Sri Lanka @2019

I can guarantee you that my beams are outside the measure if I must outline my experience from my first step outside the homeland. Somehow, made my mind for it at the drop of the hat besides arduous stance. We Indians are well versed with its history and the relative consequence from the Vedic ages itself. Its result is the epitome of the patience itself.

Ravana- Ego                                        Rama- Wisdom

Sita- Peace                                          Vibhishana- Intellect

Hanuman- Pranic Energy                    Lanka- One’s body

“Wisdom uses intellect with proper utilization of the pranic energy within one’s body to defeat the ego and win the peace”

Srilanka has a assorted culture and traditions. It shadows the Theravada Buddhism which was passed on from India. You see near no variances in the culture when compared to the southernmost Indian culture to that of northern most Sri Lankan (Jaffna) culture. You can witness the colonial occupation with Portuguese, Dutch, British etc. Rest of the parts are capitulated by the Sinhalese tradition. It connects to most of the southern India and Southeast Asia. This country is known for its international connect with Cricket, Distinct Cuisines and the holistic medicine practice (Ayurveda). It stands at a decent stage in exports of Tea, Cinnamon and Gemstones especially. Tourism as the main component and renders a distinct appreciation to the guests which we happen to witness at every place during our visit.

The main lures of Sri Lanka stand at its finest covering the wholeness of its landscape. Temple of the Tooth Relic at Kandy, Frescoes at Sigiriya, Religious Paintings at Dambulla, Sigiriya Fort, Dutch Colony, Galle International Cricket Stadium etc.

Am one amid the cluster of six folks & prime by the brother from another mother @Bharat Naidu. His former visit to Sri Lanka abetted us to stick to the time lines with no seepages. Rest of them are Sai (Photo Freak), Ranga (The Gajini Since 2019), Nagraj (Happy Soul), Ramakrishna (Devudu :P). The fun was unlimited from day 1 till Day 8.

We approved our empty minds with gear full rucksacks and started to Bandaranaike International Airport (it will cost you not more than 10K INR if booked in advance for to n fro) and got there by 2:30 AM on 9^th March 2019 with a lay over from Chennai through Spice Jet (No good experience travelling with it). We can get the local SIM at the airport, we acquired DIALOG (Govt.) - the best mobile network operator (like BSNL in India), Airtel works too. It took five minutes for complete transaction. From there we did head to Columbo through a private bus (the last bus from airport to Columbo is before 2 AM as per the info received at the airport.

Private bus charged 200 LKR per person and supplementary 200 LKR per bag. It was 1 Rupee=2.56 LKR during our visit. We then reached Fort Railway station after a 45 mins bus journey. It was a day of railway strike and fortunately it came to an end after a wait of an hour. They are still ensuing the old school format of the tickets (you can see in the pic).

Even the tracks were unchanged since the British rule. One will like train journey but its more of like a roller coaster. It took 2:30 hours to reach Rambukkana. We refreshed at the station, dumped our baggage at the station master room to head to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which is 4 KMS from the railway station. We had Yummy idiyappam with veg Sambal for breakfast in the hotel opposite to the station. We headed to the Pinnawala by Tuk Tuk (Auto) and charged us 350 LKR per tuk tuk. Its an orphanage for Asian Elephants and a captive breeding ground. Pinnawala is the largest herd of the captive elephants in the world. They take care of the orphaned unweaned elephants from the Sri Lankan Forests and raise them with utter care. It is spread in 25 acres of land.

The main attraction is the Elephant shower in the Maha Oya River every day from 11 to 12 Noon. You can feed the elephants with your own hands for posing for pic etc. the agencies around will also cater the elephant rides, rendering showers etc. which may cost you additionally. Later stepped forward to Pinnawala zoo which spreads in 44 acers.

We rented a battery car to cover the zoo in 30 mins. It will cost you further 1200 LKR and the entry to the Zoo is 1000 LKR per person for SAARC countries (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). Had pleasant outook of Maha Oya river during elephant shower. One can shop around the place for keepsakes. We did head back to the railway station and started to Kandy through train from Rambukkana. We took a tuk tuk to have lunch at Balaji Dosa hotel which is 1.2 KMS away from the Kandy station. Tuk tuk costed us 40 LKR (Pickme-like Uber). Post to that visited the Temple of the tooth relic (Sri Dalada Maliigawa). Entry ticket is 1000 LKR per person. The paintings and sculptures are master pieces and it’s a carnival for the architecture lovers.

We treaded next in the direction of Sigiriya from Kandy Bus stop it took approx. 4 hours and got us at Sigiriya bus stand. The Sigiriya Village Home Stay was 1.1 kms from Pindurangala Rock (from the bus drop point). The first look we had was at late night but was isolated and beautiful.

Had a warm welcome from the possessors. The agenda on the next day was to visit Sigiriya fort (Fort of Kashyapa) by bicycles which costed us 300 LKR per cycle per day. The path we took was serene with awesome views of the natural flora. The rock is 200 (660 Ft) meters high and it has fresco paintings in the mid of the rock. 

The water gardens are all over the central area of the place and are built in three levels. Apart from which you can also see the mock lake to the west of the rock which is again interlaced with the water gardens.

