Seshachalam Trek

Year: 2006

This trek was conducted by YHAI Andhra Pradesh State Branch.
I came into contact with state YHAI officials after my Har Ki Doon trek. For this trek I reported at Tirumala. As soon as the flag off ceremony we reached Papavinasam Teertham. Crossed Papavinasam Dam after showing permission letter. YH Tirupati unit arranged all those formalities in advance. We soon entered in to greenery. First reached Sanakasananda Teertham. It is believed 108 Teerthams are there in Seshachal Hills. Teertham is a pond where one can take a holy dip. It's all like taking bath in Kapila Teertham in Tirupati. But In Sanakasananda there was no sufficient water to have a dip.

We headed for Ramakrishna Teertham. Unlike other treks, here porters were carrying utensils and groceries along with the trekkers. So there was no need to pitch tents in advance and prior arrangements. After porters reaching a designated camp, cooks started cooking, mean while trekkers were taking some rest.

There are two foot path routes to reach Tirumala from Tirupati. One starts at Alipiri and another starts at Srivari Mettu near Srinivasa Mangapuram. But this route starts from Kukkala Doddi in Kadapa district which is on Renigunta -Kadapa highway. People from adjoining places opt this route to reach Tirumala.
Ramakrishna Teertham:
1.5 km after Sanakasananda, trail reaches a stream. This is the junction point of Ramakrishna and Tumburu Teerthams. Crossing  the stream and following the trail takes you to Ramakrishna Teertham (1.5 km) and continuing along the stream for a while and following the path takes you to Tumburu Teertham. Entering Ramakrishna Teertham opening was a thrilling experience.Trekkers were disappearing into a hole covered with branches and leaves. I also entered to discover a deep down hill path studded with huge boulders. Some of the boulders were knee high and some were more than that. At some places ropes were tied to sticks and ladders were fixes to ensure the safety of the visitors. That maneuver went on for 40 minutes. At the end there was a big ladder to enter into a flat rocky area which we used as a camping ground for the night.  A stream was emerging from one corner, dividing into so many canals on the flat rock area. At the end all were united to make a single fall making a pond. That was Ramakrishna Teertham. We went down to the pond and had bath.
In the night after dinner it was campfire time. Enjoyed it. In the morning took bath another time. Left to Tumburu Teertham on the same path. It took nearly 50 min to reach the top. From there it was 1.5 km to the junction. Visiting Ramakrishna Teertham was a nice experience.
Tumburu Teertham:
It took 3 hours to reach Tumburu Teertham from the junction. Just before reaching Tumburu, there was a pond with crystal clear water with a depth of 5 feet. One or two guys jumped into it. Underneath stones were clearly visible. A marvelous sight. Just after this pond we saw a cave. Some people ventured in.
We put all our belongings beside a stream which would be our camp site for the night. Here also there is a cave. It is believed Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba, a poetess, an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara, made penance in this cave.
Here there is an amazing geographical wonder. We went along the stream. After a normal walk within the stream, there was a long deep pool. Then started the magic. We were now walking in a crack of a hill. The crack formed a deep, long  gorge of about 300 m long, 25 m high, 10 m wide gorge. Stream is flowing at the bottom of the gorge, which had so many jacuzzi type pools and a waterfall at the end. What a thing! So many people were in awe.
In the morning I went up to the crystal clear pool along with two others to take bath and thoroughly enjoyed.
Bandi Irusulu Teertham:
As we were in the middle of the forest and surrounded by hills, we were unaware when it clocked 8. After a photo session we moved along the stream. We began moving inspecting the surroundings, the leader stopped us to have a stare at the paintings that were believed to be painted by ancient man. Scientific experiments revel they were painted 10,000 years back. All curiously inspected those figures. Some even touched them. Sanyasivani Gavi (an ascetic's cave) came within a km of walk from the paintings in a open area that surrounded by hills with large trees. Many people went in crawling. There was room for only one at some height from the ground in one cave. May be it was made like that to ensure the safety of the occupant from animals, I believe. But another cave beside that was larger compared to the previous one. It was easily accessible. Walk entered into a rivulet studded with medium sized boulders. Before entering the rivulet, one of the organisers showed us a pug mark of a leopard. Shutter bugs immediately went into action. Here there was another attraction. The hill slopes on the other side of the rivulet were very smooth. On the smoothy areas there were some marks. It is believed those were also made by ancient people that lived in that area. When those people sharpened their arrows, those groove like marks remained on the hills. The rivulet was large initially and it became narrow afterwards. We passed Pagadimanu Gundam in no time. A 2.5 km boulder hopping took us to Chakalibana Teertham, which I consider as a beautiful waterfall, with a right side detour. Surroundings were also great, especially the upstream area. A guy went up and appreciated its beauty. I told so many people, who were participating, not to miss that view. Half a km from here we reached  our camp sight Bandi Irusulu Teertham ( axle of ox cart). Water in this Teertham was very clear and refreshing.
In the morning, after another refreshing dip started to come back into "our" world. Passes Pyramid Hill (named because it looked like Pyramid) and Pandi Gunta (Pit made by a wild boar). In any given time there will be water in this pit. In one summer there was no water available to drink in the forest. A wild boar furiously dashed the earth that made a pit. Instantly water emerged from that pit. This was the story behind that. Took lunch at Balapalle Forest Guest House. Reached Kadapa-Reigunta Highway to catch the bus.

