Devarayanadurga (DD Hills) - A Navadurga

Devarayanadurga is a hill which is situated in Tumkur and has two popular temples, the Yoganarasimha and Bhoganarasimha and is a popular destination. The place is a favorite with both pilgrims as well as mountain climbers. The hills with lush green trees on all sides make the climbing a lot enjoyable. The place was originally known as Anebiddasari then as Jadakana Durga after a chief named Jadaka and finally as Devarayanadurga after its capture by Mysore king Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar. On the hilltop are perched two popular Devarayanadurga Temples, the Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha Temples. These temples are visited by pilgrims all through the year. The Bhoganarasimha is at the base of the hill while the Yoga Narasimha is perched at the top of the hill. Devarayanadurga located 65 kilometers from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is at Tumkur and the area also has excellent bus connections.

How to Reach:

Bangalore --- Yeshwanthpur --- Dobbespet -> Right turn under the flyover leads to Devarayandurga.

Nearest Places: Siddaganga mutt, Siddara Betta, Mandargiri hills, Nijagal Betta.

Best Time to Visit: All Seasons.

Food Available near both temples.

Namada Chilume:
En route to Devarayana durga is a place located called Namada Chilume( the Spring of Tilaka/Nama) at the base of the hill road leading to Tumkur. Tilaka or Nama or Pundraka is a ritual mark on the forehead, of sandalwood paste, coloured earth or vermilion. Based on the Puranas it is believed that Sri Rama during Vanavas(exhile to forest) on his way to Lanka halted here. He wanted to apply Nama or Tilaka on his forehead, not finding water anywhere around to wet the “nAma, he shot an arrow into the ground, and a spring sprang and thus the name (Rama)-nAmada chilume. The spring can be still seen, the water comes out from a small hole throughout the year and never dries up.

Deer Park
There is a Deer Park in the vicinity of the Namada Chilume,There many spotted deer taken care by the forest department. One can enjoy the un-polluted greenery and fresh air of the Namada Chilume. It is good try for one day trip.  One needs to carry their own water and food, though there are small shops around.

“Take only pictures; leave only footprints.” - Anonymous - 

Mandargiri Trek

Mandharagiri (Basadi betta), is a picturesque small hillock with jain temple near tumkur. Located opposite to Bangalore-Tumkur highway and 65 km away from bangalore, you can see an entrance arch in the main road stating the name 'Mandaragiri' and going by this way you can reach to a small village, Panditanahalli. Little distance from this place leads you to the bottom of the hill.You can park you vehicles at the bottom of Basadi Betta, and you can see a Mutt nearby.  Ensure that to get the keys of the temple from the priest in case he is not coming with you towards top. Once you reach top of the hill after climbing 435 steps, you are welcomed by the main door of the temple. After entering the main door now you are in a huge courtyard in the midst of four temples, two temples are dedicated to Bhagawan Chandranatha and one each one for Parshwanatha as well as Suparshwanatha. The idols are simple but wonderful. You can spend a while at Basadi Betta; rest and get pleasure from the cool breeze blowing via the many aisles of the mantapas. The far-away hills as well as the rocky landscape with small puddles present a lovely view. There is one more surprise when you open the rare door of the temple complex. You can see a beautiful lake called Mydala Kere down below the hill.

How to Reach :

Bangalore --- Dabaspet -- after 10km take right turn near Arch -- Mandargiri base.

Near by places: Mydala kere, Devarayanadurga (DD Hills), Madhugiri, Nijagalbetta Trekking.

Permission : Not required

Steps : Yes

Climbing time : 15 mins Max

Photo Courtesy : Mohan

“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.” - Nemann Buhl

Revanasiddeshwara Betta/ SRS Hills Trek

SRS Betta is consists of a massive Monolithic Stone surrounded by beautiful hilly region and located equi distance from Ramanagar, Channapatna and Kanakapura. Revanasiddeshwara Betta, a hill in ramanagara, 62 kms from Bangalore (Bengaluru) city and rising 3066 feet above sea level,The route to the top of Revanasiddeshwara Betta is extremely simple and does not require much physical agility. Beginning at the foot of the hill, where the entrance arch to the Renukamba Temple is, you follow the slabs of stone that have been laid out for visitors. These will lead you to wider steps that have been carved in the rock surface. They are easy to climb and because of their width, they present several opportunities for the tired to sit and rest a while. Revanasiddeshwara Betta is conveniently accessible, with autos plying right up to its foothills, and local buses connecting it to nearby towns and cities. There are chathras and lodges at the base. There is a road that goes to the middle of the hill and rest of the journey must be covered on foot. Be aware of monkeys.Can be found easily in google maps.

How to reach:

Bangalore --- Ramanagara bus stand --- Signal left turn --- SRS Hills.
 
Distance from Bangalore: 65km one way.
 
Climbing time: 30mins max
 
Parking Fees : 5rs

Nearest Places for Trek : HandiGundi Betta,Ramangara Betta Trek, KuntiBetta Night Trek

              “A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi