Conquering the Gates of Agumbe: A Thrilling Ascent to Narasimha Parvata.

The call of the Western Ghats is strong. On November 28, 2025, my friend and I embarked on a mission to conquer Narasimha Parvata, one of Karnataka's most scenic peaks. This was my second time to Narasimha Parvata. After a quick debate, we decided to trust our journey to trekking group, Plan the Unplanned.

The Journey Begins

We met our group at the Yashwantpur metro station at 10:30 PM and boarded the bus. Our troop consisted of 19 spirited trekkers, guided by two experienced leads. The group was a mix of ages and backgrounds, including a 9th standard student hiking with his dad and an inspiring 55-year-old woman accompanying her son.

To break the ice, we played a fun shuffling game where everyone got to know one person and then introduced them to the whole group—a great way to start building camaraderie! After a night of bumpy, interrupted sleep, we finally arrived at our homestay in Agumbe at 7:30 AM. A quick freshen-up and a simple yet satisfying breakfast of vermicelli later, we were back on the bus, heading for the starting point in Mallandur, 40 minutes away. The forest guards verified our identities & let the bus pass to the base camp.

Into the Wild Agumbe Forest

Two local guides joined us at the base, and after a quick warm-up session, we hit the trail at 9:20 AM.

The first 2 kilometers were straight out of a jungle book! We moved through the thick, lush Agumbe forest, sheltered by a dense tree canopy on a defined trail. This initial stretch, while not overly steep, required agility. The path was littered with fallen trees—we had to hop over some and duck under others—a fun little obstacle course! We also navigated a couple of dried-up stream beds.

Sunshine, Scenery, and the Unpredictable Trail

After about an hour, the scenery dramatically opened up. We burst into the open grasslands, and the sun, now high in the sky, immediately made us feel the heat. There was no more blessed shade, and the sweat started to pour!

The next section, which began after about 10 minutes of traversing the open ground, was a bit of an ascent through a stretch dense with bamboo. The trail here was less defined, but our local guides kept us on track. This part was a contrast to my previous treks: it involved unexpected sections of descent and flat land, breaking the usual relentless uphill climb. We came across a fresh water stream where the local guide encouraged us to fill our water reserves. The water was cold, clear and refreshing. We kept our energy levels up by munching on chocolates, trail mix, and sipping precious water.

Barkana Falls: The Midpoint Marvel

The reward for our efforts came at 11:40 AM, about an hour later. We reached a gushing stream that feeds into the Sita River. After a careful crossing, we scrambled over a cascade of boulders and suddenly arrived at the top of Barkana Falls!

We had already covered 6 km, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. We peered down at the Sita River as it snaked through the rocks before plunging into the valley below. Going right to the tip of the waterfall was a thrilling, unforgettable moment. We rested, refueled with snacks, and, of course, took a huge number of photos before the rest of our group arrived.

The Climb to the Peak

At 12:30 PM, it was time to continue. We still had a challenging 6 km left to the summit of Narasimha Parvata.

It was here that our inspiring 55-year-old companion made the tough but sensible decision to head back to the base. The next 1.5 km was a relentless, steep ascent that really started to test our mettle; my toes were definitely feeling the strain! Around 1:30 PM, we reached a large, welcoming rock, which became our well-deserved lunch spot as the rest of the group slowly caught up.

After a 30-minute break, we continued. We stopped briefly at a thin water stream—a clear, potable trickle—to refill our bottles. There was a long queue of tired trekkers, all waiting patiently for this lifeline.

The next climb was brutally exposed, with no tree canopy to shield us from the harsh midday sun. After about 40 minutes, we reached the open grasslands again, following a narrow, spectacular path along the edges of the hills. The views into the valley were rewarding. Seeing the distant peak ignited a fresh burst of motivation, and we pushed on, zigzagging from one hill to the next.

The final stretch was a killer: an 800-meter ascent. It felt like an eternity. Dehydration started to set in, causing a slight headache, forcing me to stop frequently, grab a biscuit, and proceed slowly. Finally, the terrain flattened out.

The Summit at Last!

At 3:15 PM, after a 12 km trek, I reached the 1150 m high peak! The summit was mostly flat, dotted with large black rocks and completely devoid of trees. The sky was clear and the views were grand! We found a small respite from the sun in the shade of a massive boulder. My friend and I took a few celebratory photos and simply relaxed as our group members trickled in. We shared snacks and enjoyed the achievement.

