149) Bhairavadurga Fort Trek: (2/7/2017)

Place: Bhairavadurga trek/Byravadurga trek

Distance: 60kms x 2 = 120kms

Directions: Bangalore > Nelamangala > Dobbaspete > Kuddur > Solur > Bangalore

Krew: Deepak (Deefu) > Karthik (Sp)

Bikes: Enfield > Pulsar                                                                   

Previous Visit: Kabbaladurga Trek

Budget: Rs 400/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, this was not doubt one of the most challenging hikes done till date. Our hike turned out to be more of a free style rock climbing. Our shoulders and fingers ended up pretty busted rather than the thigh and calf muscles for a change. Bhairavadurga is one of the Navadurgas around Bangalore. Other 8 are Savandurga, Nandidurga, Makalidurga, Devarayanadurga, Kabbaladurga, Huthridurga, Channarayanadurga & Hulliyurdurga.

INTRO & PLAN:

As far as the planning goes, had planned for Channarayanadurga initially. Deefu insisted to visit a new place for a trek. After some digging, narrowed it down to Bhairavadurga. This had to be executed a week earlier but as Madhu was leaving to Germany for a month, we were caught at Laxmi’s.  This time only Deefu confirmed also in half, as he was running with fever.

TIME: 22:00 (2/7/2017)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Yeah I was up at 04:30, did a few push ups & situps, had a cup of coffee and sat back listening to some Thin Lizzy. After which called Deefu after an hour and asked his call, I was 75% sure that the plan wouldn’t materialize. But Deefu said, “Lets go!” Charged me up completely and I took off from my home cruising on the ORR made it Malleswaram where Deefu joined. After which we departed Bangalore.
TIME: 07:30

RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Nelamangala - Dobbaspete - Kuddur)

This was a 70kms ride more or less very smooth. As we left Bangalore it took us some time to get synched to each other’s pace in middle of the heavy traffic. But in 30mins or so, we pulled over at our regular hotel for some tasty breakfast.

TIME: 08:00

After the breakfast, we walked out for some light tea and discussed what the plans for the 150^th trip and also about the recent happenings in each other’s life. After which we rode non-stop to Dobbaspete taking a left turn we proceeded towards Shivagange. Enquiring with the locals about the directions to Kuddur we proceeded to the actual place of Shivagange. We could see a lot kids and even aunties wearing tracks and all set to climb. Waving them all a very good bye we proceeded to reach Kuddur.

TIME:09:15

I spotted Bhairavadurga few kilometres back. Asking the locals again for direction we found the right deviation, proceeding on narrow roads we reached the base of the hill. Parking the bikes and awakening the lizard king within, we were all set for the hike.

TIME: 09:30

BHAIRAVADURGA TREK:

This had to be one of the most challenging treks done till date. It is very misleading trek if you don’t space your day properly. You have to take the route through the forest in order to avoid the steep rock phases. Please keep in mind the way to the temple is not the way up.

It took us only 30mins to ascend the hillock. But the route we took was insane and not advisable for non-regulars. A strict word of advice, ask the locals for proper directions and then proceed. This had to be one of the craziest climbs done till date considering the risks taken. It was a very good thing that only Deefu & I were on board!

  

HIKE UP:

We parked our hikes at the base of the hill and read a sign board “Welcome to Kuddur Forest” we asked a few people around and they pointed towards a step which lead up. We began climbing the step and within 5-10mins we reached a temple.

After which we were confused as there wasn’t any way further. We both looked at each other and began climbing the rock face. Unlike other hillocks the rock faces were pretty dangerous considering the fact that we had already ascended quite some elevation. We found ourselves pretty stranded and each step was becoming a puzzle. Finally after cautiously making it to a flat land I saw a rock face which ran straight to the top and had pretty good  number of ridges and bunkers to rest. Both of us had a good look at and decided that was the best way up.

Like they say, don’t ever be sure of a rock face until you rub noses with her. This was the case, even though it looked promising, it proved to be one insanely tough cookie. As  I began scaling up the rock face, I realized it was steeper than anticipated and cracks to hold on to, were scarce. But there was no going back now, I made it up a few feet and settled into a nice dug out and gave Deefu a thumbs up. Deefu too made it up cautiously. We tightened up our shoe laces as we knew the next phase would be insane.

  

We decided to head diagonally as it would be less tiring and would give a better sense of balance. But we got stuck in a spot where we couldn’t finding a proper footing nor a proper crack to pull ourselves up. Deefu made it up and then was watching me, I almost slipped but pushed myself and grabbed a bunch of grass and pulled myself up. Whew! Then again we found ourselves stuck with in between trees and bushes. We decided to explore the perimeters. Pulling ourselves ontop of a fort wall we made it to the final tier. Even the last bit offered us a steepness, it was we who were scaling up the wrong side of the mighty hillock. Lastly, we decided to climb up this one using what we coined “controlled momentum” it was more 4 legged crawl.  Finally we climbed up the final fort wall to reach the top.  A cool breeze greeted us! We could see Shivagange afar, we waved back her too!

TIME: 10:00

TOP:

Once we reached the top, we actually wanted to explore the place and find the actual route. But holding onto our horses we found a nice shade and collapsed. Sipping a bit of water and having some chocolates we discussed about future trips. We rested for sometime and then decided to head back down.  We scoured the place and found the actual pathway.

TIME: 11:00

DESCENSION:

The climb down proved to be trickier than we anticipated. It took us nearly 1.5hrs to get back to our bikes. We took the actual route to start things off with. The trail ran into the forest and to our surprise it continued through shrubs and bushes narrowing itself down. It was simply amazing and putting ourselves in the shoes of the soldiers back then we marched on further.

Soon, we found out that a lot trails began to meet the main one. It was not long before we took a wrong turn and ended up deeper into the forest. We realised that we were lost and also figured out there was no point in tracing back. So we decided to keep heading down until we hit flat ground and then begin the search for our bikes.

This forest is well known for its wild bears, so yes, took my knife and put across my waist just in case. The forest came with this deadly silence, even though it was peaceful it was spooky at the same time.

  

Both us had pretty much grown accustomed to getting lost in forests and hills, so there was no panic and it was hardly noon. Figuring out ways, switching leads and enjoying the challenge we finally made it out of the forest and into somebody’s farmland.

Then we looked back at the hillock. Good thing we had taken a look when we parked our bikes. We started going around the hillock though various houses and farmlands until we locked onto the picture which we thought was familiar. We asked the locals some water and enquired about the direction to the temple. Another 1+km we walked to find the route and then we continued further to reach our bikes. Taking a deep breath, very satisfied with the trek we left the premises.

TIME:12:30

RIDE 2: ( Kuddur – Solur – Nelamangala – Bangalore)

The ride back was simple and was through a different route. We joined back the Hassan highway in 10-15mins and then rode the next 30kms or so to reach Nelamangala. After which we cruised along smoothly to crash into Chandu dhaba was some light lunch and drink.

TIME:13:00

After the lunch, we pulled over at the NICE road junction and we thanked each for making it for the day and headed back to our respective homes.

TIME:15:45

CONCLUSION:
"Overall i must say it was a fantastic hike. It turned out to be pretty crazy and merciless! And the it gave us pretty worn out hands and feet, the pain we kinda enjoy... No shit!"

Until next time Cia \m/

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