Yesterday the plan was to do a wide ranging recce of Chikballapur viewing many places. But by the time I left house it was almost 10 am. We were on Sankey road when I remembered that I didnt bring the camera. So again went home to get the camera. So you can say, we actually started from Bangalore around 1 pm.

Destination: Chikballapur and Muddenahalli

Route: Bangalore – Hebbal – Yehlankha – Devanahalli – Chikaballapur

Distance: Chikballapur is around 55 km from Bangalore. While Muddenahalli is located around 7 km from Chikballapur.

Journey time: 2 Hours by bus, 1 – 1.5 hrs by private vehicle and 2 wheeler

Where to eat: There are many dhabas besides the road. Many of them serve liquor as well. So if you are with family or female friends do recce before you check in. We had food in Alankar restaurant located just before Chikballapur town. Looks decent and have separate area for family. A plate of chicken biriyani cost Rs 52 ( looked more like a fried rice with fried chicken, though chicken quantity was more).

What to see:

1. Sir.M.Visveswaraiah Memorial Museum and Birth Place: There are 2 -3 ways to reach here. One from inside Chikballapur town and two just before entering Chikballapur town. As you approach Muddenahalli, you can Nandi hills standing apart among other smaller hills. As you approach further you should be able to see the structures and the clock tower of Sathya Sai Grama. Go further and on the way you will see sign on the right hand side for Sir.M.Visweswaraih Memorial Museum and Birth Place. Take right turn here. After a while you will find Sir.M.Visveswaraiah Memorial Museum and the house where he born. A little further is his samadhi (grave). It is very neatly maintained.

Sir.M.Visveswaraiah (1860 – 1962) was born in Muddenahalli, studied in Central college, Bangalore and went on to become the dewan of Mysore. He is also a recipient of Bharat ratna. Read more ……

Entry to Sir.M.Visveswaraiah museum is free but photography is prohibited inside. It has various collection from his lifetime. The house where he once stayed is being renovated now.

2. Saythya Sai Grama: As we were already there, so we thought of seeing it. To enter inside, one need make an entry at the entrance. A beautiful blue gate leads to a altogether world from the surrounding. This is a campus built by Sathya Sai Baba, who also has a campus at Whitefield, Bangalore. It has school, college, hostel, guest house, dairy, apartments, temple among others. But the best part is still under construction. It is a structure on a hill with one room and a clock tower. One can drive right upto the platform. From there can get a magnificent view of the country side.

For more info, visit here.

Read more at Sathya Sai website

While we were still there, it started to rain. It was almost 6 pm then and we could not afford to wait anymore. Filed up petrol at Chikballapur and started for Bangalore again. We were completely drenched – this season’s first rain bath! Reached Bangalore by 8 pm.

Related posts:

1. Temples of Malleshwaram – Venugopal Swamy, Kaadu Malleshwara and Sai Baba Temple
2. Trip to Kanva Reservoir
3. Trip to Devanahalli and Bangalore International Airport

Distance: Around 52 km from Bangalore and Ramnagaram is around 48 km from Bangalore.

Journey Time: 1 and 1/2 hour

How to reach there: Best to take your own vehicle. However, you can board a KSRTC bus for Mysore and get down at Ramnagaram. From here you hire a auto to Ramadevara Betta.

Route: Bangalore – Mysore road – Kengeri – Bidadi – Ramnagaram – Take left after KSTDC yellow signboard – Ramadevara Betta

Where to eat: There is no proper place to eat at Ramadevara Betta. So if you want to eat, bring eatables. Do take water along with you. You can also have something at Ramnagaram town or at the highway dhabas.

Where to stay: There is no place to stay at Ramadevara Betta.

Ramadevara Betta (Hill) is a Hindu shrine rising more than 3000 feet. Lord Ram is said to have visited here during his 14 years exile. There is a Ram temple at the top of the hill. Once to you take left from Bangalore – Mysore highway at Ramanagaram for Ramadevara Betta, you will be riding on a narrow winding road. It will give you an awesome feeling as you approach the hill. It is here the 1975 super hit movie Sholay was shot. At the base of the hill, there are security and watchman employed by Karnataka government. Here, you can park your vehicle for a fee. For two wheelers parking fee is Rs 5.

