Each trek with getoff ur ass has the potential to be an inward journey. Sometimes you discover a new resilience within yourself. Sometimes you meet old friends or simply discover new ones. So was it with the weekend trip to Brahmagiri.
Located on the border between Coorg in Karnataka and the Wayanad district of Kerala, Brahmagiri is a favourite trekking destination. It is said that when Ram and Lakshman were in search of Sita, Lakshman shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri mountain, and from here sprang the Iruppu Falls or the Lakshman Tirtha. This apart, it is the spectacular beauty of the terrain that never fails to beckon the adventurous trekker.
Day One
The group ambled into the Kanteerva Stadium, mainly in twos and sometimes in ones. Most of us were close to the two-o-clock deadline, rather than later. With the last member having arrived and called in to check on where they could find the van, we were ready to go.
With a brief stop only at Coffee Day, we reached Coorg after the stars had appeared in the sky. In true getoff ur ass tradition, night was never so quiet or hospitality as warm as in our homestay.
After dinner and a hot water bath, it was easy to fall asleep, even as anticipation for the adventure of the next day beat in our hearts.
Day Two
As the first rays of light danced in through the window, we packed our backpacks and prepared for the ascent. As always, the challenge was to have everything needed for the trek and yet keep backpacks light. With a certain amount of re-packing, we managed to achieve a semblance of the required juggling act.
The trek began at the entrance to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The early morning light beckoned through the trees, and we walked on. As the summer was not yet completely here, running streams still appeared out of nowhere creating many serene shaded nooks.
The ascent through the forest path was not steep. Yet, some of us struggled – a clear indicator to the impact of urban life. “Take small steps and keep going” was a piece of advice that worked well for me.
The ascent that had begun through forest paths, opened into the mountains, and led to the forest guesthouse. Here we spent a quiet afternoon over lunch, managed an afternoon nap in the sun and soaked in the coolness of the nearby stream.
As afternoon became evening, we were ready for another climb and so we made our way to Narimale peak. Now, the lush green mountains gave way to the golden yellow of the Shola grasslands.
Sitting at the peak one experienced the moment that caused a lyricist to write at another place and time… “I’m on the top of the world, looking down on creation…” As we watched, the sun began to set, creating patterns of light in the sky.
It was then time to turn back to base camp.
Day Three
Awakening is always early and effortless in the wilds. Awakening is like an affirmation of life. So, with the magic of morning light still in the air, we set off to the Munikal Caves.
The path was easy, the morning light gentle and the splendour of the surrounding mountains overwhelming.
Legend has it that the caves were the abode of ancient Rishis. They also hold a special allure to those who are fascinated by unusual boulder formations or enjoy climbing.
Later, we emerged from the caves onto the mountainside. With the lush green peaks of Wayanad on the other side, we began our descent into Kerala. Even if steep, the descent was easy. So, we walked through forest trails and winding mountain paths to emerge at temple town of Thirunalli.
The trek had come to an end. But, it was also a beginning, with the promise of another getoff ur ass destination always around the corner.