We had plentiful time on the upper part of the rock with artistic photography and did head back to the home stay to pack of our things and left to Inamaluva. Had lunch at Oakray Restaurant at Inamaluva and did shop in the shop within the restaurant. The staff of the hotel were so amicable.  We then took the bus to Trincomalee which took around 5 hours to reach. We stayed at Jungle Vista Beach resort, Uppuveli, Trincomalee. The night we spent well at the beach with shore walk. Next day we went to the Koneswaram kovil which is also known as Dakshinakailasha. A magnificent view of the Indian ocean beside the temple gives you gentle feeling right during the sunrise. I could record the sun rise time lapse. You can see a group of spotted Deer’s near the temple.

From the very next day the exhilarating experience started with snorkeling which costed is 4500 LKR for the diving fins, mask and curved wind pipe. We spent a good 4 hours in the shallow waters with snorkeling at the Pigeon Island National Park. The cost is high to upkeep the island by the Sri Lankan government for safeguarding Corals. Corals secrete Calcium Carbonate to form a stiff skeleton. These are marine invertebrates. It took 40 minutes to reach the Pigeon island. We had boundless amusement with Snorkel for almost 3-4 hours with in the shallow and long distances (around 300-400 Fathoms) from the shore. We saw sundry dead corals around the circular shorelines of the island. On the front side of the island there is a superior perimeter marked for the snorkeling around the corals. Here we speckled a shark and a turtle which took our friend @Bharat onto the Corals, he got miffed a little bit but was okay and could arrest the footage of the Turtle movement. Seen a assortment of corals and its cataloguing like brain corals, dragon eyed coral, coral reefs etc.

We next moved on to Hikkaduva via train. Stayed at Randhila Beach View Hotel costed us around 3500 LKR per A/C room. Here at this place again we did snorkel that complete evening (here it costed 600 LKR for the snorkel equipment) and headed to Galle which is administrative capital for the southern province. You can see the place imitates the Dutch and Portuguese culture. Have been to the Galle private museum well preserved by the owner who also trade gems to the vacationers. Here we went on a shopping spree and it was cost effective.

Next was the Scuba day, it costed us 12500 LKR through Blue Deep Diving Center.  Mr. @Nick was our instructor and an experienced deep-sea diver who has a diving experience from 2001. He comforted all of us with a theory session of signs, shallow water practice and then took us to the main waters for a 10-meter depth. My experience is immeasurable and unforgettable. Nick was so patient enough to understand the queries and guided us very well and as you know experience matters a lot. Thanks a ton Mr. Nick. Trust time allows me to connect you in future.

  

Mirissa was the next terminus from Hikkaduwa which took two-hour journey by bus. We stayed at Mila rest garden home stay which is very head-to-head to the beach. As we touched late, part of the troop ran instantly to see the last minutes of the sun set near the shore, it followed with the beach side dinner and were back to bed by 2 AM. The very next morning visited the Parrot Rock to see the sun rise and the view of the sea. After we are back to the home stay we had delicious breakfast and then moved to Matara.

Matara is well-known for the Buddhist temple with a cable-stayed footbridge. After an hour there we did returned to Fort Railway station by bus which took around 5 hours from Matara.

We had left our stuff in a hotel room for an hour and went for the due errands at Wellawatte, a neighboring place to Columbo. Last stretch was to get hold of a private bus to drop us at Bandaranaike International Airport to head back to the pavilion.

Before we started from the Fort station, we had a chance to celebrate the birthdays of the awesome travel couple Bharat and Anusha at a hotel near station. It was a good end of the trip. The trip was planned and executed as planned by the host. It was a team of proper travelers with no regrets  and fun lovers.

Keep Smiling! Stay Blessed! Keep Exploring! Bingo!

Panagal Trek

#adventurechunks #Pangaldiaries #40feetjump #hikingfever#pangalfort #intensiveRockclimbing #awesomesouls#unitedsouls #friendsmania #naturelovers #explorersdayout#suspenseactivities
#excitedhearts

“The Contented happy state you feel is when you travel and explore the nature with an open heart with awesome open souls around you”-Shravan Poshetty (The only way to visualize this is to join us and there is no app for this lol 😊)

Besides, what an awesome day out with 23 escapade aficionados and fascinatingly, team carried some concealed supreme debutants. I salute to their zeal, synchronization and “let’s do” factor in their DNA. IT started on 25th June 2017 morning, started from Hyderabad to Pangal at 7:40 AM and reached at 12:15 PM. Headlong travel has been like elephantic race with hospitable interaction amid peers.

I must confess that I have been a peculiar creature to few and they hoisted to my torture in waking’em up. Thanks Santhosh Kumar & Sriram Tejesh Reddy for bearing with my approach and am sure you people got the gist out of doing so 😊. I appreciate Pradeep Kasimsetty for materializing his word by canceling his trip to Vijayawada. Kudos to you brother.

I thank each of you for the pleasing team organization and am blessed to have myself fenced with such contented souls for taking part in this stint. It has never been a single man show so far and it is certainly a unifying hands portfolio indeed. I extend my immense gratitude for showcasing the courtesy throughout the suspense stretch. Guess you all will cherish the suspense stint 😊.

