7 Aug 2016

Revisiting green route trail

by | posted in: Asia, Experience, India, Karnataka | 11
The railway route between Sakleshpur and Kukke Subramanya was one of the most scenic trekking trail in Karnataka. It was the time when the track was closed for meter to broad gauge conversion. When trains started running again, the trail was closed for trekkers. Having trekked twice on this route (link here), I wanted to experience this journey on train. My family was also interested and I made a plan combining it with the visit to Kukke Subramanya.

 

Crossing the “killer” bridge
Our travel
Having reached Kukke Subramanya in morning, we spent some time visiting temples before heading to Subramanya road railway station. The train was supposed to come at 1PM but it was late by 45 minutes.

 

 

Since the stretch from Subramanya to Sakleshpur involves climbing up the western ghat, the train is supported by two additional engines by pushing it from the back. They were ready and were waiting for the train to arrive!!

 

 

The train has general compartment, 2S and AC chair car coaches. I had made reservation in 2S coach. While general compartment is crowded, the AC chair car is not ideal for scenic route as the windows are not transparent. 2S coaches are the best to view the scenery and the seats could be reserved.

 

 

When I boarded the train, I realised that the window seat was facing towards the hilly side of the route and not the valley. To get better view, I went towards the door and sat there. I expected Ticket Collector to oppose but he did not bother.

 

 

The train moved out of the station and was soon entered into the forest. As the train made its journey through the first tunnel, people greeted it with “hoo hoo” sounds!! But very soon the tunnels became a norm!!

 

 

There are four stations between Subramanya road and Sakleshpur. They are Siribagilu, Yedakumeri, Kadagaravalli and Donigal but there is no scheduled stops at these stations. The train did stop at couple of station to pick up railway workers.

 

 

For me it was a retrace of my trekking journey in opposite direction (both times I trekked from Sakleshpur). Being monsoon season, the greenery was abundant, the scenery amazing with lot of waterfalls. Only before reaching Sakleshpur, it becomes disturbing as the area is filled with huge pipes and forests being cleared. Looks like some “development” work in progress.

 

Views near Yedakumeri

 

Railway workers are seen all along the route to ensure the maintenance of the track. Dilapidated and abandoned buildings are seen in the route.

 

Which one was better?
It took two hours to cover the distance through the western ghats. I had taken two days to trek this distance by walking. It was like seeing a movie in fast forward mode!! The excitement of crossing the railway bridge over the gushing water could not be felt on train. No doubt, the trekking experience was much better but given that the option is no more available, I must say that the train journey provides a glimpse of that experience.

 

A waterfall seen from the train
Note
As mentioned there is only one day train on this route and it runs between Yeswantpur and Karwar and it runs very alternate days. There are no trains on Sunday. The journey between Hassan and Yeswantpur is longer as it goes via Arasikere. To save time, you can also get down at Sakleshpur/Hassan and take a bus. That would save an hour of journey.

11 Responses

  1. Jay
    | Reply

    Nicely narrated Aravind ji. After reading this article, it really feels of visiting and also a feeling of missing the trek.

    Thank you for sharing this experience which makes us feel live.

    Jay Trivedi
    Philips

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