Night trekking to Skandagiri

I have always had fun trekking and was excited when one in our gang threw up a plan to trek at night to Skandagiri. Excitement in the daylight trekking was limited as one measures steep rocks, narrow passages through challenging shrubs and herbs. On this occasion, the presence of moon light darkness took the level of excitement to different height. Six of us hired a Chevy Tavera and started our journey to Skandagiri from Bangalore at 2100 hrs. Before reaching the destination we had a tea break of 20 mins immediately after we passed the Bangalore international airport. Check point #1 cleared and we were on plan.

Nandhi hills was our now check point and that was again on schedule. From Nandhi hills, we knew we were not more than 20km away from our final destination. But, our destiny was to roam in and around a village for 30 mins searching for the lost route. We were lost near a temple in Kalwari village. Fortunately, we saw a Santro Xing approaching us who guided us until the entry to the village of Tirunalli. From Tirunalli, we knew that it was only a matter of time before we reached our destination.

Once we reached Skandagiri, we stopped by a small hut in a vacant land to find out the parking place for our cab. Much to our surprise, we were told that it was in the same vacant land that trekkers will be parking their vehicles. So, we just paid him a parking fees of Rs.30 and convinced a guide for Rs.250 as he demanded Rs.500. Once it was finalized with the guide for Rs.250, we were in for a surprise that was kept hidden until the morning when we reached back to the foothills. It was 0030 hrs as we reached the foothills of Skandagiri hills. All packed up with torch light, light weight sweater and their camera started inching towards hilltop. It was really a fantastic experience climbing mountains in the moon light. Steep rocks with steps carved for inches in depth just enough to hold a foot kept us excited through out our climb. There were a few shouts for "watch out". A few of us were first time climbers and one should see them as they heard those "watch out" calls. Nervous moments !! Steepness of the climb, the elevation where we were at even made one of us even vow that he would never ever trek again. With all the nervousness, enjoyment and excitement we made it to the hilltop. It was at least a 3hr climb with three breaks of ten mins each. It was all fun over flowing out of us as music, dance, meeting other trekkers, photography and, of course, pulling each other's leg. It was so much fun in the camp fire. There were even tiny stalls for tea and bread omllette. Sunrise was the moment awaited by everyone out there. Some had set their tripods as early as 0400 hrs itself. Sunrise started at 0535 hrs. Everyone seemed to be a professional photographer at that instant :-) The scenic beauty so much that it took a photographer out of me and here I showcase a few instances as well. Skandagiri album

After the photography session, we started our descent down the hill. As some of us were waiting to climb the hill down, some of us were worried to even think of it. As many others were moving down, we just followed them. We saw some kids just 5 or 6 year old coming up and we were thinking about how did these kids climbed those vertical rocks with little support to hold on. The answer was on our way. When we climbed up the hill, the guide had taken us through the shorter route that had all the steep rocks and narrow passages while there was also another easier path with not much of even rock climbing. Now, this was the surprise that I had wrote of earlier in this blog. It was then that some troubled climbers realized that may be we should have paid the guide the amount that he wanted instead of demanding. But, honestly speaking I enjoyed our way up to the hilltop rather than the descent. Anyways, Skandagiri is a must visit places for all the chasers of excitement. Before I wind up, be sure you are well equipped for the night trekking with first aid kit, torch, water, prefer shoes and sweater.

Now, don't just read. Start planning your night trek to Skandagiri.