Natural pools of Nagalapuram - 2,3 Jan 2016

The natural pools in Nagala beats any water sports in a themed park I've been to. In less than a year, I was back to dare myself to jump from a stomach knotting height. Heart felt thanks to Bangalore Trekking Club for once again organizing a wonderful trip and 14 fellow trekkers for all the sweet memories.

We gathered at Terminal 3 to catch a bus. Organizers Ameer and Lokith had managed to procure 5 life-jackets on rent despite the unusual  demand. Only Ameer and I had been to Nagala before and we did our best to hype up the location and expectations. I think we fell well short, it has to be experienced to suspend belief. After quick round of introductions, we boarded ksrtc bus to Puttur.

Luckily, there were enough empty seats to spread out, keep our luggage and rest as comfortable as possible in public transport. We reached before 4 AM the next morning, waited for sometime and then caught the next bus to Nagalapuram village. This one was even more empty, but with worn out seats and rickety windows. We still managed to catch some sleep in the chill.

Early morning chai

At the village, we had our first cups of tea/coffee and then waited on steps in front of shops to wait for organizers to arrange a place for freshening up. Our lead guide Giri (whom I knew from previous trip) and his companion Suresh soon arrived. The marriage hall we made use of last time was being rented for cotton sales, so we had to use another marriage hall close by. It was still under construction, but fit for our purposes. We then had breakfast and a long waiting time to get lunch packed. Meanwhile, the local guides and organizers went shopping for rice and supplies for dinner that evening.

On our way to hills

Fun started right away with our 50 minute bumpy bolero ride to the base. From serene fields to hills in the distance and stealing sugarcane to selfies. Before starting, everybody got their lunch packs and went about securing their backpacks for the trek ahead.

At the base

It was a sunny day as expected. Giri and Suresh led at the front, while Ameer brought up the rear. First timers had plenty of questions which Giri patiently answered (he was genuinely happy to lead and proud of the place). He told us how the dam was flooding during the recent cyclones.

Part natural, part man made dam

Our group was quite energetic and made quick progress towards first of the three pools. The initial walk besides the banks gave way to well worn path amidst trees and bushes. The stream was never too far from us. Stones and thorny bushes restricts the pace, but probably not so much given our heavy backpacks and overhead Sun. We took breaks often, many a times just for the fast and slow trekkers (relatively speaking) to catch up. All along, nostalgia was too strong as and when I recognized some spots from last time, including a doggie joining us.

One of the numerous breaks

At one of those spots, there were so many frogs (or toads?) that it was difficult to not step on one of them. As we neared the pool, we found Amla (Indian Gooseberry) trees. Giri and Suresh helpfully climbed and plucked loads of them.

Finally, at half past noon, we reached the pool. Dinesh kickstarted by going in first. Giri guided people wanting to jump, showing the spots, brief techniques and leading the way for the first 20+ feet jump.

Enjoying in the natural pool

Non-swimmers took turns with life-jackets and helped by Giri and swimmers to get used to water and have 100% faith. While waiting for my turn, I did my best to capture moments here and there. Just standing besides the top spot was a bit scary. Dinesh, Vivek, Radhika, Aliasgar and Lokith took lead after Giri, while Ameer had a lengthy mental battle despite a successful attempt last time.

Giri, showing how it is done

Among non-swimmers, Sahana, Saleem, Syed and Shilpa were quick to trust life-jacket and jumped quite a bit around. Susmitha and Vidya became accustomed by the third pool. Mounika was kinda meh to all our jumping antics despite knowing swimming well - she finally took the bait of 10+ feet jump the next day :P Despite phobia, Akash did his best to get in water and more importantly took wonderful pictures :)

When I finally got my chance, I started with small jump, then about 10 feet jump before climbing again for icing on the cake. Aliasgar was kind enough to take over shooting responsibilities. I just made sure video was being taken and then jumped on count of three, before my fear of heights near edges could take over. My landing went awry and it hurt for a while, but it was SOOOOOOOOOOO good to do it again! :)

Even our shelter is natural made ;)

About 3 hours later, we called it enough and had lunch - yummy lemon rice with snacks. After some rest, we trekked for another half an hour to reach the cave (still in damp clothes), just below a hill top, ideal location to camp and spend the night. For now, we continued to the stream above which is famously known for magic pool - a natural slide on rocks ending with deep pool.

