Koodlu Theerta - " Someshwara wildlife sanctuary" karnataka

It’s a wish every year that I would explore new places in Karnataka. The beauty of exploring new network is key result in achieving my dream destinations. Ravi karnal – DFO gave new Link about his friend Abdul - forest guard in Someshwara wildlife Sanctuary.

Traveling to unknown place and meeting new people is my hobby, it gives everything in life right from new networks & adaptable to any conditions around. Tickets were booked to Agumbe – The King Cobra Paradise. I have read this article in the newspaper about Agumbe. There are lot of places to explore in Agumbe.

The journey to the unknown paradise begins on 16^th Aug 2014, I reached Augumbe at 7:00 AM the next day, and the bus stand is small with shops around. No Airtel connectivity in Agumbe, Borrowed local guys mobile and called Abdul and asked him where to meet him.  He stated come down to Someshwara wild life Sanctuary.

 I was traveling down from   Agumbe  to Someshwara &  we come amazing sun rise view Point.  Abdul picked me up from Someshwara by 8:30 PM and he dropped me at his home to get refreshed for the amazing day.  He asked me do you have expectation on exploring place here. I said to take me to the place were human presence is less & he took me to Koodlu Theerta &  he was in charge of this place.

If we need to reach Koodlu theerta – 15 Kms from the actual Main road and last 6kms is completely off roads. The Time was 10:00 Am as we crossed the bridge covered with green everywhere.  The entrance to the waterfalls is gated by the forest department. During rainy days one had to cross the running stream, trek for 2.5 kms to see the actual waterfalls.

 As we trekked upward, I can hear the sound of the waterfalls getting louder. The final stretch is covered with thick bushes everywhere, it slippery as you need watch your steps.  The climate became cold as you near the waterfalls with sprinklers & High winds.

Koodlu Theerta waterfalls – This place is amazing during Monsoon & one should visit in Karnataka ( Someshwara). We were not able to go closer to the waterfalls as the force was very high. I was able to take some Videos and snaps post which we returned back by 1:00 Pm.

Thanks to Ravi Karnal & Abdul for Taking me to such wonderful place in someshwara wildlife sanctuary.

Dudh Sagar & Thanbi Surla Trek - Paradise of Western Ghats

It been long time dream for me to be part of this Trek – Basc Made my dream come true 29^th Aug 2014

Where is Dudh Sagar?

Dudhsagar is one of the India’s Most Admired falls. It Originates in Karnataka and flows towards West and reaches Goa & Arabian Sea. It lies high up in the Mandovi River's watershed at Karnataka & Goa Border. Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's fifth tallest waterfall and is 227th in the world at 310 m..

Rafi was organizing the trek, I have done 4 treks in the past with him. Just shared a mail and he add me to the List of People. The tickets were booked for the trip on 29^thAug 2014 - eve of Vinayaka chathurthi, Rani channamma Express. The Group joined together in the station (10 Min before the Departure).

We reached Hubli on 30^th Aug 2014 at 5:30 Am to catch the Next Train to Dudh Sagar. Hot Breakfast was served in the Station and time was 6:30 AM, never had breakfast so early. Vasco – Dama Express took us to the Beautiful Destination. Though we took the unreserved compartment, it was fun watching the places.  Time clocked 9:00 AM and I could see some green pasture already around, my memories went behind thinking of my childhood days. I have just heard how look like in my Books “Castle rock” castle.  The Entry to the station covered in the Mist, I can hardly see any people walking. The wagon slow down & the Station is in the Middle of beautiful Valley and you find everywhere Green even the Station.  Lot of People Get down in that place and start walking for 20 kms on the track to reach Kulem Station. I could not control my anxiety as we need to get down in the next station, heart says why not here and the group says it is next station just wait and watch the tunnel which are yet to come. Vasco reach’s Dudh sagar by 9.45 Am and we all got down.

When my mind said it’s Dudh Sagar and my heart filled with Joy, we have to walk for 1 km on the track to see the actual waterfalls. I could see the white milk of water flowing in the distance as we approached the Main waterfalls.  Woah – So many people came down that day and it was crowded, Happy to see every one with huge family groups. Heavy wind surpass me as I crossed the bridge between the mechanical worlds to the Nature’s Paradise.  I always have habit of documenting such beautiful incidents and did the same with Dudsagar Video. The Dream had come true and I had to wait for 2 years to fulfill the Dream though I was in Bangalore for so long time. Rain in 2012 was good and 2013 did not see much of rainfall and 2014 I’m lucky would say.

There is good place or Space to camp next to waterfalls and I saw many people camped that Day with Tents. The Tea shop is good and you get bread omelet and good Tea which the group will not forget though we carried lunch from Hubli, the group was hungry and we all had Omelet.

