Tiger Expo

Tiger Expo                  
                                    18^th May 2013                                              

Having arrived at the National park the previous evening and arranged a Jeep safari at 6.00 a.m the next morning, I go to bed early. At 5.15 am sharp I get up, arm myself with the Photography gadgets and sit on the steps in front of the forest lodge, eagerly waiting for the jeep and naturalist. Excitement is rising by the minute thinking about the impending meeting with the King of the Indian Forests- the Tiger. After   what seems an eternity, the Naturalist arrives in the ‘Jeep’ a Mitsubishi Canter mini bus at 7.00 am. The seats are  almost entirely occupied by half a dozen foreigners, a family of 5, doting over their 3 month baby. The grandmother is even carrying  a hamper full of baby care materials, two other families, with a toddler and a couple of 5 year olds. My heart sinks the moment I see my co-passengers.

Without as much as an apology from Naturalist Vijay, the bone cracking ride begins.Just not my day I suppose. Even as I am thinking, the canter comes to a halt at the park entrance gate.  Vijay jumps out to finish the registration of Passengers. I can hear the officials squabbling. Hawkers are swarming  around the vehicle. one enterprising chap manages to sell a Cap worth Rs. 80/- to a beaming Foreigner for Rs. 400/-. After 30 minutes, the canter rattles on.The sun is already burning hot.  Chatting with a  co passenger I find that family with  the 5 year old is responsible for the delay because they couldn’t get ready in the morning, and they don’t seem to be regretting it. Munching  goodies and throwing away the wrappers carelessly  out of the van, they are at their  boisterous best.

  Vijay delivers the cursory introduction, explaining  the  park’s features  and gives instructions on how to react when a tiger is sighted, not bothering about  the din. Trying to make up time, the rattletrap moves  along at breakneck speed.passing  many other safari vehicles.

Even after roaming in the forest  for 45 minutes, there is no luck. By now I am livid and give a piece of my mind  to the Naturalist.  He responds with” Arre aap to late nikhle, main kya karoon “? I am stunned. Do I have to suffer because of delay caused by someone else? I will never understand this.

Finally, the canter stops near a water hole. We decide to wait. Immediately other canters and jeeps converge from all directions .Aunties begin to babble and wave to one another from different vehicles, exchanging their stories of the Jungle Safari. There is total Chaos! Bedlam!

 The restless Co- passengers start giving the Naturalist various suggestions & ‘expert’ opinions, and we are running all over the magnificent forest like blind mice.

Luck is still eluding us. We move into a grassy patch. Vijay suddenly instructs the Driver to stop. Anticipation & Tension is building up. Silently, the naturalist points to a bush.  Expensive cameras with oversized lenses begin to take position .

 Everyone is jumping up and down.A few are trying to get out of the canter. Kids and women are screaming.The young brat, suddenly pulls out a toy pistol making a loud noise.The adults are worse than the kids.There is complete pandemonium. Seeing the excitement in our vehicle, other vehicles surround the bush.

Yippiee! There is a tiger.It  is intently watching its prey, a young sambhar deer.But, the cacophony in the vehicles alerts the deer and it bounds away, leaving the  tiger hungry.

 The Jungle Safari which I expected to be a quiet and serene experience has turned out to be a nightmare. I wonder how Tigers & other denizens of the forests cope with the continuous intimidation  and Transgression.

Consoling myself that I was able to see the graceful animal in spite of terrible co-passengers. Dazed, I get off the Safari Vehicle.

Sitting in the comfort of the Jungle lodge I start thinking;  enjoying ecologically sensitive regions without causing damage is the duty of every nature lover & wildlife  enthusiast This  generation is fortunate to admire and enjoy nature and carries the sacred responsibility of  preserving  the same for future generations .They have a right  to inherit the benevolence of Mother Earth.

Can the concerned authorities  prevent the nuisance and  ensure that  Jungle safaris are not reduced to a  crass wildlife pageantry?

Note:  I have refrained from naming the Concerned  National park because the  story is much the same in every National Park.

