Ettina Bhuja trek would be a wonderful experience for any trekker. Ettina Bhuja literally means ox’s shoulder. At 1,300 meters above sea level, it is situated in the Dakshin Kannada district of Karnataka.
It lies in close proximity to Dharmasthala and is a part of the Charmadi Ghats. Tall trees, beautiful views, and gorgeous natural backdrops accompany your way up the tiring, yet rewarding journey.
Ettina Bhuja trek is meant for all trekkers alike. As long as you love nature and like pushing yourself a little, you can take up this moderately challenging and fun trek offering a plethora of flora and fauna all along its stretches.
About the Ettina Bhuja Trek
To begin the Ettina Bhuja trek, the best route to take would be from Kukkada, close to Dharmasthala. Head to the village of Shishila and begin the journey. You can go there all year round. Book a complete package with food or your stay at a farmhouse nearby or some famous trekkers’ cottages to halt the night.
You can see lush green vegetation, streams as well as camp under the twinkling stars. It’s not a difficult trek but requires some stamina to get up to the peak. It is advisable to take a trek guide along and wear good shoes as some stretches could get a tad slippery.
Start with a jeep ride, park it at the base, start walking until you reach a stream and cross it on foot. Once the mild obstacles have been covered, it’s an easier bet to tread uphill gradually. Keep about 5 hours aside for reaching atop.
Things to Do Enroute Ettina Bhuja
Admire the Fauna
Keep your eyes peeled to spot the most beautiful and unique creatures not commonly seen in the city. If you’re lucky, you will be able to see the spotted deer, brown palm civet, gaur, giant flying squirrel and many others.
Watch the Sunset
The sunrise at the peak might not be as dramatic as the sunset, as the peak is not very tall. In fact, there are taller mountains in the region. However, the sunset is always worth the while. Camp there or pause to admire the sunset.
Visit Dharmasthala
Dharmasthala Temple. Photographer Vedamurthy J
Since you’re so close to it, might as well take some time off to visit Dharmasthala or maybe spend the night there too. This little panchayat village is famed for its temples and can easily be covered in 2 days, 1 night.
How to Reach Ettina Bhuja
By Air
The closest airport to Ettina Bhuja is Mangalore Airport at 146 kilometres and the one at Bangalore, Kempegowda International Airport lies 280 kilometres away.
By Train
Board the train form Mangalore Station, which is situated about 70 kilometers from Dharmasthala. From there, book a cab or take the bus for the onward journey. A number of trains ply from important cities to Dharmasthala.
By Road
Book a bus to Shishila village. From there, pre-book a cab ride to Ettina Bhuja area.