“The Sad part, the place is polluted with plastic’s papers and they do not understand the beauty of such place”. Time was 12:30 Rafi shared an information about the rest of the trip, guys we need walk for 3 hrs from here and we reach waterfalls closer to Kulem Station,  We might camp closer to that Station. The Group Started walking again on the tracks crossing various view point of Dudh Sagar. While were crossing 6 tunnel heavy rain started and I can still feel the water drops and just covered myself with rain pouch.

Dudh Sagar - Sonalium: A Jeep Track Cuts Across.

We had to walk till sonalium, it was pouring heavily and lucky no trains on the Track. A Small Nap in the Shed of the Station. I had Dry my few thing which had got wet. Rafi took us through the Deviation Down to the Jeep Track which was flowing with Water everywhere and it slippery, as we walked down the jeep track I could see the mountains covered with Mist all Sides. A Small Settlement with Shops, Byk guys take you from Kulem Station till here for the Shorter Trip.

We came across an Obstacle, running mini stream & the force was good. The group formed a human Chain to cross the Stream. I got Surprised these bikers who come from these shop easily cross the stream. Rafi Stated, we shall join the Track route again. I very well remember the time as the last Passenger train is at 5:00 PM, as we were walking that had crossed. A group of drunken people on the track, I do not understand what is the thrill or comfort do they get post drinking sitting on the Track. Seriously wanted throw Stone at them to chase these dogs.

Ashish in the group had come to Kulem last time and he was guiding us with his Expertise to enter in to the last Waterfalls. We need to get down from the Track and cross the Small Stream to go the waterfalls. Though the falls had normal flow, it had picked up speed while in the flow and it is pulling us while we crossed. Rafi went back and called every one and we had Avenesh taking care of the backpacks. The entire group had good drench before heading to the Kulem Station, Walking on the Track post 6 Pm was full fun.

Kulem Station: Goa State?

Time was clocking 7:30 Pm and we reached Kulem Station. The Actual Idea make dinner and post which camp outside the station. Dinner was getting ready time was 8:30 Pm. Rain started pouring from 10:00 pm nonstop.   Rafi asked the group guys who can speak local language to get station master help to camp inside the station till next day morning 7:00 Am. The Group was Lucky to get help from the Station master to camp inside the station with Tents. The Tents we so warm and as we started sleeping it became hotter like Owen, we could have camped in the rain but group had avoided it.

Trek to Thambi Surla – “Mystic Goa”.

The Group had normal breakfast in Shop closer to station, while Rafi discussed the Rate card with the Jeep Guys. We took 2 jeep and started going toward the Thambi Surla area. On the way Rafi wanted call his friends to book the return ticket for the group.

Thambisurla Trek was one most awaited trek, never seen such massive falls. The Group had to cross 6 mini streams to reach actual waterfalls which is inside Jungle. The Distance to the waterfalls from Thambisurla one way is 7 kms and it took 2 hrs as it thick jungle and no route maps.

The most ancient temple in the whole of Goa is located at this place called Tambi Surla which is approximately 65 kms from the capital city of Panaji and 12 kms from the border crossing post of Mollem. Tambdi Surla itself is in the midst of a forested area accessible via a 22 kms route from the main town of Valpoi in Sattari Taluka.

The temple built in Jain style in the twelfth century. There are some interesting details about the construction which has led to debates about the actual origins of the temple. It is built in a place which is quite inaccessible and away from the main settlements of that time. The size of the temple is quite small as compared to the size of the average Goan temple.

The Actual waterfalls is so beautiful, post reaching the waterfalls we took some good clicks and I have documented the Video of the waterfalls. This is must visit place during Monsoon Time. 

Special thanks to Basc & Team from Bangalore

Mukruthi - A path which goes deep in my Heart....

It was Dream come true, I was planning for this trek past 6 months & permission required from the forest department to reach the place. The park is characterized by montanez grasslands and shrub and interspersed with sholas in a high altitude area of high rainfall, near-freezing temperatures and high winds. It is home to an array of endangered wildlife, including Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian Elephant, but its main mammal attraction is the Nilgiri Tahr. The park was previously known as Nilgiri Tahr National Park.

The D day arrived, Thanks to srini Sir Helped me  to visit such beautiful place. Myself & group friends ( Shankar, Karthikeyan, Ramesh Muthiyan, Karthik, Madhav, Aravind, sudhir) All of us from Bangalore and Ramesh alone from Chennai.  Saddiq from Kerala my friend who is good photographer joined us for the trip.
The plan by srini sir was well jotted out.

1^st Day - Pandiar – Devarbetta - Mukruthi Peak  - Kolaribetta-  Camping in Mukruthi River Bed  - 13 Kms

2^nd Day – Mukruthi Camp Site –Pichkalbetta  – Western Catchment – Bangitapal Road – 27 Kms

The highest mountains inside the Park are Kollaribetta 2630m, Mukurthi 2550m and Nilgiri 2470m.

