Ramanagara in Karnataka, is an amazing place for quick one day trip from Bangalore. The hilly landscape and the wide open spaces of relatively untouched nature makes Ramanagara a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle we live in. Yatirajagiri, Shivaramagiri, Somagiri, Revannasiddeshwara Betta, Krishnagiri, Sidilakallu Betta and Jalasiddeshawara Betta are the seven major hills which occupy an average altitude of 747 meters. The spot is ideal for short rock climbs, thus making the weekend trips of adventure seekers splendid. Ramanagara is home to some of the world’s oldest deposits of granite and other rock outcrops.
Ramanagara as we know it today would probably never have the same appeal if “Sholay” was not shot there. The film was iconic and wad shot on Ramanagara or Ramgarh as it is known in the film.
I reached there with my roommate who is also my best friend from my Pg by hiring a bike through ONN Bikes app which is quite famous in Bangalore. It was my roommates last week of work so we thought why not have a small road trip before she leaves Bangalore. It was really fun with just the 2 of us and playing music all along the way.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:-
September to February, Since March to May can be a little uncomfortably warm especially with so many rocky and hilly areas around town.
I would suggest visiting this place early in the morning or at least by 9 am since it becomes quiet hot at the later part of the day.
MODE OF TRANSPORT:-
Bike- 62 kms South west of Bangalore. Try to leave Bangalore before 4-5 am.
Bus:- Government/private buses regularly ply tourists and locals between Ramanagara, Bangalore and Mysore. If one wants to have an adventure trip then take a bus reach Majestic or Sattelite Bus stop early morning. Try to catch first bus. Once you reach Ramanagara, take an auto to reach foot of Ramadevara Betta.
Train:- closest station is Ramanagaram.
Flight:- From Bangalore airport book a taxi to reach there.
We left Bangalore (Marathahalli) at 9 am and took the route –HSR-Electronic city- Kengeri- Bidadi- Ramanagara. In short we need to hit the Bangalore Mysore highway.
Once you see the board to Ramadevara Betta on your left (there is a sharp bend towards right around 2km to Ramanagara), you can see the Kamaan to the hill on your right hand side.
There is a small stretch of road which is bumpy and many animals would also be strolling around so one needs to be careful while riding.
Reached there at around 11 am
After we reach Ramanagara (Ramadevara Betta) we need to park the vehicle at the base camp and climb around 200 to 300 steps to reach the hill top. One can also see monkeys on the way.
There are few small temples and a Main temple from where we get a see nice view. After we cross the main temple we need to go more further if you want to do rock climbing.
The trek is not so difficult and you get to see an amazing view after climbing. There is a small pond on the top which looks amazing.
This place closes by 5.30 pm hence we need to reach before 4 pm if you spend some time chit chatting at the top of the hill in the backdrop of wonderful view along with bird watching.
We spent some 3-4 hours and headed to our next destination.
Kootagal Hill
This hill is around 16 kms from Ramadevara Betta.
This is also the favored destination for trekkers and rock climbers given the wide variety of rocks and boulders strewn around here. There’s a temple of “Thimmappa” at the base of the hill and hence the name “Thimmappa Swamy Betta”. Its also known as ‘Kootagal’ Hill.
It offers beautiful views of the twin Rocks and the surrounding backdrop makes for some amazing clicks.
Roads are very good till the base of the hill where there’s a temple of Thimmappa(Lord Vishnu). The stones, shrubs and air of Kootagal Hill, a favorite trekking place.
There were not many people when we reached this place because of the sighting of leopards in that area as per the villagers.
THINGS TO TRY:-
Food- One can have an awesome tatte idli in Bidadi (on the way) or other delicious south Indian dishes.
COST:- 700-1500/- depending on the location from where one wants to travel (I traveled from Bangalore so it did not cost much).
Weekend Runaways 