Natural slide (Photo Courtesy: Akash)

Like before, swimmers took lead to show how it is done. Many were skeptical at first and then couldn't hold themselves from repeating it many many times. One just needs to be careful in folding hands before sliding, rest is all magical :)

The climb back up on ragged and sharp cuts in the rocks was the only difficult part. Sandals with straps are ideal to go in so that it is easier while coming back. And then there is a narrow spot, allowing a 10+ feet jump. Most of us jumped, some doing it multiple times. Yet again, I did it quickly before fear could set in. Giri, Akash and Vivek took plenty of pictures and videos (Overall we had about 10 GB of images and videos to share :D)

After we changed to dry clothes, most of us settled down for much needed rest. Guides and few others went down to collect wood for cooking and camp fire. From previous experience, we knew there were rats about and we spotted them from time to time.

While we waited, we munched on snacks and then started a very convoluted Antakshri - movie names in pretty much any language - Telugu, Kannada and Tamil were most popular. Malayalam, English, Hindi, Gujarathi and Marathi were thrown in. Most of the times it was like rapid fire quiz, very difficult to keep track. It was fun and definitely good for time pass.

Like last time, we all went up for a while to sit under the brilliance of the sky, twinkling with stars. Highlight was epic monologue by Saleem on the science behind Interstellar movie. After dinner (tamarind rice, white rice, pickle, curd, snacks, etc), we spread out our sleeping mats and settled to play mafia, moderated by Mounika. While the first round was admittedly funny as participants were getting to know the rules of the game, the second round resulted in clean routing of mafia, courtesy immaculate policemen and doctor.

wakey wakey

After bit of re-arranging and plenty of adjustment, all 17 of us fit in that small flat space for the night. Plus the doggie. Few wakings apart, I had a good sleep. After freshening up in the morning, we kindled the fire again to heat MTR ready-to-eat packs followed by cup-noodles and normal ones. Some hadn't paid attention to mail circulated before the trip regarding food, but in the end it all turned out sufficient.

Co-ordinated crossing

By 9:40 AM, we started our trek to the third and final pool. We had to go down to the stream below and continue following it all the way to pool. Of course, we took plenty of pics before starting. After steady hike and numerous breaks (including wading in thigh deep water), we reached the spot by 11 AM.

This time we only spent 2 hours in the pool :P Intention was more about getting everybody to visit the hidden small waterfall on the other side. Swimmers took lead in guiding the non-swimmers in batches. While we were at it, another group trekking from the other side met us.

Third pool, with hidden waterfall behind those rocks

The pool near the waterfall was ideal to spend lot of time (which the now confident non-swimmers made full use of, especially floating). And the rest of us took turns to jump from about 15 feet in the front. 1-2-3 and jump became a mantra. Few even took to give us a show on head-first dive, back jumps and so on. A big thanks to Syed, Akash and others who patiently took photos and videos.

Lunch spot

After crossing the stream, we had lunch - khakras, bread (thanks for peanut butter and pineapple jam), biscuits, cake and whatever snacks we had remaining. Giri told us that we could spend some time in yet another pool, so we didn't spend much time relaxing and walked in damp clothes again.

We took about two hours to reach there. With plenty of breaks, water-filling, snaps and chit-chat about treks. It was a wide and good spot to spend time, though just shallow pools. Many villagers were already enjoying, so we decided to give this one a skip. We changed to dry clothes, kept out the damp ones to dry and settled for much needed rest and more chit-chat.

Good-bye Nagala, we'll be back another day

The break also helped to break the monotonous march to starting point. By 5 PM, we reached the dam and took plenty of group pics. Some villagers were curious about our trip, while some were genuinely surprised at such an undertaking. While waiting for our bolero ride to come, we went over photos and videos on our cameras and formed whatsapp group. We even had a prolonged discussion on fat loss and how Yoga seems best choice. Over and above nature, it is the wonderful people who make the trip memorable. Thanks everyone :)

At Nagalapuram bus stand, we had time just enough for cup of tea/coffee, before we got lucky to get a bus to keep our luggages without an issue and get seats a short while after getting in. We had some very spicy discussions :P before reaching Puttur. After some inquiry, we went to Jyothi mess for dinner. We ordered every variety of dosas available and few plates of chappathis too. Food was tasty, onion-dosa was the best. And then a round of ice-cream. Just about 20 minutes left when we entered bus stand. Since the other trekking group were also taking the same bus, we had to adjust by keeping our luggages below the seats.

