Trek on 22/23rd Janurary 2011

Hi All

This weekend ie., on 22/23rd Jan 2011, we have organised a open group trek to the fallowing route. Those who have not done this route can join us. If joining us, please send me scaned copy of some ID proof like DL, PAN card etc ASAP.

Sampath

Welcome to Sharavathi Nature Trails.....

Who we are?:- The sharavathi Nature Trails. is a non-profit Registered organization working on nature conservation and to generate rural employment. We conduct island camping, kayaking, canoeing in Sharavathi backwater and Trekking to very serene tarils in sharavathi valley where u will be exploring lots of hidden water falls.

The Sharavathi Valley:- The Sharavathi river valley nestled in the central Western Ghats, Shimoga district has been an ecological paradise. The Sharavathi River, rising at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk flows north-west and drops down in the Ghats at the world famous Jog falls. The sharavathi Valley is home for many water falls and to some of the beautiful streams. The valley is evergreen to semi-evergreen forest along with moist deciduous type of forests dominate the entire basin along with scrub savannah, grasslands, marshy areas and plantation of acacia, cash crops like areca and rubber providing diverse niches for a variety of taxa. Rare evergreen species such as Dipterocarpus, Syzygium, Cinnamon, Diospyros, Aglaia, endemic Palms along with the globally endangered Myrist-icasps makes this an ecologically sensitive region to be conserved and not marketed.

Accomdation:- Stay in tribals house.
Food:- Food is going to be Simple Vegetarian food and it will be freshly cooked food at the camp site.


Route:- Veegi falls ---> Melnur --> Kanoor Fort ---> Hebbayana keri --> kanoor..

Itinerary:-

* Deaprture from Bangalore by around 10:00 PM.

Day1:-
* Reach Sagar by 6:00 AM in the morning.
* Catch a jeep or van to reach trek starting point and freshen up on the way in a stream.
* Reach Trek starting point and have Breakfast.
* Start the trek towards first veegi falls. Spend some time in falls
* Trek to second veegi falls. Play in the falls if interested.
* Have lunch and trek towards melnur tribals house..
* Reach Melnur and Camp in tribal's house.
* Have fun time around camp fire.
* Have dinner and retire for the day.

Day2:-
* Wake up by 5:00 AM and get freshen up quickly.
* Have Tea and start the trek towards Kanoor fort.
* Reach kanoor fort lake and have breakfast
* Trek inside and ruined fort and then trek towards Hebbayyana keri
* Have lunch and play in the river and trek to kanoor
* Start the journey back to Bangalore

For part of trek blog and photos, check the fallowing link
http://sharavathi.blogspot.com/2008/11/1-2nd-nov-2008-trek-report.html

Nature Etiquette (Every campers must fallow):-

• Our programs are basic and minimalist; do not expect city-like comfort, adjust with what ever is being provided. Any additional requests need to be made prior to the start of the program
• We strictly do not allow smoking, drinking (alcohol) and consumption of non-veg on our programs. (If anyone voilates these rules, we will stop the activities right at that point)
  
• We follow the 'leave no trace' & 'zero impact camping' practice; do not litter on the trail, please carry back all the material garbage you generate on the program
• The forests have their own orchestra of sounds; use of Walkman's & music systems is strictly prohibited; we would like you listen to birds, animals, leaves and the wind
• The locals, animals, birds have the right of 'way' and 'say' in our programs. We wish to respect their dignity to the fullest extent possible.

Things to bring for the camping:-

• A proper BackPack. (A bag which can be put on our back and other kinds of bags wont do).

A plate with a spoon for eating food. (Must) (please dont bring disposable like paper plate etc))

One cup for drinking water, tea etc. (Must) (please dont bring disposable like paper plate etc))
• Please bring One lite bed sheet. Foam sleeping Mat will be arranged by us.
A small hand torche. (Must)

A 1 ltr. water bottle.
• Please wear sandals, wearing shoe may be a problem as u have to removing when u r getting in to Boat.
  
