Madhugiri Fort - Part-1

Madhugiri fort nestled between a steep rocky terrain and it’s famous for its mammoth rock which raises 3930 feet elevation, According to some sources it is the second largest monolith in the Asia’s after considering Svandurga. Madhugiri is an octagonal fortress built on hillock which is easily observed by driving from the main road; the fort outer wall is just next to the bus stand and main entrance also just few steps from Bus-stand. The outer most walls covering a substantial area of the town.

I and my bro Anirudh began our trip by 9 in the morning, the day was sunny the first two hours journey were easy, but then the road turned bad for next 30 minutes. So after few hours restless bike ride we reached to Madhugiri town. I got some information from my friend Shrikanth about this place. After finding the parking for bike, we started to hike uphill.

It built by Immadi Chikkappa Gowda in 1601, the hill fort has eye-catching circular bastions, multiple gateways and its boundary walls extend from foothill to summit. The fort has 6 main circular and also has 8 semi circular bastions which are 30-50 feet high. Anthara Bagilu, Diddi Bagilu and Mysore Bagilu are the entry points to go uphill. You can climb the hill from the north or east of the main gateways. It has ruins of temples, watch towers, a fortress, ponds and granaries.

Hiking uphill a few minutes we scrambled up some rock to the right of the routes, after spending some time on watchtower in second gateway I saw one gap between huge boulder and I went first inside the small gap between huge rocks. After passing through the narrows which are awesome between two rocks scrambling over huge boulders I reached upper east part. There also I find few watchtowers and some fantastic rock formations.

Later we successfully reached third gateway following some short cuts. I could see how beautiful the sight was from third stage, a big lake, and watch towers in top of sharp rocks, and also I explored four huge halls in underground with no entrance. 

Each hall constructed on strong base with circumference of  6 meters wide, 15 meters long and 12 meters high with supporting of 6-8 huge pillars inside (30-35 feet) and one of the largest buildings on this fort which exists now who doesn't know why it’s located hidden without any doors for what use. Inside the hall walls and Columns finished neatly but most of the visitors missing to visit this hidden gem because no one can easily spot this mysteries place easily. We took some risk and on a small gap with stones help safely reached the bottom and took some good snaps.

Apart from its impressive exterior, there are quite a few attractions within the fort. One of the most impressive features of this fort is its indigenous water supply and preserve system of the fort is a proof of hydrological engineering skill. Throughout the climb to the top, one can see many huge tanks used for storing Rain water. It can be called as earlier form of Rainwater Harvesting. Since the fort is situated on high rock, it was not possible to supply water manually. Hence Here Gowda’s men built giant water reservoirs. But now it’s damaged badly, we can guess their ideology from remaining broken peaces here.

Rock Agama 

To be continued...

Akkana Basadi

Akkana Basadi situated in the Sravanabelagola town is a grandeur specimen of Hoysala sculpture and architecture was built in 1181 AD by Aciakka wife of Brahmin minister Chandramauli of Hoysala king Ballala-II. The temple derives its present name from its patron this elegant temple, with its tower preserved intact, exhibition characteristic features of a Hoysal temple. 

 

The temple is built in dark-blue schist planed in the shape on a satellite plan typical bell shaped pillars ornate ceilings and door ways protected portion of the 18^th high tower bears an elaborately carved tri-thirthankaras panel of Yakshas on either side. The Kirthimukha at the top has added dignity to this panel.

It consists of the sanctum sanctorum (Garbagriha), Sukanasi and Sabha mantapa. The Akkanabasadi is adorned with beautiful images of Yaksha Dharanendra and Yakshi Padmavathi. The prime deity in this grandeur temple is Parshwanatha and this idol has 5 feet length.

 The Panchaparameshti Basadi or the Danashale basadi near the entrance to Akkana Basadi enshrines the Pancha-parameshthi group. The five panchaparameshtis are the Jinas, Siddhas, ACharyas, Upadhyas and the Sadhus.

The Mangai Basadi dedicated to Shantinatha consists of a garbhagriha, a sukhanasi and a navaranga. An inscribed image of Vardhamana is placed in one of the cells of the navaranga. In front of the basadi are two well carved elephants and The basadi was built in about 1325 A.D. by Mangai of Belagola, a disciple of Charukeerthi Panditacharya and crest jewel of royal dancing girls and it was named Tribhuvana Chudamani.

Yedakumeri - The Rail Track Walk

I did Yedakumeri trip at 2006 It’s a very special trekking because this was the first of its kind for me. This trip was organized by K S Adiga sir. As his plan we stayed night at school near by High-way and we started off on the trek soon after the sunrise. A brief walk down the Ghat road from our stay we hit the railway track after few minutes continues track walk we reached Donigal station.

Next trail follows a disused railway path in the Western Ghats. Yedakumeri is said to be inaccessible by road; getting to a road would involve a jungle walk of 8 km from Kempuhole side. This place surrounded by thick evergreen forests and countless number of streams running down the mountains, it has long been known as a picturesque place by the railway tracks, visited and admired by many. And when the trains stopped it became a paradise to nature lovers who came seeking solitude and enjoy the beauty of the nature

There is some conversion work in progress along this railway line, so occasionally we met workers. At one place we saw one beautiful cascade just few steps away from the track. The slight tilt of the composition is directed to the flow of the water below as the gorgeous cascade. Huddling into the exuberant verdure the beautiful waterfalls inland are like a sight of the paradise, watching them for hours will not be enough to satiate desire to feast eyes on that beauty of incredible merging of colors.

So many places from openings in the tunnels water gushing down like a shower, which serve as a refreshing shower on the tired body. I spotted verity of birds across our journey it’s really fistful to eyes to watch on its own land. Any kinds of butterflies are flattering around us across our expedition here it’s reflect some of my most secret wish can come true. It tells that, I wanted to preserve that world, the world I’ve given to you as a gift. While you’re reading these lines you feel that you’re entering a fantastic world, a one in which there’s no sorrow, no weariness, and no heavy thoughts. All these simply disappear behind the dark side of the Moon.

 

Just few meters before Yedakumeri walk down through the bridge the most breathe taking views of the forest with waterfalls and a heavy dense forest all along the way. The trek is worth the risk. The lush green forests, blue skies as far as the eyes can see, and silence so resounding that you can hear your own breath, surely invites any heart wanting to loose itself in the lap of nature.

After a long stretch of walk we reached Yedakumeri station the abandoned station offered safe haven from the cold of the night. We were all tired, so we collapsed right there and then, and later we gathered wood for a campfire and we occupied the station and had delicious food at night made by Adiga Sir.

Yedakumeri offers beautiful view of Arebetta hill range, Ombattugudda initial trekking routs and downer side beautiful Kempuhole river & valley views. The next day we walked less, only 18 km, the morning walking was easier though because the hills sheltered us from the sun, The path is very pretty, not breathtaking, but very pleasant. There are lots and lots of tunnels, dark, damp (if not wet), and bat-infested. We had been forewarned, so we had lots of flashlights. After virtually each tunnel, there was a bridge, with the ground suddenly falling steeply away to a rushing stream and dense forest below. Walking over these was mesmerizing, the greenery below blurring in the background of the worn wooden sleepers which we focused on with fierce concentration.

 The last leg of the trek was dry and aggregative when we just roasted between 12 am and 3 pm and badly reached Nattana station one by one and caught Passenger train to Mangalore. Now a days Passenger trains are running at day and night time to continuations to Bangalore. We can enjoy by getting down at station & walk around Yedakumeri easily using these facilities.