Trekking in Devarayan Durga
Nine miles east of Tumkur town, there is a fortified hill known as Devarayan Durga. Its in the midst of picturesque landscape and at an altitude of 3940 feet. Its considered to be an ideal place for trekking and rock climbing.
There are three elevations and seven gates that lead a trekker to the summit. Lakshmi-Narasimha Swamy Temple is on the lowest elevation. There is a spring, Ane-done, nestled near the first elevation. There is a pond on the slope that is believed to be the source of Mangali. A little higher on the Trekking Trail, there is another small spring known as Jaya-tirtha.
Its said that stream Jaya originates from this spring. At the base of the hill at Irukasandra, both the streams come together to form the river Jayamangali. Shimsha River also originates from these hills.
The middle elevation houses the Govt travellers Bungalow and few other places of rest. Rama-tirtha and Dhanus-tirtha are the two springs located close to the second elevation. Also, there is a large cave with figures of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.
Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha temples are located at the hilltop. Another famous temple in the area is the Mahalakshmi Temple at Goravanahalli.
It hosts the famous natural water spring Namada Chilume, a small stream of water coming out of the ground. Devarayan Durga also plays host to Yellow Throated Bulbul, which is an endangered bird.
Location
State: Karnataka
Exact Location: Devarayana durga is a small hill station near Tumkur.
Nearest Town: Bangalore, Tumkur
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
How to Reach
Banglore - Tumkur - Devarayana Durga
The Bangalore to Tumkur route is well connected by buses and trains. There are few local buses that ply between Tumkur and Devarayana Durga. The nearest railway station is 25+ km away in Dobbespet.
Alternate Routes: Bangaloreto Dobbespet. Reaching Dobbespet, take the route under the flyover and take a right turn. The left turn goes towards Shivagange betta.
Banglore to Kyatsandra: After you have crossed the second toll gate on the Tumkur road, and after 1+ km, take a right turn to Kyatsandra. Youll reach Siddaganga Mutt after crossing a railway level. From here, you will reach Devarayana Durga via Namada Chilume and Hanuman Temple.
Other Attractions in the Vicinity
Chennarayana Durga: Located 10 km from Koratagere on the way to Madhugiri via Tumkur, it is one of the nine Durga forts. Inside the fort, there is a small temple and one can also spot ruined and semi ruined old structures.
Siddara Betta: Its natures treasure trove. Several species of medicinal herbs can be found here, and a natural spring that gushes out from the top of the hill is said to have medicinal value. The place is also marked by number of caves.
Goravanahalli Mahalaxmi Temple: This temple of Goddess Laxmi is located 85+ km from Bangalore.
Best Time to Visit
For trekking it can be visited any time except March to May. Otherwise, it can be visited all year round.
Things to carry
- Walking stick
- Hiking shoes
- Woolen clothes
- Water and snacks
- Torch
- Medical kit