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| The Ramdevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary |
After a long gap, I was on a weekend trip but this time it was not with
Tharangini but with a group of relatives. This was a trip organized by my
niece Ramya and we decided to venture to a location made famous in
Bollywood’s classical blockbuster “Sholay.” This movie was shot in the
scenic rocky and weather-worn hills of Ramdevarabetta in Ramanagara
district of Karnataka state, India.
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| The Sholay View |
With arrangements for food and space made by Narayana Murthy at his
picturesque Farm Stay that is located at the base of the Ramdevarabetta
Vulture Sanctuary, our visit turned into a trip filled with fun and
frolic. The ride from the southern part of Bengaluru was just about 35
kilometers and fortunately, it was a pleasant and cool day.
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| A rocky farm stay |
Reaching this farm stay that was abounding with many shade-giving trees –
mango, jackfruit, and other luscious fruit-bearing trees, we took a walk
around the farm that was overshadowed by the steep hills. After gorging
our food, we made our way to the Ramdevarabetta hills to climb the 500 odd
steps.
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| Rocky green landscape |
Although a bit strenuous, the climb was enervating with scenic and picturesque views at every nook and corner. As we trekked across the rugged hills, we could see the fortification of the hills that has been done at seven levels. At each level, there is a gateway and this will take you to a specific structure dedicated to Anjaneya or Rama, or others. One can take rest and soak in the natural beauty of these jagged hills. For me, it was an interesting time to look for dens providing shelter to foxes, jungle cats, and other animals.
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| Steps to hills |
As we made our way up the hill, one can look at the ledges that host a few vultures. As we sighted an Egyptian Vulture flying over us, the deputy range forest officer informed us that its population was rising steadily while the long-billed vultures were sighted rarely. The white markings on the rocky ledges clearly showed their presence although I
could not capture their images. But I was happy that at least the Egyptian vultures had found their home in these rocky lands of Ramnagara.
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| Vulture ledges |
Finally reaching our destination that is the Ramdevarabetta main Temple –
to our dismay, it was crowded with people lining up all the way. This is a
complex which has a fortified structure all around but at different levels. So, if one has to visit any specific temple, one has to take a
particular gateway.
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| The gateway to the Main temple of Pattibhirama |
Since this place is said to have seen the footprints of Lord Ram and others, the temples to are dedicated to Ram, Hanuman, Sugriva, and others.
The place is teeming with sculptures of various gods and goddesses that have been built in different periods. But for every structure, there is a story, a tale behind its installation.
In the quest of these tales, we decided to visit one of these ancient
temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman that is called the Kote Anjaneya
Swamy temple. Now how did we visit this temple which has been recently renovated and opened for the public? Well, more in the
next part – I take you on a journey down the fortified hills of Ramdevarabetta.
How To Reach There:
Ramnagara is just 50 kilometers from Bengaluru, the capital city of
Karnataka, India. And from here, Ramdevarabetta hills are just three kilometers. Since this is India’s only vulture sanctuary, one has to purchase tickets to enter these forested hills. It only opens at 9 am and further, one has clear out before 5.30 pm.
Location map:
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