Overall, yet another wonderful trek with BTC. What more could one ask to start a new year with? Eagerly awaiting Kumara Parvatha trek with BTC this month. And I think I will be back to Nagala next year as well :P

Nagala - Leap of Faith - 7,8 Feb 2015

I suppose most people like swimming, especially non-swimmers. Humans are born as natural swimmers (don't believe? watch this) and many lose the ability soon after. What a boon life jackets are for non-swimmers - to be able to enjoy floating on water is priceless. And even more unbelievable feats as we did on this wonderful and ever memorable trekking trip to swimmers paradise in lesser praised Eastern Ghats.

After Dudhsagar, Nagala has perhaps become the hottest trail organized by BTC. We started from Terminal 3, Majestic in Karnataka state transport to Puttur on Friday 6, 2015. Virander and Srikanth were leading 20 member party, with an even mix of experienced trekkers and relative newbies. Popular mother and daughter (Rajalakshmi and Vaishnavi) duo were coming for second time to Nagala! With bit of struggle, we managed to stuff our heavy luggages. Neer shared his hot paranthas for a late after dinner snack amidst reminiscing of earlier treks.

Early morning at Nagalapuram

Puttur and Nagalapuram village

After few hours of not so sound sleep, we reached Puttur quarter past 4 in the morning - later than usual time that we missed the first bus to Nagalapuram village. Keeping our luggages in one spot, we gossiped until the next bus arrived around 5 AM. The bus barely stopped to let us (and few other passengers) to get in before starting off as if late to an appointment. Within 10-20 minutes, most of us were catching much needed naps. Few minutes before 6 AM, we reached the village and yet again kept our baggages together and waited - this time for nearby marriage hall owners to respond to our refreshment needs. A cup of tasty tea was consumed and beauty of village morning relished until then.

Idlis and Dosas
Hot idlis, vada and dosas served near the tea shop satiated our morning hunger. We packed some for lunch and local guides Giri and Hari got rice, vegetables and utensils to cook for dinner that day. Around 9 AM, we lugged our baggages onto open roof goods carrier - spacious just enough for us all to stand (after some bags were kept atop the carrier in front). Painful but scenic 50 minute ride brought us to base of the hill. By then, Sun was merrily shining, promising us a hot day.

Starting the much awaited trek
Those who had opted for life jacket (thanks a lot to Srikanth for getting them on rent for us) got them added to our already heavy backpack. As usual, we then had introduction session after forming a 'straight' circle. And off we went, in hope of awesome trek ahead - Nagala was every bit wonderful as advertised and more.

Starting from base

Lake at the base

A scenic lake (surrounded at one side by dam) with trees devoid of leaves greeted us at the base. The temple was fully visible (gets immersed during monsoon), added to the beauty. We followed a well worn path - strewn with boulders and trees around. A dog joined us too and stayed till with the very end, never barking and behaving itself (except for a small incident on Sunday :P) The itinerary wasn't pressing and we relaxed often where there was sufficient shade. With natural streams to come, there wasn't an issue with water too.

One of the numerous streams on the way

Given months past monsoon, the streams weren't full and it was easy to cross most of them easily without getting wet. Stones, natural or strategically placed helped too. About an hour into the trek, came the first instance of having to necessarily wade across water. Sandals with straps are best for this trek, but many were on shoes. Some removed, some went ahead wearing them. A short distance ahead, we took extended break on the rocks (despite the Sun) - the cool stream passing in between was so inviting for the legs.

Half an hour later, we met another large group going ahead, presumably having just taken rest under the shade. We decided to stay back for a break ourselves - this time passing around snacks and fruits as well. Only 15 minutes later, we neared the first pool of the trek - the noon Sun baking us. The local guides really did know the area well and given so many natural pools, we could pick that was free. What followed is something we all are gonna remember for a long long time.

5 feet jump
Virander got the first dive/jump going - from about 5 feet. Most of us followed, with snaps and videos being taken. The water wasn't cold once one had a dip. Swimmers and confident non-swimmers with life jackets went into deeper waters ahead, floating and swimming and enjoying the natural pool. First timers with life jacket were encouraged by others and they were too overcoming their instinct. Some even built up courage to take the 5 feet plunge, occasionally helped along by Virander.

First nervous jump

10 feet jump
Soon, one found a rock to jump about 10 feet. Encouraged by earlier jump, some followed - though I was confident in life jacket's ability to keep me afloat, there was hesitation and fear before I jump. And it was in the wrong fashion - neither dive (which I don't know) nor straight jump, but flat out on stomach. Physics let me know just how wrong it was by hurting me, but the feeling didn't last long.

