S Chandran’s Skandagiri Escape with Thrillophilia: A Group Adventure to Remember
When you work with a group of 20 highly opinionated colleagues, planning anything— let alone a trek— can feel like a TASK. Yet, somehow, there we were, at the base of Skandagiri, armed with backpacks, torches, and enough snacks to feed a small village.
What started as a casual "team bonding" suggestion had turned into a full-fledged night trek. Little did we know, this adventure would be the perfect mix of comedy, camaraderie, and breathtaking beauty.
The Start: Chaos at the Base
The trek began with the usual chaos you'd expect from a group of office-goers pretending to be mountaineers. One colleague had forgotten his torch, claiming his phone flashlight would suffice. Spoiler: it didn’t.
Meanwhile, our other colleague decided to bring a yoga mat, insisting it was “essential for breaks.” Soon, the conversation turned into a joke before we even started climbing.
The night was calm, the air crisp, and the stars glittered like a celestial roadmap guiding us upwards. We huddled together for a quick pep talk, which was more of a collective agreement to "just survive this" and set off into the dark wilderness.
The Ascent: Laughter and Leg Cramps
The first stretch of the trail was relatively easy, and spirits were high. Someone started singing old Bollywood songs, and soon, the whole group joined in. It felt like a scene straight out of a road trip movie, except we were stumbling over rocks and dodging low-hanging branches.
About halfway up, things got interesting. The incline steepened, and the casual banter turned into heavy breathing. “Whose idea was this again?” one of our colleagues asked. “Team bonding, they said. It’ll be fun, they said,” I quipped, earning a round of exhausted laughter.
One of our colleague’s phone flashlights died, and he spent the rest of the trek shadowing someone with a proper torch. Another colleague unrolled her yoga mat during a break, much to everyone’s amusement. “I’m telling you, this is the best decision I’ve made all night,” she declared, lying flat and pointing at the stars.
We shared energy bars, water, and plenty of jokes, making the climb even more enjoyable. Someone even managed to scare the group with a ghost story, which, in the middle of a pitch-dark forest, was both hilarious and terrifying.
The Summit
Reaching the summit felt like a collective victory. As we emerged onto the plateau, the horizon was just beginning to glow with the first hints of dawn. The fatigue melted away as we found spots to sit and soak in the view.
Watching the sunrise from Skandagiri is an experience that defies words. The sun slowly rose, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and gold, while a sea of clouds spread out below us like a fluffy blanket. It was a moment of pure magic, made even more special by the shared sense of accomplishment.
Someone unpacked a thermos of chai, and we passed it around, sipping the warm liquid as the morning chill nipped at our fingers. “This beats any team meeting we’ve ever had,” I said, raising my cup in a toast.
We spent a good hour at the top, clicking pictures, sharing stories, and simply soaking in the beauty around us. It was one of those rare moments when everyone was fully present, away from screens and deadlines, connected by nothing more than the joy of being there.
To Gravity and Giggles
The trek down was another adventure altogether. Gravity, it turns out, is both a friend and a foe. While it was easier on the lungs, it was a test of balance and coordination.
The torchless and phone-less guy was still stuck and following the yoga-lady like glue, joking that her yoga mat might double as a sled if things got worse. Meanwhile, our manager jokingly kept announcing every 15 minutes that whoever will reach the summit first will get a promotion for surviving this.
Despite the occasional mishap, the descent was filled with laughter and a shared sense of achievement. By the time we reached the base, we were a tired, dusty, but incredibly happy group.
It was indeed a Night to Remember
As we piled into our vehicles and headed back to the city, the conversation turned to the highlights of the night. The ghost story, the yoga mat, the sunrise, and the endless jokes— each moment felt like a thread in the tapestry of a memorable experience.
Looking back, the Skandagiri trek wasn’t just about the climb or the view, it was about the people, the shared struggles, and the laughter that made it all worthwhile. For a group of colleagues who spend most of their time discussing spreadsheets and strategies, this was a refreshing reminder of the simple joys of life.
As someone wisely said during the trek, “We came as colleagues, but we’re leaving as a team.” And honestly, isn’t that the best takeaway from any adventure?
A Note for Future Trekkers
If you’re planning a Skandagiri night trek, here are a few tips:
- Bring a proper torch (not just your phone). Trust us on this one.
- Pack light but don’t skip on snacks and water.
- Dress in layers— it gets chilly at night but warms up as you climb.
- Most importantly, come with a sense of humor and a spirit of adventure.
Read More: Thrillophilia Bangalore Trek Reviews