Saturday, July 31, 2010

Aug 2010 - Packed with Adventure !!


Bangalore Mountaineering Club
Registration for all below events is open and remember our events gets houseful quickly!! Click on the Event title for schedule, payment and registration details.

Pass on this link (http://www.bmcindia.org/bmc-upcoming-events.html) to your friends, they might find our activities interesting.

Kodachadri Trek [31st July -1st Aug, 2010] - [Rs.2000] - Houseful

About the place:
Kodachadri is in Shivamogga (Shimoga) district, 1343 meters above sea level. A beatific hill abode that overlooks the panoramic Western Ghats. It is clothed with splendid evergreen forests. This place is is around 380 KMs from Bangalore and 20KM from Kollur.The peak of the hill is around 8-10 KM from the base and on an average takes 4-5 hrs to climb.

Kodachadri is famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets. The famous temple town of Kollur is 12km away. These hills (4411ft.) constitute one of the largest forest areas in Karnataka, and part of this region forms the Mookambika Nature Reserve. Kollur is an ideal base to explore the hills. The Mookambika Nature Camp is 4km south of Kollur.

In this trek, the ascent from Marakuttaka via Idlumane falls and descent will be from Karraghatta via Arishinagundi falls.

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One Day Trek to Kalwarbetta (Skandagiri) - [31st July 2010] - [Rs.700] - Registrations are on

About Kalwarbetta:
Kalwarbetta, 68 Kms from Bangalore is one the hill forts amongst the Nandi Hill ranges. The dilapidated walls of Tipu's fort can be found today on steep Kalwarbetta (Skandagiri), near the village of Kalwara. History says this was a small but strong hill fort. It surrendered to British troops on 19 October 1791. It remained in British hands until the peace treaty of 1792, which concluded of the third Anglo-Mysore war.

This is a tedious trek as the hill is precipitous and high. The trek starts from the Papagni Temple at the foothills of Kalwara village. The fortress of Kalwarbetta is in full sight throughout the walk uphill. This steep and fantastic trek through a maze of dense shrub is highly intriguing. Kalwarbetta is a teaser. Just as you reach the fort wall contended that you have topped the hill, you see another ring of fort. No sooner you reach there; you will find another majestic fort wall waiting to be conquered. There are six such series of stonewalls protecting an abandoned temple on the hilltop.

There are 2 caves, one starts from the base and as per locals, leads to the temple at peak and another one is somewhere midway which is about 30 feet only. Both are yet unexplored, especially the first one. Local say that there are pythons in the caves and had galloped their goats at times. Supposedly, there are 6 Samadhi in that cave.

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Night trek to Ramnagaram - [31st July, 2010] - [Rs.600] - Registrations are on

Ramanagaram – A brief history:

Ramanagaram situated in a valley surrounded by rocky hillocks is sub-divisional headquarters from 1884. It became a taluk headquarters in 1928, and the place was named Ramanagaram in 1949. It is the biggest cocoon marketing centre now. It is spread on either banks of the Arkavati and the old bridge connecting the town was built by Sir Barry Close, the Resident at the Royal Court of Mysore. Hence, the place was named as Closept, as mentioned in a Persian as well as Kannada record, erected by Diwan Purnaiah in 1800. The township was also founded around the same time for greater security of the high roads, which then passed through a wild forest route.

The present name of Ramanagaram finds its origin from the once existed village Ramagiri below the Ramadevarabetta. The present town has an Agrahara on the left bank of the Arkavati with a temple of Arkeshwara built in later Vijayanagara style. The temple is said to have been renovated by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. It is facing west and has a Garbhagriha, a spacious Navaranga and has an inner Prakara. The Linga was reinstalled about four years ago. The annual Jatra is held on Phalguna Shuddha Poornima, when more than 2,000 people assemble. Beside this temple, to the left, is the Prasannambadevi shrine and to the right is another small shrine of Venugopalaswamy.

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Trekking, Camping & White water rafting at Bheemeshwari -[7th - 8th Aug, 2010] - [Rs.1000] - Registrations are on

About the place:

Meandering through the woody landscape amidst the forests of Karnataka is the Cauvery – the most majestic and sacred river of South India. The river offers both adventure and opportunity for nature lovers. Tucked away from the milling crowds, yet close enough for you to reach, this camp offers a slice of nature that is entirely unique, one in which you can totally feel free!

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One Day Trek to Maribetta - [7th Aug 2010] - [Rs.700] - Registrations are on

About Banatimari betta:- its localy known as Karadibetta because here one can see lots of bear’s This is one of the not-so-popular trekking destination quite close to Bangalore (Just 3 Kms from Kanakapura). At the base of the hill is the Bananthimari temple where animal sacrifices are quite common.

