ರಾಮದೇವರ ಬೆಟ್ಟ - Sholay Hills - Ramanagara

This is the post about famous Sholay hills which is very popular as Ramadevara betta in local language. It means Hill of the God Rama. This is located at a distance of 5km from the silk town Ramanagara. Ramanagara is situated at a distance of 40km from Bengaluru in the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. At Ramanagar, one need to take a right if one is travelling from Bengaluru side to reach this beautiful place.

I am dazzled by this place because two reasons. For people who want to explore this place in traditional way, we have temple of Rama. For people who is hungry for adventure also this place gives a very much satisfying meal :) Lets explore :)

As you enter the narrow village road, after travelling for about 4-5km, you will be welcomed by the forest gate entrance which welcomes you like below.

Ramadevarabetta entrance

This place falls under the Ranahaddu forest range. Ranadahhu means Vulture in English. Since this is a forest region, staying beyond 6PM is not allowed at this place. Once you enter this gate, you will reach the parking lot where there is forest check-post office. This is the place where the actual steps to the Rama temple begins.

Steps to the temple

The path to the temple is filled with not less than 400-500 steps. But, the path to the temple is very cool to eyes filled with greenery accompanied by strong rocks. The greenery around gives pleasant feeling to the eyes. Also, the canopy formed by trees and rocks will not allow the harsh rays of sun to pierce us.  Here is the sample of how the surrounding of the path.

Rocks and greenery

As we go up the steps, we can find couple of temples in between. We decided to come back at it during downhill. We were so excited to see the summit first. Ahhh.. finally, after climbing so many steps, here is how it looked at the beginning.

Rama temple entrance

We had decided to have breakfast at famous Bidadi tatte idli. We ate a bit extra only since we had anticipated that we may have to do a lot of adventure at this place. So, the steps and the surrounding hills justified our anticipation. This is the main temple which we entered at around 8.30AM. There is a Ganesha idol at the right side of this temple. More importantly, for nature lovers there is a very deep pond which is right beside this temple. Here is the view of the pond from the neighboring hill.

Landscape view of Pond and temple

Breathtaking view right!!!!!! Yes, this is just the beginning. No camera, no words can capture the beauty of the view at this place. One should really experience to feel the fulfillment. In the left side of this pic you can also see the small mantapam. There is one more small temple there. Its a temple of Shiva if I am right :) Oh yes!!!!!! Hold on. Ya, I remember that I told that this place is also known for its challenge to trekkers :) Now, let us explore the path to the even more taller peaks of this place. If you are not aware, this is the place where famous Sholay movie was shot.

The entrance to the peak is beside the temple and the entrance to the peak looks like below.

Way to peak

The stretch to the peak is also equally charming as the peak. We can get a chance to see the surrounding ranges like Savandurga, Shivagange etc.

Enroute to the peak

View of the pond from the peak

Hanuman at the entrance of highest peak

Trail to peak

As you can see from the above pics, you should not just assume the difficulty and challenging trail of this peak. One should really feel it :) Once you are at peak, you can find one more pond there. The view at top is awesome to the power of infinity :) I do not want to post that pic and ruin one's experience.

In a nutshell, this place is very scenic and calm place. If you want to escape from busy life and find some peace, just head here. Full satisfaction guaranteed :)

Important notes:

1. It is better to start early in morning so that one can enjoy the breeze at peak.

2. Plan for breakfast at Bidadi -  especially tatte idli

3. Car parking available at the base of the hill near forest check post.

4. Carry food, water. Hardly anything is available there.

5. Though toilet is there near temple, it is not maintained.

6. If you are scared of height, do not attempt to reach the peak.

7. Suitable for family picnic and also for adventure lovers.

8. There could be few monkeys around. Stay safe.