No matter how complicated your health is, how exhausted you are, the heart of an adventure seeker always raises your cells. My Mentor, Friend, Well-Wisher Mr. Srini Chamarthi has set an example for this with his act. Kudos to you brother.

We extend a high respect to Mr. Sachin Ghodkhande for accompanying his Kid Cute Saanvi (2+ years old) for this trek. We loved her companion and trust me she wore an everlasting smile throughout the day. She will stay inspirational as youngest trekker of the group and we pat Sachin for his thought.

I acknowledge each of your coordination to skies Santosh Jena, Khooshbu Patel, Vathsalya Velagandula , Sushma Swaraj, Pavan Kumar Tanguturi, Akash Gupta, Pradeep Kasimsetty, Santhosh Kumar, Nitin Agarwal, Viswanath Panigrahi, Sakthi, Sai, Sachin Ghodkhande, Pardhu Vemula, Sugun Hydi, Sriram Tejesh Reddy, Srini Chamarthi, Raghavendra Aathreya, Basavaraj Basi, Priya Priyam, Dinesh Chandra, Siva Krishna, Nadeem, & Sameer.

Started to hike with a local guide (Shiva) through the hefty stones/sand/Trees on the way to fort, team exhibited an affirmative spirit on their respective facets. Who doesn’t want to unveil the suspense out there? Yes, its everyone who portrayed an expectation of answer from the mighty nature itself, which eventually answered at the end of the hike which took about 40 minutes.

Here comes the first suspense activity, 40 feet jump to the hidden/unexplored well. Even our own naked eyes give a wrong calculation of an adventure from a wrong spot and one can't witness the actuality unless they stand on the pin of the ridge and materialise the stunt. Your heart beats, Legs starts to shiver, Water intimidates your fear, Finally, glory hugs you once you jump leaving all the fear behind and that’s the moment you want to feel.

These lets one to conquer one’s fear and in turn destroys your free radical, relieves stress factor, stimulates your thought process, strengthens your muscles, Unveils the hidden cells, suppress your adrenaline secretion, entirety of the bodily systems will be resurrected, raises one’s confidence levels and finally, consumes superficial energy from the magnificent nature.

Then, moved on to rock climbing with regular techniques. Every rock allows you to step on it with proper grips so called crevasses, Bolds, Cuts, Pits, Sliders, etc. to have a firm hold to have urself stand on it. Likewise, life gives you multiple options for a situation/problem to conquer it with an optimised feasible solution and that’s it to correlate with our own lives and nothing different in reality.

Team relished through the natures view, Moderate Hiking, Cliff Jump, Swimming, Rock Climbing, Moderate Caving, Scrambling, Sliding etc. with an intense interest. At 5:30 PM we headed towards base and this is the stretch we can’t let out of our brain cells rofl…. We had only one agenda and that’s FUN…. FUN…. FUN 😊 besides the accrued physical strain. Off late, we could spot talents of the individuals.

Departed with loaded hearts, offered smiles there by adding soulful souls to the existing quiver. Thanks to one and all for making it happen with a grin. Last but not least, Adventure never stops…….

Stay Blessed! Keep Smiling!! Rock On!!!

Explorers Day Out

#Buddiesreunion #natureexplorers #Trekking #Rappeling#Rockclimbing #Caving #Rockjump #AustralianRappelling#Scrambling #Hiking #stressbuster #awesometeam#Trekdiaries #perfectsaturday

If one wish to experience the intangible bliss, they certainly do what you see in the pictures. Every drop unites to form a unit, likewise, a thought to explore from my friend Ms. Kamini Patelhad led to a thought to gather people who had identical nerve from my network. It’s staged last Saturday with 21 explorers who exhibited unique strength, zeal, passion and yes of course with an appraised spirits.

Khajaguda is the best place for the beginners to learn the basics of Rock Climbing and Rappelling. Rocks has firm grips at required places for a good hold as a fact. The place is isolated and serene at Manikonda. We ignited our engines at 7:30 AM and ended up by 3:40 PM without breakfast and even lunch. Below lets you sail across the details.

Interestingly of 21, 19 were the first timers to these endurance activities and they enjoyed to peaks indeed. I must thank Khooshbu Patel for accompanying 8 more enthusiasts with her and appreciate those who supported her with their presence with utter interest.

There are few gentlemen whom I should thank most is Shashank Kakarla, Dinesh Chandra, Sugun Hydi, Pavan Kumar, Mani Deepak, Sachin Ghodkhande who extended their coordination to the rest of the group throughout the activity. It was a fantastic group with fabulous sync with no loopholes.

There were few injuries, but the victory had taken over the pain. Kudos to Madhu Reddyand Vathsalya Velagandula for their courageous act and for the rest of the team too. You guys are awesome and keep up the same spirit.

I have gone crazy with joy as I did the Australian rappelling finally which initially took my breath away coz we will be facing to the ground and it’s the worst part 😝 which lasted for few seconds.

Rappelling activity was accessible only because of Mr. Nadeem and Mr. Khaleel from ExploreOut unit and we team are much thankful to them for their care and extended support as and when required.

Affirmatively, this was a friendly gathering from my own clan and it was a yielded day for everyone with some learning. Once again I thank each of you for accepting my invitation and for making it possible with utmost success.

