Just 12 kilometers from the city of Udaipur lies a Bahubali hills, that’s slowly capturing the hearts of adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Bahubali Hills, an insider spot known mostly to locals and seasoned travelers, offers some of the most invigorating treks in the region. What sets this destination apart isn’t just the challenging trails or the workout it provides rather it’s the way the hills play with your imagination, inviting you to see familiar shapes in their rolling contours.
As you approach Bahubali Hills, the first thing that strikes you is the stark contrast between the rugged, earthen landscape and the vast expanse of sky above. The hills rise from the surrounding plains like sleeping giants, their brown hues shifting with the changing light of day. It’s a scene that immediately sparks the imagination, and you might find yourself squinting at the horizon, trying to make sense of the shapes before you even begin your ascent.
The Trek Begins
As you start your climb, the bustling sounds of Udaipur fade away, replaced by the crunch of gravel under your feet and the occasional call of a distant bird. The air grows cooler and cleaner with each step, filling your lungs and invigorating your senses.
With each step upward, the landscape begins to unfold, revealing new perspectives and hidden formations. The hills seem to shift and change as you move, creating an ever-evolving panorama that keeps trekkers engaged throughout their journey.
The Bear of Badi Lake
About halfway up the trek, you’ll reach a vantage point that offers a clear view of Badi Lake in the distance. It’s here that one of Bahubali’s most famous optical illusions comes into play. From this specific angle, a section of the hills takes on an uncanny resemblance to a brown bear lying on its stomach.
The “Bahubali Bear,” as it’s affectionately known by regular trekkers, has become something of a local legend. The formation is most striking during the early morning or late afternoon when the play of light and shadow accentuates its ursine features. Visitors often pause at this spot, taking in the view and marveling at nature’s artistic touch.
The Alligator’s Watch
As you continue your ascent, the landscape shifts and changes. From certain angles, one of the peaks takes on the distinctive shape of an alligator’s head, its rocky “snout” pointing towards the sky. This formation is best viewed during the golden hour, just before sunset, when the interplay of light and shadow accentuates the reptilian features.
The alligator formation serves as a natural landmark for trekkers, helping them orient themselves on the trail. Its position also makes it an excellent spot for a rest break, allowing hikers to catch their breath while contemplating the imaginative shapes nature has sculpted from the earth.
The Turtle’s Repose
Near the summit, another curious formation awaits. A rounded hillock, when viewed from a specific trail, bears a striking resemblance to a turtle at rest. The ‘shell’ is formed by a smooth, dome-like rock formation, while smaller rocks create the illusion of a tucked-in head and feet.
This particular spot has become a favourite among visitors for its unique vantage point and the sense of tranquility it imparts. The turtle formation seems to embody a sense of peaceful endurance, mirroring the timeless nature of the hills themselves.
The dream of a photographer
For photography enthusiasts, Bahubali Hills is nothing short of a wonderland. The ever-changing light, the unique rock formations, and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape offer endless opportunities for capturing stunning images.
Throughout the day, the hills transform under different lighting conditions. The early morning light casts long shadows that emphasize the contours of the land, making the animal shapes more pronounced. As the sun climbs higher, the harsh midday light flattens the landscape, challenging photographers to find new angles and subjects. The golden hour before sunset bathes the hills in warm, soft light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that’s perfect for capturing the magic of Bahubali.
During the monsoon season, the hills take on a completely different character. Shrouded in mist, with just the peaks peeking out, the landscape transforms into something out of a fantasy novel. The ‘animals’ seem to come alive in the fog, their shapes more suggestive and mysterious than ever.
Preserving the Magic
As word of Bahubali Hills spreads, there’s a growing focus on preserving its natural beauty and tranquility. Efforts are underway to promote responsible tourism and maintain the trails. Clear paths are being marked to prevent erosion, and small rest areas with trash bins are being set up to keep the hills clean.
Regular clean-up drives and educational programs emphasize the importance of leaving no trace and respecting the natural environment. Visitors are encouraged to carry out any trash they bring in, stick to marked trails, and avoid disturbing the local flora and fauna.
Beyond the Shapes: Flora and Fauna
While the animal-shaped hills are the star attraction, Bahubali has much more to offer for nature enthusiasts. The hills are home to a variety of native plant species, many of which have medicinal properties used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
During the spring and early summer months, parts of the hills burst into color with wildflowers. The delicate purple blooms of the Kachnar tree (Bauhinia variegata) are a particular highlight, adding splashes of color to the predominantly brown landscape.
Wildlife, though not abundant, makes its presence known to the patient observer. Sharp-eyed trekkers might spot the agile Indian gazelle, locally known as chinkara, bounding across the rocky terrain. The hills also serve as a habitat for various bird species, including the Indian eagle-owl and several types of larks and finches.
The Full Circuit: A Test of Endurance
For those seeking a real challenge, the full circuit of Bahubali Hills offers a test of endurance and willpower. This extended trek takes hikers through a diverse range of terrains, from gentle slopes to steep inclines, and requires a good level of fitness.
The full circuit provides a comprehensive experience of all the hill’s famous formations. As you move through the landscape, the ‘animals’ appear to come alive, their shapes morphing and changing with your perspective. It’s not just a physical journey, but a mental one as well, as your mind engages in the playful task of finding and interpreting these natural sculptures.
For those attempting the full circuit, it’s essential to start early, carry plenty of water, and ideally go with a guide who knows the terrain well. The rewards, however, are well worth the effort. The sense of accomplishment upon completion, coupled with the breathtaking views from the highest points, create memories that last a lifetime.
Sunset Spectacle
As the day winds down, Bahubali Hills offers one last magical display. The setting sun paints the sky in a riot of colors, casting long shadows that transform the landscape once again. The ‘bear’ seems to stretch and yawn, the ‘alligator’ appears to sink back into imaginary waters, and the ‘turtle’ looks as if it’s settling in for the night.
It’s during these twilight hours that many visitors report experiencing a profound sense of peace and connection with nature. The bustling city of Udaipur feels a world away, and for a moment, it’s easy to imagine that you’re the only person in a vast, living landscape.
Practical Tips for Visitors
For those planning a visit to Bahubali Hills, here are some essential tips: Start early: The best light for photography and the most comfortable temperatures for hiking are in the early morning, Wear appropriate footwear: The terrain can be rocky and uneven, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must, Carry water and snacks: There are no facilities on the hills, so come prepared, Respect the environment: Stick to marked trails and carry out any trash you bring in, Bring a camera: The unique formations and breathtaking views are worth capturing, Allow plenty of time: Don’t rush the experience. Give yourself time to explore and let your imagination roam.
A Journey of Imagination
What makes Bahubali Hills truly special is not just its physical beauty or the workout it provides, but the way it engages the imagination. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with digital stimuli, there’s something profoundly refreshing about letting our minds wander and find shapes in the natural world around us.
The experience of trekking Bahubali Hills is as much a journey inward as it is outward. As you climb, your mind is free to wander, to play with the shapes you see, to imagine stories behind the formations. It’s a rare opportunity in our modern world to engage in this kind of free-form, nature-inspired creativity.