Corona had impacted everyone all around the world, and this was around the month of January, the time when things were getting better. At least we were hoping to get things better. Suddenly on a Friday night, I get a call from one of my friends asking me if I'd be interested for Narasimha Parvatha trek tomorrow. Narasimha Parvatha, also called as Agumbe peak is the tallest peak in the Agumbe range, around 3800ft above sea level. There are 2 ways to trek to the top, one from the Kigga, and one more from Malandur. Distance wise, its around 8kms from Kigga whereas 12-14kms from Malandur. We thought of starting from Kigga, near Sringeri, 2.5 hours from my home. Without giving much thought I agreed.

En-route to Kigga

The next day, I started from my home, early around 6 in the morning. We were to begin our trek by around 8:30 after getting the required permission. We reached Kigga around 8 in the morning, and headed to the RF's house, near Sri Rishya Shringeshwara temple, to get the permission. After giving our id cards, and paying the entry fee we started off for the trek. We parked our vehicles at the nearby house and started off climbing.

The climb to top

It was after long that I had been to a trek, and it felt good. Though  the time wasn't so convenient for trek, but we were covered by dense forest through the start. The trek to top is around 8km, and usually takes around 3-4 hours. The first quarter was quiet easy, going through forest, with well marked path all around. The second quarter too wasn't tough. Though the temperature was increasing slowly.

At around the mid point, we came across a big rock, where we took rest for few minutes to start off again. The next phase of our walk was all in the open. We had just covered half the distance, with another half still remaining. This walk was through steep hills, with not much of cover, nor shade. Finally we reached near the top part of the hill. On top of the hill, there's a storage house, indicating that people used to stay here before, or may be it was a part of guest house. Still climbing further, we reach the peak of top, providing a 360 degree view of the entire hill landscape. 

Picturesque view from top of Narasimha Parvatha

Picturesque view from top of Narasimha Parvatha

Narsimha Parvatha has a mythological as well historical reference too. On top of the hill, there's a small idol of God, which will be worshipped first, during the annual Shringeri Jatre. 

After spending some time here, and having our packed lunch, we decided to head back. Though there are multiple ways to reach the top, we decided to head back the same way. Getting down was quiet faster than climbing up. We were of course being pulled down by gravity, reaching back near the parking by around 1.

We were all quiet thirsty as all the water we had had got over by now. After having a small refreshment, we all headed back home, calling off for the day. Other than the trek, there are also few more places like Sri Rishya Shringeshwara temple, couple of falls, etc  near Kigga.

Overall Narsimha Parvatha trek is a beautiful place to go by. The trek level is moderate, with enough shade almost more than half the way. Also, please note that one has to get prior permission from forest officials, before trekking to top. This trek provides a splendid view, especially more when visiting  post monsoon.

Narsimha Parvatha: A trek to Agumbes Peak

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This trek happened somewhere around the month of September. Rainy season had just got over, falls were full. But visiting falls now would mean lot of crowd. Hence we thought of visiting place with very very less crowd. After searching for places, we finally finalized Nishani Motte. But things were a bit different this time. It was to be a group trek, and moreover I along with couple of other friends had to organize the entire trek.

So, once place got decided, people started coming in. By the day previous to the trip start, we had around 18 people. It was quite a big group to take care of, moreover arrangement's had to be made too. Finally we were all set with the bookings. We had booked a mini bus, stay for 18 people, contacted forest officials, everything was almost set.

So, finally it was a Friday evening. Bus started from Hebbal, picking up people on the way. We had booked for stay near Bagamandala, as its quite close by to the trek next day. By the time the bus left Bangalore, it was almost 11 in night.

Day 1:

We somehow managed to reach Bagamandala by around 6 in the morning. We had already booked a homestay for our stay, Akshaya Homestay. After getting freshen up, and having breakfast, we started our trek.

