Eco Volunteer Programme - By Anil Bhatta, Life Member

Recently I attended a 5 day Volunteer Training Programme (VTP) conducted by the Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board along with the Karnataka Forest Department at Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the last week of June.

I was very fortunate to have three other KMA members also as course mates (this was by accident and not design) – Bharat Bommannagounder, Madhu Reddy &  Vallish

Awareness and inspiration to take up the VTP were few fellow KMA members viz. Girish, Harsha, Pankaj & Purnima who had undergone this training earlier and had shared their learnings when we were on treks together. Their learning and experiences was also evident in the way they managed themselves and the group in forest trails.

So what is this VTP? And what’s so special about this training: VTP is an initiative by The Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board to train Volunteers who can assist Karnataka Forest Department in various programs and activities such as tiger estimation, bird surveys, elephant estimation, fire line patrol, crowd management and such other programs. Basically, the department augments and has a pool of trained resources to assist when there are periodic pressure and load on forest department activities. The board has trained around 500 volunteers so far.

This training is designed to sensitise people about biodiversity and conservation, and provides an opportunity for people to explore and experience the wilderness. Participants are trained in aspects of communication, mammal behaviour, bird ecology, reptiles and amphibians, insects, storytelling, ethical wildlife tourism, conservation issues, human animal conflict, basic first aid and the like along with multiple walks, safaris and field visits.  

As you can imagine, since there is a high demand for this training, the wait list is pretty long too. I had registered and put my name in the waitlist a few years back and was lucky to get a slot now.

How did the training go?  Training for our batch was at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and was spread over 5 days. It was a combination of class room sessions and on field activities. Our day started by 6:30 AM and went up to almost 9:30/10PM on some days. It was hard at times…as I had lost touch in being in a class room… would invariably give out a yawn or two!!

Our trainers were super experts in their respective fields – from communication to subject matter experts – ranging from elephants & other mammals, spiders, snakes, other reptiles, frogs, flora and fauna, insects, plant life and more. Some were PhDs, others had deep ‘on field study’ background. One was a VTP alumnus too. We also had some highly knowledgeable departmental officers take training sessions for us.

They covered all aspects – from trivia to serious field matters. For example, why should one be very wary of a Sloth Bear or an Elephant rather than a relatively safer mammal tiger when in the forest!?

Another example was the myth busting of the common first aid for a snake bite – why one should not tie a constriction band, or cut the wound and try to suck the poison out, but rather, calm the victim, take him to a PHC and let the doctors treat. A constriction band almost always ends up in an amputation of the limb!!

Discussions were always candid and real - showed us where folks like me can be of help and where we are just not competent to assist.  As a case in study, if there is a forest fire and volunteers are requested to help, it would be wise for volunteers to support in logistics viz. ferry food, water etc to the fire fighters and not venture to actual fire fighting. It’s just not physically possible for common men like us to attempt to douse the fire. Also, the department would rather spend resources to fight the fire rather than taking care of us injured or tired volunteers.

My learnings: Whilst the learnings were innumerable and always eye opening - for me the most important ones were:

      Understanding of the phenomenal work being undertaken by the Forest Department and the unsung foot solders (forest guards, beat persons). There’s a lot of good work the Government undertakes, but they fail to communicate well. We always assume that NGOs and influencers know better and Government is just stupid. NGOs do have vested interests.

      I gained a lot of practical aspects around protection and conflict management that I was oblivious to earlier.  Many a thing that I thought was ‘right’ and ‘logical’ was actually totally ‘wrong’ and absolutely ‘illogical’.

      There was a lot of miscellany to comprehend. What is volunteering? How can people like me, help?, What kind of volunteering is welcome and what is not?, How volunteers should not end up causing more pressure on the Forests and to the Forest Department and more.

      Lastly, when on a forest trail, I will be much more confident as I am equipped to read the environment around me, anticipate dangers and know how to deal with the same. I will probably observe a bit more and educate my fellow trekkers.

