A thrilling, strenuous adventure for the fit nature lovers.

Dr. Prasad Gourineni, MBBS, MS (Ortho); ABOS

Amara Hospital, Karakambadi & Tirupati Trekking club members participated in a 2 day, 40 km trek from the western side of Seshachalam forest to its eastern side. 26 members from near and far away places joined in Tirupati in the early hours of December 31, 2022. Amara Hospital provided a min bus to Talakona via Pileru and Bakaraopeta. Received prior permission from the forest officials of Tirupati, Annamayya, and Kadapa districts because the trekking route is through restricted forest areas.

Day 1

Everyone had to wake up very early. Each member was picked up on the way. More people came than we planned for and a few had to stand in the bus. The drive was 1 ½ hours from Tirupati to Talakona. Forest officials opened the gates early for us. Everyone received their packed breakfast and lunch provided by Amara Hospital. Tirupati trekking club brought all the camping supplies like tents, cookware, and food items. Mr. Madhu, leader of the group planned everything based on his deep knowledge of Seshachalam forest and trekking experience.

We started the trek at 6 am on the 31st at the bottom of the waterfalls and climbed to the top in about 30 minutes entering the restricted area. It was a steep climb to 2870 feet, but the trail was prepared with no obstacles or slippery surfaces.

There was a forest department base camp with a shed for the trekkers that can be reached from Tirumala in a rough terrain vehicle.

After gathering everyone at the base camp, we headed on the trail to the trijunction, it was a gradual assent to 3189 feet. Everyone ate breakfast near a fresh water stream before continuing the long trek to Rudra gala. It has a camp site and was our planned first day’s night halt. We reached there early and even after bathing in the small waterfall there it was just past noon. Standing under the falling water gave a soothing massage to the achy shoulders.

The brisk walking made everyone tired, especially when we walked off the trail to find water. No sign of any wildlife so far. This forest is known to have elephants, leopards, and sloth bears. Walking through shallow water got everyone’s shoes and legs drenched.

Rudragala waterfalls

Everyone walked quite fast and more distance was covered than was expected by our leader. Several of us developed groin and foot pain and the wetness made things worse. Lunch place was nice for camping but it was too early to stop. We continued to the top of Brahma Thirtam cutting across the forest down a steep gradient without a trail.

People who were not used to carrying heavy backpacks on slippery slopes had a tough time. The site was beautiful with clean water. But there was no place to camp. The trekking club members cut some grass and shrubs and prepared a place. Set up tents and campfire, and cooked rice and dhal. They brought curd and pickle for a full dinner. Night was quiet except for the sounds of the campfire and flowing water.

Brahma thirtham

Camp on top of Brahma thirtham

Day 2

People woke up at their own time to fresh coffee and a photo session. No one was in a hurry because we covered a lot of distance on the first day. People went for a swim, cooked and ate delicious Upma, and packed up by 10 am.

The leader was not sure if everyone can climb down along the side of the steep waterfall. There was no trail or path taken by others. Several of us needed help with our bags and balance at a few points before we reached the bottom of Brahma Thirtham.

It was a beautiful with two streams falling into one nice pool at the bottom to swim. The one hour walk from there was along the water with rocks and without any trail to follow till we reached the main trail.

It was a few km walk till we reached Kongu madugu for lunch. Lot of signs of elephant activity though we did not see any animals. Everyone shared their food and snacks with others for the last meal. The last stop was the top of Gunjana waterfalls, 8 km away after where we can drive home.

Our leader was not sure about going down to Gunjana because the path is not clear, cannot be climbed without rope assistance, and everyone has to climb back up the same way. Despite all the difficulty everyone chose to and made it to the natural platform to view the falls. The flow was high from the recent rains and the view was worth the effort.

The platform was only midway and the depth below it scared most of us.

After about 30 minutes and a group photo there, we all climbed back to the waiting Jeeps. Amara hospital send fresh cocomuts and Samosa for everyone. The jeep drive through the forest was uneventful and everyone reached home safely.

Video of the trek https://youtu.be/YxMtFtIC6aU