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.
