Dear fellow trekkers,

For all those who felt unlucky that they are still in the waiting list for Masinagudi-2, or those who have already attended Masinagudi-1 and were wondering what to do for the Gandhi Jayanti weekend – here is another exciting and adventurous (really adventurous) trek. Yipeee yey…. We plan to spend three days trekking in Eastern Ghats around Sheshachalam. The Seshachalam Hills are hilly ranges part of the Eastern Ghats in southern Andhra Pradesh state. The hills were formed during the Precambrian era (3.8 billion to 540 million years ago). This area is very green and beautiful with streams and waterfalls, particularly after rains, so pack up your bags, put on your shoes and lets go…( Of course you need to RSVP and do a couple of formalities as per our group regulations). For those who are feeling excited about this, please read further…..

To begin with, let me inform you that this is not a luxury trek, so don't expect any. We are going to stay in a
jungle where there is no electricity, no television, no internet, mobiles may not work. It is of moderate intensity (for those not routinely going on treks read difficult). You might need to prepare for this trek by improving your physical fitness. You are expected to walk about 8-10 kms everyday in the hilly terrain { though not climbing uphill holding grass tufts as in masinagudi :) }. You also need to carry a backpack with your belongings for 3 days. So, try and restrict your bag size to the minimum {Girls.... I hope you have heard this :) }. On the way you will have the opportunity to witness some of the rare paintings and caves where ancient men dwelt in the pre-historic age. You would be visiting the following places - ARIMANU BANDALU, YERRAMAREDDY MADUGU, SEDANEDU, MUNESWARA KONA. We are taking the help of a professional adventure organiser in Tirupati for trek routes, guidance, food and accommodation arrangements.

Here are some links you might want to go through -

http://www.thehindu.c...

http://www.youtube.co...
this is a you tube video (with a professional touch) by one of the fellow trekkers when we trekked Seshachalam earlier this year.

I have a couple of pictures that I am not able to attach here and would send them separately.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

1st DAY (01-10-2009) :- Travel from Hyderabad to Tirupati via Venkatadri express leaving Hyderabad at 8pm.

2nd DAY (02-10-2009):- Travel from Renigunta rly station to KUKKALA DODDI VILLAGE situated at 20 kms (TIRUPATI - KADAPA Highway) . Reach there at 8 am, meet the organisers & begin trek to ARIMANU BANDALU 10 kms. Night Halt.

3rd DAY (03-10-2009):- Trek to Yerramareddy Madugu – 8kms Night Halt.

4th DAY (04-10-2009):- Trek to Balapalli British Banglow (Kukkala Dhodi) – 8 kms

Trek charges - Rs. 2400/- per person
this includes Rs 1500 to be paid to the group + 600 to and fro train fare from Hyd to Tirupati + 100 to and from Tirupati to the trek starting point + 200 for 2 meals not covered by the group.
This is an estimate and you may have to bear the actuals if different.

Please note: Use of Alcohol/Narcotics of any description and Smoking is STRICTLY PROHIBITED during the camp.