Ride to Panchapalli Dam

Panchapalli dam is one of unexplored places around bangalore. Situated 90 kms from marathahalli towards hosur. After attibele take a right, on the way enter TVS Company move towards Denkanikottai and reach panchappalli dam. On the way you find many small villages where you can ask the way also google maps can help you. Bettraya Swamy Temple is also a must visit with panchapalli dam. There was no restriction and we were freely allowed to walk on the dam, May be because reservoir was not full but had decent amount of water. Dam is covered with mountains and at the end of dam gate you find a village too. One more new weekend gateway away from hustle bustle bangalore life. Better to spend weekend with nature instead with concrete forest!!There is a temple where statue of Policemen accompanied Gods!Awesome weather overall, Initially when we started from silk board it started drizzling, yes thought rain was playing hide and seek game. overall it was very good weather and ride. I hope video describes all!

Nearest Places to explore: Krishnagiri Fort Trek, Rayakottai Trek

Distance from Bangalore : 90Kms

Time to reach from Bangalore: 2- 3 Hrs

Parking : Can be done in-front of Dam Entrance itself.

Food : Not available near dam.(Get your own food)
           Since we went early morning we packed from Denkanikottai.

How to reach : Marathahalli - Silkboard - Attibele - TVS Company - Denkanikottai - Panchapalli Dam

"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” - Gustave Flaubert

Varlakonda Fort

Varlakonda small village situated on the NH 7, on the highway till the village of Varlakonda is reached. On the left, one can sight the Hill with some fortifications on it . Take a left turn and drive for about half a kilometer.There is a small temple on the top and some old ruins. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Although climb is easy, Initial climb is Steep. Its a less explored and unknown to public.Be ware of Monkeys!

Nearest Places to explore: Devanahalli Fort, Nandi Hills

Distance from Bangalore : 75 kms

Trek Distance: 2kms ( one way)

Trek Level : Easy

Time : 45 mins Ascend

 “In the mountains there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can’t.” - Rusty Baille

Heggunda Hill

Heggunda is the massive rocky hill, Ramadevara Betta, crowned by a Rama temple on the top.Heggunda (earlier called Pokkunda) was an important city during the Hoysala period (12th Century).The iron railings installed all the way to the top provide adequate support and comfort for the city dweller long used to the elevator. Atop the hill is a small temple of Sri Rama with a tall stone pillar installed in front. It is said that Rama's sacrificial horse was tied to this post by his sons Lava and Kusha.There is temple on the foothills. After walking for 10 mins you will find anjaneya temple, take left from there which leads to small pond and the steps with railings to reach the top.

How to Reach:

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

Nearest Place of interest : DD Hills, Mandargiri hills, Nijagal Betta.

Best Time to Visit: All Seasons.

Coordinates:   13°16'51"N   77°15'27"E

Parking: Park in village near temple.

Permission: Not required.

“One does not climb to attain enlightenment, rather one climbs because he is enlightened.” – Zen Master Futomaki 

Bandipur Day -2 Ride To Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

2nd Day:  Started from Masinagudi in the morning and we headed to Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta.

Gopalaswamy hill range seemed endless.There are quite a few scenic places on the way, including sunflower fields and long road stretches with trees on either sides.The temple consists of main diety Sri.Gopalaswamy, the image is beautifully carved out of Krishna Shile, and is about 7 feet in height including the prabhavali. The idol of Krishna, is very beautifully carved and he is standing in a Tribhangi posture. Himavad Gopalaswami temple was constructed in 12th Century AD by the Hoysala Kings.Later the Wodeyars Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore who were ardent devotees of Lord Venugopala displayed keen interest in maintaining the hill temple. The temple is situated on a hill which is actually an extension of Western Ghats and is surrounded by thick jungle on all three sides. The temple is restored in a Dravidian style and outer protection wall is constructed at a later stage.ame Himavad - Hima means snow in Kannada vad - meaning covered with, as this place is in a altitude of 1400+ meters above Sea Level and is always covered with clouds. The best part of this place is you will not find any crows, people says that once a crow had a dip in the near by pond and it turned into a swan and henceforth, no crows are to be seen here.

Route  From Bangalore:
1.Bangalore-Nanjangud-Gundlupet-Hangala-Himavad Gopala Swamy Betta.

2.Bangalore-Chamarajanagara-Gundlupet-Hangala-Himavad Gopala Swamy Betta.
just after Gundlupet you need to drive for about 8 kms till you reach a small hamlet called Hangala, take a right deviation for about 11 kms and you will reach this fantastic location admist thick forest and if you are lucky you can spot Elephants.

Note : Trekking,Picnicking,partying are punishable offense. Hence visitors are requested to refrain from adventure or explore.

Permission: Yes (Time to return is 1 hour 30 minutes).

For More Pics : https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1640997449452851.1073741840.1565079290378001&type=3

Bandipur Day -1 Ride to Masinagudi

We started from bangalore when all the signals were yellow i:e 4am. As planned meeting point was jayadeva flyover and banshankari. we rode via kanakapura,Malavalli,bandipur,Masinagudi.

The presence of gentle streams and flowing waterfalls in the forest cools up the environment and brings respite to tired travellers. Hotels in Masinagudi are strategically located to provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and forests. Set amindst utterly tranquil environment, these accommodations in the form of villas, resorts and rooms are great places to relax and spend intimate moments with nature.
Imagine the chirping birds wake you up, golden sun rays blink from the midst of tall dense trees and a morning walk brings you close to wandering deers and elephants. All these can be experienced in Masinagudi, a wonderful forest destination in the Nilgiri district known for its abundant vegetation, quaint charm and surrounding hills. It is one of the aptly preserved wildlife sanctuaries of South India where various species of birds, animal and plants come together to astonish you with their innocence and natural beauty. While planning Masinagudi tour package, including wildlife safaris is a must. These are perfect for wildlife lovers and nature buffs as one can spot animals like:

Place to stay at Masinagudi: Jungle Paradise

Contact : Kumar : 9443643775
Very good hospitality throught our stay. Food was really good. Better place to stay with family and friends.Kumar can arrange Night safari, Trekking to beautiful spots and many more. 3 Tree houses, Few rooms, Campfire etc available at the paradise. Truly its a paradise as the name say.