My Ideas/Thoughts/Experiences

Participants:

1. Subhasis Ray
2. Neelima Sharma
3. Somya Mani
4. Srinivas R.
5. Myself

Date: 4th December, 2011

Mode of Transport: KSRTC Bus

The Green Route “Trek on the Railway Track”, as it is well known, is a trekkers paradise, stretching from Sakleshpur to the Subramanya Road Station. Though the track was being abandoned some years agao, it has become active with with replacement to the tracks and goods train plying through the track. The trek forms a part of 56.80 kms stretch from Sakleshpur to Kukke Subrahmanya, which is dotted by 58 tunnels, 109 bridges and about 25 waterfalls.

Since we had only one day at our hands we decided to start the trek from the Donigal Railway Station to Yedukumari Railway station and be back, a distance of about 17.20 kms one way. This stretch has around 17 tunnels with around 24 bridges (not the exact count).

Time: 21:56 hrs

The tyres finally moved towards our destination. A pit stop in the Hotel MTR at 00:47 hrs.

Time: 03:00 hrs

The bus reached Sakleshpur. We were in two minds of whether we should continue on the same bus or take a local bus. When contacted with the bus conductor, they informed that they would drop us near Donigal Railway station.

Time: 03:30 hrs

But to our good/bad luck, we were dropped near a group of small tea stalls, after around 20 minutes ride from Sakleshpur bus stop. We decided to have a cup of tea on the small stall and also inquire about Donigal railway station. There the person informed that we have to walk around 3-4 kms to reach the station. So, be it. We all decided to walk. With torches in our hands, fog/mist all around, the screeching sound of vehicles passing by, smell of burning tyres, we en-devour the journey on the Bangalore Mangalore Highway on foot. As we travel, we have the sights of the coffee estates, Shentha Estate on the right and DoddaMane Estate on the left.

Time: 05:00 hrs

After moving for around one and half hours like nomads we were finally able to get to our first destination, Donigal Railway Station, from where we planned to start the trek. We had to walk back for almost half a kilometer, after consulting a local, to reach the road leading to the station. We reach the station only to find it empty. Even the station master was in deep sleep. Since it was still dark, we plan not venture out of the station, but gave some time to revive ourself by taking a small nap under the open sky.

Where is Donigal Railway Station?

Donigal Railway station, located in the outskirts of Saklespur is a small railway station, which caters the needs (signaling only) for passing good trains. It is located just around 1 kms from the passing NH 48. One has to cross the Muthappeswar Seva Trust on the right and just after crossing the bridge get down (in case you are taking a bus/cab) and go on the right (broken tar) muddy road. In case you plan to trek from Sakleshpur itself, Donigal would be around 4 kms from there.

Time: 06:30 hrs

The short nap was quiet reviving for us as it make ourself feel fresh. We went hunting for the station master but still he was not to be seen. We thought of going ahead instead of waiting for him, since we would loose valuable time if we don’t start early. We went ahead and started our trek from the station. We planned to reach Yedukumari Station and move onwards to reach the highway from there through the jungle (though it did not materialize later). We started from Donigal at 50/0 as the railway mark.

As we move along the trek, we came across a series of bridges and tunnels. You can see the beautiful ridges, canopy of the far forest from the bridges. The view from the top is breathtaking. As we moved into the first tunnel, it was all dark. My first on foot experience on a railway tunnel. As we enter the second tunnel, there is a small opening and as you move out you hear the loud roaring of a stream flowing down, as it makes it ways across the stones. The view is very beautiful.

Time: 10:45 hrs

We reach 59/400, where we got into another station. I don’t remember the name of the station. But we took some time to rest in there. We inquired to a gentlemen, about the distance to Yedukumari station to which he informed that it would be another 8-9 kms from the current location. We had to pass through one of the longest tunnel which was about 592 m and one of the longest bridge over a stream. The tunnels were a marvelous piece of constructions dated that time around the 1950-1970’s.

