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Tucked in the lap of nature, Ramadevara Betta is located in Ramanagara, Karnataka. The place is quite an off-beat one that gives you a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of city life by welcoming to its tranquil expanses. This is a holy hill dedicated to Lord Ram. If seen from the highway, the hill appears to be a gigantic mountain that has a vast plain at its top. On the peak, a temple dedicated to Lord Ram is built that attracts many devotees.
In addition, Ramadevara Betta is famous for the only Vulture Sanctuary in India. It is the place where the superhit Bollywood movie Sholay was shot. No wonder, it is also known as Sholay Betta. The hill is also featured in David Lean’s movie – A Passage to India. This lovely place has much more to it, which is elucidated here.
Background of Ramadevara Betta
Ramadevara Betta history says that Lord Ram visited this place during his 14 years of exile. Also known as Siddeswara Betta and Sholay Gudda, this place houses a 1000-year-old Lord Rama Temple that can be reached by ascending almost 350 steps. The small temple has a gopura (tower) and a hall. Idols of Lord Ram and his wife Sita maa are placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. Next to the temple is a huge rock called Homaikumbhi rock. The charm of the temple is enhanced by a natural pond by its side, which is known as Rama Thirtha. Ramadevara Betta Hill also holds a Rameshwara shrine, a Parvati Shrine, and a choultry construction of Kempe Gowda.
Best Time to Visit Ramadevara Betta
The most favourable time to visit Ramadevara Betta Ramanagara is in the season of winters. You can best enjoy this place from the months of November to March.
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How to Reach Ramadevara Betta?
Stationed on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, Ramadevara Betta is accessible by bus and train, both. So, you can catch any Bangalore-Mysore bus and deboard here. Almost all trains heading towards Mysore stop at Ramanagara. Taxis are also available from Ramnagar railway station. You can also opt for private vehicles to travel from Bangalore and reach there in about an hour. Being located in proximity to the Silicon City Bangalore, the place offers a quiet solace from the concrete jungle. You can easily reach this sacred site in a short time as Ramadevara Betta distance from Bangalore is about 60 km only.
Where to stay in Ramadevara Betta?
Located close to Ramnagar, Ramadevara Betta offers you a number of options to have a comfortable stay during your visit. You can easily choose from the hotels in Ramnagar as per your pocket and preferences.
Things to Do in Ramadevara Betta
The sacred hill is home to some holy places to seek blessings but there is no dearth of other activities to delight in when you visit here. Some of these activities are:
- Rock climbing and adventure camps through National Rock Climbing center in Basavanapura
- Top of the hill is also great for overnight camping.
- Rappelling is another activity that you can enjoy here.
- Visit Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary, where almost 346.14 hectares area has been given for these endangered vultures which are on the verge of extinction. You can watch the Egyptian Vulture and the Long Billed Vulture as well.
- Delight in a visual treat of Bangalore and the surrounding hills of Ramanagar atop the hill.
- To enhance your trekking delight, you can also enjoy Ramadevara Betta Trek Fort at Tumkur. The fort also offers you majestic nature’s views as well as sacred sites and caves to visit on the way up the fort.
- Go trekking. Visiting Ramadevara Betta and taking up the trek is a must. First timer trekkers should trek in a group or along with a guided trek tour. There are railings that you can hold while trekking. The scenery is rewarding! You should start in the morning. You can see all the seven hills – Saptharishi betta (hill of the 7 sages) from here, which is a congregation of 7 tall rocks comprising Ramanagar. En route, you will enjoy a few getaways.
In a nutshell, this pious hillock also fondly known as Ramagiri Betta has every attraction to draw you for a short and memorable trip. This is a convenient weekend getaway from Bangalore to venture into the pristine charm of nature. A religiously significant spot, Ramadevara Betta will call you umpteen times. Soak in the lovely scenery, fresh breeze, serenity, and adventurous delight with a trek to Ramadevara Betta Fort. A visit here will make you feel like indulging in a heavenly vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions –
Q1: What is Ramadevara Betta famous for?
Ramadevara Betta is famous for the country’s only Vulture Sanctuary and as a shooting spot of Bollywood movie Sholay.
Q2. Is there any entry fee to visit Ramadevara Betta hill?
Yes, Ramadevara Betta hill can be visited by paying an entry fee of INR 25. Parking charges are extra.
Q3: What are the timings to visit the sacred hill?
To visit the sacred hill, you have to be watchful of the time. The gates of the sanctuary open around 9 AM and close by 4:30 PM – 5 PM.
