Shiradi Ghat State Level trekking expedition-2011(Part-1)

I joined as a volunteer in Shiradi Ghat State Level trekking expedition organized by Mangalore YHA on 22^nd of this month. On 22^nd morning I was disappointed because of immediate enforced Bandh (Shutdown) by state government but by evening 5pm I was able to catch one KSRTC bus with my new friend Lakky. After a Lot of struggling tedious journey I was able to reach the base camp at 9.30pm.

Our Mangalore YHA unit leader’s great efforts were seen in the way they had arranged this expedition in a most efficient way. Inside the camp all arrangements were very clean systematic & neat. We unloaded our luggage in Dormitory & finished our dinner after having some interaction with all slept nicely. Morning few more participants joined our team from different part and our organizers decided to split as 2 teams team A & Team B & also distributed all volunteers into the 2 teams.

As per our organizer's decision me & another 3 of my old teammates (Mlre YHA members) were assigned to lead team B, our team started towards Venkatgiri Mountain around 8.30a.m after having a heavy breakfast. Venkatagiri desirable for a very short trek under Shiradi Our guide Lingappa headed our team in front & we all followed him.

After climbing initial stretch between thick evergreen forests we stepped into open grassland area and one more hour climbing from here we reached the peak easily.

Venkatagiri surrounded by MugilGiri, AramaneGudda, Arebetta, Gori gudda & Timanhalla Waterfalls & one side big valley. Watching all these beautiful peaks with gusty wind on our face was amazing experience. We finished our packed lunch food on the top & spent enough time &on a different route we started towards base camp.

Evening all had enjoyed at Kempuhole River near our base camp. After lot of water sports in river we came back to the camp & enjoyed our campfire. It was nice to wake up early and all got ready for a new task our plan was to go Kannikayagundi waterfalls instead of Arebetta into the smooth terrain. After flag hosting we left base camp at 7am. Initial 2km journey was through Jeep & it was quiet easy.

We all got together at one point of place & started to walk in the mud road through a thick forest territory. Forests creates a superb environment for walking in the morning, there could be nothing more pleasant than waking up to the sounds of the sweet chirping of the birds. Their delicate sounds seem like music to me. Although I can never follow what they try to convey, the one thing that can be clearly inferred is that they are always hungry first thing in the morning!

The beautiful sounds they use to communicate can sometimes be a hilarious experience as well, with the variations they provide. Witnessing the different types of birds that I have come across my morning journey, I often wondered how many such species may have existed in reality, some which are extinct or on their way to extinction.

Birds are better off in their natural surroundings, so if you think you can have it as a pet, you need to think again! Birds would prefer to have their own freedom rather being cooped up in a cage. Observe and enjoy their presence but at a distance is good. Thinking all these things effortlessly we reached Devaragundi a bank of natural stream.

All spent some moment near to the stream after crossing the river once again followed narrow track inside thick jungle. I wondered about the beauty and the mystery of the rainforests across our journey. After a long 10kms walk we reached top of the Kannikayagundi Waterfalls.

Initial I didn't want to swim but the beautiful pond was very tempting. After having a great time on the bottom of the falls we returned back with a non-stop walk till camp. Night we had wonderful campfire later had hearty dinner & slept early.