<p>In fact, because they are not on the tourist circuit, these places are less crowded and retain a certain charm. Chikballapur, the recently carved district from Kolar has a fair share of such hill spots. One such is a lovely hill spot called Avalabetta. Often referred to as Avalakonda (in Telugu), this place is at best known to the people of surrounding villages. <br /><br />But for explorers and adventurers, the place offers enough opportunities for climbing, bird watching or simply learning about its mythology. A well-laid road to the peak is indeed a boon for the less adventurous . At about 90 kms from Bangalore off the Bellary road, Avalabetta is an enjoyable destination. <br /><br />About five years ago, the only way to scale the hill was to take a trail covered in bushes. Now, however, there’s a good road that goes all the way to the top. Finding a cave temple of Lakshmi Narasimha at the top is a nice revelation. Rangaraju, the priest, explains the mythological significance of the place. <br /><br />“Ages ago, when the ocean was churned by the gods and demons, many creations both good and bad surfaced. One of them was the holy cow and it is believed to have landed here. The hoof marks of the cow can be found on a rock. In later years large numbers of cows frequented this hill which gave the place the name Dhenugiri (Dhenu: cow & giri: hill),” he explains. The nearby villagers make it a point to offer the first milk of their cows to the lord. Herds of cattle grazing here makes for a nice pastoral scene. The cave temple has a small image of Lakshmi Narasimha. Adjacent to the cave is another shrine of Hanuman. <br /><br />There are steps behind the cave that lead to the summit of the hill and it is from here that the most stupendous views can be seen in all directions. <br /><br />Avalabetta has a wide plateau full of trees and shrubs. A good population of monkeys too live in the vicinity. To the east, a tall mantapa stands like a sentinel. On the way is a circular pond. <br /><br />The subterranean water which flows from the temple is venerated and it is believed by people here that a dip in it ensures fulfillment of one’s wishes.<br />Apart from the legends and deities, Avalabetta has much more to offer, especially for nature lovers and bird watchers. <br /><br />Steep drops in every direction serve as natural vantage points to savour the beauty of the valley. A paragola has also been built for tourists. With a lake guarded by rocky outcrops and the horizon marked with a band of blue hills the panoramic vistas are a treat to the eyes. The State Forest Department which has taken the initiative to develop and maintain this place has also built a rest house here. <br /><br />Getting there<br /><br />Driving on Bellary road (NH7) from Bangalore, at 14 kms after Chikballapur (52 kms) look out for a road on the left and proceed to Mandikal (11kms). From Mandikal, the hilltop is at a distance of 11 kms. Mandikal is connected by buses from Bangalore/Chikballapur.</p>
<p>In fact, because they are not on the tourist circuit, these places are less crowded and retain a certain charm. Chikballapur, the recently carved district from Kolar has a fair share of such hill spots. One such is a lovely hill spot called Avalabetta. Often referred to as Avalakonda (in Telugu), this place is at best known to the people of surrounding villages. <br /><br />But for explorers and adventurers, the place offers enough opportunities for climbing, bird watching or simply learning about its mythology. A well-laid road to the peak is indeed a boon for the less adventurous . At about 90 kms from Bangalore off the Bellary road, Avalabetta is an enjoyable destination. <br /><br />About five years ago, the only way to scale the hill was to take a trail covered in bushes. Now, however, there’s a good road that goes all the way to the top. Finding a cave temple of Lakshmi Narasimha at the top is a nice revelation. Rangaraju, the priest, explains the mythological significance of the place. <br /><br />“Ages ago, when the ocean was churned by the gods and demons, many creations both good and bad surfaced. One of them was the holy cow and it is believed to have landed here. The hoof marks of the cow can be found on a rock. In later years large numbers of cows frequented this hill which gave the place the name Dhenugiri (Dhenu: cow & giri: hill),” he explains. The nearby villagers make it a point to offer the first milk of their cows to the lord. Herds of cattle grazing here makes for a nice pastoral scene. The cave temple has a small image of Lakshmi Narasimha. Adjacent to the cave is another shrine of Hanuman. <br /><br />There are steps behind the cave that lead to the summit of the hill and it is from here that the most stupendous views can be seen in all directions. <br /><br />Avalabetta has a wide plateau full of trees and shrubs. A good population of monkeys too live in the vicinity. To the east, a tall mantapa stands like a sentinel. On the way is a circular pond. <br /><br />The subterranean water which flows from the temple is venerated and it is believed by people here that a dip in it ensures fulfillment of one’s wishes.<br />Apart from the legends and deities, Avalabetta has much more to offer, especially for nature lovers and bird watchers. <br /><br />Steep drops in every direction serve as natural vantage points to savour the beauty of the valley. A paragola has also been built for tourists. With a lake guarded by rocky outcrops and the horizon marked with a band of blue hills the panoramic vistas are a treat to the eyes. The State Forest Department which has taken the initiative to develop and maintain this place has also built a rest house here. <br /><br />Getting there<br /><br />Driving on Bellary road (NH7) from Bangalore, at 14 kms after Chikballapur (52 kms) look out for a road on the left and proceed to Mandikal (11kms). From Mandikal, the hilltop is at a distance of 11 kms. Mandikal is connected by buses from Bangalore/Chikballapur.</p>
