Huliyurdurga Fort Trek: Lost in the Forest & Rain Ride | Chapter 203 (Jun 1, 2024)

Place: Huliyurdurga trek

Distance: 100kms x 2 = 200kms

Directions: Bangalore > Nelamangala > Kunigal > Huliyur > Ramnagar > Bangalore

Krew: Dileep (Koof) > Karthik (Sippy)

Bikes:  Pulsar                                                                                                  

Previous Visit: Ratnagiri Trek

Budget: Rs 350/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, this was one chapter that shook up our core beliefs. This trek saw a lot of funny and intense moments. It was a thrilling trip from getting lost in the thick forest to riding back in slashing heavy rains. Loved every minute of it, so here goes.  

INTRO & PLAN:

Friday was lazing around at Blue Wings, Koof called me and asked if any trek was planned for the weekend. Since I had nothing to do, we decided to head out. Oh yeah, the camera was non-functional. It had been my loyal companion since um, 2016 I think. I was down, but were more about the experience, and photos next.

TIME: 20:00 (1/6/2024)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Yeah, I was awake by 3:30 am, stretched out, and got ready. I left my home at about 5 am and picked up Koof from his home. As we were riding, we saw what stood once as Laxmi bar. Years of memories at this place hit us hard.

TIME: 05:30

RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Bidadi – Ramnagar – Maddur - Huliyurdurga)

This was a 100 km simple ride to the Huliyurdurga. As we hit Tumkur Road, speeds picked up. The skies were filled with dark heavy clouds and the forecast for the day was a downpour. Once we took the deviation from the Nelamanagala toll, we continued on the Mangalore highway for about 20 kilometres and pulled over for a nice breakfast.

TIME:  06:30

After the breakfast we a kick-ass coffee which shot up energies and we hit back the roads. Once we reached Kunigal we took a left deviation, and the roads just became superb. We enjoyed cruising on this road to reach Huliyurdurga. Asking the locals for directions, we reached the old temple and parked our bikes and with the Astral goat’s spirit wide awake, we were ready to climb.

TIME: 08:00

HULIYURDURGA TREK:

The proper trek is only 15-20 minutes of intense creepy climbing. But ours took about 60 minutes. Let me explain.

Lost in the Forest:

Ok, once we parked our bikes. I was in high spirits and barged into the thick forest explaining to Koof how we had to find a temple from which the trek started and all. But we had entered at the wrong point, and it was a pretty thick forest. The silence of the forest was quite spooky. We could see signs of wild animals all over. A skull of probably a dog was left on a rock, a wild rabbit hopped past us, and then a chemboth was walking peacefully. All these signs suggested that we were seriously off track. So, we decided to head back to the place where we started. 

 

We had spent about 45 minutes, and we were drenched in sweat, and I was down and out. Once we made it back, we tried to step back and try to read the mountain, there seemed no climbable spots. So, I decided to go back and ask for directions from the locals. As I was heading back, head held low in dejection, kicking stones out of the path, I saw nicely laid steps, my eyes followed the steps and behold I spotted the starting point of the trek, an old temple.

Actual trek:

I called Koof, and explained how the neat steps had misled us. We laughed about it, but we were both pretty beaten up by the forest adventure. So, we climbed the steps and sat and rested at the temple. Then the actual trek began.

 

The trek started by ascending steep rock faces. It was challenging and nice. Then a narrow path runs through boulders, one must squeeze through these narrow spaces to make it to an opening. Here the trickiest part lies, seasoned climbers can climb without any support. Otherwise, it is better to allow somebody to climb and pull. Once we both were out of the tricky spot, then it was a straightforward climb. Slow and steady we took steps, keeping an eye on the skies. Dark clouds were heading our way from afar, we knew it would pour by evening.

TIME: 09:00

TOP:

We spent about 30 mins at the top. We wanted to spend more time, but because it could rain, we decided to head back early. At the top, we just had one piece of chocolate and drank water and slept. The winds caressed us and almost put is into deep sleep in a matter of minutes. Once we were up, we discussed the route to take back. We decided to explore a new route via Ramanagar.

TIME: 09:30

CLIMB DOWN:

The climb down took us 15 mins. At the tricky spot, I decided to head down first and then Koof could just jump down I would catch him haha! Even though the climb is short one, it is pretty tricky and gives you a super feel. Once we made it back down, we visited the temple at the foot of the hillock. Picking our bike, we left, as we left we saw a group of young buffalos grazing, it got scared by the bike and started running, and from afar its mom started chasing us. We got out of town with a buffalo chasing us away! :D

TIME: 10:00

 

RIDE-2: (Huliyurdurga – Ramanagar – Bangalore)

This was an 85 km ride back. We decided to pull over at a bakery for some Stings. After gulping down, we felt energetic and took the Magadi route. This route went through Huliyur forest, and the ride trust me was fantastic. From that point, we took a right and entered into the country roads. The atmosphere was so peaceful and greenery all around, we just cruised enjoying every bit of fresh air we could take in.