To know more about this VTP programme, feel free to talk to your fellow KMA members whose names are in this article.  If you wish to register for VTP, pl follow this link https://karnatakaecotourism.com/eco_volunteer

A hike to Bheemana kindi Betta – By Vasundara

On the 9th of July KMA organised atrek to Bheemana Kindi.  Bheemana kindi Gudda is located 85 kms and entails a 2 hour drive from Bangalore. It is located at an altitude of 1055 Msl. In great anticipation, I enrolled for the same. On the D-day, 48 of us carpooled and reached base by 7:45 am. The weather was beautiful and cloudy.  The landscape looked majestic from where we stood. It was such a joy to meet old trek buddies - with hugs and smiles and soon we started towards the trek route with lots of happy faces and conversation to catch up.

By the way, the name ‘Bheemana Kindi’ dates back to the era of the Pandavas, Legend has it that Kunti mata had lost her way in the forests of Kabbala. Bheema used his mace to form an arch across the boulders so that it could be sighted by Kunti and retrace the path. ‘Kindi’ in Sanskrit means ‘an opening or a ‘window’. Hence, the huge arch enroute to the top is known as ‘Bheemana Kindi’. Geologists have a different take altogether – a play of erosion and weathering. At the foothills is a small Shiva temple and at the top is a Basaweshwara temple.

To start with, it was an easy ascent with rocks and stones on the path. The nature around was lush with green bushes and trees as we went up. A few places were a little tricky with loose soil.  The peacock calls and other birds chirping and calling at a distance kept us company all the way up. At one point, there was a big boulder where we supported each other to cross. Mid way we reached upon a clearing with breathtaking views of the valley below. The panoramic view of lakes and fields with milky clouds was a sight to behold. I couldn't stop saying WOW!!. We took a water break here and spent some time clicking pictures. We all started to move further up towards the arch. When the leads said that we will reach a huge arch, I was imagining a manmade arch like at the entrance to RR Nagar!! But man, was I awestruck as we entered Bheemana Kindi, to my amazement it was a huge arch formed by a single overhung rock so high it blew my mind. It is here that the temple of lord Basaveshwara is located.

Considering that it was a ‘Bheemana Kindi trek’ I thought that we had reached our top – the arch itself. But no, there was more and it got difficult as well after the arch. Going ahead we went up through some thick shrubs and trees with thorns. It was challenging no doubt, but we had come to explore and so it was. I climbed up holding onto some branches or on all my fours - this part was challenging. We reached a rocky and shrubby opening with an orange flag that was flying majestically in the fierce wind. Another bird’s eye view of the valley greeted us with delight. We captured this mesmerizing beauty on our phones and in our heart. I could literally hear nature here, what with the wind at its loudest along with the trees swaying with it to create the melody which made my soul happy.

With a bit more climb, we found a good flat spot to have our breakfast. A big reason for me when I trek is to eat food ( a big foodie that I am)  at beautiful locations with amazing people. All of us, friends by now, settled down and opened our bags. It was a feast with fruits, snacks and a variety of stuff being passed around. All of us felt recharged after the physical exertion. Here, special mention of the obbatu brought and distributed by Lokesh sir is to be made, It tasted yummy. Well rested and stuffed with food we all posed for a group photo and began our descent.

Descent was more challenging than climbing, and the seasoned senior trekkers helped with their tips on stepping techniques while we descend which helped me a lot. The conversations dried down as it was getting hot and sweaty. My concentration was on the next step. It was difficult in certain places for me and I managed it well. While descending I met the youngest of the group who was carrying her own back pack with her as well. ‘Start them young’ they say for this, it seemed. I was among the first few who came down. We waited for the others who were yet to reach base. Once everyone came down safely, I bid my friends good bye and made plans to catch up. A Sunday morning sarthakathe. Bheemana Kindi is another event that will be stored in my memory bank for a long time.