Stay Adventurous! Stay Blessed!! Keep Smiling!!! Rock On and Bingo 😊

Gandhaari Fort and Gundaala Water Falls -Mancheryal

Gundala Waterfalls & Gandhaari Khilla

#telanganaheritage #explorersweek #wanderlust #kawaltigerreserve#gandhaariforts #gondculture #gondtribe

A two day visit to Mancheryal and Kawal Tiger reserve ended with an affirmative learning about the primitive culture/Heritage and Gonds Tradition.

Ganhdaari Khilla/Fort: Its near to Bokkalagutta in Mancherial District. This khilla is from 12th Century ruled by Gond Community. The entire fort is a sand rock formation with rich plant species and also has medical herbs/plants. You will witness the tradition of the Gond tribe (Pics added for your glance). The tradition of Kala Bairava ritual once in every two years at the fort. The canopy varies from 60-80% overall. Magnificent Adishesha petroglyph can be seen on the fort which showcases the due diligence of the sculptor.

So far, had a scat of Sloth bear, its a home for Monkeys and Langoors as well.

We did try to camp on the fort but had to en-route back to the base due to lack of water and supplements. We could manage with a camp fire to secure the perimeter as a safety measure till 10 PM.

Gundala Water Falls:

How to reach:

Mancheryal-Hajipur-Dorabanda-Lakshampet-Dandapalli-Gundala

Distance from Mancheyal: Approx 48 KMS of drive and 6 kms walk through the forest to Gundala village.

Total population at Gundala: approx 200 families

Source of Income: Cattle, Fishing, Agriculture, Selling the herbs/plants like-Nallamaddi, Ippa Flowers, Blinds made of Bamboo sticks etc.

The only issue what the tribe facing is the road connectivity and the rest is assured. Please do witness the facts from the senior citizen from the video who is now at 96 years of age. The Gond people are very generous and soft spoken souls. It was an immense pleasure to meet and interact with them.

Glad to get introduced to the Lyric writer and a Nature enthusiast Mr. Akkala Chandra Mouli Varma was of a great help in guiding me through the journey. He hails from Mancherial and has written lyrics for movies like 4G, Sivakasipuram, Gulabi, Telangana Tourism Theme Song, Haritha Hyderabad Theme Song, Telangana Tourism Caller Tune lyrics and he is on his way to present few more bullets in the coming days.

Legacy of Nallamala Forest

#Nallamaforest #Naturelovers #savethenature#allindiatigerestimation2018 #mightywild #gowildinwild#affirmativewilderness #boldwild #awesomespecies#exploretheforest #forestmist #mesmerisingforestwealth#learnfromwild #savetigers #savehumanity#forestwealthofmankind

Nallamala forest is spread across Kurnool, Nellore, Guntur, Prakasham, Kadapa, and Chittoor districts of the AP state and Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda districts of Telangana state in India.

It had been an unfathomable stint through the All India Tiger Estimation 2018. It left hefty memoirs and learning at the end of the stretch. It all transpired with a head start to Nallamala forest where in passionate wild life & nature aficionados have amassed under one ridge to render their admired volunteer ship at Mannanur Check post. A comfy gratitude was extended by Mr. Lakshmikanth garu (Amrabad) and Mr. Prabhakar Garu (FRO-Amrabad). It was indeed a stage where strangers turned to besties in fraction of a day. I witnessed the spokespersons addressed the provision of volunteers in an agreeable style. It was tailed by addressing from higher administrators and the demonstrations regarding the method of the census.

During our trail and Transact Line-We could spot the Scats of Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Wild Bore and all other herbivores as well. Pug marks of Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Wild Bores, Peacock, Nilgai, Spotted deer, Chowsingha, Hare etc. Direct sights were of Sloth bear, Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Sambaaar Deer, Wild Bore, Honey Badger, Purcupine, Hare. We spotted the Kills of Sambaar Deer, Nilgai, Spotted deer. Witnessed raking marks of Sloth Bear, Tiger. Noticed digs of Sloth bear.
Me, Mr. Manoj and Mr. Siva-wild life photographers have spotted a place near Pichakuntla Cheruvu and stood our ground for two and a half hours to spot the wild and from there we went to view point which had a fantastic view. We also had a chance to explore at mid night being in car (by obvious) to check if we could spot some faunae and yes, we could spot Honey Badger, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Wild Bore and Hare. As part of the stretch, we have learnt the dynamics of the forest especially about the living in wild.

Long way to go!

Stay Blessed! Keep Smiling! Stay Wild!

Rajgad to Thorna Trek

#travelismyO2 #bionvoyage #livetotravel #livettoexplore#learnthroughexplore #exoloretheunexplored #Mightyearth#wayoflife #Dreamcometrue #puneforts #rajgadnthorna#24kmswalk #shivajutheruler

Last minute travel with besties always leaves an unforgettable mark in our books and so is this stint. Landed at Pune with wonderful hospitality at my brother place Dinesh Nandanwarand could meet my mountaineering buddies after a long year Chandradeep Chatterjee n Rahul Sanas.

Headed to Rajgad on day one and got carried away with it first look. It was a giant fort spread across acres with multiple maachi's (Fence gates). extraordinary security system in those days. it took around 3 hours for us to reach the top of Rajgad.

