168) Nijagal Betta Trek: (28/3/2019)

Place: Nijagal betta trek

Distance: 60 x 2 = 120km

Directions: Bangalore > Nelamangala > Dobbaspete > Nijagal Betta

Krew: Datta (Dattu) > Ashok (Momz) > Karthik (Sp)

Bikes: Enfield > Pulsar                                                                   

Previous Visit: Rayakottai Fort Trek

Budget: Rs 250/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Nijagal betta is small hillock situated at 60km from Bangalore and is the perfect spot to get used to trekking spots around Bangalore. The caves ontop of the hillock are both spooky and exciting! And most important lesson of this trip, you drink any liquid to quench your thirst, water is WATER!

INTRO & PLAN:

It was about a week since our trek to Rayakottai trek and as the mega Himalayan trip of Bali pass nearing we decided to get a few warm ups before it. So, we thought of Nijagal as it was only an hour ride away and trek is very easy. Momz wanted to meet few people at college hence Nijagal was the perfect choice. Dattu & Momz on the confirmed list!

TIME: 22:00 (27/3/2019)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Oh yeah woke up at 05:00, did a few push-ups & sit-ups, had a sip of coffee & was all set to go! The meet up was scheduled at Dattu’s place, so left my home at about 06:15 and reached Dattu’s place to join Momz. We left Bangalore after a formal greeting!

TIME: 07:00

RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Dobbaspete - Nijagal)

This was straightforward 60kms ride on Tumkur roads. The roads are wide and butter-smooth, so all we had to do was stay awake and watch for idiots. We pulled over at our regular hotel – Kamadhenu for some yummy Sambhar with idly & vada. Haha yeah, the order of the food is correct. You just have to taste the sambhar of this hotel!

TIME: 07:30

    

With our tummies at peace, we proceeded towards Dobbaspete. As you began to approach Dobbaspete, Nijagal can be seen towards the left side of the road. Below a railway track opposite to a Reliance Petrol bunk a narrow muddy trail leads you the base of the hill. I actually felt happy remembering all of this even though our last trip to this place was a couple of years back! Parking our bikes amidst the trees, we were all set for the trek.

TIME: 08:30

NIJAGAL TREK:

Alright, Nijagal a said earlier is not a big trek. It took us 30mins to reach the top, with lot of fooling around. The trek terrain is easy and can be done without breaking much of a sweat! Like always divided the trek into the following chunks:

i) Initial walk way

ii) Hike uphill

iii) Dark Caves

iv) Lost Ruins

Ok, so, these are the chunks, let’s get this alright!

  

i) Initial walk ways:

The initial walk way is through a steep muddy trail. This trail has some loose gravels, but very easy to accomplish. One might feel drained as there is no shelter. But the mighty Shivagange and Bhairavadurga seen afar always keeps our spirits high!

ii) Hike uphill:

After the initial walk way, you get good overview of Nijagal. The ancient temple fallen in ruins can be seen but do remember it is a place you have to visit while you return back. This is say as you would cover all the place. Taking the normal steps we reached the Dharga on top. There are buildings on top, most of them lay in ruins.

iii) Dark Caves:

The dark caves on top are the best places to rest. The wind gushes through the narrow stretch making you feel energised. We did fool around trying to climbing ontop of the buildings. Then we entered the caves are just sat speaking about Dattu’s and Momz  Himalayan expedition we would be taking in a month's time for about an 2.5hours.!

TIME: 11:30

iv) Lost Ruins:

Okay after spending about 2.5hours on top, we decided to take an alternate route to the bottom which would take us to the temple directly. You can spot a temple and a rock sliced into half, this should give you a sense of direction.

The descent does offer some challenge, but mostly it is fun! We made it down in no time and we proceeded towards the ancient temple. The temple trust me is kinda spooky, supported by pillars which looked like it could collapse anytime. The air around the temple is also kinda, you know right! We sat near the temple admiring the mighty Shivagange afar! With Dattu’s & Momz jokes you never run out of laughter.

TIME: 12:00

   

RIDE 2: (Nijagal – Nelamangala – Bangalore)

Ok, this was a 60km ride back, we decided to skip lunch and head back home directly. It was Thursday and we didn’t want to shell out extra for food. We wanted to hydrate ourselves hence we pulled over at a cane juice shop. After having a glass of cane juice, next to it was a small fruit shop. We had a plate of fruits each, next to it was coconut vendor. We had a coconut water, still we were not satisfied. Next to it was a bakery, buying a litre of water we had a sip each, ah there was the satisfaction. Riding back smooth, we reached back Bangalore.

TIME: 14:00

CONCLUSION:

“ Alright, even though this was a small chapter it was fun and set the foundation for the next chapters to come, stay tuned!

Thursday well spent huh, Until next Ta-da Cia \m/

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