It was an informative experience for nature lovers on Sunday, who explored the Simhalachalam hill range trekking through the seven-km route to the highest point of the hill. Around 30 members of Green Climate, MEECONS, Trendsetters Charitable Trust and a couple of nature lovers trekked the route to explore the flora and fauna and archaeological structures of the region.
The snaking route which started from the Simhachalam Temple passed through a few hills and provided an interesting peak into several indigenous plant species. Enjoying the hour-long trek, the participants learnt about interesting plant names like Chinese sickle - a dual toned dainty flower -- and Indian screw tree, seeds of which were true to its name.
Trekking up the hill is a strenuous task, but once you are there, the stunning view of the cityscape and the rich flora surrounding the hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats is a sight to behold. Ensconced within these verdant hills are the ruins of a pre-independence day rest house of the then Judge of Visakhapatnam, dating back to the 1870s.
Narrow channelsNarrow and long-winding channels of water cut into the rock surface near the site. Aditya Madhav, a research worker, who is conducting a study of archaeological sites in the region, said that tribals of the region at that time would have built the channels for water harvesting. “The structure would have built at later relying on this rich source of water. This is the highest point of the Simhachalam hill range providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The access to this point was a pathway from Madhavdhara to the Simhachalam Hill,” added Madhav.
Later, during post-independence time the structure gradually dilapidated. Today what lies of its state is a skeletal structure with a few arches and dilapidated portions of rooms overrun by undergrowth of bushes and plants.