Ramadevara Betta is a very nicely maintained. At the entrance there is a big colorful gate followed by stone carved steps leading to the top of the hill amidst greenery. There are around 300 steps. After climbing around 250 steps you will see a Anjaneya (Hanuman) temple. If you are tired you can take rest here in shade. Climb little further to reach the top. Here, it is like a little valley with trees and shades made by the rock nearby. On the left you can climb little further to reach the view point. From here one can get a awesome view of the surrounding. One can see the small hills around, rugged terrain, moving vehicles on Bangalore – Mysore highway, country side etc. Also, a great place for photography. From here you can see Saptarishi betta which resembles 7 idols from different angles.

Besides this place is a natural pond between two hills called Ram tirtha. I assume rain water get accumulated here and one can take bath here. Hereon, we went to Ram temple. Here, you can see deity of Ram, Lakshman and Sita. I was told by the temple priest that the temple is over 1000 years old and it was built my Magadi chieftain Kempegowda. Besides, Ram temple there is a way to trek to the top of the rock cliff behind Ram temple. From the top one can get good view, no doubt. But may be wise to do so if you reach there early morning. I enjoyed thoroughly. Remadevara Betta offers much more than I expected.

Note: The security there and the temple priests advises to just see the temples and not to venture anywhere else. I assume some incidents might have happened in the past.

There are some other hills in Ramnagaram which may be explored like Yatirajagiri, Somagiri, Krishnagiri, Shivaramagiri, Revanna Siddeshwara Betta, Sidilakallu Betta and Jala Siddeshwara Betta.

Related posts:

1. Trip to Omkar Ashram at Omkar Hill
2. Trip to Devarayanadurga, Namada Chilume, Sri Veerbhadra Shankara Swamy Temple, Siddaganga Temple and Tumkur
3. Adventure Day Outing at Ramnagaram

First we quickly saw St Philomena’s church which around half a kilometer from Sadar bus stand (KSRTC). Then we head on to Karanji lake. It is located around 6 km from Sadar bus stand. Auto charge should not be more than Rs 45 and city bus is also available.

Ticket cost: Rs 10 per head
Still camera fee: Rs 10

Karanji kere (kere means lake in Kannada) is a natural lake with a total area of 90 hectares. Water area is 55 hectares. Karanji lake is administered by Mysore Zoo authority. With huge green cover and the shady water front is a great place to spend time. Boating is available in the lake. I read that the park has been restored sometime back and looks like it is well maintained. The ideal way to see Karanji lake is to stroll through the shore line and see whatever comes on the way. It is a great heaven for migratory birds like herons, Painted storks etc. There were also a large number of Neer Kagi (bird name in Kannada, not sure what it is called in English).

Bird enclosure: This is probably one of the best place to watch bird. Inside the enclosure the birds are free. Peacocks, white peacocks, hen, duck and lots more variety to be seen.

Watch tower: You can get the best view of the lake from the watch tower.

Butterfly park: The butterfly park here is created on an artificial island in the lake on the lines of Butterfly park at Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore.

There is also an aviary and a museum. Karanji lake is located just besides Mysore zoo.

To view more pictures visit, TravelingBeats Photo gallery.

Note: This days the hotels have become little conservative in renting out rooms. Many of them like Gupta Hotel, Hotel Sangeetha etc do not wish to give rooms to unmarried couples. However, you can check in to other hotels like SK residency in Devaraj Mohalla (single room Rs 350 and double room Rs 800 plus).

Guys can stay at Jaya chandra lodge (2428509) at Kothwal Ramaiah road, Devaraja Mohalla for Rs 300 – 350. Do bargain with them. But the hotel did not look like to have a healthy environment. Not advisable for families and couples.

Dinner at Sreedevi Restaurant (Devaraja Mohalla)
Launch at Kairali Restaurant opp Sadar bus stand (Maharaja complex). Had mussels for the first time there.

For more info visit my earlier articles.

1. Mysore

Related posts:

1. Go karting at Grips and Lake on Mysore Road
2. Mysore
3. Madiwala Lake, Bangalore

Location: Bangalore Rural district

Distance: 95 km from Bangalore city

Route: Banashankari – Kanapura road – Kanakpura – Horahalli – Sangam

How to reach there: You can reach by KSRTC bus which goes there only on stipulated times. Going there by own vehicle will be more convinient.

Where to eat: It is better to take carry food if you are going there on a picnic. There is a restaurant called Tender Coconut but I think that is not regular. But there are some food for hard souls to manage. You can have fish fry, boiled egg or omelet sold by local shops. Do bargain before settling for a price. A Jelabee fish should be in between Rs 10 – 15, a piece of Katla Rs 10.

What to see:

1. Sangam
2. Arkavathy Dam – Dam on river Arkavathy
3. Chunchi Falls – Go there only during monsoon. During dry season there will be hardly any water.
4. Country side

The mode of transport was 2 two wheelers which carried 4 of us. We started 7 o’clock on Sunday morning (27/12/2009). There was not much traffic, so we quickly reached Banashankari and then to Kanakpura road. Road is pretty good apart from some bad patches in between. However, road is narrow at many places so one should drive carefully. Just at the outskirts of Bangalore city on Kanakpura road you may find some dhaba to eat during day time. On the way if you want to eat something then have it at Kanakpura. Kanakpura is 40 km from Bangalore.

The ride to sangam is very enjoyable as you will encounter lakes, rugged hills, paddy fields, villages, the ghat section and forest land. So keep you camera at hand to capture the glimpse of nature. On the way you can see Arkavathy dam. After a village you will see a stone board asking to take left for Arkavathy dam for 5 km. I have not visited Arkavathy dam last time when I visited Sangam in 2001. It is bigger than Manchanabele dam and can construed as a proper dam. The dam has been constructed on river Arkavathy. If you visit here during monsoon, you may see a better sight.

Next destination was Chunchi falls. For this too you will have to take a left deviation from the main for 6 km. You will see a stone board with Chunchi falls direction or the trademark yellow Karnataka tourism board. However, during dry season there is hardly any water. So I suggest to visit there only during rainy season. Dejected left for our main destination Sangam.

Caution: If you are riding on a two wheeler, I request you take caution when you encounter paddy spread on the road. Always try to ride on the corner of the road, if that not possible – drive very slow and press break very slow if only required. There is a chance of skidding.

The last 4 km of road to Sangam is ghat section and road is narrow. So drive carefully here. We reached Sangam by around 1 pm. Hungry by then and started looking for food. We found Tender Coconut (restaurant) is closed and there is not much option. So we settled for fish fry. Following a light course of fish, we headed for the river beach. I suggest you venture in Arkavathy river rather then Cauvery. River Arkvathy will less water – at most to your waist and as less as upto your ankle. This side provides a nice beach kinda feeling. If you would like you can play on the sand or in the water. It was real fun and we thoroughly enjoyed. Even with less height of water, there is huge current. It is not possible to swim here as water level is very low. We left the waters by 2.30 pm and went on to have some more fish fry and omelet. Cold drinks like Pepsi half liter cost Rs 30, a 50% increase from the original price. Beer is also available there.

4 kms on the other side of Arkavathy river there is another destination called Mekedatu.

We left Sangam around 3.15 pm. Soon it started to drizzle. But it did not gave an impression of heavy shower. But to our luck, we got caught in heavy rain. We took shelter under trees a few times and then at a tea shop on the way. And in this my wish of reaching Bangalore before dark too was washed away. Seeing no sign of decrement in rain, we started again for Bangalore. This time we rode non stop and reached home completely drenched by 8.30 pm.

To view more pictures visit, TravelingBeats Photo Gallery.

Related posts:

1. Trip to Manchanabele Dam and Backwaters
2. Trip to Devarayanadurga, Namada Chilume, Sri Veerbhadra Shankara Swamy Temple, Siddaganga Temple and Tumkur
3. Trip to Kanva Reservoir

Distance: Around 41 km

Journey time: 1 – 1 and 1/2 hrs (depends on traffic on Marathahalli & old Airport road)

Route:

There are three options to go to Chikka tirupati depending on exits from Bangalore :

1. KR Puram – Hoskote – NH 4 – 1km – right turn towards Malur – 24 km – pass through malur town – railway bridge – right turn – Chikka tirupati is 20 km from there. total distance from Hoskote – 45 km – good roads except vicinity of Malur town.

2. Whitefield road – ITPL – Hope farm circle – straight – 40 km – good / village roads / occasional pot holes

3. St John’s Hospital – Sarjapur road -30 km – pass through sarjapur town ( market / bus stand ) – left turn – 13 km to Chikka tirupati. average roads – 50 / 60 km/hr
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Shortest route to Chikka Tirupathi is via Whitefield – ITPL route and road seems to be quite decent now.

