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A two-hour long drive from Bengaluru, and then a left turn off of the Kanakapura road, takes you to Rangaswamy betta a.k.a. Bilikal betta (meaning, “The White Hill” in Kannada). Belonging to the forest reserve, the Hill is covered in shrub forest (short trees, bamboo and bush) that are characteristic to high hills. Every once a year, pilgrims from the surrounding area climb this hill to celebrate a festival at the Ranganathaswamy temple at the top. The path they have been tracing over the years has become a regular trekking trail.The entrance of the trail is reached by vehicle, starting from where you will enter the forest on foot. The trail begins with a half kilometre walk on a relatively level path, after which the forest becomes denser and the gradient of slope increases drastically. The trail constantly winds uphill at an incline, and includes slightly steep stretches where one is forced to climb on all fours, as well as short sections that level out to give a brief relief. These act as viewpoints that give you a great vista of the landscape and also opportunity to monitor your progress.The trail finally opens out onto the summit (at 1552 m) which is basically a large flat field with the Ranganathaswamy temple to the left. The temple is built under a massive granite boulder which also doubles up as its roof. From here, you get a 360 degree view of the geography in that area. Different hills in the the Kanakapura range, including Kabbaladurga, Savandurga can all be seen from here. If on an overnight trek, catching the sunrise on the east makes for a highly photogenic moment.Reasons for this being a great trek for the casual trekker* are twofold,1. The Hill, makes a very good ‘transitional’ trek for a beginner hoping to do more challenging treks (2-day events) in the future. 2. Its close proximity to Bengaluru (63 kilometers) makes it very accessible for said trekker. *Caution:Please don’t register if you are very unfit or suffer from weak joints. This event requires basic fitness and a decent amount of stamina. |
Nearest Towns: |
Bangalore. |
Location info:India>Karnataka>Bangalore |
Distances:50km from Bangalore |
Camping Sites: Cant camp at the top of the hill. |
Trek Length: Two to three hours,Day trek, mainly rock climbing, rappeling, etc. |
Route Info: |
Ramanagaram town is situated at 50km from Bangalore on Bangalore-Mysore highway. Ramanagaram is well connected both by rail and road from Bangalore. |
Best Time To Visit: |
Any time round the year when its good to trek up the hill |
Worst Time To Visit: |
May be in monsoon when it will be difficult to trek up since it will be slippery |
Difficulty Level: |
Easy-Moderate |
Moderate to Difficult |
Summary: |
Ramanagaram is situated in a valley surrounded by (48 km from Bangalore) rocky hillocks is sub-divisional headquarters from 1884. It became a taluk headquarters in 1928, and the place was named Ramanagaram in 1949 . It is the biggest cocoon marketing centre now. It is spread on either banks of the Arkavati and the old bridge connecting the town was built by Sir Barry Close, the Resident at the Royal Court of Mysore.Ramanagaram has a unique landscape. It has innumerable granite monoliths spread over a wide flatland. The area itself is fertile with Arkavathi River flowing through it. In fact water can’t be seen in Arkavathi all the year round as it has been dam(ned) in the upstream at Manchibele. Coconut and mango farms are most visible here. Silkworm culture is also present. |
Ramanagaram is not less famous for rock-climbing than its for the bollywood all time favorite movie “shole” which was released some 30+ years back. though nothing really left over as we had seen on screen always. now how it good it could be for trekking. The present town has an Agrahara on the left bank of the Arkavati with a temple of Arkeshwara built in later Vijayanagara style. The temple is said to have been renovated by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. It is facing west and has a Garbhagriha, a spacious Navaranga and has an inner Prakara. |
Things To Look for: |
There are lots of hilllocks to be trekked at Ramnagaram |
Things To Be Aware Of: |
Things To Carry: |
Personal medication (if any)One strong backpackWater bottles (enough to carry at least 2 liters of water)Energy Food (Chocolate bars, flavored milk, Electrolyte drinks – Glucon-D, etc.)Torch with new batteriesSports shoes (for better grip)Camera (Optional)Rain coat (Just in case) |
References |
http://birdonthewire.livejournal.com/299426.html |
Important Phone Numbers : |
Permission: |
Permission Required for Rock climbing & Rappelling (RFO- Ramnagaram Office) |