24th January 2010
Being so near to Bengaluru, I and Krishna decided to visit that place for a day.
The route we took was Bengaluru->Hosur->Denkanikota->Aiyur. The 14 km road from Denkanikota to Aiyur was bad but manageable.
After Aiyur, we entered into the forest. It was a fun drive as the road had become smooth and traffic almost nil. After some four km into the forest, we reached a small pool. The area was silent and we spent some time near the pool. There is also a watch tower near the pool.
We proceed further on the road. The tar road turned into a mud one and started to climb up. We had no serious plans for that day, so we just thought of driving on the road till we reach a dead end!!
We reached Bethamugulam, a tribal village. We didn’t find anything special or different in this tribal village. The “external” influence has turned the tribal village into a normal one.
We decided to follow a small track that went to a hill. After parking the car at a suitable place, we started to walk. Few people who came across told us that Elephants frequent the place very often.
After climbing the top of the hill, we found that the path went down to another hamlet (I think it is Kempekarai). We spent some time there and returned back to the car.
We had heard about a view point which offers the view of Spider valley. The exact location was not known but was told that we had to walk on a narrow path for a km. This path was somewhere near the pool that we had visited before.
The problem was there were several paths into the forest!! We tried all of them!! Many of them led to a dead end. After some trials, we found the right path that took us to the view point.
The watch was showing 2 PM and we were hungry. It was time to return back!!
Anu
Did you see the spiders which give their name to the valley? I have only recently discovered Kenneth Andersen, but every time I read his books I wonder how the forests are today… in what way have they changed??? You are indeed lucky to follow in his footsteps
Srik
Wow! Thats something new considering I am a Bangalorean!
Aravind GJ
Anu,
We did not see big spiders. We did not venture deep into the valley as it was an Elephant area and were not prepared for a long walk.
But definitely, some other time!!
Coming to the forests, the density of animals have reduced a lot. Villages are bit modern but still good amount of forests remain inspite of pressure from human beings and live stock.
Srik,
Yes!! it is very near to Bengaluru but still not many people are aware of!!
R a n j i t
I went on this route a few years back and was told this was a den for naxals. Not sure if it still is
Aravind GJ
Ranjith,
The area looked peaceful… and no policeman anywhere.
May be Naxals guys are no more in that area.