Place: Nijagal betta trek
Distance: 60 x 2 = 120km
Directions: Bangalore > Nelamangala >
Dobbaspete > Nijagal Betta
Krew: Deepak (Deefu) > Karthik (Sp)
Bikes: Pulsar
Previous Visit: Markonahalli Dam
Budget: Rs 200/head (approx..)
IN LESS THAN
50 WORDS:
Alright, this sweet and small trek was done in
primarily to welcome back Deefu to Bangalore. Nijagal is a small hillock in
Dobbaspete. It offers the perfect start for rookie climbers and gives a very
nice view of the surroundings from the top.
INTRO &
PLAN:
Okay, it was year since Deefu had participated in any
of the chapters, last trip being the Shivagange trek. He was in Chennai for a year or so. Once he shifted back to
Bangalore, he gave a green signal for treks. So when looked around for places I
thought Nijagal would be ideal as it had been 2.5 years since we visited this
place and also, it was a small hike, a perfect one to get things going again. Ashok,
Dattu & Kushal when asked decided to sit this one down.
TIME: 22:00 (2/12/2016)
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 Deefu’s place. He had already booked his blue blizzard
but since he couldn’t get it for this trip we decided to ride out on my bike.
TIME: 08:15
RIDE 1:
(Bangalore – Dobbaspete - Nijagal)
Ride to Nijagal was a short one, hardly 60kms on NH-4.
As we started off, we proceeded at a slow pace as the traffic was dense. But
kinda knew Nijagal we can get to ourselves if we head out early. We rode at
pretty much decent pace talking over what adventures Deefu had done at Chennai
:P (Had been a year since he made it to trips!) It was not long before we
pulled over at our regular hotel on NH-4 for some yummy Sambhar with Idly &
Vada. (yes the order is right, sambhar at this place is so frikking awesome :P)
TIME: 09:00
Alright with our tummies satisfied, we had some light
tea outside and left the hotel. Dobbaspete being just 5-10kms we reached in no
time and could spot Nijagal standing in all its glory afar. We parked the bike
near the base of the hillock and with the astral goat’s spirit wide awakened
within us, we were all set to conquer this hillock.
TIME: 09:45
NIJAGAL TREK:
Ok, Nijagal isn’t a big trek and all. But this time we
were so pumped about that we were hiking after long we kinda finished it
25-30mins (scratchin head!). I mean it would take 45-60mins usually, so yeah
keep an hour so for yourself alright! 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 walkways consist of steep muddy path and a
few gateways. One might feel the energy getting drained fast during this
stretch, but hey just turn around and look at the might Shivagange afar, im
sure your fuel would be re-filled. By the end of the last gate, we get an
overview of the entire place.
ii) Hike
uphill:
Okay, this stretch is pretty much it. One stretch
where you might find yourself little pulled back if not a regular climber. For
us, it was like a race to the top (looking around at the same time as well! )
There exists a dharga at this stretch as well and a lot of monkeys too.
iii) Dark
Caves:
The dark caves are on the top and offers a very good
resting place. But this time we wanted to explore a little more as we had made
to the top a bit too early. We climbed on the ruined buildings and started
figuring out new techniques to climbs as well. At the end we settled into the
caves for a good 1.5hours.
TIME: 11:45
iv) Lost
Ruins:
Ok, after spending about 1.5hr son top we decided to
head back down. This time like before via a different route as we could see the
old ruined temple as well. This stretch
is a sweet one offering some good challenge.
We reached the ruined temple and with fresh eyes we
looked at the temple and the pillars. The grass around the temple was torched;
we sat inside the temple for a few mins and decided to leave. We could see a
few locals storming into the place. Good thing we had started early and had the
place to ourselves (Yeah, we’re selfish,
and we’re honest about it \m/ ). As
we started walking towards our bikes, we called up DAttu, Ashok & Kushal
and asked them if they could make to White horse, and ting ting ting, everybody
confirmed immediately Haha! :P
TIME: 12:00
RIDE 2:
(Nijagal – Nelamangala – Bangalore)
Ok, this was a 60km ride back with a cache clear stop
at White Horse. We rode back at a decent pace to reach WH at about 13:30. It
was damn good to catch up with old school friends in a place where we had all
studied – Malleswaram. After spending a good 3-4hours we decided to leave back
to our respective homes.
TIME: 17:30
CONCLUSION:
“ Alright, a
small chapter, but a much needed one after a big break. It proved to be a perfect
chapter to get things moving!“
Day well spent huh, Until next Ta-da Cia \m/
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