Time: 12:35 hrs

Finally reached Yedukumari. Milestone 67/200. It was a quiet a relief to see the the station name on the board. We have walked a continuously for 2 hrs without any break. Much needed lunch break. There is also a canteen in there. We had omelette’s and rice. It was nice speaking to the gentlemen from Delhi who serves you in this canteen.

P.S: Try avoiding meeting the station master Mr. Rakesh Singh there. Seems like a troublesome person, as we experienced.

Time: 14:20 hrs

We decided to head back to Donigal itself since the route through the forest is not convenient. As informed by the people therein, the forest homes to a lots of tuskers and leeches. And from the station, it would be around 5 kms to the highway. We asked for assistance but since it was Sunday there was no one around to take us through the forest area. We had to make it on our own. With sun going down by the hills, we decided to head back on the same trek.

Time: 16:30 hrs

Reached back 59/400.

Time: 18:30 hrs

We were able to get on to the highway just after the underpass. There is a small trail which leads you to the highway. We tried stopping some buses, but in vain. Finally we had to walk for some more time on the Bangalore Mangalore Highway before getting a lift by a private jeep. They dropped us at the Saklespur KSRTC bus stop, from where we planned to take a bus back to Bangalore.

Time: 21:00 hrs

Hungry and dying for some food, we managed to grab food in a small veg restaurant in the bus stop itself. Our feet and shoulders were all giving up now and there is no point waiting for Volvo/Rajhamsa, since those would only ply after 23:00 hrs. So we went ahead and popped into a KSRTC bus to Hassan.

Time: 22:50 hrs

The bus dropped us at Hassan, from where we took another bus to Bangalore. We dozed off just as the bus started to move towards Bangalore.

Time: 02:50 hrs

Reached Majestic bus depot, which marked the end of the eventful day in the lush green mountains and and the stony railway treks of Sakleshpur.

Looking back, at the end of the day we walked around 43 kms. I would like to thank my fellow trekkers for having such a wonderful/unforgettable trek.

Courtesy:

http://bmcindia.org/events/sakleshpur-railwaytrack-trek.html

Participants:

1. Harsha
2. Srinvas R.
3. Chakrapani and family
4. Shrikant Gaikwad
5. Myself

Date: 27th November, 2011

Mode of Transport: Bajaj Platina 125 cc, Unicorn, Hero Honda Passion

Time: 9:30 hrs

It was a bit of yes/no, since it has been drizzling all these days and climbing the rocky surface can be a bit tricky. But as the weather forecast showed some(Sun) rays of hope we decided to go on the ride. We all assembled at the Nelamangala Toll Plaza at 9:30 hrs to start the journey. After crossing the toll road, we decided to have breakfast at Kamat, which is on the left (just before the Dobbaspet flyover).

Route Information:

As you go on towards Tumkur from Bangalore, one needs to take a right at below the Dobbaspet fly-over to go to Madhugiri. It is around 56 kms from the fly-over. This is a straight road till you reach Koratagere, where you need to take a right. The left goes to Tumkur. The same road takes you to Devaranyana Durg and Siddara Betta. The road condition after Koratgere is not so good. Though it a tar road but you can just see the pebbles in it. The total distance is about 114 kms from Heball (one way).

Madhugiri Fort:

The Madhugiri Fort, nestled in the steep slopes of the Madhugiri Betta in Tumkur District, was built around 1678 during the reign of Raja Hera Gowda during the Ganga period. Further fortification was done by Hyder Ali, to whom it is credited the most. Looking up from the base of the hill, Madhugiri Fort looks like a maze of randomly built series of strong walls on the slopes. There are a number Mantapas located in various parts of the fort overseeing the base. There are several water tanks along with granaries on top of the hill to serve to the needs of soldiers. It is one of the beautiful fort of the era. The fort looks like a maze of randomly built series of strong walls on the slopes.

At 3930 feet elevation, Madhugiri is a single hill and is the largest in Asia and second largest in the world.