Fortune has given us a new friend at the start of ascent Mr Damian Danieluk who is within the professional world with an artistic angle being a professional photographer as well.

We enjoyed his fun loving company and had a great evening too with a camp fire and fun gala.

We took the services from the people at the fort for Dinner, Tea and next day Breakfast which was at its best indeed.

We left the Rajgad fort at 9 AM and headed towards Thorna which took us through a trek of 24 Kms almost with multiple breaks and we walked at 41 degrees temperature and of course it was fun.

We have to pat Rahul Sanas as he =has made it just for me besides his jaundice diagnosis, appreciate your love to trek my dear friend.

Anything would be less to define my other pie Chandradeep Chatterjee who is brave, cool and a creative pie, i must say, we conclude that we are brought together to trek together for ever,

We have been through steep down and ups, bit of forest trek etc.

We had interim hospitality by an old man who made us comfort my selling the butter milk and lime juice an trekked with us till Thorna. Appreciate his intensity even in that red hot son which is way high for his age, Learnt a bit of endurance from him.

Apart from that, as its Pune, i relished the food Pohe, Milsa Pav, Bajre ki Roti etc. cant forget.

Damian Danieluk Thanks for introducing Stepin Adventures and could get some stuff out there and fetching sea2summit products soon,

One must visit Rajgad and should go to Thorna through this long way which you will enjoy to peaks, trust me.

There is still a long way to go as we had covered only two forts out of 460.

Sofia Sharma Nigam Dii, am happy that I met you after an year almost. thank you for everything. Good to see Jiju and Aggu as well. As confirmed am gonna take you all in July for few of the other forts, till then stay fit :).

Stay Blessed! Stay Adventurous! Keep Smiling! and Rock On :)

Basic Mountaineering Course - BMC (131)

BMC-131 (Basic Mountaineering Course)

Experienced the first ever training under the Army team at JIMWS (Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Water Sports, Pahalgam) , J&K. A batch of 80 enthusiasts were part of BMC-131 team from various parts of India for the inception leap in their mountaineering segment.

Had stepped into the heavenly Kashmir and the experience through the landscapes was priceless. We got marinated and finely baked in those 28 days of extraneous training.

It was organised well by the entire team of JIMWS with concrete format. The instructors were specialists and experts by over the years of practice .

Its a mere training of self discipline and endurance instead of mountaineering etc. Its the indeed requirement to let yourself into further chapters of mountaineering as such.

Chief Ustaad Mr. Ravi Baniya Sir, Second in Chief Mr. Limbu Ustaad, Instructors Mr. Mohd Ilaahi Sir, Mr. Muzaffar Sir, Mr. Chandra Negi Sir, Mr. Sirjhon Sir, Ladole Maam (Everester), Mr. I.S. Thapa Sir (Commanding Officer), Mr. Tamang Sir, Mr. Pratap Singh Rana Sir & Mr. Soham Sen has directed us with righteous data and interesting practical training sessions. Fact is we fell in love with the institute outset.

The co participants were really awesome ranged from the age of 13 to 54 years and made evident that there isn't any age difference as such except on the papers.

We were categorised into 7 teams with group names of respective peaks: Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Daula Giri & Nanga Parbat.

By choice, I sailed myself to Everest team which was lead by my Captain and also the Wing Commander of Air-force-Jaisalmer Mr. Anno Domini lead the team by setting an example. Appreciate your leadership officer, pleased to be under your guidance.

Like wise, we had respective leaders for respective teams there by delegating the leadership, authenticity and accountability of the team's actions.

Starting stint, we were briefed about the regular schedule right from morning 5:45 AM to 8:30 PM. Hearing to the schedule was fine but witnessed the actual pain while implementing it :).

8 KM run at an altitude of 7000 Ft above sea level and imagine the kind of exertion while running, but it was fine over the days spent there through regular practice.

Post to it, we were given an initial token for the introduction to the various equipment's (Rock Craft, Snow Craft & Survival). It was interesting & informative as well, After which we practically felt the equipment's in our hands and later to which we got trained on Knots and Hitches-A creative play with a sling (6 ft of rope) which saves your life during respective craft activity or during rescue/survival. Next to it, the Base making practicals were progressed.

First camp at Chandanwari located at an altitude of 9500 ft and 14 kms from Pahalgam for training pertaining to Rock craft-Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Jumaring, Pitch Climbing, Over Hang Climb, Belaying Techniques followed by practicals.

Immediate to which we got the snow craft equipment and trekked towards Tuliyan Lake camping site for Snow craft training-base making, Crevasse Rescue, 2-point, 3-point, 4-point, 10-point climbing followed by practicals.

For the firs time, I went snow blind on June 21st-Yoga Day by some unusual reason and summoned to base. it got rectified in no time as a fact, But the deficit cant be filled as it happened on International yoga day. its my bad that i couldn't share few important insights to my fellas :(.

I gathered my strength with controlled sub conscious domination and stepped towards Tuliyan on very next day to pay the tribute for Yoga day (never than the late). The scenic place took my breath and I went euphoric.

I couldn't forget the time i spent with my beloved fellas during the stint of 28 days-Daily Fall In, Funny times in the play ground, Yoga in the lawn, Volley ball, Singing Gala after Dinner, Funny times on the steps, Guessing the missed equipment of the teams, magical recovery of the same equipment rofl :P, the happiness in reaching out to the market just to shop for eatables (like a refugee), the shunts from the instructor &, group studies etc.

