“Sometimes you just need an adventure to cleanse the bitter taste of life from your soul.” This statement rang several times in my mind as I was backpacking for the toughest trek in Karnataka. A part of my prayer before locking my room was “Father in heaven, give me a good experience and help me relish thy creation as I do the trek.” Watching the path to the 1.7 Km high peak from far is indeed splendid. What is indeed a greater experience is hiking up the peak that requires to take a 14 Km unfriendly trail with dense forest on either side.
Day 1: Leaving BITS Pilani main gate:
The journey to the trek started by 12:15 AM of 9th February. Most of us had applied leave from 8th. But since we are leaving fifteen minutes past 8th of February, convincing the security was an adventure in itself. The train departed from Madgaon by 01:45 AM. The journey was filled with lot of talks and game of cards. We reached Mangalore by 07:00 AM.
Day 2: Mangalore to Subhramanyam & Subhramanyam to Bhattra mane base camp.
As soon as we reached Mangalore, we headed for breakfast. The different varieties of dosa were really tasty and mouthwatering. Right after the breakfast, we headed to Subhramanyam by bus, the journey which lasted for a couple of hours. The trek started around 02:00 PM from Subhramanyam temple. Hiked up 7 Km to Bhattara mane camp site. The path was more inclined than normal with forest on either side. On the way we had a brief interaction with some of the country’s heroes. The members of the Anti- Naxalite Force, Karnataka Police. They are indeed our heroes without a camera on their back. We reached the campsite around 06:00 PM. After clicking few snaps and having some fun time, the tent was pitched and the nearby surroundings were explored. The top point in that vicinity is indeed a great spot to see sunrise and sunset. Further, it’s the only spot having some tower make calls to our loved ones.
Also, the place is great to take some pictures. It’s cool to have a facebook pic with the vicinity in background. In the meantime, one of our members wounded his hand while attempting to chop some sticks. That made the day bad. Unfortunately, he and two members of our group had to return back. Thanks for the two people who took the responsibility of sacrificing their possible “good moments” for the injured. This is what hiking and trekking teaches you. Empathizing with others and leading from the front.
After the photo session and some fun time, we had a simple dinner from a home near to the campsite. The campfire was set right after dinner and we took rest as time passed by.
Day 3: Bhattra Mane to Kumar Parvatha Peak:
We woke up early in the morning and had breakfast around 07:30 AM. We started our trek to the peak by 08:15 AM. The sun had risen by then. The hike up the hill was exhausting. The food we had on the way hiking up were nuts, biscuits, some apples and glucose water. All these snacks were really “heaven on earth” We reached the peak around 01:30 PM. What a breathtaking view it was!
After reaching the peak, it was like we accomplished something. After spending some time clicking snaps and talking we started hiking down the hill by 02:30 PM. The hike down was really exhausting. Despite consuming food judiciously, it got over before reaching halfway to the camp. Finally, we managed to reach the campsite starving and thirsty. Some members had preserved sausages and luncheon meat. They were really filling. Also, its aroma watered our mouth. We freshened up and went to the nearby hilltop to see the sunset. It was amazing. Only then we realized how pristine and beautiful mother nature is in reality.
My personal experience through this trek: This trek will definitely own a special place in my heart till my last breath. It showed me how beautiful mother nature is and how much of a challenge it can offer just by being present. It taught me to help and empathize with others. The limited life that we live on this planet should not be around a cycle of money, work and food cycle alone. The cycle should have “moments and experiences”. Since that is what makes us stand out. As it is rightly said, “one thorn of experience is better than a thousand wilderness of warnings”. Thanks to the members of the trekking club for making it a wonderful journey. And to the newcomers of the trekking club- Welcome to BITS Pilani Trekking club.
We recommend everyone to do the Kumara Parvatha trek at least once with their friends. You'll create memories unlike any other.