Time: 12:15 hrs

We reached the base of the fort and after parking our bike’s we started the climb at around 12:25 hrs. The initial climb was pretty easy with ASI doing some renovations and building up some good stone steps. As you pass the first guard wall you can view the glimpse of the 4th majestic fort wall.

Since the rains have just pass by in some months ago the greenery in the rocks is still alive. We had some nice photo shoots in an around the first fort wall.

As we move upwards, the steepness also increase but the small steps carved out on the rock made it look easy. There was a place where the water was flowing making it very slippery. The worst part was when we had cross a stretch with right side to the cliff and the other side is the fall. Thanks to the railing support, it was helpful to overcome this. It would have been a night mare without the support.

From there on there is no support, though now the climb is not so steep. For once you would feel that you are on top of the fort, but not to your wishes, you have to climb more. You could hardly see the fort walls from there. After taking some break some photo shoots we moved ahead to our destination. As you gasp your breath, you think what is next? How much more? But you would reach there in another 40 mins of walk from there.

A small fort welcomes you on the top. Though the walls are worn off, you can still figure out how good it was. There is also a small house, I assume it was for the soldiers, with natural lighting.

The view from the top is awesome. It can’t be described but should be felt.

Time: 15:35 hrs

Fully satisfied with the view/scenery at the top, we started the decent to reach the base at around 16:50 hrs.

Time: 21:00 hrs

Reached home after having dinner at `Maruthi Panjabi Daba`, some 30 kms from Bangalore (on the right in case you are coming from Madhugiri fort).

Total Odometer: 228 kms

Courtesy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhugiri
http://www.bmcindia.org/events/bmc-madhugiri-trek.html
http://www.filmapia.com/published/places/madhugiri-fort

Participants:

1. Harsha
2. Srinvas R.
3. Shrikant Gaikwad
3. Myself

Date: 20th November, 2011

Mode of Transport: Bajaj Platina 125 cc, Unicorn

Through-out my earlier trip blogs, I have no-where mentioned the time of start/end time, but I thought of having this for the first time, so that it would be useful to other travelers/biker’s also.

Time: 7:15 hrs

Marconahalli Dam:

Started alone from Kodigehalli to join the group at the Toll in the Tumkur Highway. We went pass Nelamangala and to took a left to follow the Bangalore-Mangalore Highway (NH 48). Driving in the morning hours is fun as you can have very less traffic and you can view the majestic hills far off covered with clouds. We drove at a leisurely pace taking snaps here and there. We reached the Kunigal by-pass and had breakfast the Brindavan Fast Food, on the right. We continued on the NH 48 to reach Markonahalli (opposite to Hotel Mathrushree). We took a left from their and after biking for around 8 kms, to reached our first destination.

Time: 10:45 hrs

Marconahalli dam built was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar under the guidance of Visweswaraiah across the river Shimsha. As we reach the dam gates, we were welcome by the caretaker’s son Mr. Manjunath. He informed us the the dam has 6 crush gates and 5 siphons. With a depth of around 90 ft in the middle and an area of about 3500 sq. kms, the dam is a home for large number of fishes. Fishing is also practiced here in the morning hours. Mr. Manjunath took us downstairs (knee deep water) to give us a overview of the siphons and how it works as a suction pump to pump in access water, as it water moves above the danger level. The dam also hosts a rail for moving a temporary shield in case one of the main gates fails due to water pressure. The crane holding the rail is around 2 T as informed by him.

With water full, the view from the top of the dam was awesome. Crystal clear water glittering due to sun shine with a green grassy background, will be in the eyes of the viewer. There is also a park down there but it is not well maintained.

Time: 11:50 hrs

Melukote:

We continued on the same road that led us to the dam. The green paddy fields on both sides made the ride worthwhile. We reached Nagamangala which is around 55 kms from the dam, and continued our journey towards Jakkanahalli. From there, Melukote is around 5 kms. We took a right there to start the climb to the temple. One haves the first glimpse of the temple standing tall on the top of the mountain on the left. Since the the visit is just after the rain, almost everywhere you can find out a lake with water full to it’s capacity.

