Huthridurga Trek: The Great Escape Fort Milestone | Chapter 200 (Apr 27, 2024)

Place: Huthridurga trek

Distance: 75kms x 2 = 150kms

Directions: Bangalore > Magadi > Huthridurga > Ramnagara > Bangalore

Krew: Dileep (Koof) > Karthik (Sippy)

Bikes:  Pulsar                                                                                                 

Previous Visit: Channarayanadurga trek

Budget: Rs 250/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

This was a sweet and small trek to this now very famous trekking destination. Famous for the great escape in 1758 by Bairstow, this trek had elements of surprises and exploration. But due to the commercializing of the place, now had lost all its glamour. Nevertheless, we had a decent trek on Saturday. And yeah 200 is just a Number. 

INTRO & PLAN:

Ok, April 2024 had been too good. Three trips had been completed and to sweeten the pot, we decided to hit a 4^th one. Koof was the only one on the confirmed list. Channarayanadurga was a good start and now it was time to have the momentum going.

TIME: 20:00 (26/4/2024)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Yeah, I was up at 4 am, stretched did a few push-ups and pull-ups, and was all set to leave. Woke up Koof by 5 am and left towards KR road. Once Koof joined we left Bangalore. We decided to take the Magadi Road as it was the shortest route and I faintly remember the ride back in 2018 was good.

TIME: 06:00

RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Magadi - Huthridurga)

This was about a 75km shaky ride. The roads were a mix of very good and muddy roads. That made the ride painful on an early Saturday morning. With the sun rising behind us, we kept pushing and cautiously riding. As it was a 2-lane road, rushing lorries and busses from opposite sides were something to watch for! Just before entering Magadi, we pulled over for some yummy breakfast.

TIME: 07:00

From Magadi, Huthridurga is about 20-25km. And all of a sudden, the roads turned very good. So, we cruised along at a decent pace, making up for the time to reach the town. We were surprised to see a tempo full of uncles and aunties returning after the trek.  We parked our bikes in what was now a proper parking space, last time we had just ridden into farmlands and taken off. (Hutridurga - 2018; Hutridurga - 2013)

TIME: 07:45

HUTRIDURGA TREK:

The trek to the top of the hillock took us 45 minutes with enough breaks in between. To start the trek, we were a little disappointed to find steps to the top. I understand tourism and all other shit, but the taking away true essence of the place at the cost of promoting tourism is something I do not get.

The initial climb was easy, and we wanted to get this part done quickly. Post which the gateways began. Moving through the gateways is fun and adventurous. As we reached the 2^nd fort wall, I remember during our 1^st visit to the place, we had searched so much for the entrance to the 3^rd tier. But now, there were clear steps leading to the hidden spot.  

People had thinned down by then and the sun was up and bright. Koof said he wanted to sleep for some time :P Haha! I said, it would be better if pushed until top and then rested on top as there were more places of shade.

I made sure we kept pushing without big breaks and I kept playing around the steep slopes as I had a fair idea in mind where the next treks were coming up. We reached the top and then crashed at the temple.

TIME: 08:20

TOP:

Cool winds greeted us on top and we could see the entire town of Hutri. It was a beautiful view. Savandurga was shrouded in mist and hence we couldn’t spot it even though it was close by. After taking some photographs, Koof decided that it was time for a good crash. We spent about an hour on the top. Koof fast asleep and I tried to take in the view and immersed myself in the silence and the natural orchestra at the top.  It was trippy and nice. Once Koof was awake, we decided to do a quick touch-down on the cave viewpoint and then head back down.

TIME: 09:15

CLIMB DOWN:

The climb down was a smooth one. We hardly took any breaks and thus could complete it in about 30 minutes only. We continuously climbed down until the 1^st tier; the sun was blazing full force hence we decided to have a couple of glasses of buttermilk. Reaching back to the base we decided one thing clearly, “we are not heading back on Magadi road again”. Haha! Yeah, the roads were bad.  We pulled over at a bakery and had some cold water and sting. Yeah, off late we are kind of having this thing after each trek.

