An unplanned trek to Puligundu mountain!!!

Trekking in Puligundu rock mountain was one of the most spine chilling and challenging treks we had ever seen. Though the trekking time was less, puligundu trekking tops our list for testing our fear and patience. Puligundu Sivan temple is located in Andhra Pradesh at Chittoor district. Puligundu is a dual rock mountain with a height of 1000 feet from the ground. Because of its height, you can get a remarkable view of the surrounding hills. In this dual rock mountain, it is believed that one mountain is Lord Shiva (Puligundeeswarar) and the other one is Lord Parvathy. Every shivan temple has its own importance. Likewise, Puligundu mountain itself resembles shiva lingam and there is a Shivan temple on the top that makes it special. 

The history of Puligundu rock mountain

History says the British tried to capture this to use it as a watchtower. But the people from the nearby villages intercepted and saved it from the Britishers. As proof, there will be an Indian flag on the top of the Puligundu rock mountain. There is an iron bridge that connects both the mountains. you can see the bridge in the below image which looks tiny looking from the ground.

Puligundu trekking initial phase

Our gang of three members had no idea where the puligundu rock mountain is exactly located and how tedious it's gonna be to reach the top of the mountain. Puligundu is located 150kms from Chennai. Thanks to google maps for guiding and providing us the exact location of the mountain. 

On the way to Puligundu Sivan temple, we came across other small greenish mountains. It was very pleasant to watch those mountains along with mango groves. We were happy that we chose a bike over the car. We blindly followed google maps than asking for routes from local people. Trust me, maps brought us through beautiful routes than the route suggested by local people.

we reached the mountain by 10.30 am. Mountain looked more fascinating and gigantic than we thought. The naked eye view of the mountain can never be captured in any costliest camera. It was just wow!!!!. we parked our bikes below the mountain and were confused about where to start with. 

Puligundu Sivan temple - The journey begins

we just found our own way by climbing the small rocks to reach the mountain. We got exhausted even before reaching the base of the puligundu rock mountain. It took more than 40 minutes to reach the start of the mountain. It was indeed a hot climate and our body was dehydrating faster. Carry enough water to keep yourself hydrated until you reach the top of the mountain. After reaching the first phase of the mountain, the route becomes narrower. The rocks were extremely slippery as it rained the day before we started trekking. Don't seek the support of the small iron barriers as it is only for the namesake. Try to stick to the left and seek the support of rocks. 

Metal ladders were installed to climb up. These ladders were circular in design and we witnessed our legs shaking automatically. There were around 3-4 instances that tested our fear factor. As we proceeded further, the route became steeper and completely dark with a loud sound of bats. We three were the only people in the mountain with no help. We were about to give up!. We discussed with each other and finally decided we should worship lord Shiva today!! 

We started moving again with a better josh. My friend Sathish, who was leading us from the front kept moving in the dark. With the help of a mobile torch, we kept moving slowly by crawling over the ladder. we switched off the mobile torch after realizing there were more bats. After a thrilling moment, we saw some sunlight. Yes!!! we reached the top of the puligundu rock mountain!!! Words can't explain our feelings. we made it!! we worshipped Lord shiva.

Puligundu trekking Phase 1

After reaching the top, we felt like we reached Mars!!!. we rang the temple bell once. The sound of the bell was more soulful than Raja sir's music. We were filled with spiritual energy. The power of Lord Shiva!!!! It was a trip filled with fun, spirituality, and thrill. On a final note, If you love trekking which raises your heartbeat or which makes you tired, Puligundu rock mountain is your right spot. I am neither an atheist nor a religious person. The amount of spiritual and positive energy that the Puligundu shivan temple gave can't be described in words.  I request everyone who is depressed and needs some positive energy to drive the life further, I personally recommend you to visit puligundu shivan temple at least once in your lifetime. It is believed that whatever you pray to lord shiva in puligundu will become a reality in your life. Trust me, it happened to me. That is the reason why I am spending time writing about my experience.

Puligundu trekking phase 3

Five important takeaways from the Puligundu trekking:

1. Carry enough water and some snack to make yourself keep going.

2. Try to start the trip early morning, as the day is extremely hot which will make you tired.

3. If it is a rainy season, be careful with your steps. rocks are very slippery.

4. Don't use mobile phones while climbing. let one person reach above you and let him shoot.

5. Don't lean on any barriers. They are not strong and it's only there to satisfy your brain that you are safe.