We also took a moment to observe the shrine of Lord Narasimha and the ancient-looking footprint etched into one of the rocks—a spiritual touch to a physical challenge.

The Homeward Bound Descent

We started our return journey around 4:00 PM, taking a shorter, different 6 km route. The initial descent was steep and lacked tree cover before leveling out into flat, open fields. Five of us surged ahead, enjoying the quicker pace. About 50 minutes into the descent, we stopped at a big rock with a panorama of the surrounding villages for a 10-minute rest.

The final stretch led us back into the thick Agumbe jungle canopy. As the sun began to dip, the forest grew dim and alive with the sound of crickets chirping, with a few even fluttering around us. My kneecaps were a lifesaver on the descent, allowing gravity to do most of the work while my trekking pole helped control my speed on the sloping path.

We knew we were nearing the finish line when we spotted the Kigga temple. At 5:30 PM, we reached the temple, where we enjoyed much-needed refreshments from a nearby shop. The Kigga temple, dedicated to Sage Rishyashringa and his wife Shanta, holds historical significance as the the sage officiated King Dasharatha's sacrifice for offspring. Being exhausted and having visited before, I opted to skip the temple this time.

We located our bus and waited as the rest of our group arrived by 6:30 PM. A 40-minute bus ride took us back to the homestay. The luxury of hot water for a bath instantly refreshed me!

A Quick Goodbye

My friend and I had made the decision to head back to Bangalore that same evening, parting ways with the group who were scheduled to return the next day. After a quick dinner, we bid our farewells and rushed to catch our KSRTC bus. The return journey through the winding ghats was an adventure in itself, and we arrived back in Bangalore safe and sound at 6 AM on the 30th.

Tadiandamol: A Monsoon-Fueled Coorg Trek

 

October 10th, 2025: The Race to the Foothills

The Tadiandamol adventure began on the afternoon of October 10th. My friend, his cousin, and I left Bangalore at 4:15 PM from his house, armed with a car full of anticipation and a stash of road snacks.

The initial leg of the drive was dramatic. The Bangalore-Mysore expressway quickly turned into a challenge as we were hit by a period of heavy rain and poor visibility. Determined to reach our homestay before 10 PM, we drove non-stop. The journey’s final stretch tested our patience: the last 30 km was along a small, badly maintained road that took nearly an hour.

We finally pulled up to the cozy homestay at 9:15 PM. A warm, hot dinner was waiting, a perfect welcome after the long drive. With the darkness pressing in outside, we settled in for the night, keen to get some rest before the mountain climb.

October 11th, 2025: Mist, Leeches, and the Peak

The Delayed Start

We woke up at 6 AM, planning for an early start, but the view outside was reason enough to pause. The Coorg valley was a sight to behold in the morning light. Our plans for immediate departure were tempered by the homestay owner’s advice: forest guards only permit trekking once the dense fog clears, a crucial measure to avoid potential encounters with elephants.

Breakfast was ready by 8:15 AM, and we made sure to collect our packed lunch before heading out. We left for the base camp around 9:00 AM. The final road to the base camp is narrow and strictly reserved for small vehicles. Larger vehicles must use the designated parking lot two kilometers before the final base point. We reached the parking spot at 9:15 AM, parked the car, and began our walk.

The Ascent Through the Green

The sky was overcast and cloudy as we started the hike. About 1.5 km in, we reached the forest check post. The guard quickly verified our permits, had us sign the entry register, and thoroughly checked our bags for any prohibited plastics. After a firm warning against littering, we were permitted to proceed.

It was here that the rain began. The initial trail involved a steady, muddy ascent, enveloped by lush greenery and a thick tree canopy. We crossed a couple of flowing streams and noticed signs of the local wilderness—elephant dung along the crossings, a clear reminder of the morning warning.

The path transitioned to a flatter, more open stretch, but the gentle light showers continued. This section presented our first real challenge: the trail became riddled with leeches. We constantly flicked them off our legs, though a few persistent ones inevitably succeeded in getting their tiny, bloody share!