I render my gratitude and gratefulness for JIMWS, Instructors, Co participants for making my presence unforgettable. I learnt at least a single trait from each in an affirmative sense. I feel blessed to have myself at OpsRamp for the remarkable support from my management for my course though its irrelevant to its line of business.

Finally, a feeling of accomplishment is on one hemisphere, a heaviness in saying adieu to the fellas was on the other hemisphere. However, an appraised comment from the super consciousnesses relieved me from that state saying "it is destined to be that way and its the way it rolls out for a better tomorrow"!

I take this chance to thank Urvi Kalia Anno Domini Sanjay A Mallick Abhishek Rajput Shweta More Saifuddin Bagwan Anant Krishna Jasmine Yadav Rahul Pathania Umang Dave Mercy Mudo Ramdayal Mahiwal Rajinder Singh

Ramdayal Mahiwal - Thank you so much for making this happen with one call. I cant forget your support.

Saifuddin Bagwan- Thank you for your help in understanding few practicals.

Jasmine Yadav - Just because of your notable composition, i could take part in the dance :). Thank you for making it. Congratulation for the best endurance award

Umang Dave - Thank you for your help in understanding in few practicals.

Md.S - Congratulations for the best student of BMC - 131.

Rajinder Singh-Congratulations for the best endurance award

Urvi Kalia-Congratulations for the consolation award- But unanimously we felt like there is a lot to learn from your discipline and promptness.

Sumay Malik - Your energy is infectious :). god bless you. you have a non malicious smile brother.

Anno Domini - You have set an example in the discipline for my further days, Kudos to you.

Mercy Mudo - A god gifted lovely and graceful sissy. Your company is enjoyable for any kind of a person.

Prachi - Endless patience can be learnt out of her portrayal

Ishita Thapa - Sibling from another mother. Loved the times spent with you. A fantastic hip hop dancer as well.

Birbal Sir-26 Panjab- An extraordinary leader, exceptional human being, Energetic personnel, Awesome attitude and a very caring soul. hats off the way you dealt the entire group as the group senior.

Kanika Gupta - A free soul and i presume that her articles of travel will be like walk-through's (refer her Blog: www.lifeoutside2by2.com)

Nandini - Hyperactive and self dependent kiddo. Appreciate your strengths.

Each of the group persons have presented awesome & remarkable traits.

I wish all of the team a successful road ahead and achieve as high as sky with endless beam on the facets. God bless you all and spread the million smiles.

Hail BMC-131!!!

Kumara Parvatha

Western Ghats of Karnataka has rendered an undeniable and immense Pleasure, Joy, Blessings, Sweet Pains and finally, presented each with amicable souls through the expedition to the Kumara Parvatha Peak located near Somwarpet (12 Miles from KP Peak). It’s also known as Pushpagiri Peak and its legacy waves and welcomes at an altitude of 1712 meters.

Western Ghats are well known as Benevolent Mountain range originating from the Southern tip of Peninsula to the Gujarath. Precisely, mighty nature lets you to witness the variety of the categories like, Flowering Plants, Non-Flowering Plants, Mammal Species, Bird Species, Amphibian Species, Insect Species, Fresh Water Fish Species, Data projects that still more than 300 globally threatened species live in the lap of the Western Ghats etc. Average elevation of this range itself is about 1200 Meters.

Leaving self in an isolation unconnected to the regular routine lets you rejoice, rejuvenate, fills your soul with optimism, evades free radicle, balances Adrenaline, controls the stress hormone, Revitalizes the functionalities, and most importantly it makes you a better you for an awesome tomorrow.

Maybe it a forest, or an isolated destination, a beach, mountains, Island etc., indulge and let your lone spirit fly. Disconnect the technological interference, neutralize your thoughts, descend into the depths of the nature while sub consciously you will ascend into the cosmic zone.

Often experienced the bliss and a fine tuned appraised spiritual quotient post each exploration and contented at the best possible degree. Like I said earlier, an observer without a keen observation, adoption and acceptance is like a bird without the mighty wings which is of no use and gets every step into vein.

Poke into the DNA of the nature, learn about the diversity of the place, alignment of the topography, the species, trees, water bodies, soil, habitat, animals, people and their survival instinct, the tradition and history. Learning is not a SIN but not to try attempt to know is definitely a SIN.

“Water lets you understand about how adaptable it is!

Trees lets you know the fact that its Ego is always under the ground even its like skyscraper!

Rocks presents its patience besides the turbulences of the nature and its unaltered!

Species train you that they too are fellas of you though you are a sheer stranger!

Clouds lets you witness that irrespective of where you are it soothes you with its quality!

Wind makes you realize that we must stick to our stance strong how hard the situation may be!

Mountains portrays a fact that it allows each of us to step on it besides its resonating legacy!”

A forest, Water, Wind, Land, Trees, Mountains have been the host for many different beings, living things with no differences and respecting the cycle of the universe but the question lies within whether to induce the similar DNA within us or not?

Here is the proven fact test case:

It was a stretch of four days from September 29^th to October 2^nd, 2018 with an appraised team of 19 exploring enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its 300 Kms from Bangalore via Somwarpet.

