The Loapers | 200+ Epic Road Trips & Treks in Karnataka, and Beyond: 65kms

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Sunday, May 12, 2024

Bhairavadurga Fort Trek: Conquering the Craziest Navadurga | Chapter 201 (May 11, 2024)

Place: Bhairavadurga trek

Distance: 60kms x 2 = 120kms

Directions: Bangalore > Nelamangala > Solur > Bhairavadurga

Krew: Dilip (Koof) > Karthik (Sp)

Bikes: Pulsar

Previous Visit: Huthridurga trek

Budget: Rs 250/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Wow, this was a fantastic trek to the craziest of Navadurgas – Bhairavadurga. The climb is steep and challenging, A few stretches are very risky but without risk, it’s not fun either, right? So yeah, this was one kickass trek which we enjoyed a lot!

INTRO & PLAN:

It had been a week since my return from Nashik. And was ready, we had narrowed down the plan to some hillock towards Madhugiri. But then Koof had a hectic week and wanted to go someplace close. Hence late night on the previous day we decided it would be the hillock that would send shivers down one’s spine – Bhairavadurga.

TIME: 22:00 (10/5/2024)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Yeah, I was awake by 3 am. Stretched out a little, sipped some coffee was all set to go. I left my place at 5:30 am and picked up Koof. We had seen this roadside idly and dose stall near DVG petrol bunk since last two time. We decided to finish off breakfast in Bangalore itself. The shop opens at 3:30 am and closes at 6:30 am and the food was decent but yeah it will be crowded. We spent about 20 mins at this place and left Bangalore.

TIME: 06:30

RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Nelamangala – Solur - Bhairavadurga)

This was about a 60 km easy ride. As we left from Bangalore it was easy cruising until just before Nelamangala. We ran into a massive traffic jam, which extended to a few kilometers, but thankfully it was slowly moving. The reason was a bad road patch which had given away due to rains. Post this jam, we cruised well and took a deviation after Solur, and without any assistance from Google Maps enquiring with people we reached the base of the hillock. We requested some locals to look after the bikes and helmets as we began the trek.

TIME: 08:00

BHAIRAVADURGA TREK:

This is one of the most challenging and beautiful treks. We did not want to get stranded as monsoons had started. We took about 60 mins to climb with sufficient breaks. So here I have divided the trek into three phases, so keep up with me here!

a. i. Initial forest

b. ii. Steep climb

c. iii. Final ascent

Initial Forest:

This is the tricky part considering one can get lost easily. Once we spotted the hillock, we knew which phase of the rock to climb. Keeping that as an anchor we wandered on the peripheries of the forest and then decided to enter it once we felt comfortable and watching signs of water flow from the hilltop.

As we entered the forest, there was dead silence with only insects chirping and peacocks cawing. The dried grass was strong, and it took some effort to wade through them. Locking our sights on the initial rock phase, we made it through the forest in about. 15 mins.

TIME: 08:15

Steep Ascent:

Okay, this phase requires skill and is challenging but at the same time most enjoyable. As we started, the rock phase offered good grip but was very steep. Carefully reading for cracks we played each step cautiously and proceeded inch by inch to reach what we call as the “crazy ascent”, here trust me, it gets almost vertical, and the grip also falters. Hence one has to be doubly careful. Koof went ahead, and I stayed back, and we pushed through this phase to reach the fort wall.

TIME: 09:00

Final Ascent:

The final ascent is an easy one. We rested at the fort wall for some time and then pushed step by step. This phase is also challenging but not as risky as the previous one. It took us about 15 minutes to complete this phase and reach the top.

TIME: 09:15

TOP:

We spend about 45 minutes at the top. We searched for a nice spot and laid down. It was windy and uplifting. Watching the clouds hovering in the sky, we dozed off for about 30 minutes. Then once we got up, had some water and chocolates. We stretched out a little and decided to head back down. The residual feeling of the trek up was still lingering. The more challenging the climb, the more is the feel.

TIME: 10:15

DESCENSION:

The trek back was easy and took 30-45 minutes to reach the bottom. We made it to the fort wall and this time finding the route back to the forest was not difficult as most of the grass was burnt out. Once into the forest, it was an easy descent. The pathway was clear and Koof was wondering, how he repeatedly fell here during our last visit. Reaching down was not the problem now, finding back the route that led to the place where we had parked our bikes. We plucked a few mangos and kept them in the bag before finding the path that eventually led to the bike.

TIME: 10:45

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

The ride back was simple. Off late after each trek, having a “sting” has become mandatory. Good rush it gives. Madhu said he could join in for a sitting if it was in RR Nagar. So RR Nagar it was, we crashed in at a local bar before heading home.

