The call of the grasslands, the beauty of the hills
.........................................................................................................

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.

In true getoff ur ass tradition, the trek begins under the night, graced by the warm hospitality of a Coorg homestay. The next day, under the morning light, we set off on a trek that takes us through the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and to the Narimale peak. The ascent is not very steep as we walk through forest path and quiet nooks, finally experiencing the splendour of the mountains and the solitude of the vast expanse that is the Shola grasslands.

The next morning, with the magic of the morning light still in the air, we set off to the Munikal Caves. 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 emerge from the caves onto the mountainside. With the lush green peaks of Wayanad on the other side, we begin our descent into Kerala. Even if steep, the descent is easy. We walk through forest trails and winding mountain paths to emerge at temple town of Tirunelli.

The trek ends here. However, it is also a beginning, with the promise of another getoff ur ass destination always around the corner.

By Christina Daniels



Itinerary

Day 1
We set off from Bangalore – stay at our local contacts comfortable home stay at Srimangala

Day 2
7 am – start the hike to Brahmagiri forest guesthouse – explore the Nari malai peak today.

Day 3
7 am – explore the Munikal caves and descend to Kerala from here. Late afternoon start to Bangalore after a lunch stop at back at the home stay -
..............................................................................................................................................