Toilet kit (brush, toothpaste, comb

Sun cap and Sun lotion.

Please carry only items which we have mentioned. Please dont carry anything extra, if ur bag weighs heavy it will be discomfort to u.

Please feel free Mail to prapancha@gmail.com or call me on my mobile if you need any more information

Unforgetable Trek-trip

Many of my trekkers after exploring Sharavathi valley trek routes, used to ask me if i have trek/camps and other programs in other parts of western ghats. As it used to be busy weekends in our camp, i had not thought of anything for a while. But i had some free weekends in august as there was less water sports activity.
We planned to explore some new routes and we planned to combine various activity to make it more diverse activity program. Accordingly, we explored a 1 day trek route near sakaleshpur and combined it with wild life safari in Nagarhole sanctuary, rappelling and playing in a lake with life jacket.
We announced this activity in the group for the weekend of 21/22nd of august. Though the initial response was less we could get about about 10 trekkers for the program finally. We hired a Tempo traveller. We planned to leave on Saturday early morning. As planned we started off at 4 am in the morning. But by the time we pickup everyone and leave Bangalore it was 6:45am. I was thinking it will b too late, but cab driver was just excellent and we were in channarayapattana by 9 am. We had quick breakfast and started off journey. We reached trek starting point by 11am and started off the trek.
It was pleasant weather with now and then drizzling and mostly cloudy. Initially it was all over lush green coffee plantation. Then it was great evergreen forest cover. We were engaged in lot of talks while trekking and suddenly our fellow trekker kinjal pointed to a lake which was hiding under the thick forest cover. It was just an amazing view from the top. Though it was small the vegetation cover around the lake had given so much beauty to the lake. Trekkers took some nice shots of the place and moved on. After this point the talks got less and everyone was enjoying the natures wonderful creation. Few had gone ahead and had stopped on a small rock formation. This rock formation has been destroyed for granite quarrying. In the same place we had held a massive protest rally against this in the year 2006. Luckily it is now stopped though the damage is visible. It was a breath taking view from this point. There were small grass patches (locally called ByaNa) which were so green with budding grass. It was a treat for eyes.
After a small stop over we moved further. We came across a small stream where we tanked up some mineral water. After some trek we came to a junction where we had to deviate to the peak where caves are there. But our lunch was getting ready down near another lake. We had to decide which is first. According to majority we decided to have lunch and moved towards lake, where our chief cook Dharmanna was preparing delicious lunch. Some got down to see a small water fall near the lake , others rested on the lake bed. It was an amazing place to be. The lake bed was looking like natural gulf course. Lunch was ready to b served. We just collected some plantain leaf to have the lunch which gave extra flavor to the delicious lunch. Dharmanna had prepared rice, eere kaayi sambaar, papad and pickle. It was just amazing to eat such a tasty food in such an amazing place.
After the lunch we wasted no time and trekked towards peak. It started raining heavily.This peak gets covered with fog in almost all seasons. Its an amazing peak with 360 degree view of the western ghat. In this peak there is a rock formation which is almost 500 mts in length and about 100 ft depth. And this rock formation looks like curved stones and it has flat surface which is idea for claiming and rappelling . In the same rock formation there is a cave. We got in to the cave. Getting in to the cave is difficult as it as very small entrance. so once is pot bellied then its truly difficult ;).
After the cave exploration we started going down the peak. It was raining heavily still. We reached the foothill of the peak , where our cab was waiting for us. It was truly awesome trek though it was short trek. We came across string of small lakes which are treat to nature lovers eyes. We got in to cab and drove towards Nagarahole. It was drizzling still. We drove through somvarpet , kushalnagar and hunsur. we reached camp leopard rock, where we supposed to stay by 10:30PM. Dinner was ready by then. As everyone were tired and sleepy just stuffed some food and slept off.
Sharp 5 AM, Our instructor woke us up and asked us to get ready quickly to go for wild life safari. We had tea and left for the nagarahole sanctuary. After entering the gate we were observing both sides keenly for any movement of animals. After some distance , we came across spotted deer, which are very common. Then we came across wild boar. We reached nagarhole sanctuary office, where we opted to go on safari in to the sanctuary by department bus. We could not any special animals, we came across only deers and langur. All of us were really hungry , so planned move out of the sanctuary and reached the rappelling spot near the camp. By then our cook dharmanna had prepared nice "malnad akki rotti" and avalakki. we wasted no time filled up our stomach. It was nice breakfast.
Our instructor Ram was readying the rappelling kit and by then we rested for a while. First Ram gave us demo and then asked all of us to go to the top of the rock one by one. First it was santhosh. He was daring, we were amazed to see his enthu. then all of us had a great experience.
After the rappelling event, we traveled back to camp and rested for a while. Then we went to near by lake with life jacket and swam for a while. Then came a raft. we had bit of still water rafting. Came back to the camp and dressed up and assembled at the dining hall for the lunch. Dharmanna had prepared delicious bisi bele baath and curdrice with hesaru bele payasa. Had stomach full lunch. It was superb lunch. Then we had a final group photo session and said good bye to the camp and traveled towards Bangalore.
Reached bangaore by 10:30pm. It was a great trek-trip with various adventure activities. I must say group was just great. An another awesome weekend we had in the ghat. And readying for another weekend camp and leaving tonight!!.

