Haddinakallu

When my friend Aman mentioned that he wanted to go on trek with me I was pleasantly surprised. We had previously met mostly to party or dine together, but this was new. I was happy to plan one. I like to observe how friendships or any relationship for that matter evolves over the years and develops with every experience shared together. I had originally decided to go to Hutridurga. I thought it would be a good drive and a short but interesting trek. 

So, on Saturday, the 14th of May, Aman picked me up at my place around 6:30AM. We had so much of catching up to do as we had not met in two years. The conversation got so interesting and intense that we missed the turn to Hutridurga and continued on NH75 (Bangalore-Hassan road). We had driven almost 10 kilometre ahead. But changing plans isn’t hard. My friends had been mentioning about Haddinakallu and I decided to explore this new place.  

But first, as we were very hungry, we stopped at Pakkashala near Yadiyur to have some good breakfast - Vellayappam, Paddu, Masala Dosa and filter coffee. 

This time, I did not want to miss the turn. About 8km from Yadiyur  you will find an arch to the Anjaneya temple on your right. About 4 km on this road, you shall find yourself at the base of the Haddinakallu hill. The hill is visible from NH75. In case of doubt just ask the villagers for direction. 

When we reached there, villagers had gathered at the base and there were different groups setting up pandals and cooking a feast. I learnt later that the temple at the summit is open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

The trek is simple and easy. Since this is a holy place, you need to trek barefoot. There are rock-cut steps along the trail.  The recent rains had left the surrounding green and therefore it was a pleasant climb with refreshing view. 

At the summit, there were a lot of monkeys. Aman and I picked a good spot to sit and continue our discussion. The topics involved life, relationships, politics and Philosophy.

At the main temple, devotees were offering prayers. The  Anjanaya idol is carved on a pillar.  After resting there for while, we began the descent. 

At the base, there is an idol of Ravana’s son, Indrajit. This is perhaps the only place where he is worshipped. A villager told me that here, they sacrifice goats here. People who are possessed by ghosts are cured almost immediately he said. In front of the idol, the flooring made of rock had blood stains. The drain was wet and red. The sight was disgusting and when I saw the goats tied nearby I felt angry. None of the barbaric traditions and selfish wishes of man are worth an animal’s life. Why is this not illegal yet?  

We returned back to Bangalore by 1PM as Aman had other engagements for the day. It was a short but interesting trek. Not so much because of the place, but because of the conversation Aman and I had. 

Here is the video on this trekking experience: