The next time you travel between Bangalore and Mysore, do a small detour en route to one of the most scenic and serene places – Sri Ram Betta. Situated right atop a hillock, about 50 km from Bangalore, Sri Ram Betta is a silent pilgrim spot that boasts of quiet beauty and a fantastic scenic view. But what makes it all the more popular is that it has been enshrined in the scenes of the ever-popular Bollywood blockbuster, Sholay, and the critically acclaimed Passage to India.
Situated close to the cities of Bangalore and Mysore, the granite structures of Sri Ram Betta make for an easy getaway trekkers close to Bangalore. With a good road passing through, reaching the peak by vehicle is an easy task. For those who love to drive, well here’s your chance. And for those who don’t, take a bus from Bangalore or Mysore to Ramnagar. From there, you can hire one of the several autorickshaws that ply to the temple.
Dotted with ferns, wide steps and small caves, Sri Ram Betta makes for a perfect a perfect family picnic spot. Not only does the this hillock offer a perfect habitat for long billed vultures and their nests, rare birds and sloth bears, it portrays the several mysteries of nature with massive boulders playing a perfect balancing act.
Once atop the hillock, explore its slopes and soak into your senses the fabulous view of the Big Banyan Tree and the Manchinbele Reservoir below. Watch the entire district of Ramanagara spread itself like a carpet, with disjointed rocky hills dotting the landscape, wearing skirts of green.
Rest assured of its scenic beauty, it’s well suggested that you carry your stock of food and water. Fuel for vehicles and reasonable hotels are available at Ramanagara for those who wish to spend a night.
If you are someone who thirsts for more than just one place to visit, travel to Channapatna, about 10 km from here, and treat yourself to handmade wooden toys. For those who love temples, you must visit the Aprameya Swami temple in Channapatna, which has quite an interesting history that dates back to the period of the Ramayana. There’s also the Kanva river and reservoir close by, besides a heritage village, Janapada Loka, which showcases the heritage of Karnataka and offers some great handicrafts made by local artisans for you to take back home.
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vasantha Rao
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