Milling around the Windmills

Seeing the large fins of the massive windmills being carried on the multi-wheeled trucks on the road has always fascinated me. The feeling is only elevated when you are almost at the level of these windmills. These windmills can be seen on the way to Hassan for a short stretch before reaching Shantigrama. They like to be inconspicuous, so pay attention before you lose sight of them. Having seen them from afar while travelling on the highway, it was an out-of-the-world experience when I was at Mavanuru Shri Bettada Malleshwara Gudi temple looking at these remarkable things up close.
 

View of the temple before the climb (hair-pins)

After the not-so-eventful ride on the Hassan highway crossing Channarayapatna, a deviation at Dandiganahally kere and a short 30-minute ride will lead to Sri Mavanuru temple. The little longer route, with deviation at this place (5kms before Shantigrama), is a more straightforward route to reach. Turning off the main road, you pass through villages with vast and open fields of agriculture. The only two hairpin bends will lead to the hilltop where the temple is situated. The temple is dedicated to Shiva.

The friendly guard at the entrance was excited to see a solo biker (woman) coming from Bangalore. He chit-chatted for a while enthusiastically. The vantage point gives a spectacular view of the landscape sprinkled with windmills all over. It is a humbling experience to be at this level with the windmills with its humongous fins reminding us that we are nothing but a tiny speck in the vast expanse. Being a weekday morning, I had the place to myself until a couple of bikes started to show up. Interestingly, this seems to be a favourite getaway amongst the college crowd from Hassan and nearby places.

a lake en route to Shravanabelagola 

Ditching the boring highway, I continued on the interior roads, and onwards Channarayapatna and then towards Shravanabelagola. I rode towards Melukote, relishing the nil traffic and fantastic views of the unspoiled rural landscape. A pond en route had a surprise awaiting. The migratory birds were soaking themselves in the water and enjoying the moment. Thanks to the road work near the lake that slowed me down to take in this beautiful scenery. The Shravanabelagola – Melukote goes through some reserved forests with a couple of decent twisties in between.

Getting back on the highway after Melukote and a quick lunch break at Paakashaala in Yediyur, it was time to head home. The interior road from Melukote towards Bangalore, via Huliyurdurga – Magadi, is good. This route was explored just after the lockdown restrictions were lifted. The Yediyur – Ramanagar is picturesque but time-consuming (worth the time and effort). I usually ride on these roads only to enjoy and explore the interior routes and not for the destination.

a lake on Ramnagara – Huliyurdurga – Yediyur route

Ramadevarabetta - a duet of legends

Legend in different time frames. First, the mythology of Ramayana and next, the legendary super-hit movie Sholay. Ramadevarabetta, close to Ramanagara, holds dear more than one reason for its prominence. The fictional Ramgad in the Indian film Sholay is the actual place at the foothills of Ramadevara Betta. Well laid out steps, painted colourfully, takes you to the top of the hill. A versatile place, it hosts a working temple for the spiritual, mesmerizing landscape for nature lovers. 

At 60 kilometres from Electronic City, Ramanagara, also known as the land of seven hills, has various viewpoints with captivating sceneries. The vast parking lot can accommodate several cars and motorcycles. A diversion at the humongous Hanuman statue on the main road will take you towards the destination. Apart from a small shop at the foothills, the main Mysore Road is the only other option for food. 

 

The hill is part of the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary. This gives a chance to the bird watchers an up-close view of the rare birds. There is a check-post where Rs.25/- per person, Rs.10/- for a two-wheeler is collected. Remember, you are not allowed to fly your drone here. The timing for the temple is 9am to 5pm. Because of that, the gate will remain closed at other times. Climbing approximately 350 steps is not an arduous task. There are plenty of stone benches to rest, with ample greenery around.

Opposite the Rameshwara Temple, there are seven boulders, signifying Sapta Rishi (seven saints). The holy pond of Ramateertha is not accessible, as its depth is unknown. Folk tale says Rama shot an arrow to form the pond, which has not dried ever since. There are various small temples with statues of different deities. To add to that diverse enchanting scenery from a variety of viewpoints.

 

 Folklore tells us the story of Kakasura (king of crows). During the exile, Rama and Sita happened to visit this place. While Rama was asleep, the crow attacks Sita and not wanting to disturb the husband deep in sleep, she decides to tolerate the pain. Rama is awakened when a drop of Sita’s blood falls on him. Rama aims an arrow at the crow, at which the bird flew to Vishu and Shiva for refuge. They suggested asking for forgiveness from Rama. For forgiveness, the crow had to sacrifice a part of its body. Which happened to be the left eye. Hence it is said that crows can’t see from their left eye. Also, a crow has never been seen in the locality since.

Sugreeva captures the moment when Rama ascended the throne, with Sita on the left, Lakshmana and Hanuman on the right - carved on a stone. On his way to Kishkinda, he had to battle a demon named Sukhasura, during which he had placed the idol on the ground. After which, he could not move it and has remained there from then on. This is another legend from mythical times.