TIME: 10:00

RIDE 2: (Huthridurga – Ramnagara - Bangalore)

Yeah, taking the Ramnagara route turned out to be a very good decision. The roads are in excellent condition, and we enjoyed this stretch very much. Cruising at a decent pace we reached back the Bangalore-Mysore highway. Not exactly the old enjoyable ride, but the roads were too wide, and we could cruise at a faster pace to reach back Blue Wings to meet other boys as well! :)

TIME: 12:00

Stayed at BW for 4hours speaking about college, politics, Naruto, and marriage lives – yes, BW is fun. Reached back home safe \m/.

And yes, 200 is just a number. So we did not celebrate and all, as we do that every weekend!

TIME: 16:00

⬅️ 199. Channarayanadurga trek 201. Bhairavadurga trek ➡️

Follow us on Insta
📸 Follow @theloapers_90

Ganalu Falls Ride: Insane, Epic Monsoon Ride Challenge | Chapter 177 (Aug 21, 2019)

Place: Ganalu Falls & Shivanasamudra

Distance: 150 x 2 = 300km

Directions: Bangalore > Bidadi > Channpatna > Sathnur > Halagaru > Ganalu > Shivanasamudra

Krew: Chinmay (Big Show) > Ashok (Moms > Karthik (Sp)

Bikes: Pulsar > Enfield                                                                   

Previous Visit: Shivagange – Into the clouds

Budget: Rs 508/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:                                                  

This was one crazy trip, the main highlight of the trip was the insane ride back in on of the heaviest rains seen on our road trips. Ganalu falls was in our radar since some years, but had never had manged to tick it off!

INTRO & PLAN:

With waters being released from KRS dam and rain showers every day in Bangalore, thought it had been quite some time since we did a ride in heavy rains. So with only one objective in mind – “to ride in heavy rains” we set ourselves. Chinmay & Moms were the two on confirmed list. So, with no concrete place in mind we decided to meet at Bidadi and then decide.

TIME: 22:00 (19/8/2019)

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Yeah, I was up at 4AM, did a few push-ups & sit-ups. After a sip of coffee I left home towards Bidadi. This was 30km ride and boy Mysore road had changed a lot, but nevertheless had that charm it had since we first set foot on it back in 2009. Pulled over at Bidadi for some yummy breakfast.

TIME: 07:30

RIDE 1: (Bidadi – Kabbaladurga – Halguru – Ganalu Falls)

Once we finished our breakfast, we cruised along at a decent pace on Mysore road. Since it was a weekday, the traffic was somewhat less. After reaching Channpatna, we took the country roads towards Sathnur. The temperatures turned down, the air became pleasant and oxygen rich and greenery flooded both sides of the road pleasing our eyes. We slowed down enjoying every bit of the surroundings. It was not long before we spotted, or did we spot? We could see on outline of the mighty Kabbaladurga totally shrouded in mist. She looked somewhat mystic and scary at the same time. Saying a big hi to my favourite hillock, we took a 30mins break in the fields nearby.

We joined the Kanakpura road as we reached Sathnur and continued towards Halaguru. At Halaguru we pulled over at a bakery and bought some coffee chocolates, honey cake, jamoon, lolly-pop and you know why :P

     

Asking the locals for direction we deviated from the Kanakpura road and the off-roading began. Once the deviation to muthathi was past us, the ride turned into a really chilling one. We saw a board which said “You are entering forest premises” But no guards, the roads were muddy and filled with gravels and stones, the vegetation on either side started turning thicker and thicker, not a soul around. Finally we spotted the rocky stones and we knew we were at Ganalu falls in the middle of absolute wilderness.

TIME: 10:45

GANALU FALLS:

We were slightly disappointed and confused as to why there was not much water. But the place was just perfect, totally in the middle of the forest with no humans for kilometres together. We started making our way down the rocks. The descent was steep and on sharp edged rocks. Cautiously negotiating each step, we explored the place and found a nice place to sit and light some stuff.

We spent 1.5hours joking, laughing our asses off and remembering college days and various other incidents. Finally we decided to leave as it had begun to drizzle and we didn’t want to get stranded on the rocks in rain as we had left our shoes near the bike.

After reaching the bikes, we took off towards Shivanasumdra totally in goom mode.

SHIVANASAMUDRA:

Shivanasaudra consists of two falls Gaganachukki & Barachukki. As the waters were in full flow in both the falls, people were prohibited to go near the falls. Hence only see the falls, admire it and return was the plan. We covered both the falls in about an hour as we were totally afloat. We had some tomato masala, nippat masala, churmuri and cane juice as snacks as we had plans to eat Buyyondoddi Fish Dry. 

