The hill with a view

Trekking and Weekend Getaways

If Nandi Hills is 57 kilometers from Bangalore, this Hill is a little father. It is 90 kms from the Silicon City. If Nandi Hills has temples and a climb to the top offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings, this hill too has temples and such a view.

The only difference that I could make out between them was the Nandi Hills is to  well known while this hill remains relatively unknown.

Incidentally both the Hills are in Chikaballapur district and you have to pass by the majestic Nandi Hills on way to this hill called Avala Betta.

Avala Betta is the Nandi Hills without its crowds, backpackers and litter. There is no pollution or long line of vehicles. The climb itself to the top of the hill offers us an enchanting view of the country side, the rolling hillocks, the large swathes of green sand the hazy outline of distant landscape.

I remember that the hill was a very difficult proposition to climb a few years ago, It had no road to the top and the motorable road, or rather a mud road with potholes big enough to sink your two-wheelers led to the base of the hill.

However, there is a motorable road today which will lead you to the to the summit of the hill. The road snakes round the hill and the drive is a pleasure. The top of the hill becomes so narrow that it is actually only a huge single boulder. 

Take care while climbing the boulder. If there are children, avoid climbing with them. However, if you are a brave heart and make the climb, you will be met with as stunning a view as you have seen elsewhere.

The hill side is a green treat. As far as your eye can see, you can view the beautiful countryside with hills, valleys, lakes, trees and winding roads. This is a photographer’s delight.

The Forest Department has built a paragola for tourists to sit back and enjoy. The guest house here too belongs to the Forest Department. For reservations and other issues, please contact the Forest Department at Chikaballapur.

Well, coming to the temples, Avala Betta is home to a small but beautiful temple of Lakshmi Narasimha and a cave temple dedicated to a seer called Avala Kondaraya. There is a small shrine dedicated to Hanuman.

The stream and the pond is vested with a lot of religious significance. During Shravana, a special jatre is organised  every Saturday during which devotees from nearby villages and Chickaballapur come to fulfill their vows. The pond is called as Annammadonaha. There is a belief that if married women who are childless bathe here, they will get children.

Many women come here for bathing at the pond and then praying to Lakshmnarasimha. Nowadays, daily prayers are offered at the temple.

There are a series of steps behind the cave that lead to the peak. The climb offers a good view of the bush forest and small animals that scamper about. Of course, the view around the Hill is breathtaking.

Villagers say the name Avala Betta is in honour of the seer who lived here and meditated for several years before attaining samadhi.

Avalabetta has another religious significance. There are hoof marks of a cow on rock here. These hoof marks were believed to have been made during  Samudra Manthana (churning of the Great Ocean) by gods and demons.

According to a local legend, the holy cow-Kamadhenu-came to this place first. When it landed, its hoof marks came to be etched on a rock.

After the first cow came to the Betta, other cows followed suit. Villagers, who saw this spectacle, called the place Denu Giri or Hill of Cows. Since that day, the villagers began offering milk of the cow to the god first and only later either sold it or used it.

This tradition of offering milk to the Gods first continues to this day.

Chickaballapur is just around the corner. A beautiful road flanked by trees and shrubs leads to the district headquarters. Bring your lunch packet or go don to Chikaballapur for a bite.

Avala Betta is generally deserted most of the tine. During weekends and holidays, there is some crowd but this is not even a small percentage of the people visiting Nandi Hills.

Avala Betta is also known as Avalakonda which is a Telugu word.
Take the Bangalore-Hyderabad (Yelahanka) road and continue upto Peresandra. (The chakkuli of Peresandra is very famous. Taste it and then write back). Here, turn left where the sign board says Mandikal. Avala Betta is about 12 kms from here.

There are regular bus services to Avala Betta from Chikaballapur and Mandikal. You can also hire private transport at Mandikal. 
Distance: 90km.Travel to Peresandra (via Chikballapur bypass).At Peresandra turn left to Mandikal.Avalabetta is about 11km from this point.

