I was always fascinated about spending a night in a tent in the middle of nowhere by gazing at the stars above the Sky, lying under the open landscape, feeling the cool breeze whoosh through our hair and all these next to the warmth of campfire. Yeyyy! I get to experience this during mid-week of August with a bunch of peeps joined in the trekking group.

My last trek was three years ago so wanted to go for something which doesn’t have physical fitness as pre-requisite. Started our journey on a Saturday afternoon from Bangalore, campsite is 4 hours ride from city to one of the rural parts of Karnataka next to seasonal lake, farms, hills covered with red soil and greenery around, visual delight I must say.

There was a fun intro session among the fellow trekkers to break the silence, everyone must add a tagline with starting alphabet of their names which must be some dish. At that moment, I couldn’t think of any dish with ‘K’ (ha-ha), tagged with my favourite fruit Kiwi, group shouted “there is kebab, you can choose… Oh! Yea”

We reached our campsite in the evening, there I stand for a moment to relax but feeling something tapping between knees, it was my fur buddy Brownie (named him instantly). He was so handsome more of first love, loved the way he welcomed me😊

Soon after landing, group decided for a sunset hike which was fun alongside everybody was excited to view the magical sunset on the hills. The struggle to gasp breath was worth while sitting on the rock, chill breeze wiping those toxins on your face shared with peekaboo game of sun and clouds.

No later than 10 minutes, our trek leader shouted “guys! We have to reach our camp before sunset and it’s not a good idea to climb down in the dark”. When I said, “Subbu! 5 minutes please”, he added “when you’re close to nature, you should always be cautious and it’s so easy for anyone to get lost in this charisma”. However, I realized the significance of those golden lines when our group lost the way back to campsite on the other side of the hill. Here is a fun story, since brownie was following us from the base camp, everyone assumed that he is guiding us in the hills until that moment it shocked our mind, he is just following us hoping some feast on Saturday night. Added to the fame, he never misses guest appearance during weekends after spotting a group of hooman friends. Nevertheless, Brownie you’re a charm boy 😊

Even after losing the path, none of us had anxiety attack or any kind of sadness hoping (trek leader) for some way back to campsite.  That’s the strength of being in a group and stay united leaving all the differences aside. While walking on the trails, I was wondering what I would have been if left out on this place all alone! After hunting thoughts for few seconds, it’s better to climb up a tree and stay there until sun decides to greet me morning (ha-ha). Overthinking, I know. There are no wild animals in this place and its very safe to hike. After 2 hours of rigorous walking, google maps and all the possible digital search, it was locals who helped us to reach the farm safely.

Soon after divided into three groups to pitch our tents, that was my first time and couldn’t stop the excitement when it turns to be living home for a night. What’s next? Time to feed the tummy with yummy dinner along with the laugh stories.  My fur friend had his own share too from my plate, hope brownie had peaceful night that day.

Is that fair to end a hiking or camping without campfire unless clouds deny permission to do so? Campfire stories are special which shows different perspectives, life lessons, horror travel experiences, tongue twister games, singing, first adventure and what not even most painful incidents in life. 

It was 2 a.m. when all decided to catch some sleep for next day and to my surprise tent was cozy and in no time it started drizzling outside when snuggled into my blanket. I loved this new experience of my life.

A part of the group agreed to wake up for a sunrise trek and I caught my sense at 5 a.m. in the morning while hitting snooze button. By that time sun was slowing greeting the world when four of us rushed for our morning energy boosting hiking experience.

Spent the first half of the Sunday by playing in the farm, swimming in the artificial pool next to seasonal lake, tug of war in the mud was super fun to end with fruit tasting session in the farm

Yea, time to say good bye to the group, brownie & other fur friends when we started our journey to Bangalore. Tired, sleep deprived but one more memory to cherish in my life. Looking forward to more adventures trip.  See you!