Me

Hi

I am Ratna Prasad Ravi. But I am familiar with my nickname Nani. The photograph on the left was taken when I was on my mother's lap. The other one was taken in 1990. Now you can see myself with a bald head.

My Ideology:

Many experts predict India may become a super power in the future. Some said (In 2000) it will become in 2020. We are now dragged into 2012, and I see no ...............Why?

I think to become a super power a country has to be self sustained in so many areas especially in defense. Living standards of its citizens play a major role in calculating it. Economically the country should be sound. Should record a good Industrial growth. Where is India in all those areas?

1) Defense:

Still looking for vendors for arms, ammunition, fighter planes, bomber jets and submarines.

No one knows when it will get Blue-Water naval capability.

2) Public Health:

Worst of all

a) About 15% of worlds Leishmaniasis patients are in Bihar itself.

b) Accounts for 1/5 of world TB patients.

c) India is home to the world's largest number of blind people.

d) It has a single highest share of neonatal deaths in the world.

e) Reported as having highest rate of rabies deaths in the world.

f) Makes up 58% of world population which still practices open defecation.

3) Agriculture:

a) India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world(2011). To meet the demand it is importing 3 million tons(2011) of them. Productivity is 637 kg/ha. Global average is 871 kg/ha. So no self sufficiency.

b) Largest producer and consumer of milk yet neither exports nor imports

c) India had the largest farm area of paddy production. But India is the second largest producer of the essential staple food Rice (China stands first and Indonesia third). Farm paddy productivity in India were about 45% of China's and 60% of Indonesia's. If India could adopt the paddy farming knowledge and technology in use in China and Indonesia, it can produce 75% higher.

4) Electricity:

Load shedding is a very common factor in India. Each and every Indian knows where India is in this sector. No one knows when it will become self sufficient in this area.

5) Social:
Social inequality is another factor which is much more alarming. If politicians continue their rogue politics like this Indian society may not be like this. Social divide will be wider and there will be clashes between people.

Collapse of the USSR was the beginning of the end of world peace:
After World War II The USSR and The USA were emerged as Super Powers. The USSR and its allies  Eastern Bloc and The USA and its Western Allies were always engaged in duel with each other. The USA came up with a mutual defense treaty with its allies called NATO forces. The USSR  came up with a similar treaty with its allies at Warsaw, Poland to form Warsaw Pact Forces. So USA and USSR took the responsibility of their allied country's security and sovereignty. After the collapse of USSR, the Warsaw pact countries felt unsecured and felt they have to secure their position on their own. So, arms race began at this point. Some of the countries even worked for nuclear devises to threaten the US. US now a days is not so peaceful than it was in the days of cold war (1947-1991).
Future of US:
I see no threat to the US position as a strong nation in the near future. People all over the world like to settle in the land of opportunity like ever before.
Future Bombs:
Since from the existence of humans on this Earth, the strongest is the winner, when they were single or after forming a society and colony or in kingdoms or after transforming into the current system of country hood. Who was having more destructive power than others was agreed to be their leader. Most of the Asian and African sects fought Europeans with arrows and swords, while the latter were using guns and cannons. Entire world went into their hands, because of their mass killing power. Now also the thing is same. In the future also it will be the same. The nation which is having more destructive power than others, like nukes in greater range, rules. In the future US may develop Genom Bombs. They can wipe out entire humans of particular race they wish to destroy.

