Travelogue: Idanre hills through my lens

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. 

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.

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

Exhausted is an understatement

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The old palace

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

Sculptures found at the old palace

Aerial view of Idanre town from the steps of 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