The temple on the top of the hill is dedicated to Lord Yoga Narasimha. One needs to climb some steps to reach the temple. One can have a good beautiful view from the top of the temple top.

A Kalyani is also located at the base of the temple.

The `Puliogare` which you get near the temple is told to be awesome, but we were unlucky to have it.

Time: 13:45 hrs

Tonnur Kere:

As we continue on the road from Jakkanahalli, at a distance of about 20 kms, we reach Mahadevpura. We took a right here to enter the village. As we make in roads through the village, we see the glimpse of the sugar factories. Sugar cane been crushed, juice being boiled and later put on vessels to make jaggery. It was an wonderful experience. We road for about 15kms to reach the lake.

This is an ideal location to enjoy lunch and spend time playing. The water, though safe near the shore, is said to be dangerous. Crystal clear water glittering due to sun shine was a view to be seen. People were there enjoying swimming and taking bath. Since the water was above the required level, a man made waterfall was also in place, wherein people were enjoying smashing water everywhere.

Time: 15:30 hrs

We continued on the same road to Padavapura and a glimpse of the village life. Sugar cane fields and factories on the either side and a smell of jaggery made it aromatic. We reached the Bangalore – Mysore highway and continued to reach Hotel Amravathi on the outskirts of Mandya, at around 16:30 hrs and leisurely spend some time there to relax ourselves.

Time: 19:30 hrs

Started from Hotel Amravathi on the Bangalore – Mysore highway, after having lunch/dinner back to Bangalore.

Time: 22:00 hrs

Reached back home to got hooked on to the Internet again to plan for the next trip.

At the end of the day we drove around 327 kms and thanking all of my travel mates for having such a wonderful journey.

Participants:

1. Chakrapani and family
2. Srinvas R. and Raksha S.
3. Wife (Chumki) and Myself

Date: 22nd October, 2011

Mode of Transport: Bajaj Platina 125 cc, Hero Honda Passion, Unicorn

We were suppose to visit this place last week itslf but it did not materialize due one or the other. Shanmukha, means a ‘Six Faced God’. A huge six faced statue of Lord Shiva is built therein.

This temple is built on top of a barren Hillock in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. The foundation of Shrunga Giri was laid on 3rd March 1995. Dr. Arunachalam was the chief architect and visionary for the project. Inside the temple, you find various statue’s of Lord Ganesh.

On the base, is the small temple dedicated to Panchamuki Ganesh (Murgan).

A devi temple is also located just opposite to the Shanmuka Temple.

Route Information:

The temple is located in Rajarajeshwari. While going on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, you get the arch near the Gopalan Mall. Take the left and travel straight up.

Take a left just after Iyengar’s Cool Palace and Just Bake, which will directly lead you to the temple.

You can have a view of the temple from the NICE road also.

Courtesy: http://shanmukhatemple.com/

Participants:

1. Shrikant Gaikwad
2. Rajesh R.
3. Srinivas R.
4. Chakrapani and family
5. Wife (Chumki) and Myself

Date: 13th – 15th August, 2011

Mode of Transport: Toyota Inova

This trip plan has been a mixture’s of yes and no’s. Is this the right time or should it be planned later? Will it rain?

No. It did not rain at all except some small drizzles. The best part of it was that all the falls were full, flowing to it’s mightiest.

Day 1:

We started from Bangalore at around 8:30 hrs and reached Belur at around 13:00 hrs after 2 pits stops.

Belur:

We went inside the Chennakesava temple complex to explore it. The temple complex is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. The intricate workmanship includes elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological epics, and sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas). Inside the temple are a number of ornate pillars curved with numerous artefact’s.

We reached Chikmangalur at around 15:00 hrs and after booking a hotel went out to explore the surroundings. As we move around the mountains towards the peak, we could hardly see the surroundings as clouds move in and out. It was awesome.