Under water beauty

20 feet jump
Like an exponential mathematical progression, we were suddenly faced with monster of a jump. Thanks to Giri, the guide. He coolly climbed a cliff and jumped without any need of life jacket - from about 20 feet or higher. We were all dumbstruck. We didn't even realize that the water was so deep for such a jump. He even demonstrated a second time, with even better acrobatics - swirling in air before hitting water. We still couldn't believe. Naturally, there were others now who wanted to try. Srikanth and Neer were amongst the first to try (don't remember if someone else did too) and that drew more, myself included.

One for lifelong remembrance

Only when I looked down from near the edge (too afraid to go tip of edge), did the reality hit hard - instinct took over and all sorts of excuses came out. Virander started recalling his aborted bungee jumping. Those who had succeeded were coming back for more. I aborted twice, before finally mistering some unknown reserve of faith and leaped, squatting and holding my knees (to reduce hurting on hitting the water). It still hurt my bum, but whew! I did it! The body immersing fully inside water and buoyed by the life jacket - all within a second or so. That too, I don't know swimming! And did it again - this time straight (not squatting). Oh, such an elation, such a memorable achievement. Soon, more of them overcame their inner demons and immersed in that inexplicable pure bliss.

Lunch

Hunger gnawed after that swimming exercise. Packed ildis, chappathis from Rajalakshmi and other items were gobbled in a hurry. As Murphy's law would have it, we found the separate chutney pack after finishing off all the idlis with sambhar.

Marching on towards peak

More climb to reach camp spot

Soon, we were marching again to one of the peaks. We hadn't changed our wet clothes, as more water sport awaited us. We passed a large group (looked like fun camp for parents and their kids) from CTC, its famous founder Peter was in attendance too. It felt longer, but half an hour later - 3:30 PM, we reached the resting place - another natural wonder - rocks providing shelter. Numerous trekkers camping there had turned the underside black.

Fun ain't over for the day

After brief rest and dumping our luggage, we trekked past peak to pool number 2. It had a natural slide to pool! Again, some daredevils like Amir, Srikanth and Neer showed us how to do it. And yet again, Virander was ready to push those who needed that extra nudge. Only little problem was climbing back on a tricky rocky path. So we started going in with our sandals or had them thrown in (Arvind even lost his slippers - as they didn't have straps - but recovered later).

 Natural slide (better than Wonderla)

There was also another about 15 feet jump - but only few attempted it. The pool was clear and pebbles were visible at the end where it was shallow. Some had fish bites too! As sun was setting, it became quite cold to be in water and we wound up soon enough. Easily, the slide was better than anything in Wonderla :P

Planes, Stars, Satellites and Shooting Stars

After we had changed into dry clothes (spreading life jackets on a tree close by and wet clothes on boulders above), we came back to the peak for another feast - for the eyes this time. Stars everywhere. Moon hadn't risen yet (or not visible in our range). Everybody began pointing out constellations and galaxies and pole stars. Discussions included that one can spot satellites and another wished to see a meteor burning.

First came the aeroplane (most likely originating or going towards Chennai - which is close by). Then someone spotted a satellite (might even be ISS, not sure) - by its slow movement and lack of blinking lights. And, hold your breadth, we saw the bright orange/yellow flare of Shooting Star! Wow, wishes do come true :) And then there was heated discussion if Astronomy and Astrology are related and whether or not Astrology could have some logic.

Sumptuous Dinner (and nuisance Rats)

Meanwhile, Giri and Hari had brought plenty of logs for dinner and camp fire. Led by Rajalakshmi, dinner preparations was in full swing. Rats began poking around our bags. We tried our best to shoo them away by shining our torches. Finally, someone kept a chilly which they took away and didn't bother us much after.

We spread our sleeping mats and sat in a row - patiently waiting to be served. We had all got bowls and spoons for this purpose. Highlight was the dal prepared by Rajalakshmi. Everybody liked it but sadly quantity wasn't enough for a second helping. Snacks, pickle and curd were passed around to add taste. The doggie got its fill too.

So tired we were that few minutes after dinner, we spread out to sleep instead of playing games. It was only around 8:30 PM. Guide Giri ensured fire lasted the night (which keeps away any wild animals too). It wasn't that cold for a February night atop a hill, but sleeping bag/blanket was cozy past midnight.

Camping spot

Crazy morning
By 6 AM, we started getting up. Though it wasn't uninterrupted sleep, we woke up refreshed (and a complaining body). We took turns to freshen up (either going up or to the stream below). The doggie woke up - disoriented or hungry, not sure which. But it gave a scare to a soundly sleeping guy, who almost hurt himself by the distracting noise and jerking awake.