Before beginning the trek, we had to go and register in the forest department office, Bagamandala. After submitting the required id proofs and enrolling in the register, we were provided with a guide. The actual trek point was around 3-4kms from here. Since we had our own vehicle with us, it was easy heading to the starting point. There are actually 2 ways to trek to the top, and we choose to ascend in one and descend in another. 

Board near Forest checkpost depicting the entry point

Walk-in thru the plains

Just another walking day!

Algae all over a tree on our path

So, finally the trek began. The initial few kilometer's were nothing more than walking on some grasslands. But since it was just after onset of monsoon, we had our blood sucking friend, leeches, all around. The second phase was somewhere in midst of forest, well shaded. The last phase, was however a bit tiring, since it was a quite steep ascend. Throughout this stretch one could witness amazing scenic views all around. This stretch almost had everyone tired. Finally, after ascend the steep steep, we managed to reach on top. On top, it was clouds all around. It was just like walking in heaven, amidst of clouds. 

View en-route the trek

Just few more steps

Through the clouds

And the top of Nishani Motte

After a steep hike, everyone were quiet hungry and, we had the lunch which we had packed from the base. Now was the time for descend. It took us around 1 hour or so to descend. It was a very quick descend. But again, there were a lot of picturesque places with amazing sceneries both during ascend and descend. Finally after about an hour of walking, we reached another forest check post. This checkpost marks the end of our trek. From here we had to walk around 4-5kms to reach back to main road. But luckily for us, there were some local jeeps going, and we all hopped in it. Finally we reached back to our bus, waiting for us at the main road.

A small leaf frog 

It was evening by now, and most of people were already tired. Hence we headed back straight to homestay, had our campfire, and called off for the day.

Day2:

The next day, everyone were quite relaxed. After having an amazing breakfast at the homestay, we set off towards Talakaveri. It was hardly 15kms from here. But the entry to hilltop at Talakaveri was closed due to some reason. Hence we couldn't visit the hill, but visited the temple and headed back.

On our way back, since we dint have anything much to do, we visited Sri Bhagandeshwara temple, Bagamandala.  We were here almost at the lunch time, hence we decided to have our lunch here as well. Post lunch we were spent some time getting relaxed at the Sangama, where the rivers join to form Cauvery. Few of us got into water enjoying in the slow paced river, while rest were playing games, roaming around, keeping themselves occupied. 

Finally our group trip had come to an end today. We started back to Bengaluru from here, managing to reach by around 11.

Overall it was quite a wonderful trip. NishaniMotte, is absolutely an amazing place to trek by, especially given the fact that not much people come here. Moreover, the difficulty of the trek is somewhere around medium, but the view is as breath-taking as any other treks.

Nishani Motte : Easy steps for trekkers

Kiran K 0

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Yercaud , rightly called as the Jewel of south , is truly a memorable place to visit! Situated in the Shevaroys Hills of the Eastern Ghats, at a distance of around 230km from Bangalore is a perfect weekend getaway!

Yercaud, located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, gets its name from the abundance of leaves present near the lake, called by locals as Yeri caud and finally over the years pronounced as Yercaud. Yercaud being just a 4 hours drive from Bangalore has become one of the ideal weekend getaways apart from Ooty, Mysuru ,etc. This weekend getaway boasts of various places of interests for tourist . 

This trip dates back to sometime last to last  year, around the months of Oct-Dec.  It was a really unplanned one and we just decided to go as we had a car booked for 2 days.  One fine Friday evening, after the usual office routine, we friends decided to have a small trip. Not sure of the destination, we just had our car booking done. Finally after some searching on net, we found this place to be more suitable as it was around winter and moreover this was just 4-5 hours drive from Bangalore. So, the next day we set off from Bangalore. We set off quite early and managed to reach by around 12 in the noon. We visited quite many places in our 2 days trip . Some of them are :

Yercaud lake

It is one of the most famous point of visit in Yercaud. Situated in the heart of the town, it attracts all the visitors. This is a huge lake with lush green surroundings providing boating along with retreat to eyes. Also with boating facility, its a relaxing place to rest and enjoy the nice surroundings.