Guru Dattatreya – Baba Budan Swamy Darga:

Guru Dattatreya Baba Budan Swamy Darga on the Bababudan hills in Chikmagalur Taluk is an ancient and important institution held in high esteem by Hindus and Mohammadans alike. It is located in the Baba Budangiri Ranges. We were not able to go inside this, since a fence has been erected last year due to some riots (as informed to us by locals).

Manikya Dhara:

Manikya Dhara Falls is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls. Manikyadhara Falls also offers an opportunity for witnessing beautiful surroundings and greenery on the hills. Manikyadhara, meaning ‘a string of pearls’. It is believed that a bath would cure all aliments and you remove all your sins here and you would find a dashboard there stating the same.

Day 2:

Kalahasti Falls-Raj Bhavan-Rose Garden-Shanti Falls-Z Point:

Kalahasti Falls is located at Kallattipura in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka at a distance of about 10 kms from Kemmangundi. There is temple located besides the falls dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has three stone carvings of three elephants at the entrance. Water cascade water over these elephants and devotees believes that these waters have the power to cure diseases.

The rose garden is being maintained by the Horticulture Department (Karnataka). Just besides is the Raj Bhavan. The old Horticultural Guest House is also located besides it. Z point is a vantage point at Kemmangundi and can be reached by a steep uphill trek of about 90 minutes from Raj Bhavan and is another place from which to view the sunrise. As you walk towards the Z point you go through Shanthi Falls (a small fall). View from the Z point can also be experienced not written. You can find gust of winds throwing you out. One word “Awesome”.

Hebbe Falls:

Hebbe Fall is situated at a distance of about 8-10kms from Kemmangundi. One can either trek the whole way or take a local jeep to cover the distance. One passes through coffee plantations and dense forests.

Mode of Transport: Local Jeep
Road Condition: Was there a road?
Vehicle Condition: I am alive to write the blog.
Journey: A bumpy ride

Since we were late from Z-point, we preferred to take the local jeep rather then doing the trek. We bargained to Rs. 175 per person. The road is along a steep and narrow path on the edge of the hills with one side coffee plantations and the other side dense forest. Once in the jeep, rest assure all the food items would be digested, since one would be jumping from one corner to another inside the vehicle. After about 40-45mins drive one reach the end of the road. One needs to walk around 20-30 mins, crossing 3 small streams to reach the base and view the majestic falls.

The water would be chill but one can take a dip (it’s very pleasent).

Note: Please bargain for the price. But kuddos to the driver who takes pain to drive on that road and you still come in single piece. One needs to be careful while crossing the streams, since at times the water force might be high.

Day 3:

Sringeri:

We started towards Sringeri at around 8:30am after dropping the plan to Bhadra National Park. The road was not so smooth as from Bangalore to Chickmangalur. There was a bad patch of road for about 5 kms after which the road was awesome. We had some good snaps being taken there. There were coffee planataions on one side, while the huge mountain on the other side.

We reached Sringeri at around 11:30 hrs and had darshan.

We started from Sringeri at around 14:30 hrs and were back in Bangalore at around 22:30 hrs with 3 pit stops.

Anyways, it was a memorable weekend and thank to all of my travelmates for the same.

Participants:

1. Shrikant Gaikwad
2. Srinivas R.
3. Wife (Chumki) and Myself

Date: 12th June, 2011

Mode of Transport: Bajaj Platina 125 cc, Unicorn

Nrityagram is a residential school for Indian classical dances and an intentional community in the form of a dance village, set up by Odissi danseuse Protima Gauri in 1990. It is situated near the Hesaraghatta Lake at a distance of about 35 kms from Bangalore.

The most noticeable thing that you would find is that of a students life style. They seem to follow the age old tradition of taking care of the Guru’s. As per this ancient method, students look after and care for their master by growing fruit and vegetables on the land, cooking, cleaning, and earning through dance recital.

