Shivaganga Trek- Weekend getaway

         Shivaganga  yet another beautiful hill town, 1380m above sea level, about 60km from Bengaluru. This wooded region has a number of ancient temples of which Gangadeeshwara and Honna Devi temples are very popular. There are ancient monuments like Kempegowda s Hazara, the image of Khumbi Basava and Lingayat Mutt called ‘Mahanta Mutt’. It is believed that there were 64 Lingayat Mutts here. The temples here, quite ancient, are replete with ornate carvings, rich sculp-true. The image of Kempegowda can also be seen as a devotee at the Siva temple here. Another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated below the hill. Here Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of Shanteshwara. The temple has a huge tank with sculptures depicting epic events.

This picturesque hill is by itself a natural marvel since it offers a pleasant surprise to the onlookers from each of the 4 directions. It presents the look of Nandi, the sacred Bull of Lord Shiva, from the east. From the west, it looks like image of Lord Ganesha. It resembles a Shiva Linga to look at from the south and gigantic cobra with its hood spread from the north.

We started at 05:30 from the Bangalore thinking we would see the Sunrise from the Top but we reached around 7 to the foot of the hill. We took 40 min to climb the hill. It was very foggy on the summit which caused poor light to take the snaps. How ever after 9 everything was cleared, we took hundreds of snaps. Beware of Monkeys on top. It never allows you to eat the food there. Even though you feed the food, it tries to snatch the food pocket from your hand or bag. Craaaazy…….

We reached back to Bangalore at 13:30. Yes you can finish the trip within half day from Bangalore.

Direction:

Route 1: Bangalore – Nelamangala – Dobbospet take left here – Shivaganga 70 Km

Route 2: Banglaore – Nelamangala – Take left before Dobbospet. (You will see a board showing Shivaganga hills 7km, after couple of miles from Nelamangala Toll. Just keep on watching). 60 Km

Happy touring, Happy photographing....

Gokul