Trekkers:-

• Sachidanand banegal
• Prashanth pathak
• Benzamin
• Nancy
• Lal ringzuala
• Rimi goswami
• Kinjal shah
• Praveen
• Santosh
• Muknd
• Sampath

Photos by trekkers:-
By Prshanth:-
http://picasaweb.google.com/prashant.c.pathak/GaviBettaTrek_21_22Aug2010
By Benzamin:-
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/benjaminrtz/TrekToGaviBettaWithSampath
By Sachidanand
http://picasaweb.google.com/sachidananda.bs/GaviBetta#
By Mukund
http://picasaweb.google.com/111658344772397225103/GaviBetta?feat=email#
By Praveen
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/praveendbit/GaviBetta082010?authkey=Gv1sRgCMurj76K2OWShgE&feat=email#

NOTE:- Our next trek is on 4/5th Spet 2010, which is next weekend. The route will b Bheemswara falls-->Dabbe falls. Bheemeswara is heaven on earth in the monsoon season. Please check the fallowing link for more info on this route:- http://sharavathi.blogspot.com/2008/07/mungaaru-maleye-yenu-ninna-hanigala.html . Please mail me ASAP if u r joining us.

Our New tree house in island

In our constant endeavor to give new experience to nature lovers, we have built a tree house in our camp island. Here are the pics of the same.
































































Please click on the below link for more photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/prapancha/NatureCampAndWaterSportsOn2612#