In my life:
Usually every one come across some curious things in their life time. I also.

1) Man set his foot on Moon in 1969.
2) Mobile Phone: Developed in its present form in 1973, this technology, I consider, as revolutionary in the entire history of mankind. No other technology has this distinction. It penetrated into the life of humans like it were the part in their body.
3) Concorde Plane: Considered to be an aviation icon, this supersonic transport plane was a favourite to so many in their life time. Commercially started in 1976, retired in 2003, this marvelous technological giant still has an unsurpassed technology. It retired long ago, still it hasn't had any alternative.   
4) Launch of space Crafts Voyager 1 and 2 in 1977. In 1998 V 1 became the most distant man made object ever sent from Earth. Probably V 1 by 2014, may become the first object that sent from Earth to become an Interstellar Spacecraft.
5) In 1978 first "Test-Tube" baby was born.
6) Space Shuttle Program: Started in 1981 and ended in 2011. Witnessed a paramount technology.
7) Internet. Nowadays people can't think of their livelihood without this. Born in 1983 in its present form it brought magic and it is considerably greatest technology that influenced human life.
8) In early 1986 Halley's comet visited our inner solar system and it will again come here in 2061 
9) In 1997 Comet Hale-Bopp was seen with the naked eye from the Earth. It was calculated that Hale-Bopp came to inner solar system previously was in July, 2215 B.C. It is predicted, it will come back in the year 4385.
10) In 1998 Comet Tempel-Tuttle came and it will re appear in 2031.
11) I saw the beginning of a millennium.
12) The most shocking incident I ever felt was the collapse of Twin Towers.

Cricket:
As usual like all Indians I was a die hard fan of this game until fixing charges surfaced. Now I pay a very little attention towards this game.
Now a days bowlers forgot about 3 B's ( Beamer, Bumper and Bouncer) and became run giving machines.

