BRAHMAGIRI

Brahmagiri, is a mountain range in the Western Ghats. It is situated on the border between Kodagu districts in Karnataka State in the North Waynad district of Kerala State in the South. Brahmagiri Hill, at 1608 mts height, is a scenic tourist attraction. The top of Brahmagiri Hills is well forested and has lot of wildlife. Thirunelli Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, lies on the Kerala side of Brahmagiri. This temple is known as Dakshina Kasi. The temple is constructed in an ancient style and includes 30 granite pillars. Legends say that the temple was constructed by Lord Brahma himself.   

 

Thirunelli Temple

                Pakshipathalam at an altitude of 1740 mts is another attraction on Kerala side. Pakshipathalam has a cave that is said to have been used by saints in ancient times. On the Karnataka side it is also known by the name of Munikal Cave.

                Irupu Falls of the Lakshmana Tirtha Rivrer lies on the Karnatak side of Brahmagiri. The trek along the Brahamagiri hills is situated at an altitude of 1608 meters above sea level. The range of mountain is located the Werstern Ghats which act as the border between Karnataka and Kerala.

THE FAMOUS IRUPU WATER FALLS

                The hill is located at nearly 270 km away from the city of Bengaluru but one can easily again access to the treak through Kodagu, which is just located at a distance of 60 km.

                The treak taken individuals deep inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home for a number of elephants. It passes through a dense forest. Many small streams and rivers, beautiful verdant green grasslands and the famous Iruppu falls, thus giving the trekker an all aound view of the scenic splendor that nature offers.

                Another aspect about the trail of this trek which makes it unique its permanenet shelter which makes it one of the monsoon friendly trek in the vicinity of Kodagu. The trekking area is pleasant with the presence of forest which have semi-evergreen or evergreen trees. There are also a large number of animals and mammals which can be spotted close to the top of Brahmagiri Hills. The best time to go on a treak to Brahmagiri is from the month of December till the end of February.

BRAHMAGIRI PEAK

Reaching There

                Brhamagiri is about 60 kms from Madikheri and ab out 270 km from Bengaluru. From Mysuru, there are lot of buses available to Gonikoppa in Kodagu district. From there, one should reach Srimangala by a local bus. From Srimangala, Irupu Falls is around 10 km, from the where trekking starts.

                The nearest place with good hotels on Karnataka side is Gonikoppa. While trekking from Karnataka, it is advisable to book accommodation at Narimale Guest House in advance.

                Don’t forget to carry salt and lime which against leaches.

ANTHARAGANGE

Antharagange hill range is situated at about 1226 Meters (4021ft.) above the sea level. Antharagange is a mountain situate in the Shathashrunga mountain range in Kolar District. Antara Gange literally means “Ganges from deep” in Kannada. It is around 3.5 kms from Kolar and 70 kilometers from Bengaluru. Antharagange is famous for the temple situate on the mountain. In the temple is a pond which gets a continuous flow of underground water from the mouth of a Basava (stone bull).

These grotto's attract a number of adventure enthusiasts from all over the country as well as different parts of the globe.

There is a steep, narrow path to the top of the mountain. There are seven villages on this mountain, including Therhalli. The mountain consists of granite rocks and lot of caves around.

                Behind the temple there is route leading to the forest, the hikks of Antharagange are a perfect spot for trekking rock climbing, night navigation and other adventure activities.

Kashi Vishveshwara Temple at Antharagange

 Kashi Vishveshwara Main Shiva Lingam

                The presiding deity of this temple is Kashi Vishveshwara. The temple has a main Shiva Lingam and around four to five other lingams on the side of the main mantapa. The devotees believe that the water is the sacred Ganga falling from the head of Lord Shiva. Usually devotees drink this water and bathe in it because this holy water from Antharagange is believed to cleanse them from diseases.

Ganga falling from the head of Lord Shiva

Getting There

                From Bengaluru you can take any KSRTC bus to Kolar. On reaching the town you can either head to Antharagange by foot or in an auto rickshaw. Through the main entrance you may have to climb around 450 steps while another route has also been built recently which can help you reach the top easily. The best time to visit this spot would be between September and November.