Two full cars drove towards Savandurga at 6.30am from Bangalore’s CBD.
We were a mix group of people hailing from Bangalore, Calcutta and Delhi. Everyone with their spirits up, got along like best buds and the chattering never stopped.
Stopping on the way for breakfast, we ate light South Indian dishes and bought snacks.
Reaching the base by 9.00am we started our ascent.
Going into the trail a little bit, Harshul decided to abandon us and meet us at the top, choosing the steep shortcut route.
Keeping an eye on his mind monkey business, the rest of us followed the trail and slowly climbed up.
After about 40mins into the climb, it seemed like Harshul was resting at a point for longer than usual. Little did we know, he was stuck and Mohan ran to his rescue in excitement.
The gang kept moving while I stood and watched.
Mohan decided to get stuck 20m away from Harshul and could not reach him. They were laughing at each other while I stood unable to breathe peacefully.
Talking across the monolith, I found a local frooti seller and sent him to get the boys.
The little chap sprinted up to them, caught Harshul’s bag, and guided him to Mohan.
I rejoined the rest of the gang and together we reached the fort. Reunited on the fort, Mohan being a practiced photographer started shooting away.
We paid the frooti seller for his help and almost emptied his stack of juices and water bottles.
Making our way further up, the weather was beautiful, conversations along the way and non stop clicking pictures.
We stopped by a pond for a quick break.
Staring at reflections, frogs, tadpoles and water plants, we spent about 10 mins there.
Racing to the top, we reached a fort like structure. There were granite shelters, houses, a small bath and a lake. Hanging around and exploring for a while, the actual peak was still away.
Everybody matched up to each other’s pace and hailed to the actual summit, where the Nandi temple stood.
Every person helped the other in times of need and followed a straight line. Harshul leading the way, we crossed natural wilderness, caves and small reptiles and insects along the way.
At 11.00am we were welcomed atop with swift winds and a joy of achievement!
We borrowed water from the people already present and just jumped from one part of the hill to the other.
The 360 degrees, panoramic view, was breathtaking. The river on one side and the granites on the other, beneath us, gave a sense of being on top the world.
It was amazing watching an old lady, local to the region, making it to the top barefoot, and dancing and singing with the local boys. She sure was having a great time.
Spending about 45mins on top, we started our descend together.
Harshul leading the way, we made one quick stop at the fort and reached the base, all sweaty and tanned by 1.00pm.
Driving peacefully after the trek, with trees on either side of the single lane road, the lunch point was an hour away.
We ate meals like we hadn’t seen food in years! Refreshing ourselves, we reached the city by 3.30pm and concluded our day’s expedition.