Temples In Diviseema

What is Diviseema?
Diviseema is an island lying at the mouth of River Krishna.
River Krishna branches off into two arms at Puligadda and joins Bay Of Bengal forming an island, "Diviseema". One branch, the smaller one, joins the sea at Sagarasangamam in Hamsaladeevi village. The other branches off further before joining the sea at Yetimoga forming two more islands called Yedurumondi and Nachugunta.
Diviseema has rich cultural heritage and having many ancient temples. My native place Ravivaripalem falls in Mopidevi Panchayat, lies on the bank of the smaller arm of River Krishna. Earlier, a low level 1936 built road cum aqueduct on the smaller arm connecting the island with the main land used to be submerged when ever there were floods, cutting off the island with rest of the district. Now a high level bridge was constructed on both the arms of the river after Mopidevi as part of NH 214A (Digamarru-Ongole) is catering the transportation needs of the island, became the lifeline of the area. Thenceforth, the aqueduct was closed to road traffic. The rich historical heritage of this area was enticing me from so many days. So I fulfilled it by visiting some of the Temples of the area on the festival day of Dasara (6-10-2011).
Route:
Ravivaripalem-Avanigadda-Viswanathapalli-Koduru-Hamsaladeevi-Vullipalem-Koduru-Bhavadevarapalli-Sangameswaram-Barrenkula-Ganapeswaram-Nangegadda-Avanigadda-Ravivaripalem
I started at my home at 5.30 a.m. Reached Viswanathapalli first to take the blessings of Addanki Nancharamma Talli, The Eternal Mother. I visit this temple very often. It was calm and silent in the morning. But on annual festival day the scene will be different. Thousands of people, along with their vehicles and cattle, throng in the village, move in a line to have darshan of Maa Nancharamma. People come from neighbouring districts too.
Hamsaladeevi:
Hamsaladeevi is having a famous Lord Venugopala (Abode of Lord Vishnu) temple and also this is the place where River Krishna confluences with Bay of Bengal. To reach the point of merger one has to travel a further 5 k.m via Palakaya Tippa village. Villagers belive that this Temple was built in only one night by Angels. During 1977 hurricane a large number of people made it a safe place. As they thought, it withstood the killer tidal wave by making so many people live. Ancient inscriptions are there on the pillars of mukha mantapa.
Vullipalem:
This village lies in between Hamsaladeevi and Koduru. Here Srimannarayana Swamy Temple is famous as it is claimed to be the only Temple of his holiness in entire Andhra Pradesh. Temple was under renovation. Deities were in a temporary structure. The old Temple was constructed 100 years ago by a seer came from Melkote, Karnataka, the place where Srimannarayana Swamy Temple was there ages ago. Temple will be ready by February 2012.
Bhavadevarapalli:
The name itself was derived from the name of Bhavanarayana Swamy (abode of Lord Vishnu), the principal deity of a big temple here. Temple has a high, nicely carved steeple and a fine garden. Entered into the front porch after a circumambulation. It seemed old but beautiful. It opens into mukha mantapa. Lord Bhavanarayana Swamy was there in the sanctum sanctorum adorned with so many flowers and garlands. Blessed me a great darshan.
Usually I inquire about the history of the place with the priest, when ever I visit a temple. This temple is one of the Pancha (five) Bhavanarayana Swamy Temples in the state. The others are Ponnuru, Pedaganjam near Ongole, Sarpavaram near Kakinada and Pattiseema near Rajahmundry.
Sangameswaram:
This place is few kilometers from Bhavadevarapalli via Kammanamolu. The road leads straight to Sri Sangameswara Swamy Temple (abode of Lord Shiva). Priest was performing puja. This temple is an architectural marvel to witness Sun rays directly falling on Shiva Lingam during the period of March 4th to 20th every year.
Ganapeswaram:
The Temple in this village was built in 1231, in the honour of Ganapatideva, great Kakatiya King of Warangal (1199-1269), by Jayapa Senani, his CinC of Elephant corps.
The deity in the temple is Sri Durga Ganapeswara Swamy (abode of Lord Shiva). There are separate temples for Maa Durga and Sri Ganapeswara swamy in one premises adjacent to each other. There is a big circumambulatory round around the temples together. Pilgrims were entering the premises, completing the circumambulation on the vehicles they came, parking them a side and going into the temple. Priests were busy performing puja in Maa Durga Temple. Huge crowd of pilgrims was there. At the entrance of Durga Temple there was an ancient inscription studded on a pillar.
Jayapa, I consider, as the greatest person hailing from this area. He was a man with many faces. He was Commander- In-Chief of Elephant forces in Orugallu King Ganapatideva's court. Ganapatideva honoured Jayapa with the title"Vairigodhuma Gharatta" for the services he rendered during Kalinga War. He wrote a book "Nritya Ratnavali" on Indian Dance during 1253-54, in Sanskrit, first ever book of its kind on dance in Indian Literature.

Cycling

I do cycling most often in surrounding areas of Vijayawada.

Route #1

It's a 45+ km ordeal around Vijayawada. I start from my home at Poranki and cycle 14 km to reach Gunadala. Another 6 km of cycling takes me to Nunna. 8 km is the distance between Nunna and Ambapuram which is on Vijayawada - Mylavaram SH. This stretch is the scenic of all stretches. Road goes along Mango and other fruit gardens. In Ambapuram village a rock-cut Jain Temple is situated on top of a hill. Path to this temple starts from the middle of the village. I visited it twice. I reach Inner Ring Road (IRR) just after Ambapuram. Here route bifurcates. Choosing to go on IRR takes another time to Gunadala thus reaching Poranki. Or continuing further on Milk factory-Kaleswara Rao Market-Police Control room route lands me on Bunder Road, to continue to Poranki. This encircles the city.

Route #2

River side biking to Amaravati. This is a route with amazing views.

Route #3

Vijayawada-Undavalli Caves-Krishnaya Palem-Yerrabalem-Tadepalli-Vijayawada

There are two Dhabas serving yummy vegetarian food on Mangalagiri-Tadepalli route in Yerrabalem village.