Around Mysore-A village with unusual customs and traditions

Do you want to see the youth of the entire village and even some women swing on ropes in the reverse direction. Do you also want to participate or rather witness a unique fire dance which is very native here.

Then head for Arakere, a small village near Srirangapatna. This is a hobli 18 kilometres east of Srirangapatna. There is nothing extraordinary about this village. It is just like any other human habitation. However, it has a certain uniqueness that I want to present to the outside world.

So here goes…………….

The village is called Arakere and several inscriptions have been unearthed  here referring to the place as “Arakere” , “Sarvanamasyada Pattada Maha Agrahara Sarvajna Sri Viranarasimhapura (1254 A.D) and Agrahara Maleyalana Arakere (1512 A.D.).

The inscriptions also make it clear that Arakere was a part of  Idainadu region. The Cheras ruled over Idainadu before the Chalukyas and Hoysalas established their supremacy here.

In all, seventeen inscriptions have been found here dating from the   period between 12^th century and 18^th century. Of them, four inscriptions are in Tamil and fourteen in Kannada.

Many of the inscriptions record the grants given to the Keshava, Maruleshwara and Narasimha temples and also to the tank at Arakere.

The Keshava Temple referred to in the inscription is now called Channakeshava temple. It belongs to the 12^th century and it is located on Durga Street in the village.

The temple is built in Chola style and it has a garbhagriha, antarala, open ardhamantapa navaranga, spacious Sabha mantapa, verandah, prakara and entrance corridor. Many of these structures have been recently renovated.

The Vishnu sculpture in the garbhagriha is a recent addition. One of the doorframes has three bands and there is an idol of  Ramanujacharya in the antarala.

The Navaranga of the Chennakeshava Temple has an idol of a  devi and central ceiling has decorations of the lotus flower. The mukha mantapa has a defaced Keshava carving. The entrance corridor in the prakara is of recent origin.

The Garuda pillar is right in front of the temple.

To the left of the temple, there is a pillar which is all that remains of the structure referred to as Ammana Gudi. To the right of the temple is an Utsava mantapa.

The Maraleshwara Temple , which in earlier days was called Manaleshwara, is also built in Chola style. It is just outside the village.

This structure too has a garbhagriha, antarala and a spacious navaranga with doors in the east and the south, attached with mukhamantapas.

The basement of the garbhagriha is multi angled and it houses a Linga. The navaranga has sculptures of  Mahishamardini, Ganapathi, and a Devi.

Opposite to the southern entrance is a single ankana temple with a Devi sculpture. On the pillars of the Navaranga and on the ceiling of the mukhamantapa are decorations of lotus. This temple was being renovate when I last visited it.

The Lakshminarasimha temple is in ruins. You can , however, make out a garbhagriham antarala, navaranga and a verandah. There are records dated 1561 AD to indicate that this was also called Narasimha Temple.

The garbhagriha here (Narasimha Temple) has a beautiful Lakshminarasimha sculpture which is profusely decorated with ornaments. Another temple is that of Ramalingeshwara. This too has been renovated recently and it has a Linga.

The village tank is adjacent to a hill called Hucharaya hill. There is a temple for the village deity Mutturaya here. The Bisilu Maramma temple has been renovated and once in three years a Jatra is held for the deity.

The tank or lake is serene and is not polluted. A crocodile was found near a paddy field adjacent to this tank a few months ago.

The spear shula festival during the Jatra of Bisulu Maramma is a very unique experience. People belonging to Achari, Okkaliga, Ganiga and Banajiga community bring 50 feet high arecanut tree trunks from arecanut garden reserved exclusively for the deity.

These trunks are planted in order and a platform is built on them. Then, the Ganigas climb on them and swing in a reverse direction. This peculiar act continues for almost three hours.

Then comes another unique ritual- the Dhimsale dance.

