Dodda Gundu – A thrilling hike to the hillock

Dodda Gundu, was in my bucket list for a long time. Somehow, I couldn’t get the right companion and
opportunity to hike earlier. The locals call this hillock with different names. In Kannada language, Dodda
means Big and Gundu means Rock and hence named as Dodda Gundu. It’s also called as Shiva Linga
Betta since this resembles lord Shiva’s linga.

On one fine day, in the month of July, I have decided to explore on my own. It was my first solo hike.
Recalling the direction, with the help of localities, I reached a small village around 12 PM. I have
enquired about the hillock with a mid-age farmer who showed the path up to the tiny temple which is
the starting point for the hike. He warned me to be careful as I was going alone. I parked my scooter
near the temple and started hiking the hill.

The hill is visible from the far. One must negotiate the boulders and bushes all along. As it was a
monsoon, thick vegetation was around all over. The bushes were grown, and difficult to judge the depth
of the ground. Best thing was the surrounding terrain was full of greenery supplemented by the bluish
sky. I found plenty of birds and butterflies all around. The entire vicinity is silent except the chirping of
birds and breeze.

The Dodda Gundu attracts anyone with the first sight. Negotiating the boulders, I reached the base of
the Dodda Gundu. It’s an amazing giant rock standing with a height of approximately 350 feet. The front
view depicts a huge rock split in between.

Although it was bit risky, I have decided to traverse all sides. Carefully crossing the boulders, I went to
the other side of the big rock. This view is amazing. The beauty is that in every angle, Dodda Gundu
offers unique view and moreover awesome. In fact, one side of the rock reckons Yana. I made complete
round of the Dodda Gundu. I was wondering how to climb the top of the rock. I didn’t want to take any
risk to venture further. After resting sometime, I started descending the hill to reach the temple where I
had parked my bike.

As soon as I reached the village, I found a shepherd. I started chatting with her. She revealed that there
is a way to reach the top, but its risky and one would easily lose the way unless accompanied by the
locals. She asked me to enquire some locals. I moved along to find anyone visible to take assistance. As
soon as I reached the crossroad of the village, I found a teenager walking towards the fields. This is how I
met Rakesh. He is kind enough to take me to the top of the Dodda Gundu. As it was already late, Rakesh
insisted me to venture tomorrow morning around 10AM.

Next Day – I have exited to meet Rakesh. After breakfast and packing snacks, started driving towards the
village to meet Rakesh who was waiting for me. I have met Darshan, his friend, who was also willing to
accompany us. Both are high school students and as it was Sunday, they were happy to hike with me. As
usual we reached the tiny temple and parked the scooter. Rest of the way is to hike under the guidance
of the duo. Rakesh took a slightly different route than the one which I took on previous day. Darshan is
too talkative and fond of taking snaps all along.

Doddamma Devi temple – We reached temple ‘Doddamma Devi’ which is situated in between the 2
rocky boulders. Spending some time, we started traversing further. After 15-20 minutes we reached
another small temple in the hillock where lord Ganesh was engraved. We did ascend further to reach
the bottom of the Dodda Betta.
Thriller to hike to the top from the base – Rakesh and Darshan were experts and had been to the top
many times. Rakesh showed the side of the rock that’s the starting point to climb. The boulders are
formed in a such a way that one can use those boulders as steps, climber, and sneak through. We found
the bones of sheep where Darshan mentioned probably the ship had become the victim for the bear
there...!

The main obstacle to reach the top is the small narrow passage formed by the boulders where in hikers
need to pass through. Only slim trekkers can sneak through, if someone is fatty or mid-sized, then it
would not be possible. Darshan sneaked through first. I bit struggled but succeeded to pass through and
to go further. The rock opens after and negotiating the wonderful rocky structures. We proceeded
further to reach the last boulder. Darshan helped to climb further to finally negotiate the big boulder to
step on the top of the Dodda Gundu.

Amazing view at the top – A cool breeze along with the beautiful views of the surrounding fields,
villages and other hills thrilled me. Darshan was busy clicking snaps. I felt privileged to be there.

Descending – Again, we carefully crossed the main challenger – the narrow passage formed by the
boulders to sneak through. One must careful in this stretch. Sliding here and there we reached the wide
rock to rest. Had snacks and relaxed for some time. It’s started drizzling. We decided to quickly descend
and reach the village. Overall, it’s really a thriller to climb to the top of the hill and every bit of effort is
worth it.

Seege Kallu and Navilugundu, Darshan mentioned other destinations to trek next time. We planned to
trek Handi Vajra in coming week. After bidding adieu to Rakesh and Darshan, I started my scooter back
home.

My gratitude – Without Rakesh and Darshan it could have been incomplete the hike of Dodda Gundu. In
fact, I would have missed the thriller to reach the top and witness the beautiful surroundings.