After a couple of attempts, we could get the travel concrete this time with 12 trekkers from Hyderabad (includes debut altitude trekkers) and 7 from Bangalore. Reached to Dharmasthala and took the blessings of the cosmic presenter. As it was late, took the temple hospitality at Saketh stay, it was very well maintained and pretty neat. Each of us has left the exhaustion and refilled our energy to take the next step to Kukke Subrahmanya Swamy temple.

We took clear bath at Kumara Dhaara and had aa wonderful dharshan of Kumara Swamy to grab his blessings before stepping on Pushpagiri (Kumara Parvatha-1712 Meters). Team concealed with Nikhil, Anji, Ashish, Pardhu, Siva, Manish, Sanjeev, Nilgai (Sai), Vijay anna, Suman, Rohit, Kiran, Sushmitha, Manoj (Crazy Trekker), Kishore, Tulasi, Karthik, Chetan (Choreographer 😊)!

I must admit that the team had a wonderful spirit and carried out the strength with delegation of responsibility to make of the wellness of each trekker. Kudos to Ashish and Karthik for making it till Batramane 840 Meters. They did push their last milli ounce of energy lol.

We started from base at 9:00 AM and reached Batramane at 12 Noon. Had mouthwatering food (Anna, Saaru-authentic regular food of KA) liked it at that altitude. Chetan shouldn’t be letting his experience with Leech out of his memory and the experiment carried out on his leg ROFL. That evening, we could capture the thunder storms at the view point-the best place to have candid pics.

As it was post 3:30 PM, there was no permission from Forest department for further trek, so we had to halt at Batramane for that night and started first step at very next day at 05:30 AM towards peak with Torches ON!

It was early morning in the forest, soothing breeze, cold has left goose bumps, fading moon light was still on its course to guide us through the narrow forest path. We stepped as a team towards Kallu Mantapa (Stone Gazebo)-1200 Meters. (You can see a pic of the same where we have taken standing on top of the same Mantapa :P).

Resumed our course towards the Battada Raashi Peak (BRP-1340 Meters). Meaning of the Peak name- Heap of the unpolished rice. One more place to have pretty good portrait shots. It has let us pass through it towards the next let through the Shesha Parvatha-1550 Meters. It’s external facet of the peak is like a Snake’s hood (opened version). The most beautiful view point if considered from the base.

Here comes the best part of the stretch, the dense forest leading to unveil the mysterious path to the last rest. The path has mesmerizing landscapes, natural toll gates 😊, wait for a minute to have the blood sucking guests on to you (Leeches- a variety of them indeed) lol. Ended up at the steep rock face then normal climbing to get to the summit step. Upper version was completely held in the mist and breeze. That minute left me euphoric. A felling of completeness for all of 17 trekkers. Other teams were helpful too in terms of refreshments (Apple, Chocolates, Water etc.).

Myself, Nikhil, Chetan, Tulasi, Kishore, Manish, Siva are blessed with leech bytes :P and of course the remedy has worked at its best.

After getting vexed up with the pics, we started to descend. Ascend took us 4 hours and it just took 1.5 hours to Batramane. We literally have become prehistoric maniacs fighting for hardly found chocolates, bread and biscuits ROFL. You will realize the importance even of a small toffee at altitude lol.

Our good team had a bag forgotten at Sheshaparvatha 1550 Meters unknowingly, but it has an iPhone 8 Plus knowingly. Had to again step up immediately after knowing this fact. Did ascend about 2.5 Kms and I did find the humanity in the form of a trekker from another group who grabbed it to give us. God bless him with million smiles and joy ahead.

Over all, it was a fantastic, memorable, contented, appraised, satisfied, cherishable experience with all the smiley souls around throughout the trek.

I must render thanks and appreciation to Manish, Sanjeev, Suman, Nikhil for keeping my word besides the odds at their end. I entrust that you had this expedition at its best. Am overwhelmed for expansion of trekkers family.

I certainly must thank on behalf of the group to Mr. Manoj and Kishore for their help in getting the things done like Route plan, Tents, Sleeping Bags, Food, etc. and to my dear maccha Mr. Tulasi for his hospitality for our team at his premises for a day at Bangalore.

I will be obliged to trek the path again in future with bucket full of enthusiasts provided KP calls me.

Mount Kanamo Expedition

Mount Kanamo Expedition, May-June 2017

Location: Kibber, Spiti Valley

Elevation: 19600 Feet

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Tough

Best time to Visit: July, August for clear sky

Wind: 25-40 mph

The Middle Land

Spiti is known as a cold desert with average temperatures of between -30 to 30 C in the winter and 1 to 28^o C in summer. The Spiti region of Lahual and Spiti district spans an area of more than 12,000 sq. km. The local community is agro-pastoral and largely Buddhist. They cultivate traditional crops of barley and black pea and a cash crop of green peas. The livestock they rear includes yak, dzo and dzomo (hybrids of yak and cow), cow, goat, sheep and donkey.