Childhood

                                            ……a short season

                                                                                  21.10.2018

 I was watching the evergreen tamil Movie “Tiruvilaiaadal” on the TV Screen recently. Just as the epic temple scene involving Sivaji Ganesan and Nagesh   was unfolding, the youngest member of the family, made her way to the dining hall after finishing  homework & ready for her mandatory dose of the cartoon series ‘Doraemon” . Hesitant  to demand a change  in channel,she had to put up with the tamil movie.Gradually giggles emanated indicating signs of enjoyment. Nagesh’s antics and physical contortions: bending backwards or scrambling up the Pillars evoked uncontrolled laughter. I was surprised that the ancient movie  enjoyed by our generation  could entertain children even now, in the days of Super-hero,Vfx  dominated movies.

My mind drifted ,recollecting the early days of simple joy, when there was no TV, and no Google to satisfy Curiosity. Play time meant fresh air, the outdoors, playing till one dropped down to the Knees, only to be pampered  with a hot tumbler of   ovaltine or Bournvita.  Addictive games like  Xbox ,candy crush or angry birds were unheard of. ‘Land & Water”, ‘hide n Seek’, ‘hopscotch’,’ lagori’, Kite Flying provided utmost excitement. I  believe that   computer games, consoles and tablets are no match to any these beautiful games.

 We made our own set of Regulations and Galli Cricket with whimsical Rules was the highlight, often played within the  compound walls of the dilapidated Govt. Tamil School. No fours or Sixes could be scored. Hitting the Tennis ball hard towards the Walls and taking off  for a run even as  hapless fielders scampered behind ricocheting balls was joy. A ball hit to the adjoining road meant that you were out. On rare occasions when the ball sailed  into a nearby house, the entire team(Gang) confronted by  screaming Aunties/Uncles  would perform  vanishing acts which were as impressive as  any of Houdini’s tricks.  

How can one forget the four anna (25Ps) per hour rental for bicycles  hired  from Sattar’s Shop  or the longing for  opaque glass marbles which were available only at Ramanna’s Corner Shop?

Multi-coloured striped lollipops and  tangy crescent shaped ‘Orange” and “Lemon’ Candies were everyone’s favorite.’Maggi’,’Lays’ ‘Chetos’ were not even in their embryonic stage.

Movie going was a ritual by itself: A smartly dressed & perfumed  Grandfather    leading the entourage  on his prescious”BSA’ Bicycle, Mother and we siblings in Papanna’s Tonga with Father bringing up the rear on his Bicycle   I must confess though that the Ballal Hotel Jamoon & masala Dosa  treat after the movie was the more favoured  attraction.

Ah! Childhood : days of uninhibited laughter, inquisitive probing, games, purposeless frolic, the days of wishful imagination, thoughtless questions,muddy clothes,hurting legs , Prodigious joys ! Crazy  Eh?  . Little did we know that years later we would look back at those days and sigh –“Those were the golden days!”

Sometimes I feel sorry for children of this generation. How different things are! The simple yet fun filled atmosphere is missing. Outdoor activities are diminishing as are open grounds. Their world seems to thrive in front of expensive  electronic Gadgets or cartoon channels in confined spaces. Are they having as much Fun? I hope and pray they are. Or maybe they actually are !  and it is just that I am missing my good old childhood days.     

Maa Gange  

….More than a river,she’s holy,she’s Ganga maa

                  18^th to 26^th July 2015                     

Its nearly a week since we returned from the trek / tour of Himalayas. I have been desperately trying to unclog my mind of the million unforgettable memories . Despite trying my best to Translate them into words, I am not able to comprehend  how or where to begin. As such I have decided to separate the experiences, not in any particular order. Here is one such random account:

Ganga Aarti:

Bathing in the Holy Ganga has always been high on the list of many desires I nurture. The trek to the valley of Flowers provided the perfect opportunity in satisfying the same.

Having arrived early at Haridwar en route to Govindghat, we had almost half a day at our disposal. After Checking in , we immediately embarked on a reconnaissance , all the while collecting information.  we immediately  noticed  that anyone we talked to - a policeman,street vendor, Auto Driver, Shop Keeper, referred to Ganga as “Maa Gange”. The reverence is complete and touching. We gather that  Ganga Arati would begin at Dusk near the ‘ Brahma Kund’ in the Ghat Called Har-Ki-Pouri, believed to be the holiest of places. “Har-Ki-Pouri” means “God’s Foot prints”. we decide to have a dip at this Holy Place. The water is Icy cold, but enthusiasm enables us to brave it. Once in the water ,none in the group wants to get out. We wallow for considerable  time and get out in time to witness the Ganga Arati.

