JOIN USDesigned and crafted by nature
These ravines come in all shapes and sizes. They are in the shape of giant mushrooms, squatting camel or a vulture. These are but patterns created by nature in Jangamakote in Shidlaghatta taluk of Chikkaballapur district.
These natural formation are found in Jangamakote, about 15 km from Chikkaballapur. Jangamakote was built by a ruler of Sugatur family, Thimme Gowda, for the benefit of Jangamas, a sect of Veerashaiva devotees.
The place is dotted with a number of deep ravines and narrow valleys. It resembles partly like the Chambal ravines in Central India and partly like the Grand Canyon of America. The formations have been caused because of a combination of various factors like erosion by water, wind and weathering of rocks over a long period. The place is a photographers delight and a paradise for those tourists who love wilderness.
But there is no perennial river flowing here. While the depressions are about four-five feet deep at some places, further up the area, they are more than 20-feet deep. The width also varies from five feet to 50 feet. A stream of water that courses through the area, though seasonal, has made the clay-rich soil unsuitable to tread on.
The soil structure and appearance which varies according to the composition of minerals in it, is red and yellow, adding a golden tinge to the landscape. Located in an arid region, the soil also gets easily eroded which enables deepening and lengthening of trenches.
Formation of gullies
Rain water washes away the powdery soil leading to the formation of gullies. Over time, the gullies form a long ravine. As the top soil which is full of nutrients is washed away, the land becomes barren and unfit for cultivation.
These formations are referred to as Badland Topography, according to geologists. Year after year, more and more soil is eroded and is a cause for concern for farmers.
These formations make for a surreal sight; the bluish grey rocks contrasting with the red, yellow and ochre hues of the ravine glowing in the evening light. In fact, this landscape has the potential to be developed as an attraction for visitors if the overgrowth of weeds and prickly bushes are cleared and a guided trail carved out.
“This place serves an intreasting picnic spot for students and adventure sports like trekking and hiking. We bring students here every year”, says D Narayanswamy, a teacher.