As we entered the town, we were in such high spirits enjoying the ride, we failed to notice fresh cement that had been laid on the roads and we rode off directly into it hehe. Somehow calming down the construction workers we made it out.  After reaching Ramnagara, we picked up speed once again, discussing chameleons, monitor lizards, and Komodo dragons we entered back into Bangalore. We could see a few juice shops open, so the ban of sales was not taken seriously after all, eh? So, we decided to hit 7Hills Dhaba for a quick drink and munch.

TIME: 12:00

 

We spent about 3hrs at the dhaba, speaking about work and other stuff. Once we left, there was a slight drizzle, we loved it and as we rode towards Koof home. But once we reached Uttrahalli it started pouring cats, it was the heaviest downpour for 2024. Monsoons in Bangalore were surely underway.

I asked Koof if he was okay to continue, and he was A-okay. And riding slowly at about 30kmph we glided our way through gushing waters and onslaught from the skies, but what a beautiful ride it was. I dropped Koof at this place and rode back and it was a joy, at traffic signal was looking up at the skies, and after much-awaited months, the rains had finally returned.

TIME: 15:45

CONCLUSION:

“There is an old saying, - there are only two types of people, those who love riding in the rain and the irrelevant. “

Until next time, Cia \m/

⬅️ 202) Ratnagiri fort trek 204) Kabbaladurga fort trek ➡️

Follow us on Insta
📸 Follow @theloapers_90

Channarayanadurga Trek: Slippery Climb with the Core Team | Chapter 180 (Oct 7, 2019)

Place: Channarayanadurga Trek

Distance: 100kms x 2 = 200kms

Directions: Bangalore > Dobbaspete > Kortgere > Channarayandurga

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

Bikes: Enfield > Pulsar                                                                                  

Previous Visit: Bhairavadurga Trek

Budget: Rs 400/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Once we had finished Kabblu and Huliyar, we were tempted to finish off the spooky Channarayanadurga as well. But the light drizzle made the ascent quite tricky and gave us a few close calls.

INTRO & PLAN:

As the Ibex of our Group, Deefu was in town, we decided to catch up and ask him about his Vizag life. He had moved to Vizag since 2 months. With the core trek team consisting of Dattu and Momz we formulated a plan to the evergreen Channarayanadurga as it had been quite some while since our visit to this place.

TIME: 22:00 (6/10/2019)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Oh yeah woke up at 05:00, did a few push-ups & sit-ups, had a sip of coffee, woke up others & was all set to go! The meet up was scheduled at Kamadhenu Hotel near Dobbaspete as we had figured out it was a good way to put things into motion.

Once I reached Dattu’s home, I looked around for the cops who usually end up catching me always, once the coast was clear, called up Dattu and we departed from Bangalore. The ride was smooth and as we reached the hotel, Momz and Deefu arrived as usual swearing at each other for delay by 10min. After a formal greeting, we were ready to belt some yummy breakfast.

TIME: 08:00

RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Dobbaspete - Channarayandurga)

After munching on some yummy Idly & Vada, we took off from the hotel and cruised along until Dobbaspete. From here we took a right deviation and entered the snake way towards, Koratgere. The roads were in excellent condition and we glided along like butter on a hot pan. Once we reached Koratgere we took the bypass road and it was not long before we could spot the mighty Channarayanadurga.

Parking our bikes at the central tree, we looked up at the skies as it had begun to drizzle. We bought some waterbottles and were all set for the trek.

TIME: 10:15

ASCENSION:

Channarayanadurga is one of those fort hillocks, where you should actually spend some time and energy to get lost, yes get lost. Only then you will explore all corners of this beautiful fort and appreciate the deceptiveness.

Like always, I have divided the ascension into the following stages, we were able to ascend in about 45mins and we did so fooling around, but with the drizzle it was not so easy as well:

i) Initial Stretch

ii) Lost Paradise

iii) Layouts

iv) Last Strech

So, keep up with here! And oh yeah by the way, we made the ever forgetful Momz as our guide and Dattu, Deefu and myself behaved as tourists and we would have to rate our local guide Momz.  (At Skandagiri, we had climbed up the hillock and while returning back down, momz had asked the name of the hillock we were all at, so yeah :P )

i) Initial stretch:

This stretch is the most draining part of the entire trek, it truly tests the climber. And boy oh boy did it test us this time. I mean we were all used to the hike, but with the light drizzle it made the rock face so slippery and we were struggling to get a good footing. It took us about 15min to reach the first gate and Momz pointed us in the right direction, we were all very impressed with our guide.

