Clusters of hill and temples with some magnificent views of horizon, Devarayanadurga Hills gives you a perfect gateway from Bangalore. Situated 3940 feet above sea level the hill gives you a bird’s eye view of surrounding. Approximately 70 Km from Bangalore and 20 Km from Dabaspete and Tumkuru. However, you have to take few steps to reach Yoga Narashimha temple located at the hilltop which is easy to climb. A small pond near the temple on hillock is just a surprise of nature. Devarayanadurga state forest is spread in about 42 Sq Km and is home to many wild animals like langur, chital, wild boars, leopards etc. The forest is dense and paradise for birds and bird watchers. The road to the hills has few hairpin bends with spectacular view around which can enthralls any photographer. An old fort lies in the hill premises which were built by Chikka Devaraja Wadiyar, the 14th king of the Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore.
To reach the hill you can also take state bus from Bangalore till Dabaspete and hire a local auto for round trip. If accompanied by family or group it is better to use personal vehicle or cab from Bangalore which will cost around 2000 INR for 6 to 8 hours round trip. You can also opt to take trains from Bangalore till Tumkuru and hire a local auto/cab for round trip. The roads are good and the vehicles can climb up through the Devarayanadurga state forest to viewpoints at the top of hill.
Nearby attraction also includes deer park, Bhoganarasimha temple, Devarayanadurga lake situated in the foothills, and Namada Chilume, a perennial natural spring which is the originating point of Jayamangali river.
Sunset from the view point is alluring. The sun sets beneath the hills like a round orange ball leaving streaks of rays and sparkles of magenta. The view is spell bounding and will make you stare until the sun is lost in the horizon. The dusk leaves the golden hours for you which mesmerize the soul with different color in the sky.
The hill has many cliffs which is fascinating but dangerous too. People opting for selfie on the cliff should be cautious and keep their eye opened to avoid any accident. Langurs/monkeys are in numbers which can snatch eatables or bottles. There are few shops uphill wherein you can find tea, coffee, snacks and fruits. Ensure that you do not litter the place and use dustbins to throw the remaining. It is advisable to return as soon as it is dark as the place is less populated and you never know when you can encounter any wild animal.
The forest is lush green in winter and rainy season and you can embrace clouds in the top of the hill at that time. A sunrise and sunset in summer is beautiful but not advisable to go during day time when it is hot. Overall, a decent place to hangout with family, friends and loved ones. This is a place where photographers can enjoy both landscape and bird photography. I would love to visit again just because of its proximity from Bangalore and the natural beauty it provides to rejuvenate.
