Bengaluru: Fort, Temples and Nature
Accommodation in Bengaluru
Bengaluru can also be explored through its historic and natural attractions in the rural district of Bengaluru Rural. In Devanahalli, a fort and a temple with impressive relief decoration take centre stage; elsewhere, interests lead to pilgrimage sites, hills and lakes. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: culture, nature watching or active days outdoors.
Fort, Temple and Sculptural Tradition
Devanahalli Fort & Tippu’s Birth Place is located in Devanahalli taluk in Bengaluru Rural district and was originally built by Mallabairegowda in 1501. The name refers to the place; the fort itself is characterised by its roughly oval, east-facing fortifications. Twelve semicircular bastions are spaced regularly along the fortifications. Those interested in historic architectural forms will find a concrete example here of the design of a fortified structure.
The Kote Venugopalaswamy Temple is also located in the town of Devanahalli. A frieze runs along its outer walls, featuring figures about 50 centimetres tall that mostly depict scenes from the Ramayana. This makes the temple a destination for travellers interested in both architecture and narrative imagery. In Manne (Manyapura), Akka-Thangiya Gudi is a monument to the sculptural tradition of the Ganga period. On Hullukudi Betta, a stone cave temple houses an idol of Veerabhadraswamy from the Chola period.
Religious sites also shape the region. Ghati Subramanya is an ancient Hindu temple in the village of Melinajuganhalli in Doddaballapura taluk. Worshippers revere Lord Karthikeya and Lord Narasimha together there as the principal deities. In December, the temple is the venue for a cattle fair. Shivagange, in turn, is a Hindu pilgrimage centre. Sri Thimmaraya Swamy Temple is one of the seven hills of Nandi Kshetra; according to tradition, a cave behind the temple is where Shri Gautama Maharshi lived.
Hills, Lakes and Time Outdoors
Those who would like to focus more on the landscape can include the Avati Hills in their plans for trekking, cycling, nature watching and photography. Avati Lake, in the village of Avati, is a habitat for birds and aquatic life. Gundumgere Lake offers another natural setting and is known for its scenery, abundance of fish and variety of waterbirds. It is located near the hiking trail to Makalidurga Hill. Vrukshodyana Tree Park offers a natural setting for relaxation.
Shivagange is also a well-known trekking destination: its summit is 1,368 metres high, combining an experience of the landscape with its importance as a pilgrimage centre. At Makalidurga, the trekking route starts either at Makalidurga railway station or in the base village. A permit is required for this route; online booking through the Forest Department is recommended. Keep this requirement in mind when planning. Those who would rather combine nature watching and exercise will find other options in the Avati Hills than a hike up Makalidurga Hill.
Choosing the Right Focus
The locations span the town of Devanahalli as well as various villages and taluks. So, first choose the focus that interests you most for your stay: historic structures and temples, pilgrimage sites, trekking, or lakes and nature watching. This gives your search for a holiday apartment in Bengaluru a clear direction without requiring the destinations mentioned to be combined into a single route. For a trip with varied interests, you can also make your selection based on the places and activities you would particularly like to include.
For further guidance on locations, you can also visit the pages on Whitefield, Bangalore, Attibele, Devanahalli and Hoskote.
For the broader travel overview: Karnataka.
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