An unplanned adventure to Nandi One - My last trip before #lockdown

An unplanned adventure trip to Brahmagiri Hill/Nandi One just before lockdown!! The twin peak of Nandi Hill viewpoint.

It had been long, we were planning for a trip. And finally, we end up camping at the foothills of Nandi hills. This place is around 60 km from Bangalore and the package of Rs.1200 includes tent stays with Dinner, Breakfast, Games and an early morning trek. We started around 3 PM from Bangalore, hired 2 Zoom cars for 9 of us.

I took Emir-my 9 year old with me, he likes to trek. He enjoyed the company of my colleagues. They started playing games in the car and I was busy capturing the best views from my car window. We took a tea break exactly where the village road joins the NH 7. The tea was served in a beautiful cup and the quantity was good too.

The mountains were visible by then and the horizon started showing up its killing colors. They look very closely during sunrise and sunset. The breeze through my ears and hair was alluring. We reached Hangout@nandi around 6 and it was worth choosing the place. There were splendid outdoor games and music was played all the time. It was a great evening and they served a delightful dinner.

Three tents were allocated for us. We ensured the day was very well spent and moved to our tents keeping in mind that we would have to wake up early 5 am, the trek starts around 6 am.

Though we zipped our tents, the chit chat went on!! all were eager for the trek coming along. We Woke up at 5 30 am, freshened up and a group of 15 rushed for the trek with the trek lead. We walked for 3 km, reached the sunrise point suggested by Hangout@Nandi. Apparently, not seeing any sign of sun. Suddenly, Emir said why don't we hike a bit more ??

That was the real start!! The journey in search of the sun!!

We checked the map and realized we are hiking through the lower of Nandi. We saw a trail and a runners group heading somewhere. We followed the trail and we reached the Ghat Road after 4 km.

Yes!! the road was heading to Nandi!!

Few looked tired, and discussed returning since we reached mid of Nandi and no trails were seen to Nandi except the Ghat Road.

Puzzled and disheartened that we could not see the first rays of the sun. Emir shouted, "here is a trail in midst of wood, Let's move on". The trail he found was behind the rocks.

We realized what we saw ahead was the best view caught so far and we could catch the rays of the sun from there. The trail was beautiful. The lush green trees and mature grey shrubs gave a treat for the eyes.

It was misty morning, the cool breeze touched us. We all looked at each other, murmured "Worth coming".

The sun did not fail to rise and a new day began!!

I saw a runner on his way back and he said the "path is steep, watch out". And he began to draw the direction points in the trail. He had his group coming up and he didn't want them to go wrong way. We joined the runners group as we were clueless on where would the trail take us to. All we knew is it's going to be a steeper way ahead.

Steep, Steeper.. all the way up!! I took breaks in between since I was panting . Meanwhile, I noticed purple flowers were blooming. Perhaps they are waiting for the spring and I could imagine how beautiful the season would be, widespread flowers and the lush green around would make this place more beautiful. I felt rocks were coming down rather than I was moving up, aren't they just like our thoughts, one after other?? We reached the peak. There was an old temple, empty one except us.

Fogs are covering up the adjacent mountain. I was just waiting for a clear view. Someone at the back said loud "Look there, It's Nandi".

Seeing Nandi Rock and the temple along the mist was magnificent!!

Is there a way up or should we get back?? We did see very narrow stairs, probably a kid's width. But it was all covered with shrubs and creepers. We decided to continue our journey. It was less than a km we hiked again.

Here came the beautiful view most awaited, perfect destination for a sunrise. Probably an hour earlier trek would help us to reach on ideal time. We sat there, looking at the horizon and relaxed.

Some identified this as their ideal place to perform Yoga and Meditation. The viewpoint offered a great view of clouds and the village with beautiful farmland.

We chose a different route while heading back. The knees could feel the stress of hiking down without break. We moved through the midst of rocks, narrow paths, all the way down to Ghat Road which leads to Nandi. We said bye to the running group, they were so helpful. We followed the trail down.

Reaching the campsite from the main road was a little tougher than hiking. We were hungry and there were only small tea stalls, and they served only tea/coffee with snacks. Later, we found another shop opposite the campsite. the lady in the shop offered maggie. We said yes without hesitation. It was as good as the one i had from the northeast, so yummm!!.

The journeys are definitely more fulfilling than the actual destination. The trails reminded the inner child in me. it was fascinating to observe the child in me playing along with my 9-year-old.

Noon dragged in and we all waved goodbye!! What a wonderful day!!