A memorable trek with a unique group

A memorable trek with a unique group

In our country there are so many problems, issues, crisis etc., Though Most of them are solvable easily, we make them complex and live with them !. In the olden days nature of problems were different, like mostly it used to be related to eking out livelihood. But now we must say we have almost come out of this problem atleast in urban areas today with economy booming. Especially after IT/BT and other export related economy boom, we have almost solved the livelihood problems. But in this process there are many issues which have come up. Among these new type of problems are disappearing of joint family living concept is a serious one as it creates emotional problems. With this problem seriously affected are our elderly people. Though many of our elderly people have no problem financially, problem is activity less, loneliness life disturbs them a lot emotionally.
Many of us sheds crocodile tears for them but ultimately only few come forward to help them. "Ananda Balaga" is one such informal group, is doing great service by involving elderly people in activities like Trekking, Camping and trips to many interesting places in all over country.The group has covered many himalayan trek routes like Manasa sarovar, aadhi kailas, pindari glacier etc., and also they have explored many routes in our own wetsern ghats. This group was started by Anand sir, who has retired from Government services. He is a nature lover himself and he is the motivational force behind this group. As i have trek organizing experience, i must say its toughest job to put people together...!. Still anand sir does mind going through this process.
In the month of April "Ananda Balaga" approached me for the camping/water sports in sharavathi backwater. I happily agreed and we had a great camping time for 3 days. It was most memorable association for 3 days with great minds assembling in one place. For our luck we had a cultural fest also. Gubbagodu , near by village to our camipng place, had a annual utsava and cultural evening. The group had a chance to enjoy the cultural programs.
After the camping program, Anand sir was planning for a trek from ling time in sharavathi valley. Finally they decided to trek and fixed the dates for 29/30th August and as suggested by me we planned to trek in our ace route Basavana baayi-->belligundi -->goodanagundi falls route. After all yes-no-yes group size became 20 people. I requested him to organize private vehicle to reach the trek starting point as going by bus will waste precious morning time. Accordingly TT was arranged. I requested group to leave bangalore as easrly as possible, so that we can reach trek starting point early and start off trek. It was anounced that departure time is 9:00pm but as usual we left by 10:00 pm by 1 hour lag. We reached Kattinakar by 7:30. On the way from sagar itself, it was raining heavily...indicating whats there in store for us for next 2 days. We were lucky, by the time we reach kattikanakar, rain had taken a break and allowed us to finish daily routines and freshen up. After we freshened up , hot masala idlis were ready for the breakfast. Dharma as usual had prepared nice masala idli and sambar with chutney. All of us had breakfast n as usual kashaya and tea. Took a drop till hogevaddi and started off the trek to the basavana baayi which was our first destination without wasting time. Trekkers were so scared of leeches..!! couple of yards trek, red zone for many started !!.. leeches started having a great feeding fest !. Some did not bother much for the leech but many started removing them... But i must say leeches are the most intelligent parasites on earth ! :). By the time they remove in one part they used climb in other part...in the end they never escaped the sting !. With blood stained legs, finally we made it to the Bsavana baayi. First thing everybody did is to remove the shoes and deleech the legs..!. After a while we decided to move to the falls. As it had rained heavily, stream which we had to cross to reach the falls was full and brimming. With our guides help everyone crossed and reached the falls. As usual it was amazing scene, everyone just plunged in to the falls and pulled everyone who were scared in to it. Everybody enjoyed for quite some time and had to return as everyone was hungry. By then Dharmanna had prepared a nice lunch, wasted no time and had lunch nicely.
After the lunch, we split the group in to two based on individuals interested and capability to trek. One will take tougher route to reach our night halt tribal house and other will take easy route. I went with a tougher route. We usually dont trek on trails..we just barge in and make our own trails. So we started off the trek in the dense forest towards kendollare peak. Trekkers were all fine on trek front but many were scared of leeches. After seeing their plight, i directed manju, our guide to change the course and make to the plain land instead of the thick jungle. So we avoided kendollare peak and came to plain of nakkalu village. As there was still time we decided to climb a small peak and then descent to the kanchigadde majnanna's house where we were supposed to halt. in the plain there were no leech so every one were thrilled but rain started pouring. Trekkers did not bother for the rain and we climbed the "hoovina bare"peak. After spending couple of minutes on the peak, we started the descent as it was getting dark. It was about half an hour trek and we were there in the house where we had to camp. it was so chill. Narayana had sensed the situation and had put up a small camp fire. All of us had a small warm up session and by then hot tea / kashaya along with Hot Mirchi bajji were served. It was a great relief to warm like in this fashion. After little relaxation there came call for dinner. Menu was nice pulav, chapti and payasa...everyone enjoyed the food. As we were tired, went to the sleep early and opened eyes only in the morning!. By then bed tea was ready and we hall had tea.Rain god was kind enough and had taken a break..so we all ran in different direction in the forest behind the house to get freshen up...! we wasted no time and started off the trek.
Looks like rain god finished the break and started pouring heavily..but we did not bother for him much and we trekked towards padubeedu, where we supposed to have breakfast.The trek trail from kanchi gadde and padubeedu has a beautiful grass lands. These grass lands are treat to the nature lovers. They look like well maintained golf course !!!. By the time we reach padubeedu Dharma had prepared akki rotti and badane kaayi chatney...all of us had stomach full rotti. Again we wasted no time and started off trek to our next trek point, goodananagundi falls. It was again trail in the thick jungle. People found it tough to wade through. Leeches had a feast day in this trail..!.But everyone made it to the falls. As it had rained heavily, falls can be seen from far only. It was mejestic falls, i call it as Nayagara of our state. Specially the background and stream way and the rock formation around the falls is amazing. Everyone enjoyed the falls view and started the trek back. On the way we took deviation and went to the stream just above falls and some swam for some time there.
After this falls view we started trek to the belligundi falls. coming back was bit easy, everybody trekked well. We reached belligundi view point and we were lucky, the valley was clear. otherwise many times in rainy season, valley gets covered and will not get cleared for hours. Belligundi view is just amazing, its very artistic background attracts a lot. we spent lot of time over there. after photo shoot we decided to trek back to padubeedu. By the time we were back, yummy lunch was ready. We hogged like anything. Rain god did not show any mercy, he was at his fierce as possible. After the lunch we trekked back to kattinakar. As it was chill weather, we decided to have a hot tea and kashaya. After the tea party, we said bye to narayana and co...started off journey back to bangalore.
It was memorable trek in many ways..It was nice group of various background and different age group. All thanks to anand sir for putting together such a nice people.

