Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Ettina Bhuja Peak during monsoon

Ettinabhuja Peak is near Betta Byreshwara Temple, Bhyrapura in Mudigere, near Sakleshpur. Reaching the mountain involves a moderate trekking but reaching the peak would be a strenuous half an hour ordeal, climbing the rocky mountain.
Best time to visit is soon after monsoon. During monsoon even the foothills will be cloud covered. 
The temple is around 25kms from Mudigere, via Billur cross. From Sakleshpur it is around 40 kms via Hanubalu. 

Ettina Bhuja - seen from the foothills





EB - seen from Betta Bhyreshwara Temple during monsoon

assessing the situation?


Ettina Bhuja during monsoon

Nanya Bhyreshwara Temple

Into the jungle and onto the Ox-Back (Ettina Bhuja)

at the halfway mark

little champions replenishing

Climbing the Ox-back





climbing the Ettinabhuja - cliffhanger 





Majestic western ghat ranges - view from the top


Amedikallu seen from EB

Deepada Kallu and jenu Kallu - the twin tower









Master at work - as usual





Baale Kallu peak

Baale Kallu peak in Charmadi Ghat ranges of Western Ghats

Kottigehara is the nearest town from Bangalore, around 250kms via Hassan - Belur - Mudigere.  Charmadi ghat is also reachable from Mangalore via Ujire. While there are innumerable home-stays and resorts mushroomed around here, decent and basic lodging is available at Mudigere.
There are several peaks around here, from Sakleshpur to Kudremukh. Distinguishable among them is Baale Kallu due to its location. Most of the peaks are visible from the top of this peak.
The trekking through a jeep track which is steep and uphill for about a kilo meter starts from a hamlet called Bidurthala. Just after reaching the peak, the road begins to descend. Right here, 2kms to the left, is Baale Kallu peak. To the right, there is a peak which is a vantage point for the sunrise. There is a beautiful waterfall at Alekan Horatti which is nearby.

Charmadi Ghat road from Mudigere to Dharmastala







The uphill task - en route Balekallu



Small rivulet of Alekan Horatti







Majestic Kallu peak


Devarayana Durga ranges seen from Balekallu

on top of Balekallu

Kodekallu - umbrella stone on top


Master at work - as usual


Kodekallu peak












Life out of stone