There are many trekking places around Bangalore. The trekking places which are more than 150 - 200 km away from Bangalore are greener and are mostly part of western ghats. But there are many trekking places within that 150 km perimeter.
Ramanagara trek was my first trek. So very close to my heart. After trekking became part of my life, I have been to Kunti betta, Makalidurga (flop show), Kabaldurga. The first 2 night treks were organized by me which was a great learning for me. Kabaladurga was the most thrilled trek organized by Guru.
Then I had few bucket list. Savandurga, Madhugiri, Antargange. Anil, my friend from Tumkur invited me and Adarsh for Madhugiri trek. We started at morning 9 o clock. We stopped in id halli lake, one of the beautiful lake around Bengaluru. If maintained properly it would become a good picnic spot. After spending some time here, we took the route of Madhugiri.
I don't want to tell what happened when we reached Madhugiri in detail. There was one young student committed suicide. Because of that there were lots of verification going on. For a moment, I thought that we need to go back. Then I looked at my friends. We really felt bad for their parents. May be that is a topic of our education which has not taught the young generation, how to face the challenges in life.
When we reached the fort, it was an awesome view from the peak. But the fort is not maintained properly. No board to describe about the history and cleanliness is not maintained. This fort is built by Raja Hire Gowda. The name madhugiri has derived from the honey bee colonies which used to be there near the fort. The ruined temple of Gopalkirshna is highlight of the fort.
Climbing down was easier for us. Again the same horizontal walk gave some problem because of slippery rock. Otherwise it was an easy trek about 2-3 hours.
Lepakshi is in current Andhra pradesh built during Vijayanagara period. Legend says the name Lepakshi is derived from the Jatayu of Ramayana fame (Lepakshi means rising bird). It also says Lord Rama met Jatayu here. Veerbhadra temple is highight of this place.It has typical vijayanagara architecture. The strong pillars , mantapa and the carvings on the pillars are similar to Hampi.
But the highlight of this temple is, a hanging pillar which has not touched the ground. Now its one point is touching ground after a british enginneer dislodged the pillar to findout the mystery behind this. People call it as a miracle. Archaeological survey of India has its own way of telling this mystery. It was built to prove the brilliance of architects of that time.
The paintings on the wall of the temple were of mythological characters and are made up of natural pigments. The Shiva linga with nag serpentine is another attraction in Lepakshi. Couldn't go to one of the largest Nandi situated in 200 m away from temple. There are many stories on this temple and place. I am not going to write about those stories here.
We ended the trip with a beautiful sunset near the kalyana mantapa. This place is treat for those who are interested in architecture and photography. Lepakshi is a must visit place but avoid this place during summer.
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