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DUE TO INCESSANT RAINS, THE VEERAPPAN TRAILS TREK HAD TO BE CANCELLED. ALTERNATIVELY, WE ARE CONDUCTING A 1-DAY TREK AT MADHUGIRI, TUMKUR, THE DETAILS OF WHICH ARE AS FOLLOWS .

MADHUGIRI HILL AND SIDDARABETTA CAVES TUMKUR

One of the well-known fort hills of the State is Madhugiri in Tumkur district, which has the distinction of being the biggest monolith in the whole of Asia .

A fort was built around 1678 during the reign of Raja Hera Gowda. According to historical records, this was further fortified by Hyder Ali, taken over in succession by Marathas and again by Tipu before becoming a part of the erstwhile Mysore empire. Though the historical significance has faded with time, it is today a fascinating tourist spot enticing trekkers and climbers.

To climb the hill that climbs up a height of 3930 feet, walk through the entrance from the east between the buildings housing government offices and a series of well laid wide steps leading to the top. Several circular bastions on the way, provide place for rest, apart from a great view of the town below.

The most thrilling part of the climb is a steep section just below the top where small ledges have been carved to serve as footholds. With the wind trying to below you off, you feel greatly relieved to overcome this stretch.

On the summit is a temple of Gopalakrishna which is ruined but the circular granaries which were used to store ragi, oil and ghee are intact. It is well worth spending some time at the top looking at the smaller hills around and fields in the villages below. But the solitude is broken by the honking of buses below.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Departure at Bangalore :6:00 a.m. June 25, 2006 (sharp). Delays make the climb difficult.

Arrival at Madhugiri: 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 a.m.

Start Climb: 9:00 a.m.

Reach Summit: 12:00 a.m.

Lunch: 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Start Descent: 1:00 p.m.

Reach Base: 4:00 p.m.

Visit Siddarabetta caves: 5:00 p.m.

Arrival at Bangalore: 8:30 p.m. June 25, 2006

FOOD

It is strongly recommended and advised that you DO NOT carry biscuits or any dry food. Instead, replenish yourselves with juices, fruits and water.

TRANSPORT

Semi-deluxe Bus/Tempo Travellers depending on the no. of participants

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS

Maximum of 35; participant booking on a first come-first serve basis

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Moderate to difficult; Recommended to wear rubber-soled shoes and carry minimal baggage.

TO CARRY

Water bottle in backpack, few fruits and juices in small tetra-packs, sun-block cream, towel, basic medical kit.

PRICE

Rs. 400 per person TOWARDS ONLY one breakfast; one lunch, transportation to and from Madhugiri, trekking and permit fees, climbing gear, medical kit, sundry expenses.

NOTE :

• Possibility of change in schedule or event according to prevailing conditions has to be acknowledged by participants.
• The organizers do not bear responsibility for an untoward incident during the climb or otherwise.
• Since the no. of participants are limited, registration is on a first come-first served basis.  Kindly make the online transfer or cash payment and call to confirm the same without fail. Also note, each account can only take maximum of 12 transfers.

Please make a contribution payment to one of our Team BMC by Cash or Online Transfer:
Please write "<your name>-MadhugiriTrek" in online transfer description. (eg. "John Smith-Madhugiri Trek"), and mention the transaction confirmation no in the following form.

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

Regards,

T A R S H

9845743688

Team BMC
http://www.bmcindia.org