Panaromic view of Yercaud Lake

Anna park 

It is situated just besides the lake. The park is a good place to spend time and boasts of variety of flower and some small games for your little ones to enjoy. This is one of the place to awaken the creativity in you. There are varieties of flower here that youll not stop clicking pictures of them. Also, the park has some small games for children where in your little ones can enjoy.

Welcome carving at the entrance of Anna Park

Rose Flowers inside Anna Park

Pagoda point

Located a bit away from the city, this place has a awesome view. Basically it's just a point in open located at a higher altitude but the view it provides is just mesmerizing. People usually drive here for the serene view it provides. This is one more calm composed place of this city.

View around Pagoda point

32 km loop road

The 32km Loop Road

This is one of the best part of Yercaud. Not many are aware of this but one must not miss this as there is no particular markings for this road. It starts near the lake and comes back to lake after covering whopping 32kms. Throughout the journey one sees different landscapes. The loop road covers stretches thru different variety of nature and natural vegetation. It passes thru the bamboo cover, paddy fields, dense thick forest, narrow curvy road, hill view points. Though the road is quite narrow at many points, but the journey is equally awesome.

Sunset View en-route along the loop route

Ladys Seat

This is one more favourite tourist attractions of Yercaud offering a splendid view of the valley and surrounding areas. But the time we went in, the place was covered with clouds making it not so visible. However, off winters, the place will be fully filled with tourists, enjoying the view.

The view-tower in Lady's seat

Shevaroy Hills

This is one more outstationed-place, located quite away from main Yercaud town. This place is named after the famous Shevaroy temple. On top the hill, theres a small temple, located inside a cave. Though the temple isnt that big, the view it surrounds attracts many. Also, one can have amazing tea here in the nearby tea stalls and shacks.

View from somewhere around Shevaroy hills

Kiliyur Falls

This is one of the best waterfals in Yercaud. Though located quite down the hill, there are steps provided. People have to walk down the stairs for around 300-500 mtrs to reach the base of the waterfall. The waterfall is really nice but is usually crowded during weekends. The waterfall here is friendly, allowing people to get into it. If you want to enjoy getting down into the water, its advisable to go on a weekday. 

Kiliyur Waterfalls

Kiliyur water falls

Overall Yercaud is a perfect weekend getaway to be spent with your family or your friends and would be highly recommended as its quite close to Bangalore.

Yercaud truly a Jewel !

Kiran K 0

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Kudremukh, once the land of mining, is a magical surprise box in itself. It provides such amazing view that any nature lover will be taken aback! Kudremukh (translated as Horse Head) is a treat to eyes. Everywhere here one can find lush green mountain, amazing scenery, picturesque landscape. Nature is in its purest form here.

Kudremukh, located in state of Karnataka, is around 50km from Karkala, comes  under the Chikkamagaluru district. The place has been so famous that its been attracting trekkers from many far and nearby places. People flock here in huge numbers, especially during the peak season(Nov-Jan) to get forgotten in the beauty of nature.

Kudremukh Peak : An awesome trek

Kiran K 0

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Ooty , also called as Ugadamandalam, the jewel of Nilgiris , is a very famous tourist attraction in southern India. Ooty, a hill station with a lot of tourists density , is an ideal place to be visited all throughout the year,but people generally prefer the months after the monsoon(i.e., months of Sept-Dec) due to heavy downpour during the monsoon season . But nevertheless , each season shows Ooty in a different attire . Visiting Ooty in any season should be pleasant , as one would see mother nature in a different outlook during each seasons .  Coonoor , another famous tourist place is also located very close to Ooty. Ooty is also the largest hill station in the Nilgiris , followed by Coonoor.

The  Trip :

It was  a Thursday and  the weekend was about to come soon, and I wasn't  interested to spend the whole weekend in Bangalore . Soon enough, just to have a change from the usual city weekend, I decided to visit Coonoor . Coonoor was in my TODO list from long back but somehow I thought of visiting this place at least this time. Coonoor and Ooty are very close (approx 20kms ) . Even though I had been to Ooty many times before, I had never been to Coonoor , I still wanted to visit this place, for the charm it provides .

