Kalwarbetta Trek [24-25 Feb 2007] 

 

About the Place:

Kalwarbeta, 60 Kms from Bangalore, is one the hill forts amongst the Nandi Hill ranges. The dilapidated walls of Tipu's fort can be found today on steep Kalavara Betta (Skandagiri), near the village of Kalavara History says this was a small but strong hill fort. It surrendered to British troops on 19 October 1791. It remained in British hands until the peace treaty of 1792, which concluded of the third Anglo-Mysore war. This is a tedious trek as the hill is precipitous and high. The trek starts from the Papagni Temple at the foothills of Kalwara village. The fortress of Kalwarbeta is in full sight throughout the walk uphill. This steep and fantastic trek through a maze of dense shrub is highly intriguing. Kalwarbeta is a teaser. Just as you reach the fort wall contended that you have topped the hill, you see another ring of fort. No sooner you reach there; you will find another majestic fort wall waiting to be conquered. There are six such series of stonewalls protecting an abandoned temple on the hilltop.

(source: Woody Adventures)

Difficulty level: Simple but very exhausting.

Tentative Plan:

1. Drive down to Kalwar Village using own vehicle or by car pool.
2. To trek and camp at the place where Tipu Sultan used to camp.
3. Do some boldering, rock climbing and rappelling activities.
4. Camp fire, play, sing.
5. Explore the peak.
6. Night trek.

 Tentative schedule:

Saturday 24 Feb 2007:

06:00AM – Report at Hebbal Flyover (Approx 100mtrs after crossing flyover, below Blue color City KM board.
06:30AM – Deport to Kalwarbetta  (Driving directions: Bangalore -> Chikkaballapur -> Mudenhalli -> Kalwara Village -> Papagni Temple)
08:30AM - Distribution of Food and camping and other equipments.
09:00AM - Start the Trek
12:00PM – Reach the peak, Lunch, rest.
03:00PM – Start activities (rock climbing, rappelling)
07:00PM – Pitching tents, Camp fire, play, sing, prepare food, dinner
10:00PM – Night Trek
11:30PM – Lights off.

Sunday 25 Feb 2007:
05:00AM – Wind up tents, Tea – breakfast.
07:00AM – Explore the peak/caves.
11:30AM – Climb down.
01:00PM – Depart to Bangalore.

TRANSPORT:
Car Pooling or own bikes.
Contact us if you don't have transport arrangements, we will try to arrange a pillion ride or car pool for you. (On fuel charges sharing basis)

NOT To Carry:
- Liquor or other alcoholic drinks.

To Carry:
- Personal medication (if any)
- A strong Back-Pack. (Available on Rent – Rs. 40/day)
- Water bottles (enough to carry at least 4 liters of water)
- Bandanna (keeps the sweat out of the eyes) or Wide brimmed hat.
- Suntan lotion (for complexion caring people).
- A torch with new batteries.
- A small pocket knife.
- Energy Food (Chocolate bars, flavored milk, Electrolyte drinks - Glucon-D, etc).
- Sleeping Bag (Available on Rent – Rs. 40/day)
- Sleeping Mat
- Camera.

Important Note:
- The terrain is dry and there is no water available on the peak. I request you to carry at least 4 liters water per head.
- In addition to the load in backpack, we all have to carry the food (lunch, dinner, b’fast), 2ltrs additional water (to prepare food), tents, petromax, firewood, ropes, harness, carabineers and yourself :). Suggesting you to avoid carrying unwanted stuff.
- Avoid shorts and sleeveless. The trekking route has lots of thorny shrubs in between.

Expenditure:

Total expenditure/Person: Rs. 675.00
Which includes:
Food (2- b’fast, 1-lunch,  1- dinner), first aid kit, Tents, safety gears, climbing gears, extra water, guide, and miscellaneous.
This amount does not include:
Lunch/Dinner @ hotel, Transport, Sleeping bag.

Please make a contribution payment to one of our Team BMC by Cash or Online Transfer:
Please write "<your name>-KB Trek" in online transfer description. (eg. "John Smith-KB Trek").

Please email following details to team@bmcindia.org with Subject: Kalwarbetta Trek
Name of Participant(s):
Phone No:
Email id:
Payment made to:
Payment transaction No:
No of seats can offer on fuel sharing basis:
No of seats required on fuel sharing basis:

IMP Points:
- Participation is on First-Come-First-Serve basis, Participation will be confirmed only on receipt of the payment.
- Cancellation will not be considered unless there is anyone replacing that seat.
- Last date of registration is Thursday 22^nd Feb 2007 6:00PM.
 

I would request all Non-BMC members to register with us to participate in this or any future events.

For any clarification please write back to team@bmcindia.org

Regards,

Neeraj Malve
Team BMC
http://www.bmcindia.org