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Night trek to Revanasiddheshwara Betta - [7th Aug, 2010]- [Rs.600] - Registrations are on

About the place:
Being in the vicinity of Ramnagaram, Revanasiddeshwar Hill is at a distance of nearly 60 kms from Bangalore. Beautiful and tranquil, the hillock is like a cousin to the rest of the hills that lie in close proximity from this one. Being nearly 3066 feet about sea level, this hillock is popular among trekkers and rock-climbers.

There are totally 3 temples on the hill – At summit is Revannasiddeshwara betta, midway is Bheemeshwari (Named after Bheema) and Renukamba temple at the base. The temple at the base has a noticeably beautiful garden neatly maintained by the villagers.

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Two days trek to kottebetta - [14th -15th August 2010]- [Rs.2000] - Registrations are on

About the place: Kotebetta is a mountain lying in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Having a height of 1620m above sea level, Kotebetta is the third highest mountain in Coorg after Tadiyandamol and Pushpagiri mountains. Kotebetta lies near to the border between the Dakshina Kannada and Coorg districts. The trek starting point is junction near by a bridge called Hattihole. The peak is at a distance of 10km from Hattihole. There is a Shiva temple on the base of Kotebetta. The trek trail passes through lot of coffee estates

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One day trek to Rangaswamy Betta - [14th Aug, 2010]- [Rs.700] - Registrations are on

About the place: Rangaswamy betta is 50 kms away from Bangalore close to the town of Kanakapura. It is one of the highest hills in the area. Another name for this hill is Bilikal Betta, meaning white rocks. On the summit of the hill is a small temple and a house of the priest of the temple. The pujari's house has an elephant skull which is quite interesting for the first time visitor. The view from the top is very picturesque as one can see the hillocks from the surrounding Kanaka pura range , mainly BM betta, KabbaLa durga and Savanadurga too.

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Night Trek and Cave Exploring at Antargange - [14th Aug, 2010]- [Rs.600] - Registrations are on

About the place:
Sixty kilometers from Bengaluru, Anthargange in Kolar is a hill range with huge volcanic rocks and boulders scattered all over. Thorny shrubs cover the hill, while there is dense plantation forest at the base. Flight of steps, halfway the hill leads to an ancient temple. The spring at this temple is claimed to wash off your sins. The forty-five minutes hill climbing will keep you panting for breath and opens up for an extensive and beautiful green plateau on the top.

Kolar town, the headquarters of this district was formerly known as Kuvalala. Kolar was the first capital of the Gangas, till about the 4th century A.D. In 1004 A.D., the Cholas annexed Kolar with their empire. Later, Kolar came under the Vijayanagar empire, before being taken over by the British in 1768. In 1792, Kolar was given to Tippu Sultan, by the British. Haidar Ali of Mysore was born around 1722 in the tiny village of Budikote, near Kolar. Haidar Ali died in 1782 during the Mysore Wars. His body was embalmed and laid in the state for four months before being moved to a mausoleum built by his son, Tipu Sultan, in the middle of a garden on the island of Srirangapatam.

Anthargange is an ideal location for light trek, rock climbing and camping. Big and small boulders have heaped to form cave like formations offering exhilarating network of cave exploration activity.

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Two Day trek to Kumara Parvata [21st-22nd Aug, 2010]- [Rs.2000] - Registrations are on

About the place:
Kumara Parvata Peak also known by the name ‘Pushpagiri’ lies in the backdrop of ancient shrine of Kukke Subramanya. ‘Giri’ in Kannada means Peak. Kumara Parvata is the third tallest peak in Karnataka, Mullianagiri in Chickmaglur being the tallest and Thadiyendamol in Coorg being the second tallest. The peak, almost always playing ‘hide and seek’ with the clouds, is one of the most beautiful sections of the Western Ghats. The region is habituated to dense fogs and heavy winds and is rampant with leech and snakes, especially cobras
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary or Pushpagiri Forest Range spreads from Subramanya in Mangalore District to Somwarpet in Coorg district covering an area of 102 sq km. This range is abode to many gigantic peaks in the Western Ghats. Kumara Parvata Peak stands the tallest amongst the peaks in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary at an altitude of 5136 ft (1712 mts) above Sea level.