TIME: 12:15

⬅️ 200. Hutridurga trek 202. Ratnagiri fort trek ➡️

☕ Buy Us Chai & Fuel Our Next Adventure! 🏍️

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Bhairavadurga Fort Trek: The Scar-Inducing, Craziest Navadurga | Chapter 179 (Sep 15, 2019)

Place: Bhairavadurga trek

Distance: 60kms x 2 = 120kms

Directions: Bangalore > Nelamangala > Solur > Bhairavadurga

Krew: Avinash (Buddha) > Karthik (Sp)

Bikes: Pulsar

Previous Visit: Gundal Dam

Budget: Rs 425/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Bhairavadurga is the craziest among the Navadurgas. (Kabbaladurga, Makalidurga, Savandurga, Huthridurga, Huliyardurga, Nandidurga, Devarayanadurga, Channarayanadurga) We have visited this hillock twice and considering climbing up and down, all the 4 times the routes taken were different. And the tradition of this place is you gotta carry some scars back on your body. Bhairavadurga is just 10-15km from Shivagange.

INTRO & PLAN:

As far as planning goes, had to catch up with Avi as it had been few months since we both met. Hence I thought a trek followed by a nice lunch at some dhaba would be ideal scenario. First we thought of riding to Chitradurga and then returning to a dhaba on Tumkur road. But then finally we decided to go Bhairavadurga as it was close by and also we could spend a lot more time at the dhaba.

TIME: 22:00 (14/9/2019)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Yeah I was up at 04:30, did a few push ups & situps, had a cup of coffee and sat back for some time trying think whether Bhairavadurga was the right choice. Before too many thoughts could creep into my head, took the bike keys and left my home at about 5:30AM. Picked up Avi from BTM and we left Bangalore via Tumkur road.

TIME: 07:30

RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Nelamangala – Solur - Bhairavadurga)

This was 60km easy ride to Bhairavadurga as most of it was on highways. As we left Bangalore, we cruised along at a decent pace amidst the traffic filled roads of Sunday. Lot of super bikes were zooming in full flow and we just stuck to our lanes and kept chatting all along the way. Heading into the Hassan road we pulled over at Annaporneshwari hotel just after Solur for some good breakfast.

TIME: 07:15

The weather was giving us mixed vibes, as it seemed it could pour at any moment. Bhairavadurga is not one such places to be stranded incase of a downpour. Once the dosas, vade and rice bath arrived we dived right into it forgetting about the weather.

After I must say an unusually heavy breakfast we hopped onto our bikes and proceeded. Asking the locals for directions, we took the right, right turn from the main road and we could spot the mighty hillock afar.

Bhairavadurga looks quite menacing from afar due to its steep ridges. Last time the climb up was one of the riskiest done till date, so I wanted to take the forest route and then proceed to climb from the opposite side of the hillock.

We pulled over another few times and finally we parked our bikes at home and requested them to take care of the bike and with the goat’s spirit awake, we were set for the hike.

TIME:08:30

BHAIRAVADURGA TREK:

The trek as such was another jewel as we got lost both while climbing up and way back down. This hillock I tell you, is so confusing and it makes sure you are left with scars on your body. But truly a magnificent trek and have to prepare for steep ascents on a good gripping stone surface.

HIKE UP:

We entered the trek trail via the forest route, which I was sure was the easier one. But as it was the rainy season, the grass had grown to a good height and it was quite difficult to find the actual pathway. Making our way through the vegetation with difficulty we got onto the rock. And I puzzled to find it equally steep as the other side.

But Avi was a natural at climbing and we were making good progress even though the ascent was getting steeper. Carefully reading the cracks and resting in between when needed we made it to a point where we could spot the top. Here we rested for a good 10-15mins just looking at Shivagange and finally proceeded to reach the top.

TIME: 10:00

TOP:

We spent about 1.5hours on the top. Once we reached the top, we explored the place, showed Avi the route we had taken last time. And once we settled down, we had some JD and then put on some Bob Marley songs and started jumping around. Then once it began to get real cloudy we decided to head back down.

TIME: 11:30

DESCENSION:

The trek back down was equally crazy. As we began the descent, I wanted to take us back through the forest route which was both exciting and a bit less steep. But any guesses what happened? The entry point was sealed off by a huge shrub, and finding itself was only difficult. But once we found, we were in another world completely.

Dark, narrow passage with thorny shrubs all around you, and did I mention Kuddur forests are known for bears. Yeah! With thorny bushes all around a lot of deep bruises started developing on our hands, blood oozing out of hands and arms is never a good sign during a trek. And we said screw it and just sat and finished off the rest of the juice and once a sense of calmness flooded our heads we proceeded easy, step by step and made it out of forest and we reached flat land. We found the correct path back to the home where we had parked our bikes, thanking the dwellers we took off with a very satisfied feeling and a very hungry belly.

TIME: 13:00

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

The ride back was simple, we both were hungry and Chandu dhaba was closed. But the golden find during the Shivagange trip – Whitty dhaba was on the cards. Cruising along the highway at a decent pace we made to Whitty dhaba for some awesome lunch.

TIME: 13:45

After the lunch, we took from the dhaba took the NICE road and proceeded towards to BTM to drop Avi. After dropping Avi back, reached back home in one piece.

TIME: 16:45

PICASA ALBUM:

MAPS:

⬅️ 178. Gundal dam 180. Channarayanadurga trek ➡️

☕ Buy Us Chai & Fuel Our Next Adventure! 🏍️

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Bhairavadurga Fort Trek: The 120km Insane Freestyle Rock Climb & Merciless Hike | Chapter 149 (Jul 2, 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/