About a dozen Purohits assemble on the Brahma Kund Side of the Ghat. We have chosen the opposite bank,as it is ideal for Photographing the event. Thousands have  gathered on either side ,waiting with bated breath. In due course the ritual begins with ringing of bells and chanting of Vedic Verses. Aartis are performed  in various styles ,with different types of Arati plates and stands. Turmeric,Kumkum and flowers are offered to the fast flowing waters. A Huge flower bouquet placed in a bowl stitched from leaves with oil wick lamps in the middle is set adrift. This is a signal that the crowd has waited for. Soon hundreds of these lamps are afloat, providing a spectacular sight in the fading light of dusk.

Thereafter the lead purohit begins a slow drawling ,sing-song chant of “Har…har….Gange,…. Jaiiiiiii  maaaaa…   Gange”. The initial drawl slowly picks up pulse and the crowd  joins in with rhythmic  hand Clapping . The tempo further rises up and reaches a crescendo with the clang  of cymbals and  repeated  long blasts of the Conch. The atmosphere is truly  electric.  Unconsciously we too are chanting. One of our members even performed an appropriate jig.Our First Tryst with the Holy Ganga is eventful.

On the return journey from valley of Flowers,we have a spare day at Haridwar. We decide to utilize the same visiting the Mansi devi and Chandi devi temples in the Morning and later travel the short distance to Rishikesh to witness Ganga Aarti there.

Both Mansi Devi and Chandi Devi Temples are located on top of hills on  the two opposite banks of  River Ganga. Cable cars are available to ferry piligrims. The landscape of Haridwar with Ganga flowing through is a gorgeous view from the top. Returning to our Hotel after darshan,we prepare to leave for Rishikesh. Though Regular bus services are  available, we decide to hire a ‘Phut-Phuti”- a six seater Diesel auto just for the heck of it.

Rishikesh is known to be the more favoured destination among foreigners who fancy  divine experience , the number of comfortable Hotels and upmarket eataries  providing ample  evidence.

 Crossing the Ram Jhula we reach the northern Ghats. Once again the lure of the furiously flowing Gange is irrestible. The water is much colder and near freezing. Gingerly, the entire team enters the water. Two Ganga Snanams within a span of 10 days – astonishing, unbelievable. Back on  the southern bank we are greeted  by a welcome sight- Madras café ! Trooping in we gorge on Idlis ,Dosas and relishing cups of filter coffee.

The authentic Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh takes place at the Ghats near Laxman Jhoola. But, we are told that a number of Aartis are performed on the ghats all along the river.So,we occupy our places on the Ghat across the Road . The one we witness here is a complete contrast . While Haridwar  was totally religious , this one  at Rishikesh is filmy in style, with handsome boys dressed in shiny yellow attire,carefully applied tilaks performing to  loud,foot tapping devotional songs blaring  from oversized speaker units.

At the end there is an announcement that the performing group aims at promoting Bhakthi,and involves in the clean Ganga initiative and seeks everyone’s support. We also notice a strategically placed collection box. The younger members of the audience definitely loved the show.

A tour of Haridwar & Rishikesh, Two baths in the Holy Ganga and experience of distinctly different versions of Ganga Aartis- Could one ask for more?

Legend: Aarti means remover of darkness(ignorance). Aarti is performed at the Har Ki Pauri Ghat which was built in 1st century BC by King Vikramaditya. Bhratuhari , brother of King Vikramaditya performed penance here  and Lord Vishnu appeared before him and blessed him. Thereafter the  place was named Har Ki Pauri meaning Foot Prints of God.As per another legend this is also the  place where drops of Amrut fell as Garuda carried the same after the epic samundra manthan. Har-Ki- Pouri is also believed to be the place where Holy Ganga finally descends from the mountains and enters the plains.

गांगं वारि मनोहारि मुरारिचरणच्युतम्।

त्रिपुरारिशिरश्चारि पापहारि पुनातु माम्॥

Mountains !

  …..far better things ahead, than the ones we leave behind !