We Reached Gudalur pick up point & got pick up by the forest department – The mind started saying lets drop mobile, Dump the office memory log.. The Heart started pumping fresh air, The Jeep entered a no man’s land which en route to Pandiar. Shankar “Let’s call Ramesh and check where is now as the group was worried”. Jeep stopped at last signal point for Airtel. Ramesh States he on the way to ooty crossed conoor .  Post which  we started traveling towards  Pandiar, entrance to guest house covered with huge trees and  back drop is shola forest. We meet Srini sir and got introduced to the group. Group had a good breakfast and started packing things to start the Trip. Time clocked 9:00 AM as were already late and need start climbing.

The group climbed the Kolaribetta – as we climbed the Peak, we can see the clear skies around with water table in front of us. “The blue skies reflection falls on the lake and the banks of the lakes are reflecting with orange sand both sides” as we reached a point the trail started going flat and lot marsh plants that keep the area green. Time was 11:30 Am we crossed cloud traffic. “You would cross a road with heavy traffic, thy trail walked us through the green & gray grass painted and suddenly you see mass of cloud crossing you and you can feel it”. The group in front of vanishes and you alone walk inside the clouds………

Mukruthi – The place is just amazing (no foot print of Humans)

Mukruthi – The place is just amazing (no foot print of Humans)

The group took a break below Mukruthi peak had lunch, and the time was 1:45 Pm. The peak seen in front as pathway to climb. Time clocked 2:30 Pm we kept all the bags down covered with all thing as chance of rain. The group took regular trail to reach the Peak. My self and Sandeep planned to take direct incline towards the peak top. Sandeep & guard were in the front and I started climbing behind them, Heavy rain started & rocks were slippery with grass each step to climb the peak need to be monitored. We reached the top by 3:15 Pm and others yet to come and below video will recall the beautiful memory …..By the time we reached the peak top, it was raining heavily and once reached the entire place was surrounded with clouds and nothing was seen on the opposite side. This particular moment is most memorable one in my life time. The entire group one by one reached the top at 3.45 PM and took some rest. We were waiting for the mist to clear as we can see the Nilamabur forest area on the Kerala Side..

She is pretty beautiful; the current place where I stood was painted in black rocks & green grass. Opposite side the clouds where drifting towards us welcoming us to a beautiful world. Every moment filled with Joy cherished with best buddies besides…  “ Dilon mein tum apni betabiyan leke chal rahe ho, Toh zinda ho tum! Nazar mein khwaabon ki bijliyan leke chal rahe ho, Toh zinda ho tum!”

Time clocked 4:00 Pm, the group started descending, the Trail was clear . Sudhir did not make it to the top as he was not well. The moment we reached the lunch point, we searched for him. He was standing below the trees hiding himself  from the rain. The way to kolaribetta is different but we can see the Peak from the place where we stood. Group reached the evening camp point by 5:00 Pm. 

Note : The below click taken by karthick from my group.

Mukruthi - The Valley between Human touch & nature Paradise.

“The camp place was surrounded with mountains and as the time clocked down as the cold breeze setting across. Thanks to Srini sir for arranging such beautiful trip on the 1^st day. Camp fire set with hot bajis & hot Tea given. Hats off to such a wonderful treatment by TN forest department…..

 Unlucky that no clear skies we could have clicked some star trails. Time clocked 10:00 PM, all were in to the tents & cozy sleeping bags, while the forest guards were planning for next day trip. I woke up at 3:00 Am, it dam chill inside the tent and I could not sleep. The fire was burning as huge logs were kept, I sat around the fire and started Hearing some animals noise, must be bison around the place. Made myself warm and went back to the tent to sleep. It was 5:00 after which could not sleep, the outside temperature was 10 degree freezing. I was waiting for the sunrise click, as we are in the middle of the valley. Sun takes more time to show up in this place.

The group quickly started moving in that area to click some macro of dew droplet and everyone was busy clicking. Time clocked 9:00 Am and everything for the second day trek is packed and taken care well. We are climbing pitchukabetta, once we reach the Top, we saw the Lake on the opposite side the view was just amazing and every one took a small nap. Remember the second day trek is yet to take it toll on the people who are coming the group. Sudhir recovered well and fit to climb now.

We started moving towards the western catchment area, the time was 11:45 am we got down from slope and entered in to a road which linking the wireless station. Lime juice was ready waiting for the guys and everyone had good small nap before the lunch time. The roads surrounded by both side mountains and clouds drifting along the path way, we were told chance of sighting niligiri thar in this area and group started walking silently, as we reached a curving point, the watcher alerted a group of niligiri thar is seen. Immediately all were with cam madhav has good chance to take as he good range Lens and he tried his luck. Myself had small chance but tried my luck with the 55-300 lenses could not get clear click.