Amaravati

Date: 11-1-11
Amaravati is a pilgrimage and historic place about 40 km from Vijayawada City. This is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Southern India.
It was the capital of Satavahanas, the first great dynasty of Andhra Kings, ruled between 2nd Century B.C to 3rd Century A.D.
I visited this place twice before, along with my friend Ramana Babu initially, another time on a cycling trip and now with my family. Both the places Amaravati and Vijayawada are on the banks of River Krishna. Vijayawada is on left bank and Amaravati is on right bank. There are two routes to reach this place. One is conventional bus route and another one is an ancient narrow river side road on western levee. On all occasions I chose the latter because it goes through some of the scenic places. These two routes join at Harischandra Puram. On two motor driven bikes we started our journey in the early morning to the place which has 2200 years of history.
We crossed River Krishna on Prakasam Barrage and at the end of it took right to cross Krishna western canal head sluice and joined the road that laid on levee. Journey on this road was a bliss. Since the road was elevated, we had a vivid view of surrounding fields. Land was very fertile here. We traveled through Jasmine, Chrysanthemum, Banana, Turmeric and Indian Corn plantations. Since the road was laid long back it was having a lot of chuckholes. Seemed comfortable for two wheelers ride only, forced four wheeler traffic to a halt, thus making an idyllic ride.
Surroundings between Harischandra Puram and its neighbouring village Vaikuntha Puram were marvelous. Though a smaller one, Venkatesh (My eldest son) enjoyed ride a lot on this stretch. Lord Venkateswara Temple is there on a hill in Vaikuntha Puram. People park their vehicles at another temple at the foot of the hill and begin trekking to reach the temple. River Krishna flows beside the hill. Devotees enjoy a good panorama here. From this place Amaravati is visible at far of a distance. I visited this temple during my cycling trip.Reached Amaravati and headed straight to the Temple.
Temple is on the right bank of River Krishna. Some of the devotees were bathing there. Took darshan tickets and entered into massive temple complex. The Temple was on an elevated platform with high raised walls. That might be built to safeguard the Temple from River Krishna flood waters during monsoon season. Cleared steps to enter on to circumambulatory round the main Temple. On each corner there was a peripheral sub-shrine. Lord Amareswara is the presiding deity here, an abode of Lord Shiva. Entered into the Temple from East entrance gallery. Columns of the gallery were consisting old Telugu inscriptions. At the left side of the entrance there was a large Lord Ganesha's statue. Lord Amareswara blessed us his darshan. We moved on to reach Archaeological Survey Of India museum.
Museum:
This little Museum stores some of history's most treasured Buddhist relics collected from nearby Maha Stupa. This area was an exponent of Amaravati School Of Art. This School finds adequate mention in the chronicles of The Satavahana era. The exhibits here range between 3rd Century B.C to 12th Century A.D.The Lotus and Purnakumbha Motifs, the sculpting and the art forms that once upon a time adorned the ancient Buddhist Mahachaityas are displayed in the Principal gallery. Drum slabs, Swastikas and relics of Jataka Stories occupy first gallery. The second gallery is dedicated to life size image of Gautama Buddha.The other Buddhist sculptures that were excavated from here now adorn the Chennai Museum and at Room No.33a of The British Museum, London.
The Museum remains open all through the week from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Entry fees is Rs.2/- per visitor above the threshold of 15 years.
Maha Stupa:
The road beside The Museum took us to this place. Colonel Colin Mackenzie discovered this remains of The Stupa in 1797. There after so many Archaeologists worked on it.
Only remains of the Stupa are existing. It was defaced at large by the locals before this was taken over by the Authorities. Locals say so many large bricks used in the construction were lifted from here to construct their houses, thus history became history. The British and Indian Rulers also did their best to make this priceless monument convert into tiny objects of exhibition in the galleries of Museums across Europe and India. The artefact's still remained were kept in the local Museum. Replica of this Maha Stupa is in the local Museum.
Kalchakra 2006 was performed here. Interestingly Lord Buddha taught the first Kalachakra root tantra here in Amaravati to King Suchandra up on his request that would allow him to practice the Dharma without renouncing his worldly enjoyments and responsibilities.
On the eve of Kalachakra 2006, authorities reconstructed Stupa and took up Dhyana Buddha Project scheduled to be opened at the time of Kalachakra which can be seen from this site, a kilometer away, still to be completed. We visited that and continued our journey back this time on Bus route to visit Undavalli Caves.
Undavalli Caves: The Caves are just 8 km from Vijayawada. The caves were sculpted in 2nd and 3rd century A.D. Caves are four storied and built in a cluster. In one of the caves we visited Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy, an abode of Lord Vishnu, a 5 meter long reclining statue carved out of single granite block.