Where to eat: There is no good place to eat in and around Chikka Tirupathi. If you want to have some have it before leaving Whitefield or have after coming back.

What to see: Lord Prasanna Venkateshwara temple (Chikka Tirupathi), Lord Ranganathaswamy temple (Kalkunte) and country side.

It was a long weekend and I wanted to put it to good use. A little effort took 4 of us to Chikka Tirupathi. We left Bangalore city by 3 pm which was very late by the standard. I suggest you leave early in the morning so that you can explore other place at Malur and further.

Route taken inside Bangalore city: Old Airport road – Marathahalli – Kundanhalli gate – Whitefield/ITPL

Soon we rode past whitefield and ventured into the country side. I suggest you keep an eye on the sign boards for direction. If in doubt ask people. It was a nice country side with decent road and also the climate was on our side. I discovered a few new routes. Using this route one can go to Devanahalli (Airport), Dobbaspet (in Tumkur district), Doddaballapur, Hoskote etc.

It took us little over an hour to reach Chikka Tirupathi. Chikka Tirupathi in Kannada means Small Tirupathi temple. As it clearly says, it is a miniature version of Lord Venkateshwara temple of Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh. At the Chikka Tirupathi mini town circle take right to go to Chikka Tirupathi temple. The entrance to the compound is a white gate with the trademark Lord Venkateshwara tilak. At the entrance of inner temple area there is a big colorful gopuram. Here on the left hand side you can park your two wheeler. People will pester you to park your two wheeler with them for a fee but if you park your vehicle where I mentioned, it should be fine. You will require to leave you shoes outside. Leave them with the coconut and puja material selling vendors outside. You will have to pay Re 1 per pair of shoe.

History/myth of the temple

Agni’, the fire god, during the incineration (dahana) of the forest of herbs (khandava vana), causes burn injuries to the serpent god Takshaka. Takshaka bestows Agni with a curse that he lose his power’. A perturbed Agni went to Lord Krishna, who suggested that the way out for him is to please Lord Vishnu, who can restore his power. So Agni gets the ’shaapa-vimochana’ by performing a penance and pleasing Vishnu. With great joy, Agni built a temple for Lord Venkateswara at Chikka Tirupathi. The lord here is aptly named as ‘Prasanna Venkateshwara’. All the festivals that are held at Tirupathi are also held here.

Photography is prohibited inside the sanctum sanatorium (where the idol is kept). The idol of lord Balaji is beautiful. As usual in most south Indian temples there is brass metal jajastambha (small metal tower). The gombuz of the temple was beautifully sculptured with various deities. Here too our monkey friends were there to greet us. But these bunch of monkeys were very intelligent. Following our darshan we left the temple by 5 pm.

On the way back we visited Ranganathaswamy temple at Kalakunte. It is located around 8 km from Chikka Tirupathi. Unfortunately the temple was closed when we visited. But here is a picture of the beautiful lord Ranganathaswamy.

On the way back we took lots of pictures as the sun was setting down on the country side horizon. We reached Bangalore by 7 pm.

To view more pictures, visit: TravelingBeats Photo Gallery

To discuss about Chikka Tirupati, visit: TravelingBeats Forum

Related posts:

1. Trip to Devarayanadurga, Namada Chilume, Sri Veerbhadra Shankara Swamy Temple, Siddaganga Temple and Tumkur
2. Temples of Malleshwaram – Venugopal Swamy, Kaadu Malleshwara and Sai Baba Temple
3. Trip to Tirupati

Yesterday I went for the longest ride on a two wheeler driving myself. In all four of us went to Talakad. Official sources show Talakad is 130 km from Bangalore but I feel it was longer. May be because of the long driving on winding roads of country side. I started around 7 am in the morning and by the times we left Mysore road it was over 8.30 am. I suggest you leave Bangalore by 7 am, this will give you more time to spend and explore there. A little stretch between Mysore road flyover end and Vijaynagar road junction is bad and traffic infested most of the times. After Rajarajeshwari Nagar road is very good and you one can have a nice ride.