Route Information:

The place is around around 35kms from the main Bangalore city located besides the Hasarghatta main road via Jalahalli. Drive down the road till you reach the horticulture research centre and take a left from there. Move down little and take the first right towards “My Native Village”. Drive down further more and you can see a board to take the right towards the Nrityagram place. It would be around 5 kms from this point (a lone stretch, but too good).

The way is to go via Jalahalli -> Doda Byalakere -> Hasaraghatta -> Take right -> My Native Village -> Nrityagrama. Road condition is good.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nrityagram
http://www.nrityagram.org/

Participants:

1. Shrikant Gaikwad
2. P.C. Gautam
3. Wife (Chumki) and Myself

Date: 22nd May, 2011

Mode of Transport: Bajaj Platina 125 cc, Bajaj Caliber

The national park comprises of around 104.27 sq.km in area and is mostly covered by dense forest and scrub land making it an idle home ground for wild animals such as tiger, lion, bison, leopard, wild boar, deers, elephants etc. The mammals are left freely in the forest and the visitors are taken around the forest in a well caged mini-bus to view these animals. Different partitions with huge gates and moats separate the forest into the herbivores section and the carnivores section.

The visitors are allowed to view the forest area only in the ’safari’ (joy ride) buses and are not allowed to get off the bus whatsoever. I felt like going inside a big cage , but worth visiting. The park is open from morning 9 am to 4:30 pm.

It also comprises of a Zoo and a Butterfly Park.

Entry Fees:

There are a lot of variations in the fee structure depending upon the trip you want to undertake incluing the following.

a. Grand Safari – Rs 165, Zoo ticket is a must for this.
b. Zoo – Rs 45
c. Still Camera – Rs 25
d. Leisurely elephant ride – Rs 60
e. Nature trail – Rs 70

Route Information:

The national park is about 28 kms from Mekri Cirle and is very much accessible via public transport. BMTC buses including both Volvo ply to the national park. En-route to the national park you could come across the Meenakshi Temple on the right and Meenakshi Mall on your left.

References: http://wikitravel.org/en/Bannerghatta_National_Park

Participants:

1. H.S.Venkataramana and Family
2. Wife (Chumki) and Myself

Date: 20th March, 2011

Mode of Transport: Tata Indica

The Kotilingeshwara Temple is situated at Kammasandra near Bethamangala, Bangarpet Taluk, in Karnataka. As the name suggest, Kotilingeshwara houses 1 crore of Linga’s though as of now, it is estimated to be around 92 Lacks and still growing. The temple is being constructed by Swamy Sambhashiva Murthy. There are small temples of various deities constructed within the premises of the temple. The Lingas installed, vary in sizes, from small to big. Pooja’s are being performed to each of the Linga’s installed.

Bangaru Tirupati resembles the famous Sri Venkateshwara Temple of Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh. The Vishnu temple and the Padmavati temple is situated on small hills, you have to climb some steps for the darshan. You need to view th Vishnu idol through the window not via the door. The view from the top of the temples is awesome as you can view the greenery surrounding the temples.

Narasimha Theertha is around 5 kms from the Mulabagilu, and one of the prime mutts of Raghevandra Swamy, dedicated to Sripadaraya. As you go around the place, you locate the brindavana, his study place and a pond. It is said that Ganga flows in to the pond.

Anjaneya (Hanuman) Temple located in Mulabagilu is stated to be installed by Arjuna around 4000 yrs ago. A special flower is being offered to the deity everyday by one or the another, all round the year, irrespective of it’s blooming season.

Route Information:

Kotilingeshwara is around 100 kms from Bangalore on the old Madras road. The best route would be,

Bangalore -> Hoskote -> Kolar (bypass, take right at railway gate) -> Bangarpet (take left after 5 kms) -> Kotilingeshwara

We have not gone via this route, but went via Bethamangala. Just take right before the medical college (a large statue of Lord Rama), and go towards Bethamangala. Take left after you reach Bethamangala and after traveling around 10 kms you would find Kotilingeshwara temple on the left.

