The far side of Bangalore is a nature’s bounty in full swing. Just 60 kilometers away from the hustle-bustle of Silicon City is a powerfully quiet countryside with breathtaking views, century old temples and rocky hills. The destination is, Devarayanadurga in Tumkur district. Devarayanadurga once known as Anebiddasari is a well known pilgrim spot amid green hills and is guaranteed to revive your spirits with its beautiful rocky terrain.
Devarayanadurga. Pic: Usha Hariprasad
Here is a quick look about the place and its history.
A coup d’oeil of Devarayanadurga history:
The place is also known as Karigiri which means elephant hill in Kannada. When the Devarayanadurga hill is seen from the east side it resembles an elephant. Hence the name Karigiri (Kari-elephant, giri-hill). The hillock got its name Devarayanadurga after it was captured by Mysore king Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar in 1696. Earlier it was known by the name Anebiddasari and later Jadakana Durga when a chief named Jadaka ruled the town.
The hill is situated at an altitude of 3940 feet and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Devarayanadurga is the birthplace of rivers like Jayamangala which joins the Krishna River and the Shimsha River which joins the river Kaveri at Shivanasamudra. The hill chains at Devarayanadurga also mark the boundary ofKrishna and Kaveri river basins.
Devarayanadurga. Pic: Usha Hariprasad
17th century fort ruins, historical remains dating back to Hoysala and Vijayanagara period and the traces of Wodeyar dynasty rule can be seen in Devarayanadurga village and the Kumbhi hills of Devarayanadurga.
This is an ideal place for those looking for divine blessings or adventure. The rocky terrain offers many opportunities for trekking. The hill is about 1188 meters and is great for moderate trekking. Check out bmcindia.org/events/ for more details.
If you are a cycling enthusiast then you can register for cycling events at www.ICYCLE.in. The trails are not for beginners as it is level3 trail with cycling trek nearing to 75 kilometers or so. But you can check out level 1 trails meant for beginners.
Deer Park. Pic: Usha Hariprasad
When to go
Two important festivals taking place at Devarayanadurga are the car festival which is a happening event during March/April and the Narasimha Jayanthi during May.
How to get there
The route to be followed is Bangalore-Nelamangala – Dabaspet – Devarayanadurga. When you reach Dabaspet you need to take a right under the flyover. After another 20 kilometer stretch you reach Devarayanadurga. If you are planning to travel by bus then there are buses till Dabaspet from Majestic bus stand. From Dabaspet you will need to take an auto to reach the temple.
Where to eat?
En route to Devarayanadurga you get popular hotels like Kamat Ruchi and Café Coffee day.
The base of the temple also has shops selling tender coconut and light snacks items like biscuits, cut fruits, salted cucumber etc.
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we have gone there several times to visit the temple, perhaps never thought of these aspects. Apart from religious significance we need to appreciate the historical importance too. Thanks for this detailed article.
Hello Nagaraja,
Most of the places near Bangalore have a lot of historical significance associated with it. You can get more information about these places by hiring a guide or viewing the local books.
Hello Nagaraja,
Most of the places near Bangalore have a lot of historical significance associated with it. You can get more information about these places by hiring a guide or viewing the local books.