Revanna Siddeshwara Betta, Ramnagara

Sometimes when the big fat plans flop, smaller ones take their place and grow so big (in the experience) that they dwarf their predecessors. When the much-awaited Sirsi Waterfalls-hopping trip flopped because of a significant number of last-minute dropouts, three of us decided to go for a short drive nearer to home. Unlike in the past, we chose to go in a car rather than biking.


The primary idea was to go to Revanna Siddeshwara Betta in Ramnagara, taking off from the Ramadevara Betta from a couple of weeks back. The plan then reworked itself to a "high" by including a wine-tasting experience in Chennapatna, a reward unto ourselves for still making it a weekend out of the disappointment from the cancellation. And eventually, a proverbial last-minute-inclusion involved a visit to Ambegalu Krishna Temple in Doddamallur, Chennapatna.

Revanna Siddeshwara Betta is dedicated to Jagadguru Sri Renukacharya founder of Veerashaiva Siddantha (Shaiva dharma). Renukacharya was ordered to re-incarnate on Earth by Lord Shiva to stem the dwindling of Bhakti of the earthlings. Renukacharya went about his business spreading bhakti and installing Lingas (about 3 crores) wherever he went - even as far as Lanka. Renukacharya now became Revannasiddeshwara and during one of his missions, lived in a hill called Averahalli, which is today's Revannasiddeshwara Betta in Ramnagara.

A 60-odd km ride from Bangalore sets you on the foothills of Revannasiddeshwara betta. There are three temples on this betta vying for attention. At the foothills is the Sri Renukamba temple and in the middle of the hill is the Bheemeshwara Temple and at the summit is the Revannasiddeshwara Temple with a few ponds sprinkled around here and there. To keep the humans in check and keeping company to the Gods are thousand-odd monkeys. There is a motorable road from the foothills to the Bheemeshwara temple. And from there it’s a walk through intervals of flat ground and rock-carved steps. At certain points the gradient is a little steep but nothing as nearly intimidating as the ones in Shivagange or Ramadevara betta. At the topmost point of the hill are two mantapas dedicated to Rudra Muneshwara and Sidda Rameshwara. A few more steps down to the other side of the hill and you reach the Revannasiddeshwara Temple.

A quick visit to the temples and it’s time to admire nature from the summit of the hill. The cool breeze, the oh-so-familiar Ramnagara landscape, a little water catchment and the azure sky relaxes the mind and rejuvenates the body. The camera stops clicking, the friends go into silent-mode and the mind retreats into a cocoon. The only conversation is between man and nature. Time flies with your mind at such an enlighted state. It’s time to head to our next destination, although we would have loved to spend a few more leisurely hours here. But Alas! It’s not to be so. We head back to Bangalore-Mysore Road. Next stop Ambegalu Krishna Temple.

Getting-there: Bangalore-Mysore Road. Left deviation after Ramnagara town and before Kamat Lokaruchi. Follow the yellow signboards.

Must-Do: Enjoy the breeze and the sights from the summit.
Must-Don't: Carry plastic bags (sure way of getting attacked by the monkeys). Littering.

My Rating: 5/10

Information Courtesy: Here and here