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Chamundi Hills is situated around 13 kilometers east of the city center of Mysore.
Elevation: The hills rise to an elevation of approximately 1000 meters above sea level.
Chamundeshwari Temple: At the summit of Chamundi Hills stands the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site and a major tourist attraction in Mysore.
Legend: The hills derive their name from the deity Chamundeshwari, who is believed to have vanquished the demon Mahishasura atop the hills. The legend is celebrated during the festival of Dasara, which holds great cultural and religious significance in Karnataka.
Tourism: Apart from the temple, Chamundi Hills offer breathtaking panoramic views of Mysore city and its surroundings. Many visitors climb the 1000 steps leading to the temple for spiritual and recreational purposes.
Natural Beauty: The hills are surrounded by lush greenery, offering opportunities for nature walks, trekking, and wildlife spotting. The area is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Accessibility: Chamundi Hills are easily accessible by road from Mysore city, with well-maintained roads leading to the temple entrance. Visitors can drive, take public transport, or opt for guided tours to explore this scenic destination.
Overall, Chamundi Hills is not only a religious and cultural landmark but also a natural gem that attracts tourists and pilgrims alike, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Chamundi Hills Adventure: A Trek Down Memory Lane
Chamundi Hills Adventure: A Trek Down Memory Lane
Introduction: Embarking on a nostalgic journey back to October 1985, during the festive season of Dashera, my friends and I, a group of seven, decided to explore the scenic Chamundi Hills in Karnataka. Little did we know that this impromptu plan would lead us on an unforgettable trekking adventure down the lush slopes of Chamundi.
The Setting and Purpose: Situated 13 km east of Mysore, Chamundi Hills stand at a majestic 1000 meters above sea level. Our expedition began with a visit to the renowned Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess after whom the hills are named. The legend of Chamundi, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, added a mystical aura to our journey.The Chamundi Legend: Immersing ourselves in the lore, we learned about the fierce battle between Goddess Chamundeshwari and the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The victory atop the hill led to the naming of Chamundi Hill, and the day is celebrated across India as Dasara. The geological richness of the region, with its pink and gray granite rocks, further added to the charm.
The Unplanned Descent: Inspired by the beauty and historical significance, one of our friends proposed scaling down the hills after the temple visit. The trek, unplanned and spontaneous, led us through densely vegetated areas. The adventure took an unexpected turn as we encountered large rocks, jumping from one to another without any trekking gear.
Wildlife Encounter: Mid-trek, our journey became even more captivating as we spotted a variety of wildlife, including Bonnet macaques, Rusty-spotted Cats, Small Indian Civets, Common Palm Civets, Common/Grey Mongooses, Pangolins, and Black-naped Hares. The untamed beauty of Chamundi Hills revealed its diverse ecosystem.
Unforeseen Challenges: With half-hearted trepidation, especially from our female friends, we navigated challenges like steep rocks and unpredictable terrain. Forest department officials intercepted us, revealing the illegality of our descent. Fearful yet curious, we were informed about the hill’s inhabitants, including cheetahs and spotted jackals.
A Lesson Learned: Caught between adventure and rules, we were let off after an hour of explanation and warning. The officials shared insights into the dangers we unknowingly faced. The blow horns we had purchased at the hill’s summit turned out to be a fortuitous decision, as they could have deterred potential threats during our descent.
Conclusion: Our trek down Chamundi Hills, though unintentional and legally questionable, etched a thrilling chapter in our memories. The blend of nature’s wonders, wildlife encounters, and the unexpected encounter with the forest department made it an unforgettable adventure down the slopes of history and legend .
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