The plan was all set : We would be leaving Bangalore on Saturday morning . Reaching Ooty in the afternoon , seeing few places in and around Ooty . The second day was reserved entirely for Coonoor . We were supposed to return to Bangalore by Sunday night ! But unfortunately or fortunately, nothing actually happens as per plan . Fate has its own play !

The First Day :

It all started very well . We left Bangalore in the morning around 06:00 a.m. After having breakfast at Kollegala, we managed to reach Ooty around 01:00 p.m. After having lunch there , it was the time to explore few places in and around Ooty . We started by visiting Doddabetta .

Doddabetta is the highest mountain in Nilgiris region , located around 10 km from Ooty City . Doddabetta provides a panoramic view of the entire Ooty city ! There is a watch tower with  a telescope located there, thru which one can see Ooty City Streets .

After Doddabetta , we visited Ooty Botanical Gardens . Ooty Botanical Gardens is a very huge garden built in terraced layout . The garden boasts of varieties of plants and trees , all of which is beautiful and well maintained .

The famous Ooty Botanical garden

Later we headed towards Ooty Lake . Boating in this lake is so calm and peaceful that one would forget all his worries and get lost in the natures beauty.

Ooty Lake

After Ooty Lake we headed towards Kamraja Sagar Dam . Its a small dam  located very close to the main road .

Kamaraja Sagar Dam

It was already 06:00 p.m in the evening ,  and we thought to call it off for the day. Since we had our stay booked , we directly headed to our hotel .

The Second Day :

The second day started a bit late for us . We were supposed to wake up early and leave for Coonoor , but the cold weather was such that , none were ready to get up  ! Finally we left for Coonoor at 11:00 in the morning.

On the way to Coonoor , one can see some very beautiful landscapes . The scenery is really mind blowing.

On the way to Coonoor from Ooty , one can come across Valley View Point. The view point provides a very beautiful view of terraced Layout, Valley  and adjacent mountains. After Valley View we headed towards Sims Park.

View from Valley View Point

Sims Park is another beautiful place located in Coonoor . Its a  very huge park which is again in terraced layout. Its an ideal place to spend time with your family and kids .

Beautiful View on way to Sims Park

 After Sims park, our next destination was Lambs Rock. Lambs Rock is a another view point which provides a spectacular view of the scenic mountains around . But unfortunately , for us , the place was covered by thick clouds making it difficult to see ! Next we headed to Dolphin Nose.

MISTified Tea Estates

View from Top of Lambs Rock

A small bug @ Lambs Rock

Dolphin Nose is another famous tourist attraction located in Coonoor ! The place was named so because the tip of the peak resembles the shape of Dolphins nose. From here ,one can see the Coimbatore plains as well as the mountains of Nilgiris .

View from top of Dolphin Nose

View from top of Dolphin Nose

From Dolphin Nose,  one can also see the beautiful Catherine falls . Though its quite far , the waterfall looks amazingly beautiful from this distance too !

 Catherine Falls as seen from Dolphin Nose

Dolphin Nose marked the end of our trip .But the journey was still pending . We headed back to Ooty to return to Bangalore .  Just for a change , we decided to go through another route , ie., via Gudalur , crossing Madhumalai Forest and entering Karnataka thru Bandipur Forest . But unfortunately , the time we arrived the Gudalur check post , the gate was already closed.  So, we had to stay at Gudalur for that night and left next day early morning . ( Kindly note that the gate closes at 08:30 p.m and opens at 06:00 a.m and do plan your journey accordingly.)

Overall the trip was very good and Ooty-Coonoor is a place which everyone must visit . The scenic view that these places provide , are much more worth , and will never be perished .

(Note : Below Image gives various tourist attractions in and around Ooty )

Ooty-Coonoor Map & Places

Ooty-Coonoor : The Jewels Of Nilgiri

Kiran K 0

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