Channarayana Durga Day Trek
I’m excited to share with you the thrilling experience of our recent Channarayana Durga hike. This time, I had my adventurous 7-year-old daughter, Kayra Narayan, by my side, and she was eager to share her perspective on this incredible trek.
Setting Out for the Hike Channarayana Durga Hike:
At the crack of dawn, at 3.30 am, Kayra and I, accompanied by her mom and our fellow hikers, embarked on our journey from Bengaluru. With the excitement of exploring new heights, Kayra’s enthusiasm was infectious, setting the tone for an unforgettable day ahead.
Reaching the Base:
After a smooth drive, we reached Channarayapatna at 6.15 am, ready to commence our trek. The serene surroundings and the camaraderie among the hikers uplifted our spirits as we prepared to take on the trail.
Ascending to the Summit:
The hike commenced, and Kayra led the way, her eyes gleaming with determination. With each step, she seemed to grow more confident, revelling in the thrill of the ascent. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature, we continued our journey upward, occasionally pausing to catch our breath and soak in the mesmerizing landscapes.
Summiting the Fort Peak:
To our delight, we reached the summit in a mere hour and thirty minutes. Kayra was exhilarated, and her excitement was contagious. The scenic view from the top left us all in awe, making the effort entirely worthwhile. Strong winds whispered through the hills, welcoming us to embrace the serenity that enveloped us.
Joy of Kayra Narayan:
As young Kayra savored the beauty of the surroundings, she couldn’t contain her excitement. The pristine nature and panoramic vistas captivated her, making her heart sing with joy. Kayra even managed to capture a few treasured photographs to cherish these moments forever.
Discovering the Pond:
During the hike, we stumbled upon a beautiful pond nestled within the fort. Kayra was thrilled to find such a gem amidst the rocky terrain. The pond’s tranquil waters seemed like a magical oasis in the midst of our exhilarating journey.
Mountain Top Surprise:
As we explored the mountain top, we noticed that it was adorned with fresh lemongrass. Our fellow hikers, Gouri Rajput, my wife, and Jyothi Jyothirmayee Pola, the hike leader, decided to take some lemongrass with roots home to plant. We all thought it was a wonderful idea to bring a piece of the trek back with us.
Enjoying Fresh Lemongrass Tea:
Back at home, Gouri Rajput used the freshly picked lemongrass to make a delightful cup of tea for all of us. The aroma of the tea was invigorating, and as we took sips of the freshly brewed beverage, we were reminded of the enchanting experience we had shared on the mountaintop. The tea tasted even more awesome knowing that it came from the very place we had explored and treasured.
The Descent:
With the weather showing signs of change, we knew we had to descend soon. A light drizzle began, hinting at an imminent rainfall. Aware of the potential slippery conditions, we made our way down carefully but swiftly, ensuring everyone’s safety.
Gathering Beautiful Memories:
As we descended, our hearts were full of gratitude for the wonderful memories we had created together. Kayra’s excitement and courage had added an extra layer of joy to this adventure. We knew that this would be a trek to remember for a lifetime.
Conclusion of the trek:
Our Channarayana Durga hike was a memorable journey of exploration, adventure, and bonding with nature. With the enthusiastic company of my 7-year-old daughter, Kayra Narayan, the experience was enriched beyond measure. We returned home with hearts brimming with happiness and a treasure trove of beautiful memories. Our next adventure awaits, and Kayra is already planning her next hiking expedition. Until then, stay tuned for more thrilling stories from the Narayan Padmanabha! Happy hiking!