek by 7.
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| Chowdeshwari temple from were trekking starts |
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| Kempu Hole River; It is tributory of Kumara Dara |
We didnt take the conventional trekking route through Forest check-post. As they may charge money and should hire a guide. Above that we wanted to trek ourselves.
We walked bit up-front on the main road to avoid the forest guard. Then we made in-roads into the forest. Since no trekking trials were there, had to go through tough conditions. Had to cut lots of branches, had to pierce through lots of thorns; and above that had to trek through tough terrain.
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| Group photo inside the forest |
Initial 2 hrs of trek was in the thick jungle. Since only few people trek in this route, could hardly see any trekking trial.
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| Thick canopy of trees |
Then slowly we were coming out of thick forest; to slowly enter grass-lands. The grass were some 7 Feet tall, and had to pass through them.
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| Finally entering grass-lands |
There were lots of big stones on which we had to keep our foot and trek. We didnt see any snakes though.
Slowly the tall grass gave away with small grasses, but lots of stones/rocks/bolders; what ever you may call it.
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| Sun was on our head. |
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| Aim was to reach the peak |
And above that sun was right above our head. It was dame hot and we were dehydrating. We were affraid to drink water; because we wanted water for next 2 days. We could hardly see any trees in the vicinity to take rest. If we sat to take rest; this scorching Sun was de-hydrating us even more.
All of us felt why on Earth we had come to face this condition; could have had oil bath and sat comfortably at home.
Anyways, these thoughts were just crossing our minds.
We saw a bunch of trees at the far end. We kept on running fast to get under that trees. I guess this was the first time I hated Sun. Here more than the trek, survival was the issue.
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| Seeing a mini forest |
We took rest under the tree; had lunch there and started our trek.
From now on the terrain was dame steep. And it was afternoon 1 with Sun right above us.
We started slowly with aim to get to the top. There was lots of stones. and mud was quite sleepery. We wanted rest for every 10 steps we trek. But, had to gallop and keep pushing ourselves.
We saw a small Water-falls at the far end. So, were happy that there is some water source at the top.
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| Sun was de-hydrating us |
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| Each step was like a big milestone |
We must have taken half a dozen rest to climb the peak. And finally at 3:30 we reached a mini-peak. We saw the main peak at the far end. But, decided to go there next day morning; because we wanted to have water and escape from Sun.
We went on the route to water source and entered a mini-forest. Saw a small stream and were dame happy. We washed ourselves and collected water. Sun was about to set, so were searching for the right place to camp.
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| Only Water Source |
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| Sun-Set |
We did camp fire. Had Dinner; and seeing millions of stars above us, slept under the sleeping bag.
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| Camp Fire |
We got up early to see first light of the morning. On the way back we wanted to leave the grass-land before the sun comes above us.
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| Sun Rise early in the Morning |
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| The shadow formation from a peak is a splendid view |
We went to the mini-peak which we had conquered the day before. Then from there started to trek the main Peak. ARAMANE GUDDA.
We left our luggage at the mini-peak and carried a bottle of water to climb the main peak. It took nearly 1.5 Hrs to climb the main peak. Aramane Gudda peak is at a height of 1200 MTSL.
After having few photography sessions at the top, we started to decend down.
Now, decending down was even more tough. Had to concentrate to keep each and every foot. Since the mud was sleepery; had to fall many a times. Luckily not much of serious injuries.
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| Decending carefully |
We had lunch at 1 or so and chatted for an hour.
The best of the trek is not trekking. But, when we are really tired; we sit down for food and chat. No useful talks. But, talks which rejoices us :-)
After having lunch we decended further. When we were nearing the main road, could hear the sounds of trucks. We were happy that we were about to accompolish our trek. But, at the last stages we were faced with lots of thorns. God, my hand had lots of bruises.
After reaching the main - road we went to the river to have a cold-bath :-)
After bath we took the bus to Dharmastala. Had darshan of Lord Manjunatha and had very much satisfying dinner at the temple to catch our bus back to Bengaluru.
Now, decending down was even more tough. Had to concentrate to keep each and every foot. Since the mud was sleepery; had to fall many a times. Luckily not much of serious injuries.
After bath we took the bus to Dharmastala. Had darshan of Lord Manjunatha and had very much satisfying dinner at the temple to catch our bus back to Bengaluru.
