Kunda Betta Coorg

A walk in nature walks the soul back home.

I love this quote because I relate to this both literally and philosophically. The past few months have been tough to climb. We moved from Dubai to India. I had lived a more significant part of my life in Dubai, where comfort and convenience were easy. To me, it is one of the best-planned cities in the world, extremely friendly to the ex-pat community. Living in the city of Bangalore has its challenges. Time stands still in Blore, and one has to literally shake for things to happen. My son traveled from the USA to help us with the relocation. He noticed my dull state of mind and suggested a trip to Coorg to escape shifting challenges.

Lush green paddy fields with coffee plantations. 

 Hiking is more about family bonding and appreciating nature for us. It is the time when all of us are completely absorbed with nature, constantly encouraging each other to get through the next step. The shared moments are priceless. 

Ready and eager 

The dreamy, lush green Coorg is also known as the Scotland of India, where the majestic Kunda Betta lies. Kunda betta attracts trekkers for its moderately easy climb. It also has religious significance. At the top of the hill, there is a Shiva temple believed to be built by Bhimasena of the Mahabharatha mythology. However, the temple today is maintained privately by a family. Notice the 2 bodies of Nandi, the bull with a solitary head on the four corners atop the shrine. It appears that the stones have never been attempted to be carbon-dated. One could get into the Garba Graha (Sannidhanam) or Sanctum sanctorum without the usual rigamarole of other temples. Once inside, one could not help but marvel at the engineering precision of mounting the stones in perfect architectural construction. The complete and utter silence elevated our spirits and prompted a momentary peace resonating with our Yoga Guru's constant refrain of discovering oneself! 

Bilvam tree and Nandi at the start of the trek.

Shiva temple on top of the hill

We planned to trek on the last day of our trip. The trek itself was an enriching 3 hours experience. It took us through huge rocks and lush greenery. The trees and shrubs were plentiful and bountiful, affording lots of shade thanks to the monsoon rains. Of course, insects and birds were abundant, as is customary in such surroundings.

Rain drenched path

The climb was gradual to start off. The overnight rain had left the path strewn with leaves and damp earth. To the left of the trek was an old Bilva tree with two Nandis. The Nandis and trees were enclosed in a rectangular compound, indicating a Shiva temple ahead. Getting into a steady walk, we started the gradual climb. The shrubbery got denser, and we encountered a few broken trees on the way that we had to pass gingerly.

Stumbling along the broken trees

 We spotted a few frogs resting under the cool shadows across the fallen trees - some dark and some colorful. The trek got steeper at the final stage. We had to negotiate rocks covered with weed and slippery slopes to scrabble up. Ironically, the three of us had leech socks while our guide was barefoot!

The steep climb over mossy steps

The mildly strenuous trek ended with an ancient Shiva temple beckoning us. This Shiva temple is revered by the villagers and is believed to surround the land around the place. We get spectacular views of the plains below. From the top of the hill, one can see the towns of Hatur, Poonampet, and Kunda. Paddy fields and coffee plantations are visible as far as the eye can see. The cool breeze is welcoming after the trek. 

Between the rain-quenched earth and the blue skies, looking at the fields far and beyond, I felt a sense of peace and calm.. with a question. Where next!

Customary to all our treks, we finished with a few Yoga poses. 

Where next? 

Reaching far and beyond

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