Bangaru Tirupati, is around 9 kms from Kotiligenshwara temple, from the Bethamangala bus stop. Anjaneya temple is around 2 kms from the Narasimha Theertha.

Participants:

1. Shrikant Gaikwad
2. Chakrapani
3. Srinivas R.
4. Vijay Sankar
5. Wife (Chumki) and Myself

Date: 13th March, 2011

Mode of Transport: Bajaj Platina 125 cc, Hero Honda Passion, Unicorn

This was trip which I have been planning for some time but was not able to make it, for one thing or the other and finally, it happened that too after my marriage.

`Shivgange` derives it’s name from it’s shape (Shiv Linga shape) and springs running underneath (Ganga). Ideal for one day trek, this place is near Dobbaspet, Tumkur district, at around 54 kms from ISRO HQ, New BEL Road. `Shivganage` is also known aliasly as “Dakshina Kashi” or Kashi of South India. The presence of a large number of temples have made it into a pilgrimage center.

1. Gangadhareshwara Temple: Gangadhareshwara, is said to be one of the forms of Lord Shiva. It is below a huge rock and as such the roof is very low. It is said, that the offerings in Ghee turns into Butter, not sure how. There is also a tunnel therein (inscription therein), which as per the locals, connects to Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bangalore.
2. Patal Gange: The word describes it’s meaning, underground Ganga. The water level keeps changing throughout the day. It is said to be connected to connected to Antaragange in Kolar. The water is considered sacred in both the places.
3. Olakala Teertha: Olakala Teertha, is another temple on the way to the Nandi statue, at around 1 kms from the base. You need to put your hand inside a small opening and touch the spring flowing underneath. It is said to be lucky in case you are able to touch or feel the water.

There is a huge statue of Shiv/Parvati on the way to the the Nandi Statue. Seems this is newly constructed.

4. Nandi Statue: The Nandi statue is the nighest point of the hill. It is around 3 kms from the base. The view from the top is awesome. There is also a point where Queen Shantala wife of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana committed suicide. This point is known as Shantala drop.

Route Information:

The place is around 54 kms from ISRO HQ. One needs to go straight on to NH4 till Dobbaspett (around 20 kms from Nelamangala). As you reach Dobbaspet, don’t take the flyover, go underneath and take left turn and travel for 6 KMs to reach Shivagange. As you move on the road, you will have a good view of the hill.

There are lot places to cool yourself on the way to the Nandi, making it less tiring.

Note: Do not carry any bags. Monkeys therein will snatch anything whatever they can get hold of.

Participants:

1. Shrikant Gaikwad
2. P.C. Gautam
3. H.S Venkataramana and Family
4. Myself

Date: 2nd January, 2011

Mode of Transport: Tata Indica

The Vishwa Shanti Ashram is located in Arasinakunte village on Bangalore in Tumkur highway near Nelamangala town. It is spread around 20 acres of land. As you enter the premises, there is tall statue of Vijaya Vittala. On one side there is Gayatri devi and Navagraha. On the right hand side is the temple of Santoshi Ma.

Again as you proceed further, after paying the entrance fee, on the right hand side you can see 7 women depicting 7 rivers flowing from the mountain. On the left hand is the Bhagavad Gita Mandir. The architecture of the temple is Lord Krishna advising Arjuna on a chariot during the battle of Kurukshetra. You enter through the chariot. Inside the temple is the Vishwaroopa idol, a form of Lord Vishnu. There are incription of Bhagwat Gita on the granite walls of the temple.

A slok from the Bhagwad Gita,

Route Information:

The place is around 30 kms from Yeshwantpur Raiway Station on the way towards Tumkur. You may take the new toll bridge, but make sure you get of the bridge just before you reached Neelamangala. The journey time will be around 1 hr depending upon the Bangalore traffic .

There are BMTC buses from Majestic also.(All 258 series buses, from Majestic and Market)