Karnataka   

M.M. Hills holds little charm for trekkers

No smooth walk: Poor accessibility is a deterrent for trekkers heading for M.M. Hills.

KOLLEGAL (CHAMARAJANAGAR DISTRICT): Although brigand Veerappan and his exploits inspired awe and fear among the people, the Forest Department’s decision to throw open the jungles of M.M. Hills for trekking expeditions has evoked a poor response from adventure-seekers.

Even three years after the Forest Department began conducting trekking expeditions in the jungles, as part of “Mystery Trails”, a set of planned eco-treks with a view to taking the adventure-enthusiasts through the bandit’s living conditions, the hype generated over trekking in Veerappan land has started fading away.

“Most of the trekkers turn up only during weekends. We normally don’t have more than one group of trekkers every week. There have been occasions when trekkers don’t turn up for weeks on end. We have not had any trekkers for the last two months because of the rainy season,” a Forest Department official responsible for booking requests for trekking at M.M. Hills Range told The Hindu.

“Ever since the forests were thrown open for trekking, we have not had more than 70 to 75 groups of trekkers. Each group comprises four or six persons. Most of them turn up during summer vacation,” the official said.

The poor interest in trekking in M.M. Hills forest range has been attributed to poor accessibility and road connectivity to the base camp as well as the failure of Forest Department to promote the concept with a proactive approach.

Adventure sports enthusiast and spokesperson for International Academy for Mountaineering and Allied Sports (IAMAS) D.S.D. Solanki said trekkers from Mysore or Bangalore have to reach M.M. Hills after a tiresome road journey, which stretches to five hours.

“It is not a smooth ride to M.M. Hills from Bangalore or Mysore. The condition of the roads should improve,” he said. However, Cowdalli Range Forest Officer Muddanna said M.M. Hills forest would give the adventure-seekers an unforgettable experience of trekking through the mysterious jungles where Veerappan was dominant.

While one trekking route starts from Ponacchi Cross and ends 21 km away in Gopinatham, the native village of Veerappan, the second route, which is popular, starts from M.M. Hills and ends in Palar on the banks of the Cauvery, almost 27 km away.

After trekkers start from M.M. Hills, they stop at Nagamalai, about 12 km away, for a night’s rest in “home stay” type of facilities offered by the local people. Next morning, they continue their trek to reach Palar.

“The trekkers are escorted by a forest guard, who possesses a rifle and a walkie-talkie. Two workers will be engaged to carry the luggage of the trekkers,” the Forest Department official said.

For bookings and details, interested persons can contact Kollegal Division Forest Office on 08224-252027 or access mysterytrails.com

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