Tuesday 23 September 2014

Cave Exploration 2 Antaragange

It was a pleasure to know that BASC was organizing a day trek. After almost a gap of a year, was exited as others to join the trek and meet new people.   It was a pleasure as i would be meeting my buddies from the group whom i have not met for some time.   Second it was a opportunity to set out on long drive which was pending for some time. Finally set out to meet the team on 21st September morning at Shantala Silks, Majestic bus stand.

Came to know that it is a 24 member team who will be joining the drive in 5 cars.    Niranjan was busy consolidating all the team members to leave by 7.   Some of them woke up early, some were on their way and some got ready in flat 30 mts as they could not get up early due to Alaram malfunctioning.   Anyways excuse granted as it was Funday (Sunday).

We drove towards Kolar after filling up enough fuel to our vehicles.    We were joined by Pradeep and Arun at Byappanahalli Metro station.    Our next destination was to have breakfast and it happened at Kamat Upachar, Narasapura (52 Kms) on NH4.  24 hungry stomach walked into the Kamat Upachar, with all beautiful ideas about the place.   After our breakfast, our monsters roared towards Kolar and landed up at Kolar Bus Stand (18 Kms) to get our food packets packed at Shanti Sagar.  Finally collected Tomato bath food packets  and we drove to Antargange which is (4 Kms) from the bus stand.

Antargange is situated in Shathashrunga mountain range which is surrounded by Nandi Hills.  Antara Gange is famous for the temple situated on the mountain which gets continuous flow of underground water from the mouth of a Basava (stone bull) to the pond.

After parking, food packets were distributed and had a team huddle and then set out to enter the trek with a brief photo session.

Seeing the lush green environment which we rarely see in Bangalore.  We were welcomed by army of monkeys.  This place is inundated by monkeys who are both friendly and notorious with visitors.  Snatching what ever eatables are noticed by these monsters.   From here the steps are bit steep and we had frequent stops to accommodate fellow trekkers to join the team.  

When we reached the summit, we met 4 kiddo friendly

guides who readily accepted to help us explore the caves.   Every one from the team ventured to explore the caves by crossing boulders and rocky terrain with care.   Pradeep was our trusted guide along with these kids who were jumping across Rocks and guiding us.   One of them Siddu ,the youngest was motivator for the team showing how to cross the terrain with ease.   After passing through narrow passages and under the boulders, we landed up for lunch.   We were shown the house which was decorated with hand made paintings on wall  and a sweet water well to quench our thirst.

We had full lunch ( food packets) and all hungry faces were happy.  Thanks to Parvathy for helping us with the snacks to add on with lunch so the entire thing was gulped without wasting anything.   Smart boys brought in the Guava grown in their fields and sold for Re.1/- each.  After resting for a while, we set out for our final destination ( antargange) from where you can have a glimpse of the water flowing (dripping)  deep beneath the rocks. 

To reach this place, one has to maneuver their bodies to reach this base.   Only 3 people at  a time can have a glimpse at this.  We spent around 2 hours doing this activity and team waited patiently. 
Once again it was our hero Pradeep who was the first person to explore the place and dedicated himself to help every one climb down and climb up after having the glimpse of the place.  He was so patient in explaining the process of getting down and climbing up and gave helping hand to each one to climb over.   I had the opportunity to join him for helping couple of our team members in visiting the place.  Finally after completing this task, we set off to climb down for the day and did not find it difficult to climb down, but we were greeted by Monkeys once again and blocked our way to snatch the plastic covers ( food packets foils  collected to dispose of at base) thinking we are carrying eatables.

Finally we landed to the base from where we started climbing in the morning.    Had a final group snap with our monsters in the background.   We had 2 more hours to go for the day, so we thought of visiting Bangarpet, which is known for tasty chats.  Traffline showed its just 20 more kms, so we set out to that place.   Reached the place around 6 PM and we followed our team leader - Niranjan to find the place.    Entire team landed on Vasavi Condiments shop to savor the Chats , Ordered Masala Puri, Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Jamoon and finally coffee at a nearby stall with Indian Railways paper cups.

We had a short team huddle once again, shared our experiences and then set out to Bangalore at 7.30 PM to reach at 9 PM.   As usual dropped car mates at their nearest destinations and bid good bye.


Thanks to Niranjan for organising this wonderful trek, Pradeep for the help in making this trip memorable. and of course each and every participant who took part in every phase of the trek and made this trek a memory to cherish.

I am looking forward to join the team once again for yet an amazing trek!!!

Sharing the route map for reference - https://goo.gl/maps/Y5wI2