We reached Ramnagaram by 10 am and halted for breakfast at a Darshini hotel. Then rode till Muddur and took a left turn for Malavalli. The rugged country side of this region has a mystique feel. It took us over 4 hours to reach Talakad at around 1 pm.

Things to see: The panchalinga temples, Cauvery river, country side and various other temples if you have time.

Around a month ago the Panchalinga darshan festival took place. So a face lift has been given to the temples and new infrastructures created. We went there at a good time and were able to see all the five temples. I was told three of them are open through out the year. But the two which are located in the sand dunes gets inundated with sand over the years. These two temples open once in every 12 years. Talakad used to the capital of Ganga dynasty and is very rich in history.

Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara and Vaidyanatheshwara temples is located at short distance of each other. They are located on that part of Talakad which are covered with sand dunes. These are Lord Shiva with different names. Vaidyanatheshwara temple is the first temple you will see and is located right near the entrance. You can park your vehicle besides the entrance. There is no fee for parking or keeping shoes. This temple has a very nice architecture slightly similar to the Hoysala models. There is huge Nandi on the northern side of the temple premises. From here your walk on sand trails will start but no worries it will be in shade. As tin roof as been made throughout the walkway. It is indeed strange how come such huge amount of sand came here in the middle of fertile cauvery basin. Though it is attributed to the curse of Alamelamma, a local myth. The first temple on the sand dunes is Pathaleshwara. One has to climb down around 3 meters to reach the base of the temple. Next is Maruleshwara temple. Here the base of the temple was covered with atleast few inches of sand. This two temples were small and primitive in nature. We continued our walk and on the way we saw another temple in a valley. The route brings you to the same entrance, which we entered earlier.

Our next stop was river Cauvery. From here take first right and then again first right to reach there. You will be able to see a green board with the direction. The atmosphere there was like a fair. With shops selling crafts, key chains etc. There are also few hotels where one can have food. We quickly proceeded to the bank of river Cauvery. I was totally amazed by what I saw. The bank almost resembled a sea beach. One can easily play in the water as there is atleast 2 – 3 meters of shallow of water from the bank. On the other side of the bank there seemed to be some current. You can try coracle ride on the river. I do not suggest you to go swimming as there may be whirlpool. On the way back we had egg fried rice and Katla fish fry. I have nothing much to say about the egg fried rice but the deep fried fish was awesome. One plate consist of two piece and cost Rs 40.

After food we proceeded to Mallikarjuna swamy temple located on top of a hill. One has to take left (if you are coming towards Talakad) to reach there from circle of Talakad village. You can either climb the step to reach the temple a top or you can take the road on the right hand side to reach till the middle of the hill. Here you can park you vehicle (no parking fee). However, you may have to shell Rs 2 for every pair of shoe if you keep your shoes with the shoe keeper there. From here you will have to climb little over 100 steps to reach Mallikarjuna temple on the top. From this hill one can get an astounding few of the surroundings including the Cauvery river, paddy fields and rugged hills.

View from top of Mallikarjuna swamy temple

Till then we are done with 4 temples of the Panchalinga (5 linga) temples. So we inquired about the 5th temple (Arkareshwara temple). We were told to reach there we have to take the left hand side road at the base of Mallikarjuna Swamy temple hill and the distance was supposed to be 6 km from there. But as we started to go through the inner country side and villages, we discovered it was atleast 10 km. Road condition is not good many places, however new road laying is going on. I suggest you to inquire locals for directions frequently. At last we found the temple in the middle of open space. As it was almost 4.30 pm, we hurriedly prayed and left. We were told from here there is a direct to route to Malavalli via Belakavadi village. We wanted to be on Bangalore – Mysore highway before dusk. Glad we have managed to reach there by dusk. We halted at Muddur CCD (cafe coffee day). It is on left hand side if you are coming from Mysore. It is a very nice place to refresh on long drives on this route. It is a self service outlet.

After giving rest to the vehicles and us, we headed back for Bangalore by 8 pm. We reached Bangalore by 10 pm.

To view more pictures visit, TravelingBeats Photo Gallery.

To discuss about Talakad visit, TravelingBeats forum.