This is another spectacle worth watching. The dancer ties a belt around his waits and holding a big piece of Sura honne wood with sharpened edges resembling a penis, he speaks in an obscene language.

The art of swinging swords and lighted sticks is called Benki Bharate. This is a special performance. The fire exercise of holding a light disc by a person with bound legs is another fascinating experience. What makes this more thrilling is that all these above mentioned acts are alive even now.

Arakere is near Bannur. It is in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district.

Head for Arakere and find out about our local culture and heritage. I can assure you that the visit is worth your time and money.  

Trekking to Yajnavalka's ashrama

This is the place where the legendary sage from India, Yajnavalka built his ashrama. Yajnavalka or Yajnavalkya of Mithala has written Shatapatha Brahamana besies Yoga Yajnavalka and Yajnavalka Smriti.

A major figure in the Upanishads, he split from his guru or preceptor sage Vaisampayana and then came here to set up his ashrama.

Today, this place is almost unknown and though it is very near to Bangalore, only  handful of trekkers and nature lovers visit the small village.

Over centuries, the connection that his village had with Yajnavalka seems to have been forgotten. What keeps the memory of the village alive is a beautiful temple of Ranganathaswamy, a hill which trekkers from Bangalore prefer and a lake.

This is Aladahalli, a remote village, which is easily accessible from Bangalore thanks to the beautiful Bangalore-Tumkur road.

If the hillock entices you for climbing, the cool waters of the lake seems pristine and inviting. The temple, though, is for the religious minded and it has a legend of its own.

Aladahalli is 55 kilometres from Bangalore. It is just off the Bangalore-Tumkur road.

The temple of Ranganantha is atop the hill at Aladahalli. The idol of Ranganatha is unique as it is sculpted from a solid granite black pillar.

The Ranganatha is depicted in his Matsya (fish) and Kurma (tortoise) avatars. This is the only temple where Ranganantha is depicted in two such avatars. All other temples of Ranganantha have the idol depicted in a sleeping or standing position.   

The Sthalapurana states that Aladahalli was once the place where Yajnavalka constructed his ashrama. He also meditated here and installed the pillar-shaped Ranganatha.

Centuries later, local chieftains built a roof over the deity. Forty years ago, locals and villagers got together and built the present temple. The temple is said to be so sacred that Gandharvas come here on full moon day to pray to Ranganatha.

The temple is open only during mornings. On Saturdays, it is open throughout. There are special poojas during Shravana and Magha masas.

There are a series of steps to lead you from the base of the hill to its top. However, if you like trekking, take the hill route which is strewn with boulders and rocks. Trekkers rate this area highly for a variety of reasons.

At the base of the hill is a cave dedicated to the shrine of Lakshmi.

Aladahalli  is on the beautiful Bangalore-Tumkur road. There is a sign board pointing to Aladahalli. This village is in Nelamangala taluk of Bangalore district.

Aladahalli is a good picnic spot what with a hill, temple, cave and lake-all pt together in one spot. And the best thing is that it is less than 50 kms from Bangalore. A good getaway from Namma Bangalore isn’t it.

