Ride&Trek to Kudremukha (South West Rain forests of India)

[rohitc.india]

After a gap of exactly two years, I got courage and managed to pull out some time from the busy corporate schedule, conference calls, deliverables and priorities. Believe me it wasn't easy to conceive this thought of reigniting the travel KEEDA in me. But, thanks to my dear friends who did all the UNGLI possible to make me do it with their support.



2 years back I had gone for a road trip across the western ghats, touching the west coast road and including trekking @ Kodachadri which is one of the treacherous treks in Karnataka. It was during August 2013 and the trip named was "THE MONSOON TRAIL" (Motorcycle touring: THE MONSOON TRAIL (Jog Falls, Murudeshwar, Kodachadri,Western Ghats, Agube, Belur)).
The memories of the monsoon trail was an inspiration behind planning this trip and establishing "RIDE and TREK" (Home). This time we really wanted to go for a nice trek and ride through the lush green jungles of Western ghats (Sahyadri Range). It was a matter of an hour that the whole trip route was charted out and in a day all arrangements/ bookings were made to ensure that we are not lost and camping in open (had a couple of such experiences earlier).

I recreated a watsapp group of my friends and previous ride partners and posted the plan. Everyone was initially well responsive. But, due to short notice and already set plans though friends wanted to come but couldn't join. However, I was happy to have 3 first timers with me this time. 2 bulleteers Sanjoy and Chandra along with me on my Honda Unicorn and Nikhil joined Rachit in car.

I planned and fully arranged the trip with help of Rachit. Got the T-shirts printed at 11th hour, but am happy that I could get it done. Bought snacks, energy drinks, chocolates, water for the trip and other basic stuff to keep us away from on the way shops . Also prepared the first aid kit with help of my father.

The trip started on 21st August morning from Bangalore. We were off schedule before starting itself by at least an hour. However as we started the tour, in the first 30 odd kilometers we lost Chandra at least thrice. But once the highway from Nelamangala (outer of Bangalore) started towards Hassan, we 3 bikers and the car (Rachit) stuck together and maintained good speed. Had breakfast on the way, clicked a few good pictures as we had 2 close to professional photographers Nikhil and Rachit with us on the trip.

By 1 PM we had reached Belur. We stopped by the ancient temple (~1000 years old) which displays the awesomeness of ancient architectural techniques where you can witness the finely carved soap stone idols. It is mesmerizing to visit this temple any number of times. After the visit and again few awesome shots we moved out to have our lunch.


After the Karnataka style meals at a hotel nearby temple, we started 2nd leg of our journey towards Kalasa which was around 100 kilometers from Belur. Mid way to Kalasa, from where the Charmadi ghats start, it started pouring and we had to get our raincoats on to move forward. We had a nice kada hot tea and starting moving towards Kalasa. We were careful on the wet roads and getting acclamatized to the change in weather conditions. So, without any hickups whatsoever we reached Kalasa by 5:30PM. After we got fresh we also went to the famous "Annapoorneshwari Temple" in Horanadu which is around 8 kms from Kalasa. Had the tastiest meal of the trip in the temple premises (PRASADAM).


Day2: Early morning 7:00AM we left Kalasa towards Balagal, which is a very small village around 10 kilometers. Here we parked our bikes and car and hired a 4x4 jeep to reach Mullodi (base of KUDREMUKHA Mountain) which is 6 kms and the route was bad with no roads as this place falls under forest land. there were only tracks and trails of jeep tyres on which we were moving on (jeep was slipping quite often). Had it not been a 4x4, I am sure we wouldn't have reached Mullodi. Once we reached Mullodi, our homestay owner was waiting for us. We had a quick bite and hot coffee and got ourselves prepared for the trek for next 8 hours or so. As there are many leaches we prepared ourselves for the same by keeping salt bags with us and applying some tobbaco mixed neem oil on our feet.

We started well and energized. As soon as you get to the entry of trek start route, you need to buy forest entry tickets and take a guide from forest department with GPS as the chances of getting lost are high. Also, you need to come back by 6 PM else you might become a prey to wild animals like cheetah. So, we got our guide and started the trek. Just completed a kilometer and I could see a few team members tired and puffing. Anyways, taking short breaks we kept moving. We had to cross multiple streams of water, boulders, dark areas of jungle (usually covered with trees). It was also raining on and off. After 4 kms 3 Rachig, chandra and Sanjoy decided to stay back whereas I and Nikhil decided to climb further with the guid. We went up to the lone tree (which you might see in multiple pictures when you give a google search for Kudremukha). We did go a kilometer further. By this time it was 1:15PM and we were hungry. Thinking about our friends we started back and had lunch with them next to a stream. Lunch in open while it was raining was a different experience though.




Once we came back from the trek, the first thing we did was first aid to the leach bites and a little bit of injuries during the trek (all minor ones). Then we took a nice hot water bath and enjoyed at least 2 cups each of hot tea which worked like steroids for us. The day was over. We all sat together and spoke about so many things and didn't realize that we all must have sat in peace without mobile network, like this after ages and hours passed by before we had dinner. Slept a very peaceful sleep like a small toddler.

Next day morning at 6:30AM we started back for Balagal where we had our vehicles parked. It took us around 45 minutes to reach there after crossing 6 kilometers. We spent another half an hour there to set up our bikes, wear the gear and move on. After that no stopping except due to Chandra's upset stomach. We had our last stop at Kunigal where we had a cup of tea and moved on. By 8 PM we reached Bangalore and bid adieu to each other.



It was a self discovery for me in the sense, if one is committed to something then whether you do something for the first time it doesn't matter you will be able to accomplish what you desire. Looking at Sanjoy & Chandra who were first time riders (they rode up to 425 kilometers in a day). Rachit who had some pain in the knees, but he did trek well. Nikhil was one great help all through the trip and supported all of us.

Thanks to each one of you. I am sure this tour would have created ever lasting memories in all of your minds.

Keep Riding & Keep Trekking !!!

Good Luck