The majestic Chamundi Hills, which provides a perfect backdrop to the historic city of Mysore, may have been beckoning tourists for decades now. But of late, fitness enthusiasts are making a beeline to the hill’s summit through the flight of more than 1,000 steps, instead of the uphill road.
Turning up at the foothills at the crack of dawn, these persons begin the steep climb to the summit.
Though it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to climb the 1,008 steps, the ascent appears steep and challenging only till the Nandi statue, which is located just after 650 steps.
The remaining 350 steps are relatively easy, say regular climbers. But, the first 650 steps are steep and uneven, which makes the climb tough.
With growing awareness about fitness and health, many residents of the city, including professionals, businessmen and college students have begun climbing the steps regularly, said Bore Gowda, a resident, who has been climbing the steps for several years now.
A number of young professionals from Mysore, who work in Bangalore, also make it a point to climb the steps on Sundays when they return to their hometown for the weekend, he said.
Most climbers stop for refreshments near the Nandi statue, where sugarcane and fruit vendors have put up their kiosks.
Though, security personnel are deployed near the foothills through the day to keep anti-social elements away, Mr. Gowda, who is also the president of Mysore District Horticultural Producers Co-operative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS), said authorities should install lights as a number of people also use steps after nightfall.
With nobody to clean the steps, it is left to a couple of locals like Ravi, who sweeps them of the fallen leaves and twigs and collects donations in the range of Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 to make a living.