The Final Push

The trail soon pitched upward again, becoming a mild ascent strewn with boulders. We took a moment to enjoy the mist-covered view of the adjacent hills. The path was relatively quiet; we only spotted a handful of fellow trekkers throughout the morning.

We encountered a couple of false peaks, adding to the mental challenge. By now, the rain had subdued, but the mist was so dense we could barely see beyond 20 meters. The final stretch was rocky and slippery in several spots. I was incredibly thankful for my trekking pole, which proved invaluable on the slick stone. Thanks to the cool, damp weather, I never felt exhausted or thirsty, and we maintained a steady pace all the way to the top.

We reached the summit at 11:15 AM. The peak was initially shrouded in white, but the curtain of fog gradually began to peel back, giving us intermittent, breathtaking glimpses of the valley below, and even views stretching all the way into Kerala. We took photos and settled down to enjoy our packed lunch. The cycle was mesmerizing: every ten minutes, the fog would sweep back in to hide the vista, only to retreat again.

The Return Journey

We started our descent around 11:50 AM. The downhill path was significantly more slippery, and since more hikers were now making their way up, we felt quite cramped in a few places. The rain had completely stopped, and with the sun finally breaking through, the trail looked like an entirely different place than the one we had ascended.

By the time we reached the forest check post, it was sunny. We signed out of the register and continued the descent back to the car. We were definitely tired, but the real surprise came once we reached the homestay and freshened up—it was only then that we truly counted the number of successful leech bites each of us had acquired!

We set off back to Bangalore around 3:00 PM under pleasant weather. After finishing the last of our car snacks, we stopped for a well-deserved dinner at the Shivalli restaurant on the Bangalore-Mysore expressway at 6:45 PM. We reached my friend’s house at 8:00 PM, and after bidding farewell until the next adventure, I was back home by 8:30 PM.

A Whirlwind Two Days in Delhi: From Ancient Tombs to Modern Treasures

 

My wife and I recently embarked on a whirlwind two-day trip to Delhi, a journey that was both a mission and a mini-vacation. While my wife had a biometrics appointment for her US visa, we seized the opportunity to dive headfirst into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. It was her second visit, but for me, it was a brand-new adventure.

6th August 2025

We kicked off our trip with an early start, leaving home around 8:20 AM and catching our Akasa Air flight at 11:20 AM. After a smooth journey and a packed lunch on board, we landed in Delhi around 2 PM. The first order of business was picking up a rental scooter in Karol Bagh—our trusty steed for navigating the city's bustling streets. With the keys in hand, we zipped over to our hotel near Connaught Place, eager to begin exploring.

The Delhi heat was intense, but after a quick refresh, we were ready. Our first stop was Jantar Mantar, a mesmerizing open-air observatory. It was devoid of people when we arrived. 

Modified & renovated over time, some of the instruments' exact functions remain a mystery. However, it was fascinating to walk among the monumental structures built by Sawai Jai Singh. This incredible fusion of Indo-Islamic astronomy was a perfect introduction to the city's deep historical roots. Jantar Mantar is derived from Sanskrit words Yantra (geometric patterns) Mantra (chants). It comprises of 4 yantras. Mishra Yantra - translates to 'mixed instrument' because it is a combination of 5 instruments. It is in the shape of an inverted heart.

Rama Yantra - A colosseum enclosing cylindrical structure used to measure altitude of stars and planets.

Samrat Yantra - A 70 foot stairs that doubles as a sundial. It is a perfect right angle triangle with the hypotenuse parallel to the axis of the earth.

Jaya Prakash Yantra - Hollowed hemispheres used to measure co-ordinates of celestial bodies.

From there, we ventured to Ugrasen Ki Baoli, a striking ancient stepwell. It is also known as Agrasen Ki Baoli, named after an ancestor of the Agarwal community who might have owned the well. With its deep symmetrical steps and arched alcoves, It is easy to see why this spot has been a backdrop for several Bollywood movies. Despite the local legends that whispers of hauntings, the atmosphere was peaceful, with dozens of pigeons cooing from the surrounding ledges. The water in the well was dirty and the lower steps were cordoned off. 