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One Day Trek to Makkalidurga - [21st Aug 2010]- [Rs.700] - Registrations are on

About the place:
Makkalidurga is 60kms away from Bengaluru after Dodda Ballapur. Makkalidurga, also known as Gunjur Hill, is situated at Makalidurga village, 12 km from Ghati Subramanya. On the top is a magazine house called as Maddinanave built out of brick and mortar with an oval shaped window-like opening. A succession of dilapidated fort walls and a temple housing the statue of Linga and Nandi tells the tale of Sage Markandeya performing penance here for a long time.

Though the ascent is tedious, the summit offers inquisitive 360° landscape views. The jabbing dry grass is an irritant in dry months and is challenging to discover the grass-covered route during the rains. Expect high winds and fog on the hilltop. The awesome sight of the train chugging at the foothills seems straight out of a children’s storybook.

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Night trek to Ramnagaram - [21st Aug, 2010]- [Rs.600] - Registrations are on

Ramanagaram – A brief history:

Ramanagaram situated in a valley surrounded by rocky hillocks is sub-divisional headquarters from 1884. It became a taluk headquarters in 1928, and the place was named Ramanagaram in 1949. It is the biggest cocoon marketing centre now. It is spread on either banks of the Arkavati and the old bridge connecting the town was built by Sir Barry Close, the Resident at the Royal Court of Mysore. Hence, the place was named as Closept, as mentioned in a Persian as well as Kannada record, erected by Diwan Purnaiah in 1800. The township was also founded around the same time for greater security of the high roads, which then passed through a wild forest route.

The present name of Ramanagaram finds its origin from the once existed village Ramagiri below the Ramadevarabetta. The present town has an Agrahara on the left bank of the Arkavati with a temple of Arkeshwara built in later Vijayanagara style. The temple is said to have been renovated by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. It is facing west and has a Garbhagriha, a spacious Navaranga and has an inner Prakara. The Linga was reinstalled about four years ago. The annual Jatra is held on Phalguna Shuddha Poornima, when more than 2,000 people assemble. Beside this temple, to the left, is the Prasannambadevi shrine and to the right is another small shrine of Venugopalaswamy.

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Trek to Kudremukha [28th - 29th Aug, 2010]- [Rs.2000] - Registrations are on

About Kudremukh:
Kudremukh National Park is spread partly over the thick hilly forests near the coastal plains on the western portion and the shola vegetation on the Western Ghats uplands, covering parts of 3 districts, viz., Chickmagalur, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. The Kudremukh peak by which the National Park derived its name, is the highest elevation at 1892 meters.

Special features of Kudremukh National Park (KNP)

KNP is made of steep hills and valleys. The hills, which bear the brunt of the severe monsoon wind, preclude any tree growth as a result the landscape is covered with grass. The valleys which are tucked in, have reasonable protection from wind and a deep soil profile, as a result of which stunted evergreen forests exist creating an unique microclimate, rich with mosses, orchids, etc. The whole scenery of grassland interspersed with narrow strips of forests provide a fantastic vista for a trekker. The totally fresh air and the climb up and down, invigorates the body and soothes the soul. During the trek, one can view and study several wildlife species of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, insects, etc.

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Day Trek to Madhugiri - [28th Aug, 2010]- [Rs.700] - Registrations are on

About Kudremukh:
One of the well-known fort hills of the State is Madhugiri in Tumkur district, which has the distinction of being the biggest monolith in the whole of Asia .

A fort was built around 1678 during the reign of Raja Hera Gowda. According to historical records, this was further fortified by Hyder Ali, taken over in succession by Marathas and again by Tipu before becoming a part of the erstwhile Mysore empire. Though the historical significance has faded with time, it is today a fascinating tourist spot enticing trekkers and climbers.

To climb the hill that climbs up a height of 3930 feet, walk through the entrance from the east between the buildings housing government offices and a series of well laid wide steps leading to the top. Several circular bastions on the way, provide place for rest, apart from a great view of the town below.

The most thrilling part of the climb is a steep section just below the top where small ledges have been carved to serve as footholds. With the wind trying to below you off, you feel greatly relieved to overcome this stretch.

On the summit is a temple of Gopalakrishna which is ruined but the circular granaries which were used to store ragi, oil and ghee are intact. It is well worth spending some time at the top looking at the smaller hills around and fields in the villages below. But the solitude is broken by the honking of buses below.

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Night trek to Narayangiri - [28th Aug, 2010]- [Rs.600] - Registrations are on

About the place: Narayangiri at Jalamangala is an idyllic hill fort that is perfect for a weekend getaway and has something for everyone. Sited deep in the countryside near Ramnagaram, Narayanagiri soars to a height of around 3845 ft. The entire hill is fortified and one can see the remains of a fort wall almost encircling the top of the hill completely. Atop the hill is the Laxmi-Narayana temple, with an exterior of shiny black granite. The temple is open only on Saturdays and is accessible via an irregular footpath in the lower parts and rough steps, hewn on the stone rock face in the upper reaches.