Pic Taken by-Shravan Kumar Poshetty

Chandradeep Chatterjee, Nikita Chavan, Dinesh Nandanwar and Shravan Poshetty has trekked up Mount Kanamo, the third- highest peak in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Peers Rahul Sanas, Meenakshi Sundaram, Khusboo from Mumbai, Nakul Jain from Rajasthan, Manoj Gowda from Bangalore, Renuka Patel and Harshil Patel from Surat stayed back due to acute mountain sickness.  After reaching till 300 feet away from the peak, we felt accomplished and blessed to be treated to the unique vistas of snow and forested beauty.

 Photo: Shravan Kumar Poshetty.

We had spent the time in the heartbreakingly beautiful Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. We stayed at Norling Home Stay at Kibber village, perched atop a rocky ridge offering a splendid view of the surrounding peaks. These ranges support a variety of wildlife including wild ungulates such as the ibex and bharal, small mammals like the mountain hare and carnivores including the red fox, wolf and the charismatic snow leopard. The boundaries between people and wildlife, if any, are blurred as wildlife is pervasive throughout the landscape, so is the sparse human use of the mountains, primarily in the form of livestock grazing. The small village of Kibber, located at 4,200 m. and we were looking forward to some real adventure in the mountains through the Mt. Kanamo summit.

The opportunity arrived at my door in midst of May’2017 from my friend to climb Mount Kanamo, the third highest peak in Spiti and the only one that can be done without hardcore mountain gear. In the event, I decided to go to sar pass through YHAI and then spend couple of days preparing to ascend to the summit, which would involve a two-day climb.

Pic taken by: Meenakshi Sundaram

THE FIRST STEPS

We group of 11 trekkers reached Kibber on 30^th May’17 midnight, where we hired three porters, one guide and four donkeys were loaded with tents and supplies. Donkeys are the beasts of burden in this landscape.

After about 2and a half hours of continuous trekking with small breaks we reached advance base camp @16500 feet crossing beautiful Kanamo lake and the first patches of snow appeared. I marveled as it melted and then disappeared in my hands.

Photo: Shravan Kumar Poshetty

We halted at advanced base camp that day for next sunrise, Our group of 15 included local guides, and we got along very well indeed… a critical factor on long treks!

On the way we also saw some really interesting fossils, probably ammonites. Millions of years ago, the collision between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates had resulted in the Himalayan mountain chain rising out of the Tethys Sea. The fossils were the remains of ancient sea creatures lodged in sedimentary rocks.

All of our guides were born and brought up in these mountains, they were hardy and fast. By the time we reached the advanced base, they had already pitched the tents at an altitude of 16500 feet. Grateful for some rest, I looked at the breathtaking beauty all around us. It was like nature was being extra kind and rewarding me with its finest landscapes.

Throughout the trek one thought refused to leave me. Snow leopard! We were gratified to see its scat, and we could site a red fox on a clear note. Little wonder snow leopard is referred to as the grey ghost of the mountains. It was seriously cold due to relentless snow flake fall. A quick glance at the thermometer outside my tent, showed it was 12^o C below zero. I had made it thus far and a sense of contentment washed over me. I looked further up towards the snow-white Kanamo mountain peaks, which appeared to be gentle and alluring. But I knew enough about mountains to pray for good weather the next morning. Huddled in my warm sleeping bag, I was out for the count almost before my head hit the pillow.

Photo: Nikita Chavan.

THE ASCENT

After some tea and a quick breakfast of Kichidi (I moved with empty stomach and only four (Nikita Chavan, Chandradeep Chatterjee from Mumbai, Dinesh Nandanwar from Pune and Myself from Hyderabad of our team has set out just as the rising sun cast its rays on the snow-capped mountains to usher in a new day. The peaks seemed to exude a luminous glow. We started on our ascent to Kanamo after we wished by rest of the troop and all of us wanted to make it extra special by celebrating it at the very top. We maintained a slow but regular pace over the gradual ascent. The peak was literally shrouded in a huge blanket of snow with continued snow fall, with a wind @40 miles/hour and we were eager to reach it, touch it, savor its splendor.

Myself, Chandradeep Chatterjee, Nikita Chavan and Dinesh Nandanwar has completed with a step on the summit at 19300 ft marking it as final stretch as the last 300 ft is concealed with snow storm.

Standing at that point, contemplating the fact that I had actually made it very near, my exhaustion began to seep away and I turned 360^o to take in the overwhelming Himalayan vistas. The ranges were a never-ending vista of snow and when a strong wind began to blow, reminding us not to tarry, I smiled at the thought that even the wind and the relentless snowfall seemed to be thumping our back for successfully making it to point at 300 feet away. We held hands in prayer and in deference to the Kanamo peak she had allowed us all to climb to that far.

 Photo: Shravan Kumar Poshetty

On our return we had bagged loads of memories to cherish for rest of the times, and managed to return to the base camp. The pain and exhaustion forgotten, the feelings of accomplishment and happiness kept me in good cheer.

Last but not least, One has to check the physical fitness as it involves continuous trek in heavy snow fall and one can get used to the remedy for acute mountain sickness which is Diamox as and when required. Acute mountain sickness can lead to Vomiting’s, Nausea, Indigestion, Sleeplessness, Diarrhea, Sever headache etc. and it can also lead to Cerebral Edema and Pulmonary Edema if not addressed promptly.

May Kanamo and other beautiful peaks that we are blessed with always be a beacon for human spirit.