Our plan to visit India Gate was thwarted by a nearby protest, so we pivoted to the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb which was a 30 minute drive. This UNESCO World Heritage site inside a fortified wall, is a great example of Mughal architecture. As we walked through the sprawling gardens and admired the intricate red and white sandstone structure, it was easy to get lost in its grandeur. The entire monument is symmetric on all four sides with pools of water symbolizing rivers. The ground level has walls with arches and false windows. We climbed the grand staircase, explored the vast chambers that were well lit through carved windows and had several tombs, and were in awe of the central dome. The marble tomb of Humayun was modest. 

Exhausted but inspired, we refueled with some delicious aloo tikki chaat and a refreshing lassi before heading to the bustling Janpath Market. I found the perfect souvenir—a fridge magnet to remember our trip by!

Then we visited the Janpath market. It had clothes, bags, jewelry. I bought a fridge magnet as a souvenir. Then we walked through the length of the market and back. Then we went to a place called Jain Chawal wale noted for Rajma chawal. We had Rajma chawal (a bit overrated) & lassi.

Then we headed back to our hotel.

7^th August 2025

The next day began with a quick breakfast of Uppit and Pongal at Café Amudham before heading to the visa application center. Most breakfast places open no earlier than 8 AM! Although the appointment was at 9:30, we arrived at 8:45 and were let in. There were Visa centers for several countries and even a metro station in the same building. The process went smoothly and, we were back on the scooter, ready for more Delhi sights, but only after checking out of our hotel.

Our first major stop was Qutub Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage site. It was an hour drive, through the heat and traffic. We arrived at 11 AM. The 5 tiered towering minaret, with its intricate carvings and historical significance, was a sight to behold. It was commissioned by Qutub-Ud-din Aibak, the general of Mohammad Ghor. There was also another less appealing, half finished minaret nearby. 

We also admired the famous Iron Pillar, a metallurgical marvel that stands as a testament to ancient Indian craftsmanship. This pillar has been withstanding the test of time, conquests and weather since 4 AD. It also has a Sanskrit inscription that claims it to be Vishnudhwaja. 

The carved pillars and walls of the adjacent halls seem distinct features of a temple.

Next up was the serene Lotus Temple, a modern architectural wonder and a Baha'i House of Worship (Another Abrahamic religion). We were given a briefing to maintain silence & not use phones. Inside, a profound sense of calm prevailed as people from all walks of life sat in quiet contemplation. 

After a moment of peace, we headed for a lunch of legendary chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand. It was yum! 

Unfortunately, our day took a turn when we discovered the Red Fort was closed for Independence Day preparations. Tired and defeated by the relentless heat, we found refuge at a Starbucks to regroup. On the way, we made a quick photo stop near the India Gate. India gate is a war memorial for the soldiers from Indian Army who martyred in the first world war. The canopy next to it had a statue of King George V till 1965. A statue of Subhash Chandra Bose was installed in 2022.

Our last cultural stop was the serene Birla Mandir, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lakshmi Narayana. We relaxed in the premises for a while before returning our scooter. Our final culinary adventure included some mouth-watering pani puri at Bikanerwale, and we even packed some samosas and kachoris for our flight home. Our flight back to Bangalore took off late, but we arrived home at 2 AM, with full hearts and even fuller stomachs, ready to plan our next adventure.

Kumara Parvatha: Taming the Toughest Trek in Karnataka in a day

The Kumara Parvatha trek, or KP trek as it's known, had been a stubborn fixture on my bucket list for ages. Reputedly the toughest trek in Karnataka, I’d been strategically delaying it, wanting to cut my teeth on a few smaller challenges first. Finally, the stars—and my friends—aligned. With a couple of trekking buddies equally eager to take on the beast, the plan finally materialized, and we signed up with the group 'Plan the Unplanned' for the weekend of November 9th, 2024.

9th Nov 2024: The Gathering and the Star Fort

We kicked off our adventure bright and early, boarding the bus from Yeshwantpur metro station at 7 AM. Our trekking troop comprised 18 enthusiastic souls, including two experienced trek leads. The journey began with a brilliant ice-breaker session: we were paired with strangers, had to learn about each other, and then introduce our new acquaintance to the group with a fun food-themed nickname starting with the first letter of their name. It was an instant way to break the ice and inject some laughs!

After a quick stop near Nelamangala to pick up rental trekking poles (a decision I'd later be profoundly thankful for), we had a self-sponsored breakfast near Kunigal around 8:30 AM. Back on the road, the time flew by with rounds of Dumb Charades and lively music.

