Ramanagaram Sholay Land | Your One Day Trip Guide from Bangalore!

Sholay – The iconic Hindi film. We will be revisiting now with this trip!

This is the fifth in the series of One day trips from Bangalore – 22 exciting options with detailed itineraries. These 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 day trip is interesting. It will possibly bring you back nostalgic memories of Bollywood classic. This is a lovely day trip of adventure – A trek up a small hill, a lovely lake, experiencing a huge banyan tree. The hill and banyan tree being part of the iconic film.

The Circuit

Bangalore – Ramadevara Betta (Sholay land) – Manchanabele reservoir – Big Banyan tree (Place where “Yeh Dosti” song was shot)- Bangalore

Google Map – https://goo.gl/maps/tTczbcc7ZU42

Total Distance – 113 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. Have a good breakfast of “Thatte idlis” (Plate sized Idlis)  in “Renukamba Tiffanys” or “Shashi Thatte Idli” in Bidadi.

9 AM – Leave after breakfast and head straight to “Ramadevara Betta” of “Hill of Lord Rama”. This is off the highway before Ramanagara town. You will find an arch and a signage on 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 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.

11.30 AM – Depart Ramadevara Betta and drive to Manchanabele. A pleasant 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 are 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.

12.30 PM – A short drive of 15 minutes will bring you to an amazing place. “Big banyan tree” or “Dodda Alada Mara” as it is known in Kannada. The second largest Banyan tree in the country. This is the place where “Yeh Dosti” song of Sholay was shot. Enjoy the shade of the mighty tree. Marvel at the numerous aerial roots. Have a nice picnic for an hour.

1.45 PM – Leave Big Banyan tree and head to “Malgudi Vatika” which is before Bidadi. Have a sumptuous lunch before it closes at 3.30 PM.

4 PM – Time to return. After a good lunch head back to Bangalore.

Travel tips

a) All times are indicative for using a car 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.

We strongly suggest that you download customised RoutO app from H V Kumar. HVK as he is fondly called, provides you customised route maps, live support on the road trip and will also help you with hotel accommodation as well. Check out all details here.

RoutO – The Right Route & Travel Support For The Motorist Traveller

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. 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”.

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 cameras 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 someone 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) If you are a birder, early morning is a good place to watch birds in Manchanabele.

J) The sunset in Manchanabele is spectacular. The backdrop of Savanadurga Hill gives it an added beauty.

k) Please do not get into water. It is  dangerous. Many incidents of fatal drowning has been reported.

l) Big Banyan Tree or Dodda Alada Mara is place to be savoured. Walk around and get surprised by the enormity of the large tree.

m) If you are not still tired, may pay a visit to Wonderla – the amusement park – on your way back and spend few hours there.

n) Be environment friendly and don’t litter the places. Keep them clean.

o) 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

Road Trips from Bangalore – 20 Exciting options with detailed itineraries! – http://traveltwosome.com/exciting-road-trips-from-bangalore/ 

Weekend Trips from Bangalore (Covers Saturday & Sunday) – 7 Exciting options with detailed itineraries! – http://traveltwosome.com/weekend-getaways-from-bangalore/

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