Trek to Shivagange Betta

At the outset, I start with pranams to Jagadguru His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal, the ruling and 36th Pontiff of Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetham for everyone’s welfare and continued prosperity

We completed this trek in Sept’2011 and I just found time now, to upload this article in the blog.

"Team work demands a level of understanding of which no words are said! Just a look and the other person automatically responds to your call."

The stress levels in office was increasing and we decided to unwind ourselves and wanted some more fun. On popular demand, the next trek to Shivagange betta was organized.

A Scenic View of Shivagange betta surrounded by a veil of clouds

Shivagange Betta is around 56 Kms from BLR on the BLR-Tumkur highway. Most of the trek is on a flat track and the final leg of the journey is very steep with steps carved in rocks to make it easy for the climber.



Statue of Lord Shiva @ the bottom of of the Hills

Our start time got delayed as one of the team members arrived late and we took a conscious call, not leave any team member behind.The drive to Shivagange Bette was pleasant. Most of it was on highways proceeding towards Tumkur. After about 15 Kms from the Nelamangala toll gate watch out for the diversion toward Shivagange village and proceed on the Village road. Once we got off the highways and onto the narrow village road, we could easily make out our destination (mountain surrounded by clouds). Both sides of the road had fields. As we neared the village, there was a small entrance. The vehicles were parked at the base of the mountain near the temple entrance.



Majestic Nandi @ the bottom of Shivagange betta

Finally the ascend began. After winding our way through the temple steps, we encountered a majestic Nandi at the bottom of the hills, carved out a solo rock. One more would await us at the top of the Shivagange hills who is of equal size and grandeur. We marveled at the ability of our ancient sculptors to have left brilliant masterpieces that has stood the test of time for our, and next generations to come by.

There were lot of Monkeys all though our climb and they were very eager to snatch away our belongings.As we moved on one of the monkey jumped onto our colleague’s bag, hoping to find some food; These smart monkeys had learnt to open zips and steal food; as we learned shortly and shockingly as well!



Snatch & Search : Monkey searching the bag after snatching from a Pilgrim

The range of vision was steadily increasing as we started gaining altitude.Around midway there is a cave filled with lake, sort of an underground lake. The lake extended slightly out of the cave. It is believed, and the locals had a legend, that if you bend and touch your feet while looking at the reflection of your face in water, your wishes will come true.[ More of an yogasana]

Team members Resting near 'Olakku Theertha' & practicing yogasana

The brand of monkeys in the latter part were even more audacious and were adept in opening the zips of our backpacks. The initial part of the trek had steps, after that there were none until the last leg of climb. We had reached at the last leg and we felt this was going to be a piece of cake (because of the stairs), well we couldn’t have been more mistaken! The steps were small, narrow and steep. We were lucky that these were not slippery and that there were railings on both sides, for at times the climb was almost vertical and there was no way to climb without the support of the railings.



A Step forward in evolution: A monkey removing the zip of backpack

 So it was many a puffing and panting later that we were finally at the peak. On the peak there is another huge Nandi .

The serenity and scenery of at the peak was just enchantingly beautiful. One could see for miles in any direction. We sat there talking, chatting and taking group photos in the beauty for some time.

Our team @ the Summit

 The downward journey seemed to be an equally daunting task due to the steepness. After reaching the base, we waited for everyone to gather and started our journey back home after a fantastic and challenging climb.

Some helpful tips for enthusiasts wanting to explore this place:

1) Shivagange Betta – 56 Kms from BLR on the Tumkur highway. After about 15 Kms from the Nelamangala toll gate watch out for the diversion toward Shivagange village and proceed on the Village road. There are adequate sign boards

2) To see : 'Shiva' temple @ its foothills and a holy spring (called 'Olakallu Theertha', meaning water inside the rocks) en route to the peak. The peak has a big Nandi.

3) Difficulty rating: Easy to Medium . Most of the trek is a flat track as well as steps carved in rocks to easily climb

4) It takes approximately 1hr and 30 mins from the foot of hills to reach the statue of Nandi. Start the trek early in the morning (By 7:00 AM), so that you do not get Sun burns, and be very light with your back-packs.

5) There are lot of monkeys and the evolution has provided them intelligence to the level of opening your bags.

6) Park you Cars/Bike near the temple entrance. It is safe to park your vehicles here.

For many of the colleagues this was their first trek and all of us felt that this is just the beginning of many more beautiful trips to come!