Thank you KMA for this wonderful experience, especially to Lokesh and Nagendra sir for planning this event.

My first camping adventure with Karnataka Mountaineering Association (KMA) - By Ishanvi Harish

Day 1

Then we were told to assemble at a ground area and asked to make a circle. We were asked to count from 1 to 8 and divided into ROPES. I was in Rope 3 and my rope instructor was Ms. Chinmay ma’m. After this, we learnt about the different equipment used in mountaineering, how to use them, where and in which situation to use them. Soon after that we had some fresh lemon juice and went to our tents.We were served lunch which was very delicious. After lunch we all were taken to another camp site which was wonderful. We walked beside the lake and view was very nice.

We reached the other place where we were taught about tent pitching and about different kinds of knots and their uses. It was 5.15 pm when we returned to the camp. We all had hot pakoda’s and coffee/tea. We all were told to fall in at 6.30pm and meet the first ever TREE DOCTOR of India Mr. Vijay Nishanth. He explained how trees breath and how he has saved trees from acid attacks. We all were shocked about this miracle. I took his autograph which I will cherish. After the session, we had yummy dinner and went back to out tents. My tentmate was Aditi and that night we did not have proper sleep. Everyone was restless and were excited for the next day. I somehow managed to get 4 hours of sleep.

Day 2

Wake up call was at 5.30am. We assembled at the ground area at 6am. We did exercise, jogging and a song was taught to us by Ms. Poornima mam. The song was about the Penguin. Our PT was till 7am. We had breakfast at 7.30am. The next activity was trekking for which I was very excited. We started trekking at 8.15am. It was a nice long morning walk in between the fields of the maize, banana and other corps/plantations. It was 10am when we reached the peak and view was amazing. We could see our camp, lake beside it and everything looked very small. Our instructors took many drone shots. It was windy and it was lot of fun.. sitting on the rocks, smiling for photos and drone camera. We returned back to the camp at 12.30pm and we had our lunch by 1pm. Again it was a yummy lunch and I ate to the full.Our next adventure activity started at 1.30 and it included Commando Net, Ladder climbing, “and many other things. It was very nice and satisfying to complete all the activities. We were hungry again 😊 It was 5.35 pm and we had pakodas & coffee like the previous day. Soon after we got to know that we were going on a NIGHT TREK. This is something which I had never done before and I was scared. We started at 7pm and we turned on our torches. We walked about 2 kms and sat on a boulder. We turned off our torches and it was pitch dark.
Our instructors told us a story about the “KOLLI DEVVA”. I felt it was just a story and nothing like that exists. We returned back to the camp and I was happy. I had a heavy dinner and slept nicely in the tent.

Day 3

Wake up call was at 5.30 am and followed by PT and breakfast. Activities for the day included Rock climbing, rappelling, boulder climbing, zip line. These really sounded adventurous and I was excited. I completed all the activities with fun but was very scared and nervous when I reached the top to do rappelling. I tried and gave few attempts but could not complete and finally completed in the 4th attempt. My instructors were very supportive and encouraged me a lot to complete it. It was very tiring and but filled with fear and fun. We had packed lunch and reached back to the camp by 6pm. As this was our last camping night and we had DJ night with music and we danced for long time. had dinner and slept.

Day 4

Today’s activities were very exciting – slush games, water games. After PT and breakfast, it was full into slush games which we all enjoyed a great. Zip line was scary in starting as it was landing in the lake. I sawm in the lake for 20 mins which was very great experience and first time for me. All of us were provided life jackets and we were not scared. Next fun activity was “RAIN DANCE” and we danced for more than an hour. This was our last activity.
In this camp I met India’s first ever tree doctor Vijay Nishanth, Col Srinivasan, a retired army colonel who had served the nation for 30 years and Mohan sir who had swam across the English Channel. I took the autograph of all my instructors and celebrities.
Next, was the certificate distribution ceremony. I received my certificate, bag and water bottle. These are my souvenirs. My first Certificate from
KMA and I hope to get many more 😊. We started back at 4.30pm with lot of fun and memories and reached home by 6.30pm.
I thank KMA for this wonderful experience. All adventure activities, accommodation were secured and safe. Food was delicious. KMA helped me to overcome my fears and taught me to be independent and gave me knowledge on how to survive in the nature/wild. I have the confidence to go for many more camps, treks with KMA.