Trekking to Antaragange

The Ganga

river is one of the most holy rivers in the world. It is more than 1,500 kilometres from Bangalore. Of course, you have flights and trains to Varanasi or Kashi and Allahabad where the Ganga flows, but it does not lessen the distance. But did you know that there is a hill near Bangalore
which is believed to have a stream of Ganga water pouring down. If Kashi has a Vishwanatha temple, this hill too has a similar temple. The difference is that while the Vishwanatha temple is located on the banks of the Ganga
, the holy river flows as a small stream from the mouth of a Bull or Nandi. This is Antargange, a small hill in Kolar district of Karnataka. The Antargange Hills are just 70 kilometres from Bangalore
and a  mere four kms from the bus stand in Kolar.Antargange is a paradise for a nature lover and also a pilgrim. It is also a trekker’s paradise, what with the rocky hill which makes climbing an adventure. It consists of granites, peninsular gneiss, basic dykes and laterites and rises to 1235 feet.
The first thing that greets you when you near the Antargange Hill is the numerous monkeys. These monkeys forage for food in the hills and when they see tourists with bags and food packets, they turn aggressive.
Some of the monkeys come near you and try to snatch the food packets and eatables from your hand. So beware of them and keep a stick handy to scare them away. However, take care not to hurt them. The best thing is to keep a safe distance from them.
The climb to the top of the hill is by a flight of steps. The hill top not only gives you an excellent view of the surroundings but also has a small village called Therahalli. There is a Shiva temple here. It is better known as temple
of Kashi Vishwantha.This is also called the temple of rocks. Apart from the Vishwanatha, there are several smaller lingas around the temple.
The Nandi or Bull standing just outside the temple is a beautiful sight. Water comes out of its mouth continuously and this is believed to be the holy Ganga
. The priest will tell you that the holy Ganga is the source of  the stream. There is also a small Kalyani nearby.Antara in Kannada means deep and the word Antargange means Ganga
from the deep. This place is also known as Dakshina Kashi. The hills are a nature lover’s delight. There are several natural caves which are worth exploring. Several clubs and Non-government organisations (NGOs) offer caving and trekking packages to Antargange from Bangalore
and even Kolar.  Getting to Antargange from Bangalore
is not a problem at all. Kolar is well-connected by road and rail network. It is just two hours drive from Bangalore. From Kolar to Antargange, you can take a private bus or even hire an autorickshaw. If you like walking, do so. If you have time, check out Kotilingeshwara which is nearby. It has several lakh lingas with one huge Linga.
Kotilingeshwara is the presiding deity of the temple by the same name. It is in Kammasandra village. It is about five kilometers from KGF and six kms from  Alada Mara (Bharat Nagar) bus stop.
The huge Linga measures 108 ft (33 metres) in height and in front of it is  a 35 ft (11 metres) tall Basava. They are surrounded by lakhs of small shivalingas spread over 15 acres. So far, 90 lakh lingas have been installed.
There are eleven smaller temples within the Kotilingeshwara
Temple.The best time to leave Bangalore
is early morning so that you can leave the maddening traffic behind. Moreover, an early trek is always a refreshing experience. The rocks of  Kolar can get pretty hot when the sun comes out.    

The ineffective pollution control measures in Bangalore

You would be mistaken if you think or thought that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), whish has become the most talked about organization in India over the last few years, is only worried about income and expenditure of the Government.

The CAG has been in the news, particularly in the last three years, following its incisive and non-nonsense approach towards auditing in the 2G, 3G and other cases.

The CAG, Vinod Rai, has become an international hero and a man who has taken on the mighty establishment. His unwavering stand on honesty and refusal to bow down to the Government diktats have embarrassed the ruling Congress party and the entire Government.

However, you would be excused if you think that this is all that is there to the CAG. The organisation has shown itself to be one of the most public spirited constitutional functionaries by taking up people based issues, so much so that last it took on the high levels of pollution in Bangalore.

Not many are aware that the CAG went into the functioning of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and the steps it had taken to control pollution in and around Bangalore.

There is no need for anybody, including the CAG, to point to rising levels of  pollution in Bangalore. But what the CAG did was to bring to us the dismal track record and the inability of the KSPCB, the apex body that monitors, controls and even makes policy decisions on pollution control measures in Karnataka.

The CAG report is in public domain and anyone can access it. All its findings were placed in the form of a report in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly last year.      

The CAG has come down heavily on the KSPCB for its failure to check the pollution levels of Bangalore. It said the action plan drawn up the board was not adequate and that it did not sufficiently address pollution-related issues.     

The CAG also pointed out that at a time when there is a need for greater environmental consciousness, the board did not spend the amount set aside for it. Apart from the under utilisation of funds, there was no proper inventory of pollution sources. What is more damning is that it pointed out glaring examples of identification and inspection of units causing various types of pollution.