                                          12^th July 2016

Mountains have everything,vast expanses,challenges,succour and the ability to entice. They mean different things to different people.For some,mountains provide a perfect escape from monotony,for others like me, a piligrimage.

Mountains instil awe and exhibit immense beauty,strength and raw ferocity.For an all too short duration they also permit one to merge in an environment where one is not enslaved to time. Time instead, assumes the form a great swathe in which one can walk,climb, rest or just lie back and gaze at stars. Mountains instill a strange  dimension to the sense of time.An easy trek of five hours may seem like an eternity. Conversely, an arduous climb of ten hours may feel like a stroll in the park.

The most beautiful mountain ranges on earth, the  stunning Himalayas provides the ideal escape from  the drudgery of  instinctive everyday life  and I embrace this escape with delight.

On my first trip  to the Himalayas(The Ladak Region) I found myself struggling a bit and even feared it might be my last. But,the lure of the Magnificient Himalayas  is so strong and keeps gnawing persistently,that I jumped at the earliest opportunity to return the very next year to inhale the fragrant mountain air, watch the huge trees and climb the emerald mountains in the lush Chamoli District of Garhwal Himalayas.

Why Himalayas?

At times I have pondered “Why Mountains ? Why Himalayas?” The only answer I can think of  “The Himalayas enchant me. Draws me like a magnet”.

The lure of the Himalayas is colossal.The panaromic views, the spellbinding snow capped peaks,the silence,solitude,incessant gurgle of crystal clear waters,music of trees gently swaying in the breeze infuse  a heightened sense of attainment and tranquility.

The Himalayas, by humbling those who  come ,with its enormity and power, gratifying them with  its splendor  and  beauty, testing  their  determination by its treacherous terrain and peaks, defying  spirits with their  mysteries - enables one  to acquire the qualities which only the rawness  of  nature  can refine. Trekking  imparts the quality of self-reliance, leadership and discipline amongst adventure sports lovers.

All treks that I have undertaken have been in the pleasant company of team mates from my Club THE MYSORE GYMKHANA. Team building and camaraderie has been the forte of our club over the years. The club turns 80 this year, which everyone will agree is no mean distinction.In commemoration I aspire to pay a fitting tribute to my beloved club on its platinum jubilee. What better than a trek in the Himalayas  with teammates?

The Lessons:

We train hard for a trek,improve physical condition,but in the mountains physical strength alone  will not be sufficient.  Mental strength,passion and motivation are not enough either ! However,striking a fine balance can work wonders. There is no place for arrogance,aggrandizement or bravado.And ‘conquering’ peaks should be farthest on mind.

I will never forget the words uttered by our mountain guide Sonu who accompanied us from Pandukeshwar to Gangaria, “the mountain is our Goddess. Only after praying for her permission do we use her for our benefit”. And added modestly “ I have never conquered a mountain peak”. He went on to explain that Garhwali guides always fix the flags a few metres  below the peak. Almost reverentially he signs off “Our Goddess has an uncanny knack of teaching lessons while climbing down”.

On treks one feels pain,sweat profusely, run out of breath, even collapse.Yet the rebels  always return !.So strong is the lure of the Himalayas.

Treks are about the Journey and not the destination (Cliché ?) .On our last trek to the Valley of flowers I was unable to reach the promised meadow . I was left thinking “I failed at the doorstep of Heaven”. After getting over the disappointment, and on careful assessment I felt absolutely no regret. I had thoroughly enjoyed the trek until that point.

But the most important lesson is that The Himalayas, even while energizing the spirit  can rip one up from the inside, drain you emotionally, physically ,psychologically and mentally.

Reaching the heights and being a part of the gorgeous Himalayan landscape is an experience beyond comparison.  Trekking in the Himalayas is  a mix of adventure, Thrill ,pleasure and self-realization.

The lure of the greatest range of mountains on Earth, its  beauty, vastness,fascination and mystery will  have an everlasting Appeal for all those who venture in this region.Believe me, walking the Himalayas is a highly  addictive obsession.

The  call of the Himalayas is becoming overwhelming  ... …and I must gooooo...” Chandrashila ,   Bandarpoonch,   Yamunotri,   Gangotri  Glacier  here I come !

