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.