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Trek to Shingani Gudda & River walk [4-5th Sept, 2010]- [Rs.2000] - Registrations are on

About Shingani Gudda:
It is one of the major peaks in Charmadi range and is also known as Buddha's Peak. This is a 3 hour trek one way and being a moderate one, ideal for beginners too. One passes through thick jungles adjoining Amedikallu and Sibile Gudda peaks.

River walk in Arasinamakki:
Shishila to Arasinamakki. This trek is through water body. Walk through plantation, river bed and sometimes through the river. Extremely interesting. Takes nearly three hours. Ideal for trekking enthusiast only.


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Rock Climbing & Rappelling at Ramnagaram - [4th Sept, 2010]- [Rs.800] - Registrations are on

About Ramanagaram:

RAMANAGARAM(48 km from Bangalore) situated in a valley surrounded by rocky hillocks was a sub-divisional headquarters from 1884. It became a taluk headquarters in 1928, and the place was named Ramanagaram in 1949 . It is the biggest cocoon marketing centre now. It is spread on either banks of the Arkavati and the old bridge connecting the town was built by Sir Barry Close, the Resident at the Royal Court of Mysore. Hence, the place was named as Closept, as mentioned in Persian as well as Kannada record, erected by Diwan Purnaiah in 1800. The township was also founded around the same time for greater security of the high road, which then passed through a wild forest route.

The present name, of Ramanagaram finds its origin from the once existed village Ramagiri at the foothills of the Ramadevarabetta. The present town has an Agrahara on the left bank of the Arkavati with a temple of Arkeshwara built in later Vijayanagara style. The temple is said to have been renovated by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, facing west and has a Garbhagriha, a spacious Navaranga and has an inner Prakara. The Linga was reinstalled about four years ago. The annual Jatra is held on Phalguna Shuddha Poornima, when more than 2,000 people assemble. Beside this temple, to the left, is the Prasannambadevi shrine and to the right is another small shrine of Venugopalaswamy.

Register now

Night trek to Rangaswamy Betta - [4th Sept, 2010] - [Rs.600]- Registrations are on

About the place: Rangaswamy betta is 50 kms away from Bangalore close to the town of Kanakapura. It is one of the highest hills in the area. Another name for this hill is Bilikal Betta, meaning white rocks. On the summit of the hill is a small temple and a house of the priest of the temple. The pujari's house has an elephant skull which is quite interesting for the first time visitor. The view from the top is very picturesque as one can see the hillocks from the surrounding Kanaka pura range , mainly BM betta, KabbaLa durga and Savanadurga too.

Register now

One day trek to Kuntibetta - [11th Sept, 2010]- [Rs.800]- Registrations are on

About the place: Rangaswamy betta is 50 kms away from Bangalore close to the town of Kanakapura. It is one of the highest hills in the area. Another name for this hill is Bilikal Betta, meaning white rocks. On the summit of the hill is a small temple and a house of the priest of the temple. The pujari's house has an elephant skull which is quite interesting for the first time visitor. The view from the top is very picturesque as one can see the hillocks from the surrounding Kanaka pura range , mainly BM betta, KabbaLa durga and Savanadurga too.

Register now

Night Trek to Makkalidurga [11th Sept,2010]- [Rs.600]- Registrations are on

About the place:
Makkalidurga is 45kms away from Bengaluru after Dodda Ballapur. Makkalidurga, also known as Gunjur Hill, is situated at Makalidurga village, 12 km from Ghati Subramanya. On the top is a magazine house called as Maddinanave built out of brick and mortar with an oval shaped window-like opening. A succession of dilapidated fort walls and a temple housing the statue of Linga and Nandi tells the tale of Sage Markandeya performing penance here for a long time.

Though the ascent is tedious, the summit offers inquisitive 360° landscape views. The jabbing dry grass is an irritant in dry months and is challenging to discover the grass-covered route during the rains. Expect high winds and fog on the hilltop. The awesome sight of the train chugging at the foothills seems straight out of a children’s storybook.

Register now

Now on we will do monthly announcements of the events on our Upcoming events page that makes you plan your weekends easily, feel free to contact us if you want any (free) help in planning your own treks. I hope you all know that BMC have camping equipments for hire as well as for sale!

Email us at team @ bmcindia.org or call on 9902027262

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