A Historical Detour: Manjarabad Fort

Our first stop, around 12:30 PM, was the magnificent Manjarabad Fort in Sakleshpura. Despite the intense sunshine, we faced the roughly 200 steps up to the structure. This unique French-style, star-shaped fort was commissioned by Tipu Sultan in the late 18th century. Its eight-pointed design wasn't for aesthetics—it was a masterful defensive strategy, allowing for observation of attacks from all directions.

Climbing onto the fort’s walls offered spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Inside, we found a striking plus-shaped stepwell at the center, surrounded by various locked rooms that once served as armories and barracks. After soaking in the history, we descended, quenched our thirst with refreshing tender coconut, and were back on the road by 1:30 PM.

A self-sponsored lunch stop near Kukke around 3 PM revitalized us before we finally reached our cozy homestay by 4:30 PM. We settled into a cottage with rooms accommodating four people, complete with an attached bath.

Temple, River, and Trek Briefing

After freshening up, several of us headed straight to the Kumaradhara river. The sight of plenty of big fish there was mesmerizing, and we happily fed them puffed rice. Later, the bus picked us up and dropped us all at the sacred Kukke Subramanya temple at 6:15 PM for darshan. I took the opportunity to browse the nearby shops, picking up some local spices.

Post-temple, we grabbed dinner nearby and returned to the homestay. The evening ended with a crucial trek briefing from our leads, detailing the challenging day ahead. We hit the sack around 10 PM, trying to bank as much rest as possible.

10th Nov 2024: The Ascent of KP

began early—a rude 4 AM wake-up call! We quickly got ready and headed to a hotel near the temple for an early breakfast of idly and chow chow bath. Crucially, we also collected our packed lunch—bisibele bath—from the same spot. By 6:15 AM, we were en route to the base point.

After a 1.5 km walk from the temple, we reached the check post. A quick warm-up and ID verification preceded the mandatory bag check by the forest guards. They were meticulous, noting every piece of plastic we carried and collecting a ₹3000 deposit from our group, which would only be refunded if we brought all our plastic trash back. With one last check of the toilets near the forest office, we were ready.

The Grueling Start

The ascent began at a crisp 7 AM, and the title of "toughest trek" immediately became apparent. The trail, though clear, was rocky and unforgiving from the first step. We benefited from a welcome canopy of trees, and the common goal was to cover as much ground as possible before the sun climbed too high. Everyone found their own rhythm; some sprinters shot ahead, others maintained a slow, steady pace, and my friends and I fell into a moderate stride. The first 2.5 kilometers were relentlessly uphill, with hardly any flat terrain for reprieve.

We eventually reached a fork in the path where a few of our group were resting. One trail led to a stream, but keen to conserve energy, the rest of us pushed on.

Bhattara Mane and the Forest Office

The next 2 kilometers were an unforgiving ascent. We soon spotted Bhattara Mane on the slopes—a famed resting point. Historically, this spot was popular for camping until regulations changed in January 2024. Trekkers still stop here to refill water and order food for their return journey, but as most of us were sufficiently stocked, we continued our climb. 

The trail flattened out slightly for the next 700 meters leading up to the Forest Office. We reached this point around 8:30 AM, and the sun was already beating down fiercely. After noting our numbers with the guard and resisting the urge to stop for too long at the taps, we pressed on. We could spot the Shesha parvatha & other hills from here. The group had naturally split by now, each person battling the mountain at their own speed.

Through the Grasslands to Kallu Mantapa

The next leg was even more challenging due to the increased inclination. We were now mostly exposed in the grasslands, sweating profusely in the bright sun. I was drinking loads of water, supplementing with an electrolyte mix, and stopping every few meters to catch my breath. After about 2.5 km, the sound of a stream was music to my ears. I washed my face—the cool, clean water was incredibly refreshing—and refilled a bottle.

Another 500 meters of uphill struggle brought me to Kallu Mantapa, a welcome sight where several people, including my friends and some group members, were resting. We took a much-needed break, snacking and hydrating. Seeing others applying ointments to ease spasms and leg pain was a stark reminder of the trek’s difficulty. Determined, we resumed the hike around 11 AM.