Related posts:

1. Talakad
2. Ride on Mysore Road
3. Things to See in Mandya District, Karnataka

We took a left turn on Tumkur road (NH4) which goes to Shivaganga. Once we reached the circle with the Karnataka Tourism board, took left turn for Magadi. The country side is very scenic – stones, hills, greenery, crops, Just awesome! For most part road is good. A little stretch towards Magadi is bad but motorable. From the circle Magadi is 29 km, Savandurga 41 km and Manchanabele dam 47 km. After riding little bit from the circle, one should be able to see the back side of Shivaganga hill. It is a good place for photography. It took us over an hour to reach Magadi from the circle. On the way we encountered couple of Banyan trees. One of them was very unique and that some its logs has been chopped is easily understandable for vehicular movement.

Magadi was the Capital of the then local ruler Kempe Gowda. Magadi is very small town with hardly any sign of urban development. At the circle there a few shops where you can have tea and snacks. At the circle if you take left, little further you will find a petrol bunk on the right hand side. Little further on the left hand side you will find the entrance to Ranganathaswamy temple. This temple is quite historical and unique in design. The main deity here is lord ranganathaswamy (Lord Vishnu). The temple had names of saints like Thiruvallar etc which are not native to Karnataka. I was curious how come Tamil names came in this temple. The mystery unrevealed when I read at the entrance that the temple had been built by the Cholas in between 11th – 12th century AD. Cholas were the rulers of Tamil Nadu. The colorful gopuram of the temple is quite similar to temples in Tamil Nadu like Madurai Meenakshi temple. The temple complex had many places of worship inside. The specialty as described by the priest is that the idol of Ranganathasway is enlarging. A note of caution, there may be a little issue of begging.

As of now we were on Magadi road which connects to Bangalore after a distance of 49 km. We wanted to go Savandurga so at the main road, we took left and came back to the Magadi main circle. From here left and you will be able to see a Karnataka tourism board saying Savandurga 12 km and Manchanabele dam 18 km. So embarked on our journey to Savandurga. From here the roads are quite good. Keep driving straight unless you feel the urge to take pictures. Around 8 km from here one will see a board asking to take left turn for Savanduraga. From here Savandurga is 4 km. This 4 km stretch is not in good condition but mortorable. At the foot of Savandurga hill, there is a forest park with good sitting arrangement and a children park. There is no animals in the park now but empty net chambers suggest there used to be animals earlier. Entry fee is Re 1. Parking is free. Savandurga is a single monolithic stone hill. This hill is not that high and steep. I was told there that climbing is not that difficult. On top there is a Basava statue. One can nice panoramic view from top. To reach the top enter the park, continue walking straight until you see a gate on the right hand side. Enter the gate, reach for the hill base and start climbing. There is no eatery around, so carry food and water as necessary. You can also go there by bus, read Nithin Kamath’s trip for details.

At the base of the hill outside there is a temple. At the hilltop there used to be a fort which was finally captured by Lord Cornwallis from Tipu Sultan in 1792. Durga in Kannada means fort, this is why it is called Savandurga.

Following this we started our journey for Manchanabele dam. From Savandurga, Manchanabele dam is 6 km. After reaching the same junction where we took left turn for Savandurga, we took left turn again. Once you reach VF Doddi, you need to take the first left to go to Manchanabele dam. From VG Doddi, its a straight single road of 5 km to Manchanabele dam. This narrow winding road is very picturesque and a treat to ride on. For sometime I though I was in a different world and forgot about Bangalore traffic altogether. There are yellow Karnataka tourism boards on the way showing the distance and direction, refer them as required. From Savandurga to Manchanabele dam took us little over 30 minutes with few stops for photography.

I have been to Manchanabele dam earlier. But this time I noticed few new developments as follows:

1. Amount water in the Manchanabele dam backwater was more and was looking more beautiful.
2. A signboard cautioning people not to go to isolated places to avoid robbery.
3. A new motorable road to reach the shore of the Manchanabele dam backwater.

I even saw more people. You can take bath here, do bird watching in early morning, little bit of hiking, photography and picnic. Eateries are not available bring your own food and water. Read more about Manchanabele dam from my earlier post. Soon we left Manchababele dam for Bangalore. At Dodda Alada Mara, give little halt for tea. At the junction with Mysore road, you will have to take left turn to reach Bangalore. Reached Bangalore by 5.30 pm. This trip was an eventful one. The biggest finding of this tip was a new direct route from Tumkur road to Mysore road without entering Bangalore city. The only other route available in this regard is NICE road. But NICE road is a paid one and this is free. This route is very good for bike rides and trips.

