In Western Ghats

On February 2011..

I had a strong desire to go on an adventure to one of my favorite places, all alone. To rest and to take ambitious strides as per my whims- I had been yearning for such pure abandon for the last ten years. After trekking from Ettina Bhuja to Obattu Gudda (EG2OG) organized by BASC three months back, I began to think of trekking the same route once again and turning my long-held dream into reality.

I began to prepare myself for the journey upon my return from EG2OG-1. Mudassar Khan and Ambareesh Karanth of BASC gave me valuable suggestions a week before the D-day. But as time began to roll, I couldn't avoid nervous feelings. I began to sweat, quite literally. To add my not-so-optimistic mental state, an old sprain in my ankle bounced back on the day before my departure from Mysore!

Finally, the day of action arrived. When I woke up that morning, the sprain had vanished. Perhaps it was Mother Nature’s test of my perseverance?!.

I left Mysore at 7 pm on Friday night and arrived at Mudigere at 1.30 am on Saturday morning. I slept in the bus stand till 4.30 am. To be on the safer side, I enquired about all possible means of transportation (i.e. autos & KSRTC buses, didn't ask for bullock carts though!)

While I waited at the bus stand, I met a guy who- coincidentally-happened to be a trekker. He too was waiting, along with with a 6-7 fellow trekkers, for the only one bus available at that time to reach Bhairapura, village near EB. After introductions and some chatting, he offered me his group's company. However, I insisted on the actual plan. So, after a photo session, couple of handshakes and exchange of best wishes, I parted from them. To stay on schedule, I finally decided to stick to an auto rickshaw instead of waiting for the KSRTC bus.

The beautiful morning, the glorious sunrise and the fresh foggy coffee estates kept me cheerful all the way. I started trekking from the Bhairaweshwara Temple at 7.30
am. The journey to the top was well worth it. It looked as if nature had taken every measure to keep this place as virgin as possible. The route I choose to reach the top was breezy; my body did not get too sweaty because of the heavy winds. . I finally reached the peak at 8.45
am. After spending 20-30 minutes at the top, I began to descend.

Between EB and OG is a big unnamed grassy mountain with several hillocks. Narrow but thick jungle was bordering. Thanks to God, I was able to cross this jungle without any difficulties. I was back on track to EB
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However, to my dismay a small stream in that location, which had been running during my previous trek, had dried up now. From the place I took rest, I still had very long way to cross that mountain, I spent a good half an hour enjoying the clouds floating under my feet.

Every time I reached a peak , I could feel harshness of the sun. I tried using water and fruit juice to shield myself, but my efforts went in vain. After crossing the big mountain, I reached a jeep track leading to Saraswathi Estate, which is on the way to OG. Only 10% of my original stock of water was left by then. I decided to make a stop at Saraswathi Estate for a refill. When I arrived at the estate, the clock hit noon. On the previous trek, we had gotten closer to Saraswathi Estate only by 7pm!!

After having a conversation with the people of that estate and filling my water bottles, I left for OG. I crossed a small jungle and began to get closer to OG. But the sun only grew hotter. OG, which constitutes nine hills, had gone fully dry
and a burnt grassy land invited me. A few green trees at the foothills whispered that OG will come back to its original glory within the next few weeks. I finally reached the highest peak at 3pm. However, I couldn't spend much time there due the scorching heat.I started walked towards the camping site,
which is on the way to the Gundya forest range. When I reached the camp site it was 5 pm. Once I had camped, I started reading the book. I made fire when it got darker and wore head torch to continue reading till I finally fell asleep.

I woke up at 7.30am. I had slept for nearly 10 hours. I started packing and started the descent towards Gundya forest. The path made by previous trekkers gave an easy entry into the forest. Half way into descent, I couldn't find the route since the forest grew denser and dry leaves began to cloud my path. I knew that as long as I stuck to the downward path, I could reach the main stream (Addahole). But I decided to move down in a zigzag fashion rather than sticking to the straight path so as to cut down on the distance. All this time, the sun was in my navigation tool, he was a big help!

If 1st day's sun was a villain, then the 2nd day's sun become my hero!

Finally, I found a small stream which seemed fit for consumption.
The landscape for picturesque; I had never seen such scenic splendor in my life. I spent nearly an hour enjoying nature’s brimming beauty. I felt I needed more time to record those vivid images in my memory! Then, I walked along the small stream till it reached the main stream (Addahole). I had been waiting to have a good bath, I swam to my heart’s content.

Climbing on the rocks/huge stones along the stream was a pleasure. I felt as if I was walking on the moon. After moon-walking for nearly three kilometers
I reached an abandoned jeep track. This is the easiest way to reach Kempuhole (which is also a stream). I reached Kempuhole at 1.30pm. I took a short break at this juncture, and continued plodding on a narrow jeep track leading to Addahole village (near Gundya). The journey began to get boring. I used this time to recall old memories, to build new dreams and to sketch plans for the future!

I reached Addahole village at 2.45 pm. I ended the trek on a satisfying note by gulping down tender coconut water in a dhaba..

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I'm specially thankful to Madhumitha Hebbar in editing this blog!! :)

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