More Photos :-

1. http://picasaweb.google.co.in/rekha62ak/RecentlyUpdated?authkey=Gv1sRgCN6T9bvhp5bgxAE&feat=email#
2. http://picasaweb. google.com/ Tejnashrivastava /MY1STTREKKING? feat=directlink
3. http://picasaweb.google.com/rusha58/DeepuCamera?authkey=Gv1sRgCKevk4C4xuzA0wE&feat=email#

Nice viedo......

Nice video created by Anil Kulkarni after a visit to our back water program...

Watersports in Sharavathi Backwater

Watersports in Sharavathi Backwater

Photos and few lines experience from UNISYS Company Group

We had group from UNISYS company on 7/8th Feb Weekend.
Here are snaps and few lines of their experience in our Water sports center.

Photos:-

1. http://picasaweb.google.co.in/johnyphotography/CIBASHARAVATHY?authkey=uOgD6aNoPIY
2. http://picasaweb.google.com/maranello.dreamer/SharavathiValley#
3. http://picasaweb.google.co.in/siddu.salimath/Sharavathi_Valley02?authkey=CVy8WHLbRss#

Few lines of experience of the Group:-

Hi Sam,

Thank you so much for this lovely trip J

I am sure each one of us will cherish this moment for ever.

Once again we (CIBA Team) wish you Good luck and May God give you the strength to conduct more trips like this and be a reason for happiness to many as you always did.

Team,

Many wanted to get Sam’s email and mobile number

Email is as given above and the Mobile number is 9845397386

Regards

Johny

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Dear Sam,

We have no words to express our grateful feelings…………..this one is really one of THE BEST trip I ever went. We enjoyed each and every second…..Thank you so much for organizing this awesome trip and saving our mother nature….keep up the good work and wish you all the very best & great success.

Thanks to Johny for introducing us to this wonderful, Beautiful, etc, etc.….location(Sharavathy) and person(Sam)J………………

Thanks,

Benjamin.

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Dear Sam,

Thanks for making this trip as a memorable and wonderful trip, I had a nice time and enjoyed this trip to the core.

I’ve loved every moment, to say in specific … diving and swimming in natural clean river water …. after many………. Years…!!!!

We were amazed by just not the nature but you and your team’s service and care… It’s simply superb….. Thanks to your team…! Will meet you all again…!

Johnny, Thanks for introducing this beautiful place. Hope we’ll repeat this trip again …!

You are simply amazing with your camera………..! Wish you all the very best....!

Kind Regards,

Ram