Love Affair with Trails
I’ve always been captivated by nature, its beauty, and the peace it brings. Growing up in a joint family, my only escape from the daily hustle was finding moments of solitude. Whether it was sitting beside a lake during the magical golden hour or watching raindrops fall, these moments were my sanctuary. Picturesque places, stunning skies, and magical views have always held a special place in my heart.
However, it wasn’t until I moved to Bangalore that I truly began to explore them. Here, I discovered my love for trekking. Even a short hike away from daily chores lifts my spirits and fills me with joy.
There’s something enchanting about strapping on a pair of hiking boots, slinging a backpack over your shoulders, and setting off into the wild unknown. The rustling leaves, the crisp wind whipping through the snaky precipitous trails, and the promise of adventure around every bend make for an exhilarating journey. Add in some off-roading in a jeep, and the experience becomes downright enchanting! Trekking has become more than just a hobby; it’s a love affair with nature.
It all started with a short 8km hike to Skandagiri Hills. It’s a sunrise trek — you begin by seeing the city glowing in the dark, and as you hike up, the wind whispers past your face until you reach the summit to witness a breathtaking sunrise.
Even though it was just a short hike, I stumbled upon a new hobby that brings me joy. Meeting new folks along the trail, spotting vibrant wildflowers, listening to the birds’ cheerful songs, and feeling the crisp, fresh air energises me. Plus, seeing my activity ring hit 200% motivates me even more.
My next trek was Kudremukha, and it was absolutely stunning. This 22 km monsoon trek is an adventure that has to be completed in one go, starting at 7 in the morning and ending before nightfall. The trail is challenging, and not everyone makes it to the summit, so I prepped hard for 15 days with an hour of cardio each day. And trust me, every drop of sweat was worth the view!
The journey began with an overnight bus ride from Bengaluru to a cosy homestay near the base camp. After freshening up, we headed to the base camp. Here’s the real fun part: the 2 km off-roading jeep ride to the base camp was a bumpy, thrilling experience that I’ll never forget!
We began our trek through the Kudremukh National Park, winding our way through dense forests, lush green meadows, misty clouds, and grasslands. Along the way, we crossed several sparkling streams, each one adding to the adventure.
Reaching the peak was exhilarating, and the stunning view was well worth the effort. We spent an hour at the top, capturing the beauty with our cameras. The descent was challenging, especially the last few kilometres, but the camaraderie with fellow trekkers and the thrill of the adventure kept us going. I was completely mesmerised by the sheer beauty of everything around me — it was like stepping into a painting.
Then, it almost became a cherished routine for our office team, and every other weekend, we’d plan a hike near Bengaluru. We’d set off before dawn, reaching the summit just in time to catch a breathtaking sunrise. And on the way back, rewarding ourselves with a stop at a top-notch breakfast spot for unbeatable dosas. Our hiking adventures have taken us to some stunning spots like Savanadurga, Uttari Betta, Kaiwara Betta, and Rayakottai, and we plan to cover many more.
My most recent hike was Netravathi, and the view was beyond words. I did it in the monsoon, with rain pouring down, crossing streams and waterfalls as I climbed. The peak offered a breathtaking view and a chilly wind. What an awesome experience!
Next on my trekking bucket list are a few amazing adventures: exploring the beautiful Valley of Flowers, tackling snowy trails like Kedarkantha and Hampta Pass, and experiencing the magic of Dzukou Valley in the Northeast, which is fantastic for stargazing.
