Ramadevara Betta and Kanva reservoir makes a nice combination for an easy one day trip from Bangalore.
This is the 24th in the series of One day trips from Bangalore – Exciting options with detailed itineraries. These one day trips are easy to do and will break the monotony of city life. They will also provide a nice outing to children who can experience outdoors.
This is an interesting one-day trip. It will bring back nostalgic memories of Bollywood classic “Sholay” to you. The film was shot around Ramadevara betta. It is a lovely day trip of adventure – A trek up a small hill with fantastic 360-degree views of Rocky landscape and visit to a lovely lake made by the backwaters of Kanva reservoir!
Weather Alert – This is summer and day times are hot. Cover well and drink a lot of water and be well hydrated.
The Circuit
Bangalore – Ramadevara Betta – Kanva reservoir – Janapada Loka Bangalore
Google Map – https://goo.gl/maps/SMV1QmEi8qpiadpw5
Total Distance – 127 KMs
The Plan
7.00 AM – Leave Bangalore. We recommend you to take NICE road wherever you are as it is convenient. Exit at Mysore road.
8 AM – Have a good breakfast of “Thatte idlis” (Plate sized Idlis) in “Renukamba Tiffanys” or “Shashi Thatte Idli” in Bidadi. You can also pack them and eat it on the way.
9 AM – Leave after breakfast and head straight to “Ramadevara Betta” or “Hill of Lord Rama”. This is off the highway as you enter Ramanagara town. You will find an arch and a signage to your right.
From the highway, the place is around four KMs. Park the car and then explore “Sholay land”. Locals call it “Sippy Nagar”. The hill and surroundings were the places where iconic film Sholay was shot. This place is also designated as a “Vulture sanctuary” and is protected area.
Climb 300 steps under shade and get wowed by huge boulders on the way. Once you reach the temple dedicated to Lord Rama, explore the surroundings. Climb on the vantage points near the temple to see the panoramic views of the place dotted by huge boulders where Sholay was shot.
These pictures will show you how lovely the place is. The place also has few temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman which can also be visited.
Rock cut steps to reach the top. They are less than 100 steps!
The panoramic view of the small pond and temple from the top!
This is a fantastic rock formation you will see on to your right!
The landscape you see from the top is awesome. Huge monoliths springing out from earth surrounded by greenery!
Vultures! Don’t miss seeing them!
12 PM – Depart Ramadevara Betta and drive to Kanva reservoir. A pleasant short drive will take you to the backwaters of the reservoir.
This is a lovely waterbody. Ideal for birdwatching if you come in the mornings. There is absolutely no shade. You need to cover yourself up. Do not enter the lake as it has undergrowth and dangerous. Many drowning incidents are reported here. You may not allowed to enter the dam but can enjoy the landscape of lovely lake surrounded by beautiful hills. Walk on the bank and spend half hour here.
1.30 PM – Depart Kanva reservoir and head for lunch to Kamat Loka Ruchi
3 PM – After lunch walk down to Janapada Loka. A folk museum on the highway. This is an interesting place where you can explore the folk history of Karnataka. Spend 45 minutes here.
Entrance gate to Janapada Loka!
An exhibit showing rural women at work in a potters house
Art house!
4 PM – Depart for Bangalore. You can stop over for some snacks and coffee on the way.
Travel Tips
a) All times are indicative for travelling in a car or bike for the trip. You may extend the time based on your interest in a place.
b) The road conditions are generally good. The road conditions may change due to various factors. It will be good to join a road trip enthusiasts’ FB group HVK Forum managed by H V Kumar, the doyen of road trip in India. You can get the latest updates on the road conditions in this very active group.
c) Ramadevara betta require climbing steps, though not tough. If you are travelling with elderly people who can not climb, they may have to stay in the car which is definitely not welcome. There are some hiking trails in the forest. Do not attempt if you are not familiar or you have someone guiding you.
d) Carry binoculars to watch vultures and other birds perched on the rocks in the hills as this is also a “Vulture sanctuary”. Bino will also help you to savour the beautiful landscape.
e) Enjoy the panoramic view of Ramanagara landscape interspersed with hills and rocky terrain. This is also the favourite spot of rock climbers.
f) All these places are photographers paradise. Keep your camera ready.
g) Unfortunately there are no guides to show you places where Sholay was shot like for example “the rock where Gabbar sat when he asked Samba “Kitney aadmi the?” or the place Helen danced to “Mehbooba”. If you are lucky, you may come across a local who may help.
h) There is a small shop near parking area selling cookies and tea. Apart from that there is nothing for eating.
i) We strongly recommend wearing a good walking shoe and a hat as sun will be sharp. Please also carry drinking water.
j) Please do not get into water anywhere. It is dangerous. Many incidents of fatal drowning has been reported.
k) There are no rest rooms in both the places. Though the one in Ramadevara betta is not hygienic. The best options for rest room will be Kamat Lokaruchi or other good highway restaurants.
l) Be environment friendly and don’t litter the places. Keep them clean.
m) Drive safe and return home safely.
If you are interested in longer road trips from Bangalore with detailed itineraries, you should look at these posts on this blog
One day Trips from Bangalore – 24 Exciting options with detailed itineraries! – http://traveltwosome.com/exciting-road-trips-from-bangalore/
Weekend Trips from Bangalore (Covers Saturday & Sunday) – 8 Exciting options with detailed itineraries! – http://traveltwosome.com/weekend-getaways-from-bangalore/
Weeklong Road Trips from Bangalore – 12 Lovely options with day-wise itinerary – http://traveltwosome.com/exciting-road-trips-from-bangalore/
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Very informative/ written very well. Thank you
Thanks