It noted that there were scores of units operating without installing pollution control measures.    

Citing an example it said though TG Halli reservoir is one of the main sources of drinking water to west Bangalore, a large number of units are still being allowed to pollute the area. Besides, only ten percent of the industrial units operating in Bangalore metropolitan area registered with the board.

The CAG has dealt in detail with several aspects of the functioning of the board, including consent to industrial units, installation or rather delay in installation of emission control measures, lack of inspection and monitoring.

It has sounded a note of caution about the quality of groundwater in and around Bangalore. It says in the absence of a technically advanced sewage treatment system, the ground water is fairly polluted and it has a high level of  pollutants.

It says even the sewage treatment plant operated by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) does not conform to KSPCB standards.

Well, the question Bangaloreans should ask is do we need the CAG to tell us that pollution in Bangalore is rising and that immediate measures need to be taken up on a war footing.

The question perhaps will remain unanswered as political parties face up for the oncoming polls and politicians place a game of one upmanship with each other, leaving immediate civic issues on the back burner.    

Trekking-The twin hills of Ramanagar

There are several caves in this hill or rather twin hills. The local palegars or chieftains used these caves to shelter themselves from their enemies.

During wars and skirmishes, the palegers used these hills to their advantage. They not only hid in these caves but also used them to store arms and ammunition. Some f the caves are so high up on the rocks that you need a ladder to climb into them.

This is the Thenginkal Betta in Ramanagar or Ramanagaram district. The Betta, or rrther two hills, is just off the Bangalore-Mysore highway and is a little more than an hour’s drive from Bangalore.

The hill is a trekker’s delight. It is also a rock climber’s paradise. Infact, there are more than a dozen hills in and around Ramanagar which are on a trekker or climber’s map. Many of these hills remain relatively unexplored and they offer a good opportunity for a quiet retreat.

Thenginkal Beetta remain once such hill. It has two peaks-a small ne and a much larger peak. Both of them together are called Thenginkal betta. Thengu in Kannada means coconut and Kal means rock or boulder. Betta is hill. So it roughly translates as coconut rock hill.

Well, climbing up is an adventure in itself. During the monsoon, the oaths become slippery and the many crevices and depressions on the hill fill up with water. The hill comes alive with greenery.

Interestingly, the lower half of the hill is full of greenery. As you begin to climb, you have to pass over small shrubs, thorns and boulders.

Be careful of thorny bushes. They are likely to “catch” your clothes and if you pull, you are likely to not only hurt yourself but also tear your clothes. The best way to climb the hill would be use trekking shoes and thick pants, preferably jeans as they can afford a lot of protection.        

One of the caves high up the hill is pretty big and it can easily accommodate more than 50 people. Some caves have carvings and they were used to store ammunition.

As you climb, the vegetation thins down and you come across hard rocks with natural archs, crevices, water ponds and rocks piled one upon another.

When you reach the peak of the smaller hill, you can see a man made pond.

The best time to trek is early morning. Carry water and some light snacks. The nearest eatery is in Ramanagar. The SRS Betta is nearby. In fact, you have to pass the SRS Betta to reach this twin hills.

Thenginkal Betta cane be reached from Ramanagaram. From Ramanagaram travel on the road towards Kanakapura. You have to cross the Bangalore-Mysore railway line and continue on the road. Travel 12 kms and on the right side of the road you will come across the SRS Betta. Take this road and when you travel a little further, you can see Thenginkal betta.

The best time to visit is between September and February when the it is not very hot. There is small village at the base of the  twin hills.

The Ranganathas around Bangalore

Two Fridays ago, one of my acquaintances dropped into our house in Jayanagar. They had come from Yelahanka and they were planning a visit to the Ranganantha Temple at Magadi.

While we were discussing the best route to Magadi and what to take for the trip, a common friend of ours from Chennai, who had come by, sought to know whether there were any other Ranganatha temples.