Ecology

The call of the mountains is getting louder , and it will always be there if the basic character of mountains does not suffer a setback. With droves of Trekkers swarming over the mountains, irrepairable damage can be inflicted  if trekkers do not take adequate measures to preserve nature.  Trekkers will do well  to protect  rivers and green trees.  Litter from the camps need to be collected and properly disposed of, wildlife should never be disturbed at all and habitats protected. These are some important unwritten codes of conduct which responsible trekkers  should not only voluntarily adhere to  strictly but also educate the casual traveler.

" ananyas chintayanto mam ye janaha paryupasathe

thesham nithyabhiyukthanaam yogakshemam vahamyaham"

(Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta )

Those who surrender themselves to me , I take care of them.

Waynaad - Nature's Wonder  
Just living is not enough!               

    27th-28th July 2002

The district of Waynaad in Kerala lies to the southwest of Mysore and is reputed to be Nature lovers' delight .Our group of friends from The Mysore Gymkhana , having done tours and treks earlier  are eager to tour this part of south India .

The opportunity presents itself when Madhu informs the group that his relative Venkatesh lives in Ambalavayal , a small town situated a  few kilometres off the road connecting the towns of Sultan battery and Kalpetta,  the  headquarters of Waynaad district and would arrange a tour of the pretty district

                                                   with host Venkatesh & Family

A group of ten members pile into a Maruti Omni and a 800 and head towards Kerala.Driving through the Jungle and gently  winding ghat roads we reach Ambalavayal, a small town nestled amidst the vast expanse  of  Western Ghats.The same evening a trek is arranged to the Edakkal caves situated on the fringe of town. We trek up the  slope of a steep hill. The hill is dotted with pretty, little farm houses.  Nearing the summit, the path becomes steeper and we have to clamber over rocks.The caves at the top are formed by the wide crevices between  the huge boulders & rocks. Inside the caves we come across ancient tribal sketches and carving After spending some time at  the top we return back to our friend's home situated amidst plantation  of Tapioca,Cinnamon and pepper

                                                              Edakkal Caves

Early next morning we are treated to  sumptuous breakfast of soft steaming idlis and the local delicacy nendram Banana  by our hosts.  Venkatesh volunteers to be  the tour guide . We drive south of Ambalavayal towards distant mountains. The thick deciduous forest gives way to hillocks of tea plantations.  It is no wonder that Kerala has earned the sobriquet "God's own Country".  People here are certainly lucky,they live in  paradise! In the distance we see tall blue mountains and wisps of white cloud floating by. The Chembara peak we are told is a trekkers  delight,but we are warned that Summer is the only  time  to trek the same.

                                                                                              

 

An hour's drive through dales ,hamlets and grasslands bring us to a narrow mud road. Traversing a kilometre further where the road ends we park our cars and  begin our trek through thick clumps of  lemon  grass. The path suddenly descends downwards and we make our way through heavy bushes and undergrowth towards the bottom of a steep valley. The ground becomes increasingly  damper and slippery.  We hear the deafening  roar of  water.  Soon we are at the bottom of the valley and  see water thundering down from a height of  about 150 feet  from the mountain to the right. In front we see the majestic Soojipara mountain rising  like a wall over 3000ft  high. Soojipara  translates literally  as 'needle rock'  in  malayalam,the local language. The reason is obvious and right before our eyes. The  peak of this solid  rock formation is in the form  of a sharp cone .The soojipara falls  is  actually a series of  cascades, water roaring down in steps to the bottom of the valley from where it flows as a stream. We notice dense clouds snaking around the mountains through the valley.  Once in a while the clouds rise to reveal the densely wooded  emerald green mountains all round.The  scenes are breathtaking and gives a picture post card effect  The more adventureous members of our group decide to take a dip in the icy cold water.

We set  up  kitchen on  a Concrete ledge perched precariously on the mountain face. Soon

 we trek up the mountain to our cars and drive to  the town of Kalpetta, from where we reach pookot lake, the largest natural fresh water lake in Waynaad. The lake is a natural formation  situated in the middle of a ring of thickly forested mountains The rain water from  the mountains directly flows into the lake. Boating in these tranquil waters  is a soothing experience.