Other Buddhist sites that can be covered from Vijayawada are Ghantasala and Jaggaiahpeta

Gulbarga Fort

Date: 28-12-2010
Today I chose to tour Gulbarga City. Reached there from Yadgir (Karnataka) on train(on Chennai-Mumbai rail route). Called once as Ahsenabad during Bahmani Sultanate period, now as Kalburgi in native language Kannada has its own culture and heritage. I visited Gulbarga Fort and Khwaja Bande Nawaz Durgah.
Gulbarga Fort was known to be built by Raja Gulchand of Warangal. It served as Capital of Bahmani Empire during 1347 to 1424 AD. This fort consists around 75 acres and 2 rounds of fortification. The outer wall is of lesser height and the inner wall is slightly higher and also had a moat around it. It has 15 bastions and 26 cannons. Most of the fortification was in a ruined state and encroachers were living happily in side the fort with full amenities.
I entered in to the fort through east entrance. There was a tallest stone built structure within a close distance from the entrance. A bifurcated path was going beside that structure from the entrance. Another one was leading towards Jumma Masjid. The stone built structure was 50 feet height with raised walls on all 4 sides and having an array of steps that were covering half of it's height at one corner beside the path, were leading inside. At the end of the steps there was a huge open top space still covered with walls on all sides. Up to this it was basement area. Open space area was only 1/5th of the total structure and the rest of it on the left side was further heightened. There were some openings to the left side wall, but they were sealed off with stones. At the other end of the floor there were another series of steps leading to the top. Atop there were 3 cannons placed strategically. So this must be a security post. From its top stared the most of the destroyed fortification, Jumma Masjid and another security post at a distance with a big cannon.
Came out of it and walked towards a bastion. On the way there were houses. People in those houses were not happy as I was inquiring about the path that was leading to the bastion. They were telling there was no way. But at last they agreed to go on. Thorns were lying in large on the path. It looked like officials cleared all the bushes. While I was approaching bastion a guy called me and yelled don't go. I told him to come there. He came and said, don't go up. It's a dangerous place. A wrong foot will make you collapse, like that. But I continued and asked him to come along with me. There was cannon on that bastion. I asked him about the cannons on other bastions. He told some were missing. Came down and marched towards Jumma Masjid.
This was a great mosque that can accommodate about 5000 worshipers at a time. It was built by an architect Rafi from Iran in 1367. Masjid is supported on 140 pillars. It has 250 arches and 5 large domes. The central dome was 80 feet in diameter and its interiors were decorated with flowers and creepers. There were 63 smaller domes also and they look like pots up on the mosque. This mosque was said to be fashioned on the lines of the famous Mosque of Cardova City in Spain. This was a silent place except for some chirps and tweets. Sat there in silence escaping urban chaos for a while.
Came out of Masjid, walked toward another security post in the fortification. This post was round and has 29 foot cannon, longest in this fort's artillery. Both the security posts were on same line. Walked along fortification until I had a all dome view of the Masjid. From the back also it has an attractive appearance. Except in the three structures area, everything was untidy. One can't even walk along the fortification. Path was full of thorns and human excreta. It seemed a few days ago authorities or care takers of the Fort or may be encroachers might have cut all the thorny bushes. So that I could have roamed here and there. Otherwise I wouldn't have made that adventure. At some places there were tiny passages in the inner fort wall to reach outer fort wall. Earth was filled to the wall height all along the inner fort wall, might be because it would be a repellent to enemy artillery.
Impression: The fort before decades was in ruining stage. Because there were no care takers. But nowadays everyone is there and all are allowing the fort to ruin in a rapid pace. Some of the places in the fort are not accessible now, thanks for the people who were residing in peace, happily erasing nearly thousand years of history. Archaeological Survey Of India washed its hands by putting a "trespassers are prosecuted" like thing. It seemed the fortification was being defaced in large in the last two to three decades time. This great fort withstood nearly for a millennium against all odds like wars, conflicts, change over between dynasties, unnoticed during British rule, face lift afterwards and now it is fighting for its existence in this peace time.

