Saturday morning was again memorable for us. We were at Virajpet bus stand by 6 AM on Saturday. Our bus to ‘Kabbinakaadu’ junction was at 6.45 AM from here. We walked towards private bus stand and ‘Anuradha’, the bus, came at 6.45 AM. It took roughly an hour to reach the Kabbinakaadu junction.
At 8 Am we were in the junction. Five minutes after we got down, a 4x4 Bolero Invader came to pick us. We had called ‘Honey Valley’ by 6 in the morning from Virajpet to inform that we will be coming by ‘Anuradha’. I had already booked a 10 bed dorm there. It was an unforgettable journey of 3 kms. No vehicle other than jeep is drivable here.
We reached Honey valley by 8.30 and freshened ourselves and had breakfast. At 9.40 AM we were walking uphill in a new route to Tadiyandamol. Group lead by a guide from the home stay. It was around 11 to 12 kms and the route was exciting. It took the air out of us and we reached the top at 2.30 PM.
All of us were tired by this time. We took rest and had some food. Honey Valley people will give picnic packets on request. It will contain cucumber, tomatoes, bread, cheese, biscuits etc. In addition to this we had carried some other junk food.
[After 3-3.5 hours of walking form honey valley, we reached a flat ground near a waterfall. This is the place where all the routes meet. From here it is a single path leading to the peak. The waterfall at this place is the last source of water. Filled the bottles and took some rest here. This is also a good place to camp. It took an hour from here to the peak.]
We started walking down at 3.30 PM. This time we descended in another way leading towards ‘nalku naadu’ palace. It was around 6.30 and it was dark when we reached this place. Borrowed a cell phone from another group of trekkers and called Honey Valley for a jeep. It was 8 PM when we reached the estate. Had a filling dinner after freshening up and had a good sleep. Outside it was terribly cold.
Got up at 7 Am, had breakfast and a pick –up truck dropped us at the junction. We were at Virajpet by 11 Am. Took a Volvo bus (Starts at 11.20 Am from Virajpet) back to Bangalore. We reached here by 5.30 in the evening.
Details:
Route: Bangalore -> Virajpet -> Kabbinakadu junction (if going to Honey Valley) or Ask for aramane stop .
Cost: Rs 1,250.00 if going by bus (Bangalore-Bangalore)
Team size – 7
Trekking length +/- 20 kms.
Date - 02-12-2006 and 03-12-2006
[We took a Rajahamsa from Majestic at 12 AM to Virajpet. From Virajpet to Kabbinakadu Junction we took a private bus ‘Anuradha’ which leaves at 6.45 AM. ]
[A ten bed dorm at honey valley costs 1,500 rs per day, veg food per person around 250 rs per day, transport from junction to the estate is 80 rs. The place is very nice to stay and experience]
Photos :
All photos by Chethan.
Flowers @ Honey Valley
View from the peak
A water fall on the way