Thank You
Ishanvi Harish

My first adventure camping experience - By Aahana Kartheek

….I couldn’t sleep the night before. I was just too excited. This was my first time on an adventure camping trip, without my parents. I had packed my backpack 3 days ago. There was a list of things that were required from everyone such as torchlight, toiletries, water bottle, shoes, clothing etc etc to be packed. Around 6:30am the following day, we were picked up from Kanteerava indoor stadium in three buses. By 9AM, we arrived at the beautiful camping spot in Kanakpura. There were around 95 of us. We were all in our track suits. We were accompanied by quite a few volunteers from KMA. It was a wonderful, cool morning. We all had hot breakfast and were then divided into ropes. We were allocated our tents, which would be our home for next three days. It was a two sharing tent. By then, it was time for lunch. After a yummy lunch, we assembled for a demonstration and talk on tent pitching. This was followed with a session of knot practice where we were taught how to tie various basic knots used in mountaineering and adventure activities. We had tasty snacks in the evening and settled to watch a presentation by Dr Vijay Nishanth, the famed tree doctor. His talk was very interesting. We were tired as we gobbled dinner and had a sound sleep. I wasn't wearing my sleeping bag properly and woke up in the middle of the night feeling cold. I tucked myself properly and went back to deep sleep quickly.

Day 2:

My tent mate and myself woke up at 4:30AM and were all set for the adventure activities that awaited us. We had quite a bit of physical training out in the open air. The smell of morning air was captivating. We were served delicious hot breakfast and started on our trek. Initially, I felt it tough, but as I saw others being so energetic, I was also filled with energy. By the time we descended, I wanted more of the trek. After a hot lunch, we all had to assemble for high rope activities again. The best part of the camp was the night trek. With the torchlight, I felt so comfortable and close to nature. I wished the trek went on forever. We ended the day with dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Day 3:

The day started with physical training as usual. We then had breakfast and moved to rock activities. I enjoyed rappelling. I learnt the trick of keeping my knees straight and leaning back.

My instructor was so kind and patient. Zipline and rock climbing were adventurous and exciting too. I wanted more of everything. Bouldering was very interesting. I was feeling on top of the world as I felt very strong while and after doing the activities. The organisers played some lovely songs and music to which we all danced. Dinner and lights out.

Day 4

The day kick started with physical exercise. This was becoming a routine. By now, the drone had become my buddy. It would keep hovering over our heads and capturing some lovely scenes and pictures. We had slush activities. I have never enjoyed myself so much. Water zip line was even more fun.
Soon it was certificate distribution time. I realised the camp is concluding. We got our certificates along with goodies (a superb backpack and water bottle). We had some snacks and headed back to Bangalore. This camp, being the first camp where I wasn't around known friends and adults, has taught me:
Independence in certain aspects

Mental strength

Confidence

Pride feeling that I can overcome any hurdle

Being one with nature and admiring it.

Surviving with very few items

Respecting every living and non living object around me

Alangad – Madangad – Kulangad (AMK) TREK - By Purnima Kesanur

The Karnataka Mountaineering Association organized a variety of programs for the year 2023, including a challenging and adventurous trekking expedition to Alangad – Madangad – Kulangad (AMK) in Maharashtra. This trek presented several challenges involving rock climbing, rappelling, traverses along steep and narrow ledges, steep climbs and descents, and ledge walks, among others

