Distance : 60 km / 1.30 hours drive time (approx)
Getting there~ from Bangalore's Majestic bus stand, take any bus going to Kolar. From Kolar, another 3 kms to Anthargange parking lot. Autos are available.
Within the Shathashrunga mountain range, about 60 kms SE of Bangalore, lies Anthargange, frequented by pilgrims and adventure seekers alike. The name itself gives a sense of mystery and adventure. To find out what this is all about, we planned a weekend of exploration.
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| Caving adventure at Anthargange, Kolar (a blog) |
Anthargange caving exploration (night)
The previous weekend, we had teamed up with a trekking group for a night of cave exploration, which was somewhat disappointing. The group ended up being 2 big busloads of thrill seekers like us, who had come straight after work.
Tip~ there are two routes to the cave entrance. 1- is a good tared but steep road that is closer to the caves. 2- the normal climb and trekking trail that passes through the temple.
So it seemed we had opted for the first route till the vegetable field (thereabouts). In the pitch of the night, flashlights could be seen flickering here and there. With an awkward shuffling of feet we kept pace with the crowd until somehow we made it just above the mouth of the caves. Under the flashlights I saw a near 12' drop to the cave mouth. 'Damn,' I thought, 'how will we even get there'.
That's when I saw a few local guides doing the unimaginable. They cupped their palms together and made an improvised step for the girls who couldn't get down. How utterly chivalrous of them! The guys on the other hand found a technique to get down independently.
Anthargange caves are truly a marvel of nature and a cave explorer's delight! There are so many routes one can take, it's mind-boggling. But our trek guides were like angels guiding us on the right path. We finally exited the caves from a different route.
Tip~ Please do not undertake the cave exploration on your own. Hiring a local guide won't cost much and is the safest bet.
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A star-sprinkled sky vying with the lights of the distant town ~ Anthargange, Kolar KARNATAKA |
A night party on the hills of Anthargange
We later got on the rocky outgrowths, and the ambience changed from a confused crowd, to a party on the top of a hill. Guys were playing music on their phones and everyone was having a good time. We brought out snacks and drinks. It was a heady feeling. As the night progressed those who got drowsy found their sweet spot and slept under a starry sky
Tip~ carry a jacket for the night trek as it's chilly on the hills.
Many of us were extremely anxious to get back and use the restrooms, as there is no toilet facility near the caves (incase one is interested in camping).
Anthargange trek and caving adventure (day)
This time we wished to improvise. The plan was to :
√ climb up to the temple and trek further up to the caves
√ And thereafter the cave exploration.
Tip~ The Anthargange hills are basically a pile of boulders that heat up during the day. It is therefore advisable to start the trek early.
To avoid the peak time Bengaluru traffic, we drove out at 6.30 am, and from Marathahalli circle it took us roughly 1.30 hrs to reach Antargange. We stopped at a restaurant for breakfast, and after freshening up, we engaged a local guide and started the trek from the parking lot main entrance.
Tip~ Do check at Anthargange village or at the parking lot, local guides are available for a small sum. Do hire one, to be on the safer side.
Initial climb till the temple
It was 9 am already. We began an easy leisure climb up the 180 odd steps. At a point along the climb was a watchtower where we took our first break. It was totally worth it for the great view of the surrounding hills and the distant town.
Tip~ Avoid carrying loose hanging foodstuff, as the monkeys will snatch it.
The mysterious spring that never runs dry
We then continued onward till Kashi Vishwanath temple. Inside the temple pond (mandapam), is a stone, shaped like the mouth of Nandi, from which springs forth a spring that never runs dry. Although the source of the spring is still not known, the faithful believe it to be the river Ganga which flows in Varanasi. That is why this place is called 'Antargange'.
We sat a while for some respite, wondering what it could be? The simplest answer that comes to mind is~ the Nandi bull mouth is sculpted around a natural spring! What do you think?
Antargange trek from temple to the caves
The 3 kms trail from the temple is easy and fun... but steep. The trail is made of steps and rocks, with some greenery, that looked and felt so rugged. Kids were seen having a good time. I even got acquainted with a girl and her German shepherd who had come on this trek. The dog was treading cautiously as if afraid of heights. I had been chatting with the girl for a while and the dog took to trusting me (so it seemed). So, whenever I lagged behind the crowd, he came back to get me. WoW! A dog is truly a man's best friend! We then began crossing through a vegetable field like we had done during the night trek... until we finally reached the caves.
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| Anthargange cave exploration, Kolar KARNATAKA |
It was past 10 am. This time, the caves looked more formidable, adventurous and awe-inspiring! I saw the girl encouraging the German shepherd to follow her into the cave, but he just wouldn't budge! So I went back with them and found a safe and shady spot, where they could hang out, while we explored the caves.
The incredible caves of Antargange
It seemed like the setting of 127 hours (the movie). Our guide showed us along the paths and let us clamer, crawl, climb and jump. Some young adventurous kids jumped from one rock to another. "Calculate your step, before you jump", I could hear their instructor shout out. The Antargange caves are great for bouldering, rappelling and cave explorations enthusiasts.
After spending a good hour or so inside the caves, and so many scrapes and scratches, we finally stepped out into the sunlight. I wondered how the girl and her German shepherd were doing? When we reached the spot, the dog was busy chasing squirrels and butterflies. Then we all walked around the top of the caves and explored a bit. It was now starting to get hot, so we began the descent, while the dog kept us engaged as he barked at anyone he didn't like along the way.
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