The Snake's Hood and the Final Push

The trail only got steeper. Surrounded by vast grasslands with the imposing Shesha Parvata always in view, we pushed through. After roughly 2.5 km of this brutal climb, we reached the Shesha Parvata peak. This peak is named for its rocks, which, when viewed from the side, resemble a snake’s hood. My friends and I celebrated the view with photos, before joining the majority of our group who had already assembled there.

We had to descend about 500 meters before starting the final 700-meter climb to the ultimate peak. Kumara Parvata was now in sight, beckoning from a distance.

The last 500 meters were the most taxing: a rocky, difficult terrain. The presence of a huge rock with a stream flowing over it forced us to carefully place our feet on the grooves to ascend.

Finally, at 1 PM, I reached the summit!

It wasn't overly crowded. After meeting the rest of the early arrivals, we headed to a secluded viewpoint nestled amidst the bushes to have our hard-earned lunch. I was elated: all but three members of our group had successfully completed the grueling ascent! We took numerous photos, shared stories of the climb, and posed for a final group picture before beginning the descent at 2 PM. We also noted the small, conical Shiva temple constructed with stones on the mountaintop.

The Long Way Down

The initial descent offered slightly pleasant weather, but the sun soon returned, making the long walk down incredibly tiring. My kneecap support proved invaluable, allowing me to descend at a rapid pace. I reached Kallu Mantapa around 3:30 PM. My legs were aching, so I applied ointment and rested.

I waited for about 20 minutes, but no one from my group appeared. I soon realized others were taking a different downhill path. Spotting a friend, I quickly joined them and resumed my descent. 

I refilled my water bottles at the stream and continued at a relatively quick pace, accompanied by one of our trek leads. The descent felt unending. I had a couple of near-slips, but thankfully managed to keep my footing. We reached the Forest Office by 4:30 PM. A quick wash of the hands and face was instantly refreshing. After a short rest, we continued our march.

Darkness Falls

After 5:45 PM, the light began to fade rapidly. The path seemed to stretch on forever, but a co-trekker's headlamp saved the day. Our trek lead used it to navigate, while others relied on their phones for light, which inevitably slowed our pace.

Finally, at 6:40 PM, we reached the check post. We proudly presented all our collected plastics to the forest guards. By then, half of our group had already finished, though my two friends were still descending about 3 km behind us.

We walked to the temple area, had dinner at a hotel, and were soon joined by my friends. An auto ride took us back to the cottage where I enjoyed a much-needed hot bath. I packed my bags and rested until the rest of the group arrived around 10 PM. We left the cottage at 11 PM, beginning the long ride back to Bangalore.

Exhausted, with aches and pains in every part of our bodies, we all agreed: it was completely worth it. We arrived in Bangalore around 4:30 AM on November 11th. I bid farewell to everyone and got off at Yeshwantpur metro station at 4:50 AM. I was home by 6:00 AM, already reliving the epic conquest of Kumara Parvatha.

Bandaje Falls Trek: The Roaring Lion and the Wallpaper Falls

September 13, 2024: The Bumpy Start

The adventure began on the night of September 13, 2024, as I linked up with Plan the Unplanned for a winter trek to Bandaje Falls. At 10:30 PM, I boarded their mini-bus at the Yeshwantpur metro station. Our group was a modest 15 trekkers, led by two fantastic guides. The journey quickly turned social with a mandatory ice-breaker session: we paired up with strangers, got to know them, and then introduced them to the whole group. It was a great way to bond, even if the road proved to be a bumpy, winding challenge all the way to the Western Ghats.

September 14, 2024: Summit and Soak

Misty Arrival and The Canopy Climb

We finally pulled into Misty Hut Homestay in the village of Sunkashale at 4:30 AM. After grabbing a few hours of much-needed sleep, we woke up, freshened up, and fueled ourselves with Uppit (a perfect local breakfast). 

At 7:15 AM, the real fun began with a thrilling 20-minute jeep ride to the trek's starting point. By 7:45 AM, with our local guide leading the way, we started the ascent.

The initial 1 km was a welcome challenge: a steep ascent in spots, but wonderfully protected by a dense canopy of trees overhead, providing continuous shade. The path was extremely narrow—barely wide enough for one person—making it a single-file climb. I was thankful I'd rented a trek pole; it was indispensable right from the start.