Photos

Jujjuru-Mulapadu Trek

Date: 21-11-2010
Today started our trek an hour behind the schedule at 10.00 at Jujjuru. As we reached the destination our guide and one helper were waiting at designated location. Started walking toward hills through our co-trekker Mr.Nagabhushana Rao's Subabul plantation. Nagarjuna Sagar Project Canal was flowing beside his field. Crossed it to enter in to reserve forest. Within 10 minutes we reached foot of the hill and began ascending. At 100 meters of ascend we heard noise of water flow. After another 100 meters there was a path leading to the stream.We deviated our path to have a look at that. Spent some time here and moved further in the path to reach another deviation toward the stream again. After a brief interval moved to cross the stream.Started again and met 2 persons who left their cattle in the forest. The cattle remain there for the next 3 months. Up to here path was boulder studded and steep uphill. From this point trail was flat. Here we contemplated what our next course of action would be with the guide for a while, about various options like what are the destinations we can reach from that place. He told the team can reach Kondapalli. We were happy to hear that. This was what we were looking for since long. Entire Vijayawada trekker's team was looking for this moment. This trail Jujjuru to Kondapalli is an end to end trail upon the hills in Kondapalli Reserve Forest Area.
Entire team was now on a brisk pace to reach the destination. Eventually we came through some beautiful locations en route. At 2.00 we stopped for our lunch beside a stream.
After a brief walk from lunch point we reached Mulapadu Hanuman temple. En route we spotted spiders of robust size. Are they dangerous? Guide said no. Right from the beginning up to the temple we walked under the shade of trees. Rains were abundant this year, so greenery was plentiful. Today is Kartika Punnami. An auspicious day, on this day annual temple mahotsavam was organised at Hanuman Temple. A large number of devotees were present. After hectic conversations Ramdas decided to cut short the trek to reach Mulapadu village. We came to know Mulapadu village on N.H 9 is 11 km from the Temple. Reached N.H 9, crossing Mulapadu village at 7.00 in the evening. Ramdas noticed a stone that read the distance between the Temple and the village as 16 km.
Photos
23-1-11
Today we came another time to Jujjuru with same guide and helper and tried another hill which is directly in front of the path we came. It seemed like a steep one. This time we started at 9 a.m sharp. Initially we took more than an hour to clear the first uphill to stop for a short break. it was not that much steep in the second leg, which we tried to summit from the side of the hill and reached the point where tree line ended. Up to here we were moving under the shade of trees. Now we have to clear the rocky part of the summit which it appeared to a small one but a straight one pointing into the sky. It looked as if a large boulder placed on the summit of the hill. Searched for suitable route for an ascend and went through. During this stretch we were exposed to intense heat radiation emitted by rocks.
An awesome 180 degree view was awaiting us on the summit. There was a bastion type structure on one side of the summit. The top was 50 meter long and some of the villagers posted two flags on either sides. Villages like Narasimharao Palem, Jujjuru and factories around those villages were visible. You will have Krishna River view on a clear day, guide said. Spent half an hour on the summit. During Gulbarga Fort visit my Camera has gone for a sixer, so I wasn't able to picturise this magnificent trip.
Descended to cross two stone walled structures, may be part of fortification. Another time after coming down the boulder we were in intense shade of trees. We passed between two hill tops, to join the way toward our first trek's route and at the place where we finally crossed the stream to go uphill. Journey was very delightful with some steep ascents and panoramic views. Had sumptuous lunch beside the stream, thanks to Mr.Nagabhushana Rao for providing us generously.
Today's trek was a great one. Every one was extremely pleased.
6-2-11
This was the 3rd time we were venturing into this hills in another route. This time our endeavour was in Gottumukkala village vicinity. Our guide and helper came to the designated point. We stopped our vehicles after crossing NSP canal. A pleasant hike brought us to the foot of the hill after crossing a check dam. Guide was searching for the path. Mean while we ascended a small rocky elevated area and saw a waterfall in far of a distance. Reached the place with excitement. There was a very thin flow from top of that 20 foot fall and ascended from the side way. Water was flowing on rocky path. At some distance there was a temple.
Photos