An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
Nishani motte trek highlights
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Trek Base point~ TalaKaveri
Total trail distance~ 18 km
Level~ moderate
Terrain~ Western ghats, you will encounter a ridge, but overall scenic and interesting trail.
Trek cost~ 1200 rs approx (includes 1 night stay snacks and a drink)
After some enquiries the previous day, I found a simple unassuming homestay at Bhagamandala that hosts trekking groups from Bangalore. The pace around these areas is one that city slickers would dread. The internet is weak in most cases, and having paperbacks like a novel/ book saved me from boredom. Despite my apprehensions, I was still lucky to join a group sooner.
Bangalore to TalaKaveri is roughly 300 km/ 6.30 hours journey~ trekking groups cover this distance overnight in a seater minivan to get here. After a small window of 1 hour for freshening up and breakfast, they begin a trek that requires a high level of energy, enthusiasm and alertness. Imagine how challenging that might be?! For this reason alone, try to get here a day earlier, take up convenient quarters and the much needed rest, before you join the trekking group. Alternatively find a local guide ( a cheaper option).
We had a nice early start, as this was another long trek (18 km to & fro ). 'damn', I thought to myself, recollecting a previous trek to Kodachadri hills. Long treks can be a bit boring sometimes.
Initial steep trail at Nishani motte
After the routine huddle and introductions, and even before getting a chance to warm up, the trail took on a steep uphill climb. 'Close your mouth, don't breathe through your mouth!' said a trek coordinator. There were 2 coordinators, one at the start and the other to the end. Needless to say, I saw more of the guy at the end.
Tip : It's a must to have a trek guide as one can get lost. A minimum of 5 in a group is permitted, No solo allowed.
Karnataka - Kerala border, Nishani motte trek
We continued uphill for a long way (maybe 3/ 4 kms) until we reached a plateau at the Karnataka ~ Kerala border. And everyone heaved a sigh of relief! We took our 1st break here. All of us were upbeat, this place had such positive vibes. We clicked pics and even poked fun at each other.
Acrophobia strikes again!
Getting past the ridge at Nishani motte trek
As I sat down on a rock, and looked ahead, I saw a razor-sharp ridge, with deep ravines on either side... And just as I thought, 'they can't be serious', we had started walking towards the ridge. Panic set in like it did during my scariest trek of KabbalaDurga. The ridge was however broader than it seemed from afar. I sat down flat and began crawling on my butt instinctively. I mean, this isn't the moment to worry about how craZy it looks. Right?!
Ridge walk during our Nishani motte trek
Rolling mountains and valleys below
Once we got past the ridge, I realised just how high up in the mountains we were. The views were stunning and I was ecstatic! We crossed paths with an all-women's trekking group coming in from the opposite direction. But my best companion was this sweet dog 🐕 who stayed with us a long way. It was almost 1 pm and we took a lunch break here!
This sweet dog gave us company on our Nishani motte trek
My favourite part of the trail
The best part about this trek is~ the return trail, which is completely different. We began a descent along rolling meadows for almost 2 kms and it was beautiful. If it weren't for Nishani motte being such a well-trod trail, we would surely have seen some wildlife here. We reached to the bottom amidst thick forest cover now, and a few guys put on some music. The beauty of the foliage was so endearing, I clicked some pics.
After a long walk, we began seeing some locals and finally reached a mane (basically a house) where we stopped for refreshments and those who wanted to use the restrooms. I was bold in asking whoever was in charge~ so is this the end of the trek? 'Noooo...' replied, whoever was in charge. 'some more'. And so we continued an uneventful long walk till we finally reached the End.
A cow on the other side of the net
My new homestay (courtesy trek organizer) was a typical large village home. The hot water was prepared in the traditional way with firewood heating a drum from outside. Inside the bath one has to scoop in the hot water into a bucket and viola!! A hot water bath better than any geyzer in the world. Such a luxury!
The guys set up a jolly bonfire. We chatted, passed non-alcoholic wines, snacks and later enjoyed a delicious home-cooked vegetarian Kodava dinner before retiring for the night.
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