                                                                                        

From  the lake  we proceed towards  the Lakkidi view point, situated on the western most tip of this  mountain district from where the plains of Calicut provide a panoramic view. On the way we  stop  near a tree called the Chain Tree, so named because we see a thick iron chain running around a  horizontal branch ,  the ends firmly anchored to the ground. Our host has an interesting story to narrate:

'Legend has it that the view point was discovered by a local tribal  chieftain long ago which made him famous among the locals.A few Englishmen owned plantations in Waynaad even at that time. One  of these gentleman in  order to gain fame as the discoverer of the view point is supposed to have had the tribal killed. The ghost of the tribal  chieftain then began to wreck vengeance. A variety of mishaps befell   all who ventured  near the location. So, the services of a sorcerer  was requisitioned .He lured the  soul to the  tree and bound it there with the iron chain. The curse of the tribal ended. However as a mark of respect to the troubled soul every visitor stops by the chain tree to pay obeisance . Even today a small oil wick lamp is kept burning under the chain tree.

                                                                      

                 Soojipara peak

After duly stopping over at the chain tree, we travel up to the Lakkidi view point. The road to calicut snakes down the tall mountains from here. The plains up to the arabian sea is visible.After feasting our eyes on nature's wonder we make our way back to Kalpetta . Thanking our host and bidding goodbye we head back towards Mysore satisfied with the experience.

Just as we all think that the tour is over and sit back in the cars we are in for a surprise.  Into the Waynaad forest reserve we see an elephant family-  Father,Mother and little calf right in the middle of the road about 300 yards away. They are trying to cross over to the Bandipur national park side of the  forest. However a deep trench to allow rain water  flow , runs along the spot that the elephants  have chosen to cross the road .  The tusker easily ambles over. The calf is unable to do so. Immediately the tusker proceeds to gently pull the calf with  its trunk while the vigilant mother prods it from behind. However the calf is terrified and lets out a squeal.  Sensing the human presence and  predicament of the calf , the mother takes a few menacing strides towards our cars. We have stopped our cars a fair distance away and remain silent. Gradually the adult  elephants abandon the idea of crossing over at the point and guide the calf to the safety of the forest. Amazed by the scene of parental instinct we have just witnessed we drive back to Mysore totally contented.

The Team: C S Sharan,Chinnappa,Shyamsundar,Sharath Babu,A Venkateshwara(Madhu),Mohan, Murali Mohan, T Ravindra, S Prabhakar, K.R.Dinakar,C S Jayanth Subramanian

Wandering  in  Pushpagiri

“The best views come after the hardest Climb”            
 9th-10th Dec.2001

                                                                                                   

Having done the spectacular and immensely  popular Rail Road trek from Subramanya(Dakshina Kannada district) through the Shiraadi ghats a few years back  our group of friends bitten hard by the 'trekking' bug !and itching for more were all ears when conversation regarding nature or forests occurred or whenever anyone recounted their experiences.Each one of us carried back news about various places to the others.

It was during one such meeting that someone mentioned   wandering the Pushpagiri hills near Somwarpet in Kodagu District promised immense thrill.As luck would have it Friend Prabhakar informs that his Brother-in-law had taken up residence at Somwarpet only recently. He is contacted immediately and we are informed that all arrangements could be made

An advance party of three leave for  Somwarpet to finalize the programme.The rest  break into smaller smaller groups and we all arrive at Somwarpet in the evening of Saturday 9^th Dec 01. We are received  at Mr. Sadashiv's home perched amidst beautiful surroundings and offered welcome cups of delicious tea. We are lodged at a large  room   of a guest house atop a hillock overlooking the town.After being treated to sumptuous dinner by our hosts we all retire for the night.

Sunday 10^th Dec 01 we wake up at 5.00am , the early risers goading the lazier ones  to get up and ready. The 4 wheel drive Jeep requisitioned for the specific purpose is waiting.

We leave the town at 5.45 am in the Jeep and my Ambassador.After travelling 22kms  on winding  ghat road passing through  patches of cardamom plantation we reach the sleepy hamlet of Beedalli. The river Kumara Dhara descending from the mountains flows  near by . We park old faithful Ambassador  at  the hamlet and all thirteen pile into the Jeep and ford the river and travel a further 3 kms of treacherous and precipitous road. Suddenly a forest personnel waves down the Jeep and after enquries regarding the purpose of our visit, extracts a written undertaking in the visitors' book that no  litter or disposable items shall be dumped at the Pushpagiri forest range.He also gives us useful directions. The Jeep driver stops at the foot of a small hill and informs us that the trek begins from that point. 

