Pic: Forest department has trained local youths to guide trekking teams in KappataguddaGadag: The forest department finally initiated steps to start trekking activities in Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary from this weekend. The Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 35,000 hectares, is slowly attracting tourists. It is home to several medicinal plants.Following heavy rains, there is greenery all over the hill range, attracting tourists from across the state. Now, the department is all set to begin trekking activities systematically, adhering to safety measures. Trekking is expected to commence this weekend from Saturday, if everything goes as planned. The department has identified seven trekking points in the Kappatagudda hill range.Manjunath Megalamani, RFO, Mundaragi, and in-charge of Kappatagudda, told TOI that there was a demand to start trekking over the years, but it did not happen due to some technical reasons. “Now, everything is sorted out, and we are preparing to start trekking activities in Kappatagudda Sanctuary. We have identified seven trekking points such as Doni Bangarakolla trekking point, Hill Top trekking point, Vibhuti trekking point, Jalligeri trekking point, Katapungudda, and Chirategallu trekking point. In the wake of demand from tourists to start trekking in Kappatagudda hill, we are now ready to host trekking activities,” he said.He said there is a clear instruction from the department to take admissions only through online booking, which will be launched by the department to book tickets to be part of the trekking group in Kappatagudda on Tuesday or Wednesday. “We will take the people who book online tickets for trekking probably from next Saturday. During the initial days, we will undertake the groups for trekking from 6am to 12 noon. Once it gains traction, we will extend the hours. We have given nature guide training to 29 local youths who will work as guides to assist trekking groups. All these trained persons will be deputed at all seven points in rotation. Rs 250 is charged per person to undertake trekking, and we will cover 3 to 12km during trekking. Some trekkers from Tumakuru have requested the department to start trekking in Kappatagudda, as they claim all trekking points in their region will be closed during rains. If it is started in Kappatagudda, it will help them to continue their activities during the rainy season. Rs 800 will be paid as honorarium to the person who works as a guide per team or group,” he said.Interested individuals can log in to https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in/ to book an online ticket for trekking in Kappatagudda. They can also view photographs and videos related to Kappatagudda trekking activities before booking tickets.
