Day 1- Kolli Hills

Kolli Hills is a mountain range in Eastern ghat. Situated in Namakkal area of Tamil Nadu, it is around 280 km from Bengaluru. Compared with other hill stations, this is moderately known and less went by tourists.The street from Bengaluru to Namkkal was great on account of four line. The main excruciating part is Hosur Krishnagiri stretch which is being augmented to six paths. The mountains ranges from to 3500ft to 4500ft with the tallest top Vettakaramalai, ascending to 4663ft above ocean level and covers region of 280 km. The Kolli Hills has 70 fastener curves and several turns and winds to achieve the highest point of the slopes. Slopes has two perspective focuses, a noteworthy waterfalls, 3 other little falls. A temple and numerous different attractions. We began at around 6:30 in the morning, getting a charge out of the cool, crisp morning thundering through the expressways towards Hosur.Stopped close Dharmapuri for breakfast at a roadside joint (aah ! I simply adore the without moving dosas there :), and proceeded with our approach to Salem where we ceased for fuel. We proceeded on NH7 south of Salem towards Namakkal for another 35 kms he far up comprised of 70 barrette curves and it was a great ride. The twists were not exceptionally soak, and with extensively huge bends and secured with trees completely through. At long last we came to Semmedu, had some pineapple slices.After a pleasant shower, we went to a perspective, where the entire town of Semmedu and Rasipuram was unmistakable underneath. We made a beeline for yercaud, we reached around 7.30PM.

Route: Silkboard -> Hosuru -> Krishnagiri -> Salem -> Rasipuram -> Karavalli -> Semmudu - Kolli Hills -> Salem -> Yercaud

Places to see in Kolli Hills:

Akaashaganga Waterfalls: The main attraction of Kolli Hills. Akasa Gangai is an enchanting 300 feet waterfall of river Aiyaru, located near Arappaleeshwarar temple it is the main attaction of Kolli Hills. 1302 steps lead down to the falls.

Masila Falls: Unpolluted waterfall is not as huge as the Akash Ganga falls, but good enough for taking bath.

Arapaleeswarar Temple: It is a 12th Century Shiva temple right opposite to Akash gange waterfalls.

Botanical Gardens. This place is an ideal spot for loitering around with kids. There is a view point at the top of this Botanical Garden.

 Mini Falls: This is a small waterfalls situated close to the Arapaleeswarar temple.

 Sikku Parai View point: Also known as Suicide point it gives an incredible view of the valley. Watching sunset is amazing feeling.

Photography Credits: Suhas, Arun, Ajay, Kevin

Avalabetta

A less heard place, lovely hill spot called Avalabetta(Avalakunda) which I heard my friends. The Idea was riding from Bangalore to Avalabetta. The only difference that I could make out between Avalabetta and Nandi hills is Avalabetta is less crowded. Hoping it will be the same in coming years. The hill offers us a charming view of the country side, the rolling hillocks, and the large strips of green sand the hazy outline of distant backdrop. There is a motorable road today which will lead you to the to the summit of the hill. 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. 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. There is a dam nearby village called Darbur.

How to reach: Driving on Bellary road (NH7) from Bangalore, at 14 kms after Chikballapur (52 kms) look out for a road on the left and proceed to Mandikal (11kms). From Mandikal, the hilltop is at a distance of 11 kms.

Permission: Not required

Parking: Base of hill

Food: Not available

Fees: No

Nearest places to visit: Gudibande Fort , Varlakonda Fort , Nandi Hills, Chikkajala Fort  

PC: Mohan, Kevin, Mahantesh

 

Malnad Ride - Day 3- Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola town is arranged between two slopes Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri with a tank in the middle of, to be specific, Belagola meaning Bili Kola or white lake. Shravana or Shramana implies Jain plain, which means, way of life rehearsed to seek after religious and otherworldly objectives keeping away from common delights. The town is named after this Jain parsimonious and lake. The spot is a Jain journey focus as there is 57 feet solid statue of Gomateshwara on southern slope, Vindhyagiri confronting North.little wonder then that over centuries. Shravanabelagola is a photographer’s delight. The unquenched thirst one develops after capturing Lord Bahubali on film at Vindhyagiri Is further deepened by inscriptions. And sculptures that virtually speak history dating back to Indus Valley Civilization; and much more.The Mahamasthakabhisheka, the head anointing ceremmy of the Lord Gommateshwara Sri Bahubali observed once every 12 years in Jain Dharmic cycle is an Integral part of ancient and composite Indian tradition.We rose further to achieve crest where Bahubali statue is situated. Around the statue there were arrangement of 14 little symbols of different thirthankaras called 'Suttalya'. We had darshan of Bahubali. The statue, focus of fascination, is the tallest solid statue on the planet. The statue is cut wonderfully as though ant colony dwelling places encompass it and creepers surround up to thighs. As per the data accessible, it was introduced by Ganga King Rachamalla Sathyavaka's pastor Chavundaraya in 988 AD. Gomateshwara or Bahubali was a child of first Jain Thirthankara, Purudeva. He was changed after he won the battle for kingdom battled against his sibling Bharatha.Went to Basadis on top of the slope and attempted our fortunes to surround Thyagada Kamba, a column and if one encloses by his hands it is accepted to be a fortunate image. On our way up, we saw many individuals move up 2-3 times to offer a few religious pledges, numerous a times, holding kids. Subsequent to hovering round the statue, seeing every one of the 24 Thirthankaras and overpowered by the Majestic statue, we took a few snaps of the engravings and began back.

