BR Hills Adventure Tour

The Biligiri Rangaswamy Hills are 3,375 ft above sea level between the Cauvery and Kapila rivers in Chamrajnagar, 235 km south of Bangalore.

What can you say about a place where the local deity is a wandering spirit who wears outsized sandals? And a region so wild that the milestones are painted yellow and green for fear of marauding elephants for some obscure reason wild elephants in these parts get so peeved by white milestones that they pull them out and fling them around. The forest Department recently pulled one of these specimens out of a tree. Welcome to BR Hills.

BR Hills used to be a mere temple on a hillock with a rarely visited wildlife sanctuary nearby. That’s until Jungle Lodges transformed it into the wildest vacationing spot in Karnataka. The range stretches for about 16 km and takes its name from the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, which stands atop its highest point. Though Biligiri in kannada means white mountain the name is a misnomer. The area is a thick forest of green dotted by deciduous trees and patches of shoal rainforest.

BR Hills is an excellent area for wildlife, trekking and adventure activities. The forest cover is thick with a wide range of flora and fauna on view.

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple

This centuries-old temple is dedicated to Lord Rangaswamy an dis perched atop a hill reached by 150 odd steps. Nearby is a 1,000 ft drop to the forest. Recently a steep road was constructed that offers spectacular views all around. The only time the trickle of locals to this secluded temple becomes a deluge is during the Ratha Festival that takes place every April.

BR Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 525 sq km of undulating hills, BR Hills is a treasure house of varied animal life. The sanctuary, spread over the Biligiri Rangaswamy and Male Mahadeshwar ranges, forms an important link between the Eastern and the Western Ghats of India. Trek up on foot or opt for jeep safaris or elephat rides. Make sure you take prior permission from the forest depatment at chamrajnagar.

Dodda Sampige Mera

Literally the Big Champak Tree this is a 2,000-year-old giant tree that still flowers in season. The soliga tribals believe it is the abode of Lord Rangaswamy. It’s believed that other deities also reside here, represented by 101 stone lingams.

The presence of the Cauvery and mumerous water bodies makes it a haven for amateur fishing, coracle boat rides and river rafting. The lush Iandscape is ideal for trekking an doutdoor camping. Jungle safaris and elephant rides will leave kids as chirpy as the numerous birds that abound.