TIME:14:50

RIDE 2: (Shivanasamudra – Mallavalli – Sathnur – Channpatna – Bangalore)

This was the rain ride and the highlight of this chapter. As we left Barachukki we were still feeling afloat. About 15kms prior to Malavalli we witnessed a sight that got us thumping and pumping but at the same time sent chill down our spines. We were riding in sun and warm winds, ahead was thick, black clouds all over the sky. We knew it, we were in for some buffalo mode riding.

We pulled over at Malavali, with all thick clouds all above is and winds were chilling and icy cold. We put all our phones into a zip cover, called up the Buyyondaddi fish guy and asked him to keep 4-6 fishes aside and we looked at each other and we were set for the rain ride.

As we began the rain came down mercilessly, it was so heavy there were no bikes on road. We cruised along at a decent pace until a point where wind speeds also started picking up, now this was dangerous and we took a call to pull over for some time for some tea. The rain falling down in full speed on the asbestos sheet above was rattling our ears deaf. Had never seen such intensity of rains.

After some light tea, we took off and as we rode on once my shoe, socks and undies all had drenched in rain, there was nothing to lose all we could do was keep calm, ride and most importantly enjoy it after all that was the whole purpose of this chapter. 

Even though the rain intensified, we kept a decent pace of 60-70’s gliding through the blanket of falling waters from the skies. Such a joy it was! As we reached Sathnur the rains decreased. We pulled over infront of Kabbaladurga once again for a small breather. Called up the Fish guy and told him we would not be able to make it and promised him a return soon.

We decided to re-join Mysore road as it was the safe option considering the on setting darkness. We re-joined back at Channpatna and pulled over for a second tea stop as we had skipped lunch.

Ride back from Channpatna was descent, as we approached Bangalore, we took the NICE road and exited near College and stood there was 15-20mins still shivering from the cold but what a great feeling it was.

TIME: 19:30

The TWO incidents :

As I reached back home, camera had stopped functioning. I realised at Channpatna I had taken out the camera and put it my waterproof jackets pocket and then forgot to close the zip of the pocket :P. Kept the camera in a bag of rice and sealed it tight. And lo behold, on the next day morning it was working fine. Chinmay had lost his ring, and we didn’t know when and where, the rain ride had kept us focussed and it was quite disappointing. Once he reached home, he also found the ring in his pocket which we had searched earlier.

Sometimes everything just sets right by itself. It was quite strange two incidents I thought worth mentioning. Guess the rains were happy with us withstanding their onslaught.

Until next time, Cia \m/

⬅️ 176. Shivagange Trek 178. Gundal dam ➡️

Follow us on Insta
📸 Follow @theloapers_90

Kabbaldurga Trek: The Zero-Break 'Turtle Awakening' Solo Ritual | Chapter 173 (Jun 11, 2019)

Place: Kabbaladurga trek

Distance: 100kms x 2 = 200kms

Directions: Bangalore > Bidadi > Channpatna > Kabbaladurga > Kanakpura > Bangalore

Krew: Karthik (Sp)

Bikes: Pulsar                                                                                  

Previous Visit: Bali pass trek

Budget: Rs 360/head

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, after a super Bali pass trek my birthday was around the corner, hence I decided to perform my annual ritual by visiting this hillock and hitting the reset button in my life. But this time lot of small things tried to stop me, but ah yeah pulled it off.

INTRO & PLAN:

Every birthday I have made it a point not to miss visiting this place, so after returning from the Himalayas I was very eager to test my endurance levels. So having continued the physical training I was all set to visit her again and alone as always.

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

ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:

Yeah I was up at 04:30 heard water flowing on the road. Though it must have rained last night and was about to skip. Then I realised that a water pipe had broke and water was flowing from it.  Then I realised my mind is trying to play games on me trying to pull me back. Hence hit the shutdown button, dusted my bike and took off without brushing my teeth :P

TIME: 06:00

RIDE 1: (Bangalore– Ramngara – Channpatna - Kabbaldurga)

This was a 100km one way ride on Mysore road and country roads. I cruised along at the early hours without much hassle. It had been a while since I visited Mysore road, the road where we began fooling around on bikes. Lot of things had changed, but one thing remained same, me trying to still fool around. Cruising at a decent pace I reached Bidadi, and pulled over our regular hotel for some tasty breakfast.