On day 1 we started our journey at 00:15 hrs in a tempo traveller from Pune towards the base village, Udadavne, in Bhandardhara region of Ahmednagar district. A travel of about 5 hours, and the team reached Udadavne. After freshening up at the local village house we were introduced to our local guide Bhau who was from Udadavne and who accompanied us on the trek. After a hearty breakfast of Poha, the team started their trek at about 8 am towards their first destination Alang. It was a beautiful misty morning; with a nip in the air, and a spring in our step we started our trek towards Alang.
The first part of the trail is through the forest with patches of grasslands and is quite even. The second patch starts with a 30 degree incline and a rocky path brings you to the first metal ladder. After crossing the ladder, the path winds up and is pretty steep. This climb ends at a small level ground. From this point onwards, it is a traverse along the mountain side till we reach our destination of Alang caves. The traverse, which was for about an hour overlooks the valley with mountain on one side and a sheer drop on the other. We reached the Alang, the destination caves for the day by 1 pm. A short climb from the left side of the cave takes you to the top of the fort/mountain, which looks like a huge tableland, almost 2 km stretch. You get to see remnants of foundations and wall like structure that might have housed people once upon a time. The whole area is dotted with a good water storage system with multiple cistern like structures that were filled with water that was potable.

It was an early start at 4 am on day 2. We proceeded towards one end of Alang. Our guiding light was our head torch. After descending a steep flight of narrow steps with the help of a rope we came to a small cave. This was the landing from where we had to rappel down the 50 ft wall. This was followed by another descent of a steep flight of steps followed by a short 20 ft stretch of rappel that brought us to a ledge. A 45 min walk along the ledge flanked by thick growth of plants on either side brought us to the valley between Alang and Madan which is called Madankhind. A tricky traverse patch, and we reached a vertical rock face of Madangad. Climbing the rock face is followed by a traverse along the mountainside which then turns into a steep climb all the way to the top of Madangad. We explored Madangad for an hour and then started our descent. Crossed Madankhind and continued the traverse towards Kulang along the ledge. It is a steady steep ascent of steps in 3 parts with short patches of flat ground in between. Hitting a steady pace, the team managed to reach the top by 12.15 pm. Explored Kulangad – it’s a vast expanse with a lot of water cisterns. There are trenches built in the rocks to divert the rainwater to these cisterns and a dam like structure which let the overflowing water down the mountainside. It was interesting to see these engineering constructs that date back to 16th century.


Day 3 was a descent from Kulang. A steep flight of steps followed by descent through the forest patch leads to a the flat ground. A steady walk for about another 45 minutes brought us to the base village, Ambewadi, in Nashik district. We crossed a couple of farms and reached a small stream, our final destination that marked the end of our trek. We freshened up at the stream and then had a hot lunch of local cuisine cooked and brought to us by our local guide Bhau’s family. Post lunch it was time for our return journey to Pune.

All in all a tough trail that called for good fitness levels, utmost caution, climbing skills et al. A complete adventure experience.

(Purnima is a seasoned trekker and a person with varied interests. She is a BMC qualified active member of the association. She is also on the EC of KMA.)

Special ski course - By Dr. Chinmayee Thrishulamurthy

The first time I got to know about skiing in detail was when in 2008 I picked up a book which was withdrawn and on sale in Goa state library, 'Misadventures in a white desert' by Patrick Woodhead. It was about how three friends wanted to ski to the South pole. Only they missed their skis during transport! This book opened a new world to me about ice glaciers, crevasses and frost bite.Studies and work finally gave a break for my dream of doing the mountaineering courses.

Soon, I was a qualified mountaineer having done my basic and advance mountaineering course from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, but I was never keen on skiing. As I enrolled in a diploma in mountain medicine course from Six Sigma, Global Institute of Mountaineering, New Delhi, I got the opportunity to do this ski course. This course was specially arranged by Dr Pradeep Bharadwaj CEO & Medical Director, Six Sigma Healthcare, for a team of 18 medical volunteers, as an additional skill for high altitude medical services. His group has been instrumental in many high altitude services in Kedarnath, Amarnath and other high altitude areas serving up to 6000metres.