He said he had seen the Ranganatha Temple in Magadi just two days ago and he was unwilling to make a trip again. Let me know if there is another Ranganatha Temple, he said.

He also wanted me to guide him to place where he could also trek, enjoy nature’s beauty and to spend some time without the maddening crowd.  

I suggested the Ranganantha Temple at Kalkunte which is 35 kilometres from Bangalore. When he sounded interested in knowing more, I promised him to email details about the place and the temple. He also wanted  me to email details of  other Ranganatha temples near Bangalore so that he could pick and choose.

I emailed the details and modified them for the post here. Here are the details.

The Ranganatha Swamy temple of Kalkunte is 35 kms from Bangalore, It is located between Kolar and Bangalore and it is in Kolar district.

There is an interesting legend behind the consecration of the idol. More than 300 years ago, some villagers here had a dream in which they were asked to proceed to Vakalekere lake in Kolar and bring back an idol which was buried in earth.

The villagers went there and to their surprise found the idol which they brought back to Kalkunte and consecrated.

The Ranganatha here is in Ananthasayana pose. He is with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi.  On the right is a sannidhi of Ranganayaki and to the left is an idol of Andal.

Take the Old Airport Road and proceed towards Marathahalli. Cross the Hope Farm in Whitefield and take a right at Channasandra and go towards Saniatamallasandra.

When you reach Ettukodi village, ask for Kalkunte Agrahara.

Rangastala

Another  Ranganatha temple is in Rangastahla in Chikkabakllapur district. It is 57 kms from Bangalore. This is one of the oldest temples in the area.

From Bangalore travel to Gauribidanur and ask for directions there. Rangasthala is five kms from Gauribidanur.

The temple was constructed by Vijayanagar kings. Here Ranganatha appears as if he is in a bamboo basket. There is a legend connecting Vibheshana, the brother of Ravana,  to the deity here.

Magadi

The Ranganatha temple of Magadi is perhaps the most famous of all Ranganatha shrines in and around Bangalore.

It is also called Beleyo Ranga as the idol here keeps growing. It was built by the Cholas in the 12th century when it was known as Lakshmi Ranganatha. The gopuras were built by the Vijayanagar Emperor  Krishnadeva Raya. They were later renovated by the Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar of Mysore.

Magadi is 50 kms from Bangalore and it is well connected by road. It was once the capital of Kempe Gowda.

TG Halli, Savandurga and several other areas are very near Magadi. 

Bethamangala

According to a legend, sages Mandavya and Vasistha installed the idol of Vishnu or Ranganatha here.

The beautiful statue of Ranganantha is flanked by Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. On the right side of the temple hall,  is a reclining statue of Ranganatha.

Rangaswamy Gudda

The Rangaswamy Gudda is 80 kms from Bangalore and it is on the outskirts of Kunigal in Tumkur district. The Ranganathaswamy Temple is atop a hill called Rangaswamy Gudda.

A flight of 400 steps lead to the temple. Drive from Kunigal on national highway no 48 towards Bilidevalaya village. Continue on the same road for three kms after which you will see a huge entrance arch. Follow it and after two more arches you will reach the hill.

The idol is better known as Bettada Ranganatha Swamy. He is seen leaning on his left hand. Lord Ranganatha is represented by a solid stone pillar in the sanctum sanctorum with his figure  reclining at the base.

According to a popular legend, the pillar was discovered more than 300 years ago in a field. The villagers wanted to place it on the top of the hill, but could not lift it due to its heavy weight. A few days later the villagers found that he pillar had been moved to the top of the hill. They found two lizards near the pillar and attributed the transport of the pillar to the lizards. From that day, the deity also came to be known as Uda Moodida Ranga.

Hikkallappana Betta

This is one of the lesser known hills in Tumkur district. It is just 66 kms from Bangalore,    

It is also known as Kurmagiri Kshetra as the main idol in the temple is in the form of a tortoise or Kurma avatar  of Vishnu. The deity here is of Venkataramana but he is popularly called Hikkallappa here.

