Travelogue: Idanre hills through my lens

Idanre hills
So I paid a visit to Idanre hills during the easter holiday

One piece of advice, if you ever plan on climbing the steps of Idanre hils make sure you are fit for it.
When I heard the steps were 660, I said to myself that it would be an easy ride considering the facts that I once climbed 7000 steps of a hill in India.

That was a stupid thought because the huge difference between the Lara who climbed those 7000 steps and the one who embarked on the steps of Idanre was a physically fit and skinny lady. I have not worked out in like forever, so picture this lady who after a few steps is sweating profusely, resting every now and then. 

There are 6 six resting spots on the hill, I stopped to rest for more than 10 times, for where there was no resting spot, I sat on the steps.

But I did, I climbed all 660 steps thinking that was all there is to the climb.
Oh boy, the climb has just begun.
By the time I got off the hills, my bones were weak…
But the truth is the climb was worth it.

The town of Idanre itself is breath taking.
I was dreaming of what it would feel like to waking up every morning to such wonders daily but sadly the people of the town are oblivious to this wonder.
I was disappointed to see the old town in ruins, our maintenance culture is terrible.

Ignorant me was actually expecting Idanre to be a village but that place is a town on its own. The electricity in Idnare is way better than that of the capital city, Akure.

My assigned tour guide was a boy of 16years in JSS 2, this is his job and he was so patient with me.  He made sure to take me to every spot there is to visit on the hill. He even carried my backpack for me and enthusiastically shared the history of the town with me.

According to history, the people of Idanre lived on top of the hill for 800 years before the quest for development made them move down the hill in 1928. Oke Idanre was actually a full blown town with its own court house, police station, primary school, river etc. 

Idanre hills
At the first resting place, feet getting ready for the long climb

The tourist chalet is in serious need of repairs, because I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind sleeping in that place.

Idanre hills

Idanre Hills

Idanre hills

Idanre hills

Idanre

Idanre

Idanre hills

Idanre hills

Idanre hills

Idanre hills

Idanre hills

Idanre Hills

Idare Hills

Idanre Hills


Idanre hills

Idanre hills
I tried so hard to even see the writings said to be on this hill, but I just could not get what the guide was talking about

Idanre Hills

Idanre hills
Exhausted is an understatement

Idanre hills
Add caption

Idanre hills

Idanre hills
The old palace

Idanre hills
Skulls of cows sacrificed year, the number of skulls found here at the death of a king signifies his numbers of years on the throne

Idanre hills

Idanre hills
Sculptures found at the old palace
Idanre hills

Idanre hills

Idanre hills

Idanre hills
Aerial view of Idanre town from the steps of Idanre hills

Idanre hills
My tour guide plucked a mango for me from the hills
I got so many pictures that I cannot upload all here.
I hope to go back to Idanre in May for the Orosun festival which I hear is really exciting.

Have you ever been to Idanre hills, please share your experience or would you like to go?

♥Lara
From Ilorin, the city that I call home for now

Molara Brown

8 comments:

  1. I visited Idanre hills 7-8 years ago, when I was in Secondary School. It was a really fun experience. Then, there were very few people living on top of the hill; a chief and his family-- the children ran around naked and the wives wore only wrappers for clothing, exposing the tops of their breasts. Then there was this other house we went to where the man and woman of the house had their whole body covered in white powder. I found it quite odd and I don't remember what we were told about them.

    It was a lovely experience. I took loads of pictures. It wasn't all too tiring though, or at least I don't remember it being. Maybe because I was with my classmates and we were just too excited at everything we saw. We did take breaks at the resting spots on our way up the hill, though.

    You should visit Erin Ijesha Water Falls in Osun State too, if you haven't :)

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    Replies
    1. I plan to visit Erin Ijesha soon...one is never tired when travelling with people...sadly there is no one living on the hills any more

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  2. wow you changed the name of your blog! these are great pictures. you should post the rest of the pictures on a facebook page. I like your LoL photo stamp.
    www.themanecaptain.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was unable to renew my former domain name...think I will start uploading on my google+ page...thanks for the suggestion.

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  3. I really am jealous *pouts* There are so many beautiful and historically rich spots in Nigeria. I should just go instead of always wishing :)

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  4. I grew up in Akure yet never visited Idanre! Now I wish I had.

    660 steps? It's no mean feat and anyone that accomplishes that deserves a medal...so here's to you, Lara.

    Weldone. (Change is the only constant factor in life...your 'new' name..I like)

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  5. Almost didn't recognise the blog name, but came cost you tweeted it :)

    Lovely pictures, reminds me of my climb to the top of Olumo Rock. But Idanre is so wonderful! Look at those hills! Wow. I hope to go one day.

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  6. I visited recently and from your pictures, not much has changed...I honestly think it's a must see...it's a totally awesome heritage.

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