TIME: 06:30

After some good idly and vada, I checked my phone to see the birthday messages, then hopping onto the saddle took off from Bidadi. Cruising past Ramnagar reached Channpatna. Taking a left turn here, the roads turned pleasant and a sense of calmness flooded the air and the more or less the bike was taking me effortlessly. Reaching the base, I parked my bike near the cow stand and was all set for the hike.

TIME: 07:45

KABBALDURGA TREK:

Well it took me only 45min this time to ascend the hillock. But guess what with zero breaks, then why did it take 45mins? Well after the Bali pass trek one thing I realised and learnt was maintaining a slow steady pace is much better than having outbursts and taking breaks at regular intervals.. As before I have divided the trek into the following sections:

i) Initial stretch

ii) 3 point stretch

iii) Viper stretch

iv) Final Stretch

So ready? Yeah this was a calm yet crazy trek, keep up with me here!

i) Initial stretch:

This trust me is never a straightforward part of the trek. No matter how many times I climb this hillock, I always miss a turn here or there and end up searching for the route. This time it was no different. I Lost my route couple of times, but made it through the initial gateway to reach the challenging stretch.

ii) 3 point stretch:

This was tester, it always gives me a sense of where I stand in terms of stamina, reading the rocks, balancing, ability to stop thinking and much more. So yeah as I began to ascend the rocks, the usual outbursts of energy like before wasn’t there, calmly I was taking step by step, not minding one bit of just chilling in middle of a the steep stretch for a few seconds. So without breaking much sweat I made it past this stretch, felt great!

iii) Viper stretch:

This stretch is something you can really experience when you trek alone or when in a group you shut and climb. This stretch is filled with a good length grass and as you make your way through it, you can always head some animal crawl amidst the grass, yes it was scared the shit out of me first time, then you get used to it. And that feeling is something you have to hold onto it and get comfortable with. Just an incredible feeling.

iv) Final stretch:

The final stretch now consists of steps which is quite draining, but this stretch always reminds me of first time I had ascended the hillock solo back in 2010 – Kabbaladurga trek. But keeping a slow and steady pace making sure my breathing is at normal rate I made it to the top without any tiredness. Guess all the workout for the Bali pass was worth it!

TIME: 08:30

TOP:

As I reached the top, searched for monitor lizard I had spotted once a few years back. But these natural things, when you seek for you shall never find, they have a tendency to appear out of nowhere, well that’s there thing! I visited the main temple on top, paid my respects to the place and headed to the Shiva temple to crash. One of my toe nails was still recovering from the frost-bite. So rested well in the temple for about 30mins and woke up afresh and decided to head back down. It had already started drizzling very lightly.

TIME: 09:15

   

TREK DOWN:

Trek down was again a tester of my knee strength. As I began my descend, I was moving at a descent pace. Then I met the priest of the place, speaking to him for a while moved on to meet a family. They had travelled from Kollegala to visit this place, not bad. They seemed tired so gave off the remaining water and asked if they wanted some chocolates. One aunty felt very happy, so I handed over the bag of around 60-70 chocolates, she took out 5 and gave it to me. I was angry and at the same time wanted to burst into laughter, I smiled and was about to move on when her husband spoke some sense into her and she returned the bag keeping another 10-15. Haha! Reaching back to the base, I played around with a baby bullock as it was thinking I had come to take over the place. Filling up my bottle in the town of Kabblu I took off!

TIME: 10:00

RIDE 2: (Kabbaldurga – Channpatna – Bidadi-Bangalore)

This was 100kms ride back, but took the Kanakpura road this time completing a small good circuit. As the road was being widened lot of construction work and it turned out to be a tiring ride back home. Anyway reaching back home, had a light meal and called back people and thanked them for the birthday wishes drifted into slumber!

TIME: 11:45

CONCLUSION:

" when you go solo treks i realized, the mindset you would require during the climb is something you would require right from the moment you set off. The art of shutting up and executing without much thoughts! haha! :) "

Until next time, Cia \m/

MAPS:

ALL PHOTOS:

⬅️ 172. Bali Pass trek 174. Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Hampi ➡️

Follow us on Insta
📸 Follow @theloapers_90