The original black granite idol is made of Saligrama stone. This idol is consecrated at a level lower than ground level and hence you have to bend if you want to see it.  

There is another idol of  Balaji, which was installed in 1999. It was presented by the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD)  of Andhra Pradesh which has recognised this temple as one of the 108 sub-shrines of the original deity at Tirumala.

Both Hikkalappana Betta an Bettada Rangaswamy are a trekker’s delight. The hill here is 1650 feet in height.

Mahimapura

Another famous shrine of Ranganatha is in Mahimapura near Nelamangala in Bangalore district. This probably is the only temple where Garuda is the main deity in addition to Ranganatha. This is the only place in India where Garuda is worshipped in the form of an idol.

Hence this temple is better known as Garuda Ranganathaswamy temple. The temple is modeled on Chola lines and the temple is situated atop a small hillock. The steps are steep and there are 300 of them.

You can see the beautiful Shivaganga hill almost exactly behind this hillock. There is a Hanuman temple at the foot of the. The idol is twelve feet in height and it is made of a single rock.

The pooja to the Ranganathan is performed only in the mornings. There is no pooja during the night as legends have it that several sages come here in the night and perform pooja.

The idol of Ranganatha is on a naturally formed jaggery shaped rock. This is just 45 kms from Bangalore. Take the Bangalore-Tumkur road till you reach a signboard saying Mahimapura.

Another little known Ranganatha temple is in Tavarkere in Tumkur. The idol here was growing and the local people placed a small boulder or Bandi to stop Ranganatha from growing further. Since then, it is known as Bandi Ranganathaswamy. This is 122 kms away from Bangalore and the journey by road takes more than two hours.   

There are several other Ranganatha temples in and around Bangalore. The most famous, of course, are the Ranganatha Temple in Srirangapatna and at Shivanasamudra.

(The Ranganatha temple of Thattekere and at Kanakapura is covered separately).  

The forests of Bangalore-1

I have often been asked whether there are any forests near Bangalore. When I mention that the forests at Mutathi, Sangam and other places, they say these spots are far off.

Several of my friends and relatives wanted me to help them find a patch of green that they can show their children. The place, they said, should not be far off from the city.

I then mentioned the Tuurahalli forests. These forests are located in south Bangalore and they are just eight kilometers from Banashankari bus stop or the Banashakkari temple on Kanakapura Road.

They are spread over 800 acres.

The forest here is a mix of  dry deciduous foliage with eucalyptus (Nilgiri) trees and other wild shrubs and trees. If you are lucky you can spot small animals and reptiles like Rock Agamas, jackal, snakes, mangoose, wild hare and even monitor lizard apart from a long list of birds.

As this area belongs to the Forest Department, their permission is necessary for venturing into the forest. This is also better as they will also be able to guide you to the best place where you can see animals and birds.

Turahalli has always been a bird watchers’ delight. With growing urbanization, Bangalore is losing its greenery and many birds that were frequently seen in the city are being driven to the outskirts. The forests host more than 70 species of birds , including the  Pea fowl, Great Horned Owl, White eyed Buzzard and Red Wattled Lapwing and at least 30 different species of butterflies such as Tailed Jay and Blue Pansy.
Several NGOs and wildlife enthusiasts organise school and children camps. These camps cover varied activities like bird and nature watching, butterfly spotting, environment and even rapelling and rock climbing.

Turahalli has a lot of rocks and small hillocks which makes it an ideal spot for rock climbing. These are boulders of hard granite of various shapes and sizes and they are deemed suitable for rock climbing.
Several decades ago, it was a favourite spot for elephants and part of the elephant corridor. Well, there can be nothing better than outdoor education and Turahalli, next to Bangalore, can offer a lot.

Take the Kanakapura Road and travel upto Khodays Circle. Ask the way to Gublala village and from there Turahalli is just around the corner.