Ever since I joined Chennai Trekkers Club in India, it was my wish to join them for a trekking. I never had money or time to join them, even after joining the club. After my long vacation, I came back to Chennai to start with my University classes. But to my surprise, a short holiday was waiting for me. I came to know about CTC trekking through my friend. I didn’t even need to think twice, I joined a trek. This time, the trekking was to Nagalapuram.

Nagalapuram is a town in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is near the Tamil Nadu border and on the way to Thirupathi. I was excited for my first trekking with them, so I couldn’t even sleep. They informed us of a meeting spot to be picked up at. They were supposed to pick us up at 5:00 AM, but we had to call and wake up the driver at 5:00 AM! Many unknown faces joined from different places and now we were headed to Nagalapuram.

I don’t know when I slept in the car, but when I woke up, I was somewhere in Andhra. The sun was just coming up the horizon. It was a beautiful scene. We were passing through some villages and there were many bullock carts and bulls. Old men were just having there morning coffee; some were reading news and having a conversations with their mates. All others in the car were asleep. I was no longer sleepy after seeing these sights. Morning sights in villages are always pleasant to the eyes.

After sometime, we reached a small town were we had our breakfast. It was the last place where food and other materials were available. After this, there wouldn’t be anymore stores, not even a place to buy water bottles. We bought some fruits and biscuits for the trekking. It was also our lunch! Nagalapuram, the temple town, is built at the time of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayana gara Empire regime in memory of his mother Nagala Devi. Hence, it became Sri Nagalapuram. Before the change of its name to Nagalapuram, this village was known as Harigandapuram.

Our destination was Nagalapuram South peak, which was more than 800 meters high. When we reached the base camp, there were already some youngsters playing loud music and having a good time. The place looks amazing with a beautiful lake, which was surrounded by many mountains. I am happy I went on this trek.