- Place: Nijagal Betta Trek
- Distance: 60 x 2 = 120km
- Directions: Bangalore > Nelamangala > Dobbaspete > Nijagal Betta
- Krew: Deepak (Deefu), Karthik (Sp)
- Bikes: Pulsar
- Previous Visit: Markonahalli Dam
- Budget: Rs 200/head (approx.)
IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:
This sweet and small trek was done primarily to welcome Deefu back to Bangalore. Nijagal is a small hillock in Dobbaspete that offers the perfect start for rookie climbers and provides a very nice view of the surroundings from the top.
INTRO & PLAN:
It had been a year since Deefu’s last chapter (the Shivagange trek) as he was stationed in Chennai. Once he moved back, we jumped at the chance to head to Nijagal. It was a perfect 2.5-year revisit and a small hike to get the momentum going again. Ashok, Dattu, and Kushal decided to sit this one out.
TIME: 22:00 (2/12/2016)
ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:
Woke up at 05:00, did my push-ups and sit-ups, and headed to Deefu's place after a quick coffee. He hadn't received his "blue blizzard" bike yet, so we doubled up on my Pulsar and headed out.
TIME: 08:15
RIDE 1: (Bangalore – Dobbaspete - Nijagal)
The 60km ride on NH-4 was short but traffic-heavy. We caught up on Deefu's Chennai adventures while cruising toward our regular breakfast spot for some legendary Sambar with Idly and Vada. The sambar here is honestly addictive!
TIME: 09:00
After a quick tea, we covered the last 10km to Dobbaspete. Nijagal was visible in the distance. We parked at the base, let the "astral goat" spirit take over, and started the climb.
TIME: 09:45
NIJAGAL TREK:
Because we were so pumped to be back on the trail, we powered up in 25-30 minutes, though you should normally budget an hour. I’ve divided the trek into these four chunks:
i) Initial walkway
ii) Hike uphill
iii) Dark Caves
iv) Lost Ruins
i) Initial walkways:
This section is a steep muddy path through several gateways. If you feel drained, just look back at the silhouette of Shivagange in the distance to recharge your fuel. By the last gate, you get a great overview of the terrain.
ii) Hike uphill:
This is the main stretch that tests your lungs if you aren't a regular. For us, it was a race to the top. There is a Dargah here and a fair share of monkeys watching your progress.
iii) Dark Caves:
The caves at the summit offer incredible shade. Since we arrived so early, we spent time exploring the ruined buildings and practicing new climbing techniques. We eventually settled into the caves for a long 1.5-hour rest.
TIME: 11:45
iv) Lost Ruins:
We headed down via a different route to see the ruined temple. This stretch offers a nice little challenge. The grass around the temple was scorched, giving it a stark, ancient feel.
We had the place to ourselves until the locals started arriving. Honestly, we’re selfish about our peace and quiet! On the walk back to the bike, we pinged Dattu, Ashok, and Kushal about a meetup, and everyone confirmed instantly.
TIME: 12:00
RIDE 2: (Nijagal – Nelamangala – Bangalore)
A 60km ride back with a "cache clear" stop at White Horse in Malleswaram. It was great to catch up with the old school crew in our old stomping grounds. We spent about four hours there before finally heading home.
TIME: 17:30
CONCLUSION:
"A small chapter, but a much-needed one after a big break. It proved to be the perfect spark to get things moving again!"
Day well spent. Until next time, Ta-da Cia \m/
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