To view more pictures visit, TravelingBeats Photo Gallery.

To discuss this trip visit, TravelingBeats Forum.

Related posts:

1. Trip to Manchanabele Dam and Backwaters
2. Tungabhadra dam or TB dam
3. Trip to Shivaganga

Mode of transport: Bike – Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi

Route: … Dr. Rajkumar road – Tumkur road – Deviation toward Shivagange – Back to Dobbaspet – below the overbridge – took left (this road leads to Madhugiri fort, Devarayanadurga, Namada Chilume, Chanarayanadurga, Siddara Betta).

As usual these days from Yeshwantpur and Vishwa Shanti Ashram traffic is very bad. Probably it will be the same until the flyover and metro rail construction is completed. It took almost an hour to cross this stretch. Once we crossed the toll gate, we were zooming on the NH 4. The bike crossed 100 km/hr three times on the way and reached a top speed of 113 km/hr. We reached a top speed of 115 km/hr on the way back from Tumkur to Bangalore.

On the way to Devarayanadurga

We took a left deviation on NH 4 and took the Shivagange route. At the junction there is yellow board of Karnataka tourism with destination names. we deliberated on Savandurga and Magadi, but went for Devarayanadurga and neighborhood destinations. This way is quite picturesque and good for photography. We went past Shivagange and went to Dobbaspet. Here, you have go under the flyover and take left and continue riding. You will see two yellow board of Karnataka tourism with destination names and distance. Keep riding until you see a green board asking you to take left for Devarayanadurga (5 km). A beautiful cement gate is under construction now. The road is little narrow but never the less, good for riding. You will reach a junction with a right turn and a straight road. Take right for Devarayanadurga. The straight road leads to Durgadahalli. Reaching Devarayanadurga is quite easy as there is a pitch road till the top. You will charged an entry fee of Rs 5 at the entrance of the foot hill. There two temples here – Yogi Narashima Swamy temple on the top of Devarayanadurga hill and Bhoga Narashima Swamy temple at the foot hill. The ride on hill road to the top is very picturesque featuring neighborhood hills, variety of flowers and beautiful scenery.

View from top of Devarayanadurga

Parking is available at the top and it is free. You can buy snacks, water, cold drinks etc from the two – three shops available here. From here, one has to climb around 50 steps to reach Yogi Narashima Swamy temple. The steps has been fitted with granite slabs – one can also sit on the way. After the steps, there is view point from where you can get a nice view. The board there claims that one can see Vidya Shankara Swamy temple at Durgadahalli. Once you come back to the entrance at the foot hill, take left to go to Bhoga Narashima Swamy temple.

Devarayanadurga is located around 65 km from Bangalore and around 20 km from Dobbaspet.

Our next destination was Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple in Durgadahalli. It is located around 3 km from Devarayanadurga. There is another temple called Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy temple little further from here. We did not visited this temple, as the priest of the Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple told it was closed then. From here the road leads to Chanarayanadurga, Siddara betta and Madhugiri fort. It takes around an hour to reach Madhugiri fort from here. we did not go there as it was already over 3 pm. So that you do not miss on any destination, please start early. These are forest area and better to leave before dusk.

Veerabhadra Swamy temple

With time constrains we turned back and went to Namada Chilume which is just 3 km from Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple. There is an entry fee of Rs 3 per person. Here from a point in the stone water oozes continuously. Hindu myth say that lord Ram during his exile visited here. He needed water and could not find any. So he got water with his bow and arrow from the stone. Apart from this there is a deer park with lots of monkey friends around them in the enclosure. One person suggested that one can trek to the top of the hills to see some temples and scenery.

Note: Be careful of monkeys.

Namada Chilume

By this time we were getting automatic reminders about food. So we quickly went to Siddaganga math located around 5 km from Namada Chilume and then to Tumkur (another 5 km) for food. We went to Blue Moon restaurant. This hotel serves decent food. Finished food and started back for Bangalore by 5.05 pm. Reached Bangalore by 6.30 pm.

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1. Grips Go Karting

Grips is good go karting track without much luxury around. For more details, click here.