TIME: 11:15

ii) Lost Paradise:

The initial stretch opens up onto a beautiful lake, we decided to rest at the mystic lake on our way down. This stretch was a true tester to Momz. This stretch consists of lots of twists and turns. And the right path to the top, lies hidden amidst the mystifying fort walls. But Momz hit the bull’s eye with this one too and we were all in awe. In fact he went ahead and said that this is common techniques used in most of the fort hills and there was nothing great about it. Deefu and myself looked at each other and felt we had wasted 9-10 years.

TIME: 11:45

iii) Layouts:

Ah, the Layouts. Just before reaching the top, we were flooded with lot of structures and layouts. This is beautiful place to explore. But beware there are many alternate routes which lead to dead ends or death drops. And the “End of the World” spot, which is the first picture of this blog is taken there. And guess what Momz didn’t take us to this place and first negative points were recorded.

iii) Last Stretch:

At the top, there are two pathways to reach the end. One is a by-pass and the main one goes through shrubs and thorns. As the thorns and shrubs had grown thick we could go through it and we went around it and reached. We insisted our guide to go through the shrubs, but he refused and this led to some negative impression :P

TIME: 11:00

TOP:

As we reached the top, we crashed down into the soft grass. No chocolates, but I had taken a few apples. Munching down on the apples we spoke about all sorts of things and then slowly we began immersing in the silence and dozed off for a short nap. Waking up, we decided to trek back down incase the rain intensifies.

TIME: 12:00

TREK BACK:

It took us only about an hour to get back to base. But yes, we had fun all throughout. While climbing back down we took an alternate route and decided to sit at the lake for some time. After which we made it down the steep initial stretch and we were surprised to find two hot chicks sitting on Momz bike. He was all excited and came running down and found literally two chickens sitting peacefully on his bike :P next up Witty dhaba \m/

TIME: 13:00

RIDE 2: (Channarayandurga – Chandu Dhaba – Bangalore)

Okay this was the 100kms ride back to Bangalore. As we left Channarayanadurga, the cool breeze felt good on our face. As we were pretty hungry, we speeded up and zoomed in through Koratgere by-pass and cruise we did at a decent pace to Dobbaspete. After Dobbaspete, as Chandu dhaba was closed we ended up at the excellent Witty dhaba for some heavy lunch.

TIME: 14:30

We spent a good 1.5hour or so at the dhaba munching & drinking after which we rode back to reach our respective homes.

TIME: 17:30

CONCLUSION:

“People usually say, we have been to that place already, let’s try something new. But different seasons, different people, and different mind-sets make the place seem new all the time. Last time we visited this place it was the same crew, yet this trip felt so different!  “

Until next time Ta-ta Cia \m/

PICASA ALBUM:

MAPS:

⬅️ 179. Bhairavadurga trek 197. Kabbaladurga ➡️

Follow us on Insta
📸 Follow @theloapers_90

Ratnagiri Fort Trek: Simple Climb, Hollow Steps Milestone | Chapter 175 (Jul 19, 2019)

Place: Ratnagiri Fort Trek

Distance: 150kms x 2 = 300kms

Directions: Bangalore > Dobbaspete > Madhugiri > Ratnagiri Fort

Krew: Chinmay (Big Show) > Ashok (Momz) > Deepak (Deefu) > Karthik (Sp)

Bikes: Classic 350 > Thunderbird > Pulsar                                    

Previous Visit: Badami, Aihole & Hampi.

Budget: Rs 485/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

This was the second trip for the month for the month of July 2019. The previous being the classic Badami, Aihole, Pattadakkal and Hampi tour. This trek was quite simple and straightforward. And by the way it was our 175^th trip, like always we didn’t go overboard and plan something very big, we just stuck to what we do best, explore unknown or less heard of places.

INTRO & PLAN:

It was about two weeks since we returned back from the Heritage tour, mind and body feeling totally refreshed. With Deefu shifting to Vizag shortly we planned the 175^th trip to be a fort hill trek. Chinmay and Momz also were on the confirmed list.