The course was in the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, Gulmarg under the leadership of Principal Col.JS Dhillon. Incidentally, Col.Dhillon is credited with having revived this institution ever since it had become defunct from the violence in the valley in the 90s and nurtured it to one of the best ski institutes in South East Asia. He is a decorated army officer with 3 Gallantry Awards. He has planned & executed expeditions to 8000M Peaks, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Shisha Pangma. He is the first and the only Indian to climb Mt. Kamet from both the west and east face. Other major peak to his credit is Mt. Saser Kangri, These apart he has climbed several smaller ones like Mt. Stok Kangri, Mt. Ladakhi, Mt. Manali, Mt. Chuka etc.

The course was mainly focused on learning the basics of skiing. Within the 7 days our trainers Mr. Sandy Regzin, Mr. Wasim Ahmad Wani and Mr. Gulshan Thakur who under the guidance of Col JS Dhillon imparted us a very clear theoretical and exemplary practical training in this short time. We had theory classes mainly on high altitude medical illnesses, medical rescue, avalanche and other disasters.

The trainers were exemplary, showing great interest in training us patiently. We were first taken on an acclimatization walk. Gulmarg is a snowy paradise on earth. It is indeed ‘Jannat’ more so for a mountaineer. Covered in white, dotted by the pine trees and wooden houses with sloping roofs covered by fresh snow - it looks straight out of a post card.

We were introduced to the equipment. All these original and expensive ski equipment manufactured in Chamonix were issued to us according to our height. We were also shown other types of skis like Nordic and cross country skis. We were taught how to wear our ski boots and skis. The next day we were on the snow field, and quickly learnt the tricks of moving on one leg and then both legs. The evening saw some beautiful snow fall which started becoming heavy as night fell.

Overnight, there was about 3 feet of fresh snow. While we were contemplating whether we would be able to ski, we saw the snow plowing machine come and prepare the snow. Important to mention is that our Indian army soldiers from the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) which is just opposite to our institute were navigating this snow even before the snow plough arrived. Phew!! Hats off to them.No wonder our soldiers operate on such difficult terrain, in extreme temperatures and hostile environments on a day to day basis for the safety of the rest of us. I couldn't stop thinking what adventure is.

A break from our regular life for us is just a day’s job for them. A big salute to the Indian army. After the snow was all levelled, we proceeded to the baby slope where beginner ski students hone their skill. Over the next few days, we learnt how to move up the slope using the side stepping technique, the snow plough technique, speed control, change direction, using lift to go up and then zoom down etc. This was the best as we need not struggle moving by side stepping all the way up. Why didn't they teach this before!! We were taught and made to practise how to change direction of movement by shifting the body weight and independent ski control. Few of us also tried the duck walk technique to move up the slope. Mountains are always places where thick friendships are born as also rekindle old ones! Let’s meet on the mountains is what we mountaineers say when waving good bye. And lo! I met one of my basic course batch mates Pankaj, who is now a full time trek guide after completing many courses in mountaineering and skiing. Where else do you meet mountaineers!! Hopefully I can ski down a mountain face like him someday! Mountains forge friendship, camaraderie and team work. Our team also constructed an igloo on the last day of our course! It involved a lot of team work and amidst heavy snow fall finally an igloo which could house 3- 5 of us became a reality. One of the things that these adventure course teaches us is team work and a never give up attitude. We didn't stop although the work became very tedious.

After the course was complete and the tests were taken, we were ready for the graduation ceremony. The advisor to the Hon’ble Lieutenant general of J &K Sri RR Bhatnagarji was the chief guest and we were given our certificate of completion. Finally, amidst heavy snowfall and a heavy heart we started our journey back to Srinagar waving goodbye to the institute, to Gulmarg and to the snow and ice. Even before I left Gulmarg I had a made a decision to come back next winter to do the other course and finally someday to do ski mountaineering!!