 

And then, Swathi decided she had to slide (having passed on last evening - we all teased that she must have tossed around whole night to come to the decision). Now, when one starts, others follow (Jita, Rajalakshmi and Vaishnavi). Virander nudged Swathi and then others did after lot of persuasion. Virander and Srikanth went in as well. Motivated by slide, Swathi and Jita decided it was time for next step - 15 feet jump. Virander and Srikanth helped again and they did it more than once.

Assorted Breakfast

Out came maggi and MTR ready-to-eat packets as well as cakes and biscuits. Pandemonium broke when someone opened Kesari bath! Heated MTR packets were tasty (dunno about healthy). We cleaned up and packed to trek for pool 3.

 

Knee deep wading through streams

We reached the stream from where we had branched yesterday and continued further. At a good spot, we filled water from the flowing stream. Our backpacks were still heavy and shoulders aching. Spirits were high though. The path was strewn with boulders and trees around, very much a continuation of yesterday's walk. About an hour later we reached our destination - a few breaks in between and wading through streams (some a little tricky and knee deep) and of course, loads of snaps.

Novel dish cleaning - Fish

Pool 3

Near the pool, the soiled vessels and plates were put into water - they were cleaned thoroughly by fishes. We were raring to plunge into water again. This one was much larger than the previous two, with a pleasant surprise hidden. Cliff on the left side wasn't scalable but the right one was. Virander and Srikanth were already scaling that side and again led the jumping efforts. First about 10-15 feet and then another bigger one.

Hidden gem of a small waterfall

Further ahead, the rocks formed almost a cave like narrow passage which led to another small pool. But what wasn't so evident was the small waterfall (just about 5-10 feet tall) hidden behind. 

 

Selfie by the falls

Though it is no where compared to some of the waterfalls in western ghats, the forceful water flow made it worth while and we had to take turns to get a massage. We waited patiently for everyone to come, most importantly Vivek with his water proof Gopro camera to take pic :P

Co-ordinated Jumps

Back to entrance of the pool, almost everybody wanted to jump. Only tricky part was climbing from water onto the cliff - few found it easy enough and others had to be lent a helping hand. While some of us were standing, ready to jump, an idea seeped that we should jump one by one in a line. And of course, it had to be videoed :P. 2-3 times we did it and when it was time to go, it was with heavy heart - but with a promise to perhaps visit again :)

 

 Awesome video capture and editing by Vivek

What a Lunch!
We crossed the knee deep stream and stopped at a large rocky place for lunch. Anything remaining was brought out - Khakra, biscuits, cakes, bread jam, fruits, snacks, even chutney powder. Cakes were distributed like some prasadam at a temple. One full packet of mashed bread was opened, somehow mixed with jam and then gobbled.

Long trek back

After all the enjoyment, it was time to trek back to reality. And a long distance too. We walked and walked and walked, with plenty of breaks and filling our bottles again and again (courtesy the merry Sun) and glucose/electrolyte. During one break, Virander showed how to open a plant's stem and get the water rich edible part. At another, we were pulling Vaishnavi's leg by creating fake logic that one's age should be double the standard he/she is studying. She caught on soon and was clear in actual logic! We met other groups on the way too. One team was rappelling from a cliff.

 

Time to go back :(

Our goods transport

After more than 3 hours, near the lake, we took group pic and then it was time was another wild ride. This time, we arranged our bags much better and got comfortable than the Saturday ride. Round of refreshing tea - again from the same shop. His bill amount last time was 200 and this time as well. When we asked prices of tea/ginger-tea/etc, he calculated again and came up with 150 :P Meanwhile, Vivek got everyone to pose a nasty look :D

We got into crowded bus back to Puttur. Bus conductor was good enough to allow us in despite our voluminous backpacks. Most of us got seats as we moved ahead. Our small group in front started discussing movies and treks and noted movies which sounded good to be watched. Dinner was at a restaurant which had added the shortened name 'pk'! It was empty when we entered and they were bringing materials to cook from outside once we ordered. It took so long that we had to cancel our last few orders to reach bus stand for the bus back to Bangalore. When the bus came, localites rushed to occupy seats and many had to get down disappointed as they didn't know about our 20 reserved seats.

Feedback was lively with everybody praising BTC's well planned event. Total cost per head came to be about Rs 1225 (including BTC fund and life jacket rent!). It was pretty cold as we head towards Bangalore and with drivers fast driving and all the shaking, we hardly slept. Around 4, we started getting down at various stops according to our nearest locations. All in all, one of the best trek ever :)

 

Picture and Video credits - yours truly and Vivek Sangwan