Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a place where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet? If yes, then you should definitely consider BR Hills as your next destination. BR Hills, Biligiri Rangana Betta or Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is a hill range in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, about 180 km from Bangalore. It is named after the Rangaswamy Temple, situated on a white cliff at the highest point of the range.
BR Hills is not only a religious destination, but also a unique ecological hotspot, a cultural destination, and an adventure destination. In this article, we will tell you why you should visit BR Hills and how to plan your trip.
BR Hills: A Unique Ecological Hotspot
One of the main reasons to visit BR Hills is its biodiversity. BR Hills is where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna. The hill range is covered with deciduous, evergreen, and grassland forests, which are home to more than 800 species of plants. Some of these plants have medicinal properties and are used by the local people for various purposes.
The wildlife of BR Hills is equally diverse and impressive. The hill range is declared as a wildlife sanctuary and a tiger reserve, which means that it is protected and managed for the conservation of wildlife. The sanctuary hosts more than 250 species of birds, including the endangered Malabar pied hornbill, the Malabar whistling thrush, and the yellow-throated bulbul. It also hosts more than 50 species of mammals, including elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, and tigers. In fact, BR Hills has one of the highest densities of tigers in India, making it a great place for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
BR Hills: A Cultural Destination
Another reason to visit BR Hills is its culture. BR Hills is the home of the Soliga tribe, an indigenous community that has been living in harmony with nature for centuries. The Soliga tribe has a rich history, culture, and lifestyle that are closely linked to the forest. They have a deep knowledge of the forest resources, such as plants, animals, and water sources, and use them for their food, medicine, clothing, and shelter. They also have a strong spiritual connection with the forest, especially with the Rangaswamy Temple, which they consider as their supreme deity.
The Soliga tribe has faced many challenges in their history, such as colonization, deforestation, displacement, and discrimination. They have struggled to preserve their identity, rights, and traditions in the face of modernization and development. However, they have also shown resilience, adaptation, and innovation in their efforts to improve their lives. Visiting BR Hills gives you an opportunity to learn about the Soliga tribe and their culture.
You can interact with them, visit their villages, and witness their rituals and festivals. You can also support their initiatives and projects by buying their products or services, such as honey, handicrafts, or guided tours.
BR Hills: A Religious Destination
BR Hills is also a religious destination for many people.
1. The main attraction of BR Hills is the Rangaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha or Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated on a white cliff at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and has a legend associated with it.
According to the legend, Lord Ranganatha was once wandering in the forest with his consort Goddess Lakshmi, when he saw a beautiful white rock and decided to rest on it. He liked the place so much that he decided to stay there forever.
2. Apart from the Rangaswamy Temple, there are other religious sites in or near BR Hills that you can visit. One of them is the Dodda Sampige Mara tree, which is a sacred grove of the Soliga tribe. The tree is a huge champak tree that is estimated to be more than 2000 years old. It is adorned with hundreds of idols and offerings of the Soliga tribe, who worship it as their ancestral god.
3. Another religious site is the Champakaranya Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is located at the foot of BR Hills and has a natural spring that is considered holy.
4. A third religious site is the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple, which is situated on a hill near BR Hills. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its misty and cool climate.
BR Hills: An Adventure Destination
If you are looking for some adventure in BR Hills, you will not be disappointed. BR Hills offers a range of adventure activities that you can enjoy in its natural setting. Some of these activities are:
1. Trekking:
BR Hills has several trekking trails that take you through the forest and offer you a chance to see the wildlife and the scenery. Some of the popular trekking routes are from K Gudi to Dodda Sampige Mara, from K Gudi to Rangaswamy Temple, and from BRT Nature Camp to Honnametti. You can also hire a local guide from the Soliga tribe to accompany you and share their knowledge of the forest.
2. Camping:
BR Hills has several camping sites where you can pitch your tent and spend a night under the stars. Some of the camping sites are K Gudi Wilderness Camp, BRT Nature Camp, Gorukana Eco Resort, and Jungle Lodges. Camping in BR Hills gives you an opportunity to experience the forest at night, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy a bonfire.
3. River rafting:
BR Hills has two rivers that offer river rafting opportunities: the Cauvery and the Kapila. The Cauvery river flows through BR Hills and has rapids ranging from grade 2 to grade 4. The Kapila river flows near BR Hills and has rapids ranging from grade 1 to grade 3. River rafting in BR Hills gives you an adrenaline rush and a chance to see the riverine ecosystem.
4. Fishing:
BR Hills has two rivers that offer fishing opportunities: the Cauvery and the Kapila. The Cauvery river is famous for its mahseer fish, which can weigh up to 40 kg. The Kapila river is also home to various fish species, such as catfish, rohu, and mrigal. Fishing in BR Hills gives you a relaxing and rewarding experience.
5. Safari:
BR Hills has a wildlife sanctuary that offers safari options. You can choose between jeep safari, elephant safari, or bus safari. Safari in BR Hills gives you a chance to see the wildlife up close and personal, such as elephants, gaurs, deer, monkeys, birds, and if you are lucky, tigers.
How to Plan Your Trip to BR Hills
Now that you know why you should visit BR Hills and what you can do there, here are some tips on how to plan your trip:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit BR Hills is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. This is also the best time for wildlife sighting, as the animals come out to drink water from the rivers and ponds. However, if you want to see the car festival at Rangaswamy Temple, you should visit in April or May.
How to reach:
1. By air: The nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport, which is about 190 km away from BR Hills. You can take a flight to Bangalore from any major city in India or abroad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to BR Hills. The journey by road will take about 4 hours.
2. By rail: The nearest railway station is Chamarajanagar Railway Station, which is about 40 km away from BR Hills. You can take a train to Chamarajanagar from Bangalore, Mysore, Chennai, or other cities. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to BR Hills. The journey by road will take about an hour.
3. By road: You can also drive to BR Hills by yourself or with a rented car. The distance from Bangalore to BR Hills is about 173 km and the route is via Maddur, Malavalli, and Kollegala. The drive will take about 4 hours. You can also take a bus from Bangalore or other nearby cities to BR Hills.
BR Hills is a unique destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture lover, or an adventure lover, you will find BR Hills to be a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of life. BR Hills is a place where you can create unforgettable memories and stories.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit BR Hills and explore its wonders. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us.
Also read: Treat yourself and your bike with an awesome trip to Biligirirangan Hills