Itinerary: 

Day 1 : Bangalore -- Settihalli Church -- Belur -- Halebidu ( Halt at Halebidu )
Day 2 : Halebidu -- Jeenukallu Gudda -- Halebidu -- Shravanabelagola (Halt at Shravanabelagola)

Day 3 : Shravanabelagola -- Bangalore

Other Lord Gommateshwara's in karnataka.

1. Karkala Gommateshwara
2. Venur Gommateshwara

3. Dharmasthala Gommateshwara

Malnad Ride -Day -1- Belur

Karnataka has had compelling empires in its past. The four incredible ones were Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Vijaynagara and Hoysala. Out of these, the temples from the Hoysala empire have stood the impacts of time and remain in their best superbness of all temples in Karnataka. The temples at Belur and Halebid shaped the core of the Hoysala realm and thus pull in the most consideration. In any case, they did endure harm amid the wars. In the event that you wish to see a Hoysala temple in all its heavenliness, you need to go to Somnathpur, once a Hoysala kingdom fortification, particularly in the rich Cauvery area. The temple towns of Belur and Halebidu are an absolute necessity visit. Anybody intrigued by listening to stories can welcome these excellent bits of work; every one of them has such a variety of stories to tell, of a time long passed by!.

The colorful figures (Madanikas) on the walls of the temple are tranquil, playful and affectionate, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural excellence.These Madanikas were roused by the excellence of Shantala Devi, lord Vishnuvardhana's wife, who was knowledgeable in expressive arts of move and music and was all around prepared in Bharatnatyam move. There are forty two Madanikas in Bharatnatyam postures cut on the external walls.

The temple construction work was begun amid the rule of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala realm. Lord Vishnuvardhana was conceived as Jain. Amid his rule, he turned into a devotee of Ramanujacharya and changed over to Vaishnavism. That is the way this Temple appeared amid his rule. At the entrance, to our upper left, there is a carving of the King Vishnuvardhana holding court alongside his Guru Ramanujacharya. To the upper right, we have the King's grandson holding court, amid whose rule the construction of the temple was finished.

The symbol of Hoysalas thus is a man killing a tiger. Halebeed was the capital of the administration where the temple stands. The temple of Halebeedu was built over a range of 190 years and stayed deficient. The Belur temple took over 100 years to build. The material utilized for both temples is cleanser stone which is delicate and simple to carve when taken out from the earth however gets harder over prolonged exposure to air.

The Belur temple is more known for the "Shilabalike" – the pictures of women carved in stone all around the temple. Every image is of a women doing distinctive things or occupied with various occupations. They have intriguing names, for example, 'Shuka Bhashini' for a woman conversing with a parrot; 'Darpana Sundari' for a woman with a mirror and such.                               

Malanad Ride -Day -3- Halebeedu

Halebeedu, when translated in Kannada means old habitat. This was named as Dwarasamudra in the seasons of Hoysala Dynasty and turned into an 'old town' after attack from Muslim Rulers of the north. Likewise with the greater part of the noteworthy temples, this temple additionally has seen a few harms. The divinity of the temple is Shiva for the sake of Hoysaleshwara. who is worshipped in the temple’s two shrines even now.

The carvings seen around the temple are astounding. Every last bit of the divider is loaded with workmanship and the thoughtfulness regarding subtle elements in every carving are astonishing. Traveler can see numerous temples like Hoysaleswara, Shantaleshwara and Kedareshwara which had been worked by Ketamala and committed to Vishnuvardhana, leader of Hoysala Empire. The sanctuaries are named after the Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his wife, Queen Shantala. Halebeedu has constrained
accomodation choices. There is one and only state tourism lodging and few lodges which is not meant for family, which only gives fundamental offices. Travelers want to stay in Hassan, where one can discover mid-reach and lavish lodgings.