Devarayanadurga is not exactly located in Bangalore, but it's a popular weekend getaway destination around 70 kilometers away in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, India. It's a temple town and hill station known for its natural beauty, historic temples, and trekking trails.
Getting There
Devarayanadurga is well-connected by road from Bangalore and Tumkur. You can hire taxis or take buses to get there. If you're driving, take the NH4 highway towards Tumkur and take a diversion at Kyathsandra to reach Devarayanadurga.
Things to Do
- Temple hopping: The main attraction of Devarayanadurga is the twin temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha - the Bhoga Narasimha temple at the foothills and the Yoga Narasimha temple on the hilltop. You can trek up the hill to reach the Yoga Narasimha temple or take a motorable road.
Trekking: There's a well-laid trekking path that goes up the hill, offering scenic views of the surrounding area. The trek is easy to moderate and takes about an hour to complete.
Explore the caves: There are a few caves around Devarayanadurga, including a large one with figures of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.
Visit the natural spring: Namada Chilume is a natural water spring considered the source of the Jayamangali River. There are two other springs known as Ramatirtha and Dhanushtirtha.
Deer Park: There's a beautiful deer park located on the way to Devarayanadurga.
Festivals
Car festival: The car festival of Sri Bhoga Narasimha Swamy is held during the month of March/April.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi: This is an annual celebration of Narasimha avathara day that takes place in the month of Chaitra (around May).
Best Time to Visit
Devarayanadurga can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the monsoons (July to September) when the hills are lush green.
Where to Stay
There are a few guesthouses and resorts located in Devarayanadurga. You can also stay in Tumkur, which has a wider range of accommodation options.
Packing Essentials
- Comfortable shoes for trekking
- Light woolen clothes if visiting during the winters (November to February)
- Hats and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Water bottle
I hope this description helps you plan your trip to Devarayanadurga!