The Grassy Ridge and The Roaring Lion

Forty minutes in, the world opened up. We burst out of the jungle onto the vast, sunny grasslands. The shade was gone, and the sun was already beating down hard, but the magnificent, rolling views kept us focused. The rest of the trek was a roughly 6 km walk along a narrow, well-defined path winding from one hill to the next. The overall ascent wasn't overly steep, but we knew a decent descent lay ahead before the falls.

I took plenty of breaks to recharge with energy bars and water as we climbed towards the highest point at about 5,000 ft. Although the distant mountains were partially obscured by misty fog, we pressed on. Soon, we encountered the aptly named Roaring Lion Viewpoint—a massive, protruding boulder on the hilltop that genuinely resembled a lion mid-roar from our distance.

Reaching the Cascade

The final 500 meters was the trickiest part: a steep, slippery descent over loose rocks and rubble with barely a visible path. 

Finally, at 11:00 AM, after covering 7 km, I arrived at the majestic Bandaje Falls. We were standing right at the top of the 200 ft cascade on a beautiful, rocky terrain.

Thankfully, we beat the initial rush. I immediately snapped some photos and enjoyed the ultimate reward: plunging my feet into the icy, cold stream. As the rest of the group trickled in, we took a break, but by 12:00 noon, the area had gotten crowded and fiercely sunny. We quickly retreated to a shady spot to enjoy our packed lunch of delicious Puliyogare, courteously prepared by our homestay.

The Fort of Veera Ballala I

The 7 km return trek kicked off at 12:30 PM. I pushed ahead of the group, and by 2:30 PM, I arrived at Ballalarayana Durga Fort. The trail was quiet—a few quick directions from fellow trekkers were all I needed to find the way. This fort, dating back to the 12th century and built by the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala I, was a stunning piece of history.

Sadly, it’s now a magnificent ruin; only fragments of walls remain, with wild plants and trees growing freely inside, and cattle peacefully grazing outside. 

The fort's viewpoint offered a panoramic sight of the neighboring mountains. After taking some photos, I started the final descent.

 

Evening Thrills

I ran into a few group members on the way down, reaching the starting point by 3:40 PM. I grabbed a quick tea from the shop outside, where trekkers were busy refuelling. Right there was the Ranijhari Viewpoint—a quick 200-meter climb—offering one last breathtaking look at the surrounding peaks. I could spot a very faint waterfall trickling from a distant cliff and a stream snaking through the deep valley below.

After I returned, we waited for the rest of our crew before piling into the jeep for the return trip—and let me tell you, that jeep ride was an adventure in itself! We made it back to the homestay by 4:45 PM, showered, and settled in for coffee and snacks. The evening was a blast: we sat in a circle playing classic travel games like One Up One Down and Green Glass Door, swapping horror stories until dinner. Dinner at 8:30 PM was simple but satisfying: chapati, paneer gravy, rice, sambhar, and rasam. We capped off the night with a hilarious round of Mafia before hitting the sack around midnight.

September 15, 2024: Eramayi Falls and Farewell

We kicked off September 15, 2024, by waking up and freshening up around 7:00 AM. A few of us took a gentle walk just to grab that morning coffee fix. After a classic breakfast of Idly, sambar, and chutney, we departed the homestay at 8:50 AM.

Two hours later, we arrived near Eramayi Falls. We dropped our bags at a nearby homestay, quickly changed into swim clothes, and took another short jeep ride to the location. The falls truly lived up to the hype—it was a tiered cascade that looked like it was ripped straight from a desktop wallpaper!

We were lucky to find it almost deserted. The group dove right into the water; it was cold at first, but the hot weather soon made it perfect. We stood under the powerful spray for a while, and some of us even ventured up to the secluded upper tier, where we had the place entirely to ourselves for splashing and photos.

We left the falls and headed back to the homestay around 1:00 PM for lunch, then officially started our long journey back to Bangalore. The bus ride was filled with music, games, and laughter as we said goodbye to the mountains. After a final stop for coffee and snacks near Hassan, I finally stepped off the bus at the Goraguntepalya metro station at 9:00 PM. Bidding farewell to my new trekking friends, I took the metro home, already dreaming of the next "unplanned" adventure.