At a small gorge nearby is a temple of Shanta Mallikarjuna Swamy. The temple  is closed  so  are unable to have darshan. While we get ready with our back packs , a couple of us set up the mini gas stove that we have carefully brought  and make hot tea. After Biscuits and tea , our motely group consisting of boys in their teens and twenties, three men in their  thirties, two in their forties and a lone fifty  year old , set out to feast our eyes on Nature at its best. A lightly  beaten path indicates the way.  We  walk single  file and the narrow path skirts round one small hillock after another.

  Gradually we enter the  forest. It is dark. Though we are able to see the sun  light atop the trees, hardly any light filters  to the earth.  The fresh smell of damp earth is invigorating.   Moving on  we come across giant trees all around  and in close array, intertwined with creepers all reaching out towards heaven.  Varieties of  flowers,orchids, and exotic ferns carpet the damp mulch covered earth.  The tons  of dry   fallen leaves forming the thick  carpet of mulch over the earth facilitates  generation of highly nutrient   humus which easily explains  the  dense nature of these forests.The way nature has sustained itself here is a marvel.

   The path  suddenly becomes steeper and we climb up a hill . At the  summit the  vegetation is rather  sparse and we savour the sun shine . Climbing down we come across a mountain stream that flows serenely over smooth rocks.An old cable stayed    bridge tied around two huge  tree  trunks on either side of  the stream hangs  above.  The  water is  sparkling and tastes divine. We  quench our thirst and replenish our  water stocks. Realizing that we have walked for almost two hours we decide  to take a break.     Munching  sandwiches & biscuits  we drink cups of hot  tea which is brewed at the spot.  Each member of the group advises the other not to  leave behind any   garbage. 

   The path becomes increasingly tougher as we move upwards  towards  the peaks.  Thick bamboo clumps and flowering plants  appear in the way.  We squeeze our way between the clumps.  The remnants of blossoms of  the last spring can be seen here and there.  Flowers of various colours and fragrance are seen.There are not many  flowers,  but we fully visualise the effect that a full bloom would present. It must surely  be ethereal. We  cross several other small hills and  streams.The atmosphere is damp,dark and cold. A  variety of beautiful Agaric fungus growth resembling  flowers proliferate on the dead wood  strewn all around.We collect a few as souvenir. By now the path almost disappears and we make our way over moss covered rocks on  narrow  beds of  dry water falls. We also hurdle across huge fallen trees and dead wood.  We are suddenly confronted   by a sheer  rock cliff, the slopes of which are at about sixty degrees to  the horizontal.  The younger members of the team just stroll up the face like lizards.  The rest huff & puff and clamber up the slope on all fours.  To our relief   the entire group is able to make it to  the top safely.   There is a sense of elation- we are at on top of the highest peak in as far as one can see.Some earlier visitors have arranged the small rocks and stones and built a small temple inside which  a large smooth rock resembling a Shiva linga is installed. An oil lamp is also found in place. The scene from the top is breathtaking  and  the silence eerie . We see  a group trekkers at a far away cliff below us. The group has made its way up the other cliff from the Subramanya side. 

We sit down under the bushes for a brief rest and lunch consisting of sandwiches, fruit and tea. Not wishing to get lost  in  the dark, we begin our descent in right earnest. We follow the same trail and at  places  realize that climbing down can indeed be a difficult proposition. After four  hours we are back at the tiny temple where the jeep is waiting for us. We turn back to have one last look at the awesome mountains. The peak that we  climbed  forms a silhouette  with the sun setting  behind. Some of us find it hard  to believe that we were  atop the towering mountain tip  only a few hours back.

  With fond memories  of the exhilarating nature walk etched  in mind and captured on film, we arrive at Somwarpet at 7.00 pm.  From there we drive back home to Mysore with a deep  sense of  fulfilment .

The Team:Chinnappa,C Anand, KB Chandan,Amith Premkumar,Shyamsundar, M N Naveen Kumar,Sharath Babu,Vedraj, Murali Mohan,T Ravindra, S Prabhakar, K.R.Dinakar,C S Jayanth Subramanian