2. Lake on Mysore road

If you are traveling from Bangalore towards Mysore, you will see a lake on the right hand side with lots of greenery. There are a few small island in the lake. Boating is available in the lake. During evening you can hoards of bird flocking to a particular tree located on one island in the middle of the lake. The it feels like the tree has a white spotted color. This place could be good for bird watching or for a peaceful halt while driving on Mysore road.

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Distance: 35 km from Bangalore city

Journey time: 1 and 1/2 hour on two wheeler. More than 2 hours in bus.

How to reach there: The best way to go there is by two wheeler or private 4 wheeler. You can also go there by bus. Only bus # 266 from market goes directly to Nrityagram. Othere buses from Majestic and market goes upto Hesaraghatta. From there auto charge is Rs 50 – 60.

Route: Tumkur road – look for ECIC factory on the left hand side, little ahead on the opposite side there is big black coloured glass building, take right diversion here and take the road to Hesraghatta.

Best time to visit: Any time. If you want to see dance rehearsals then do not visit during summer vacations. Contact them directly for more details.

Where to stay: Taj Kuteeram

Where to eat: Taj Kuteeram located besides Nrityagram.

Language spoken: Kannada, Hindi and English

Nrityagam literally means dance village. It was established by Odissi danseuse Protima Gauri (Bedi) in 1990. Protima Bedi is the wife of actor Kabir Bedi and mother of Pooja Bedi. She was a model but a chance sight of a Odissi dance changed her completely.

Entry fee: Rs 20
Timmings: Nrityagram is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday 10 am to 2 pm. Closed on Mondays

My visit there last Sunday was an awesome experience. Started around 11.45 am in our Scooty Teenz from Rajajinagar. Once we past chaotic Tumkur road, the road to Hasseraghatta is nice one. Looks like the road has been newly laid. With green cover around, smooth road and great climate it was a day for riding. There are few circles on the way, ask any villager if you are not sure. Also, look for Nrityagram or Taj Kuteeram signage. Nearby Nrityagram, there is a wooded area, it looks like some part of Ooty, Kashmir or Shillong. Reached Nrityagram around 1 pm.

We were told the dance classes were over by 1 pm and Nrityagram will close by 2 pm, so we have 1 hour to see the campus. The campus has been given a country side design with stone the central theme. On entering you will see mascot of the dance village. Then there are dance rooms, community kitchen, store room, hostels etc. Going inside little further you can see African style huts amidst trees. At the fag end, there is an amphitheater. At the side there is a building with a Chinese style roof. Though some of them needs little restoration.

Nearby you can see Hesaraghatta lake. It is a man made lake in 1894 for serving drinking purpose of Bangalore. In July 2009, the lake went completely dry. Not sure if has water now. As it was drizzling on the back, we did not keep Hesaraghatta lake as an option. Around the lake one go bird watching or see Government Aquarium, Horticultural Research Institute, Indo-Danish Poultry and Dairy farms. On the way to Nrityagram one can also find Central Poultry Development Organization office and college.

Address:

Nrityagram or Dance Village
Hessaraghatta
Bangalore Rural District – 560088
Tel: 080-8466313-14

When you are coming out of Nrityagram on the other side is Taj Kuteeram. It is one of the best eco – hotels I have seen. Owned and maintained by Taj Hotels, a Tata group company. Here, too the theme is stone perfectly blended with colorful flowers. After the entrance, you have go through a passage which will lead to little pond besides the restaurant. You can go to the roof top and sit there for sometime and get a broader view. Taj Kuteeram has small cottage rooms which for hire. At one it has a watch tower. It was locked, not sure if they allow to go to the top. It has a tennis court too. Few swans keeps roaming all over the place. A very good place to spend time leisurely.

Taj Kuteeram
Hessarghatta
Bangalore
Rural District
Karnataka 560 088
Tel: (94 – 80) 28466326/329/332
Email: westend.bangalore@tajhotels.com

But for lunch options are very little and it would cost you Rs 550 plus tax per person. We had food at Das family dhaba on the way back. It is a ok kinda place with mainly locals and guys thronging this place. We ordered for kulcha (Rs 12) and Chicken 65 masala (Rs 55). Price seems to be ok. Btw, drinks are also available. Started riding back by 4 pm through the winding road and reached Jalahalli cross by 5 pm. Visited one brother at Kamagondonahalli and made our way back to Bangalore city. Reached home by 7.30 pm. A wonderful place, you should be there to experience it.

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