TIME: 20:00 (18/7/2019)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Oh yeah woke up at 04:00, did a few push-ups & sit-ups, had a sip of coffee & was all set to go! Once I confirmed all were awake, decided the meeting point to be at the Kamadhenu hotel. I wanted to just ride alone for the first 50kms, so I cruised along at a decent pace and pulled over at Kamadhenu hotel and was playing chess as I waited for others to arrive. Once the other three arrived, we had a yummy breakfast.

    

Moms went on to explain his experiences in yoga classes, once as he was asked to count his breath he slept off and how others left the class and he was lying for an extra whole hour :P

Moms is always Momz.

TIME: 08:00

RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Dobbaspete – Madhugiri – Ratnagiri Fort)

After some yummy breakfast, we rode into Dobbaspete and took the road towards Madhugiri. The ride was smooth and all the three bikes were aligned to perfection, as we glided along the snake way in smooth manner the clouds were covering up the sky giving hint that it might rain. Once we reached Kortagere bypass, Chinmay told us he knew a kick-ass tea guy, so we pulled over for some awesome tea.

TIME: 10:30

We knew Ratnagiri lies somewhere after Madhugiri and before Medigeshi. So once we reached Madhugiri, we slowed down and began asking locals for directions. Once we found the right deviation and proceeded further, we could spot the hillock kilometres away waving big hi to us. We zoomed ahead into her arms, parking the bike near the foothill, keeping our helmets and belongings in a house nearby and requesting them to take care of it, we were set for the trek ahead.

TIME: 10:30

RATNAGIRI FORT TREK:

It took us about an hour to ascend the fort. The weather was pleasant and we were pumped, keeping in mind we had the whole day ahead of us, we took the trek slow and had a good time at the hills. I have divided it into 3 segments:

i) Way to the Door.

ii) Amazing Mid-Riff.

iii) Last Stairs.

So, try keeping up with me on this one. Here goes:

i)  Way to the Door:

The stretch between place of parking the fort’s door entrance is a tricky one. Best advise would be to run your eyes around until you spot an unmistakable huge fort door. Sounds simple right. Trust me, first time it was confusing and crazy. It would take about 15mins to reach the fort door.

TIME: 10:45

ii) Amazing Mid-Riff:

This is main segment of the trek and consists of narrow stony path running through various gateways. It gives you good time lapse and makes sure you are alert. As you began to climb up the fort, the view of begins to uplift and you really begin appreciate the construction of fort. The climb as such is non-tiring and a clear pathway exists. This stretch would take anywhere between 15min t0 30min. But I would suggest you to take it slow during this segment and enjoy the place.

TIME: 11:15

iii) Last Stairs:

This was the last stretch of this awesome trek. And once you began climbing up, knock the stairs, yes, kick the rock and you will be shocked that the mega strong stone is actually hollow. Once the stairs is ascended it opens up the top of the fort where a few granaries lay in ruin. The view from the top is breath takin and we usually ended up the small cave for some rest.

TIME: 11:30

TOP:

Sitting at the top, we were enjoying the evergreen stories (real life events) of Momz. In fact we might start a TV show on this :P I took out some toffee and water, and as we re-energised back we spoke about college days and shit. We also recollected a lot Bali Pass trek events which filled the air with added laughter. After resting for a while we decided to head back down.

TIME: 12:30

    

TREK DOWN:

The trek back down was a smooth one. It took us just 30mins to descend. Making our way cautiously through the final ascent, we enjoyed our way through the mid-riff. We fooled around climbing trees and fort walls.  Once we ended up near the door, few locals had come to farm, they plucked out few fruits and handed it over to us an wished us a happy journey back. It was so heart-warming. We felt happy and smiled back, gulping down the fruits we made it back to the bikes.

TIME: 13:00

RIDE 2: (Ratnagiri Fort – Medegeshi – Madhugiri - Dobbaspete – Bangalore)

Riding back, we decided to have lunch at the Madhugiri hotel where we had belted “Mudhe Oota”. As we reached Madhugiri, unfortunately the hotel was closed. Hence we pulled over at another hotel nearby and had decent meal.

The ride back after then was smooth, we cruised at a decent pace. But one funny thing about the ride back was that every element was trying to stop me. First a dog came all of  a sudden in front of my bike, then few people jumped across, then a car on the highway stopped middle of the road, finally then came pouring down the merciless rain, guess what ignoring the signs I just smiled and rode ahead and reached back home to feed my pigeons.

TIME: 17:00

Until next time, Cia \m/

MAPS:

ALL PHOTOS:

⬅️ 174. Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Hampi 176. Shivagange trek ➡️

Follow us on Insta
📸 Follow @theloapers_90