Devarayanadurga - A place never miss to trek if you are living in Bangalore!

Devarayanadurga, literally means 'Fort of the God' is a place known for hill temple at an altitude of about 3900 feet above sea level. It is located about 10 kilometres from Tumkur town and approximately 80 kilometres from Bangalore. Yoga Narasimha temple on the top of the hill and Bhoga Narasimha temple on the base of the hill are the main shrines in the place. As per mythology, it is believed that Lord Sriram, Seetha and Lakshman had lived in this place during their vanavas. Numerous inscriptions in the temple prove that this temple was being patronaged by then Mysore kings. Ancient holy books, refer this place as a very sacred place, as there is a pond on the hilltop and it is believed that the water runs thru the idol of Yoga Narasimha, which we can experience even today while entering the temple.

Truly a mesmeric place for a half day picnic or retreat! This place can make your weekend travel schedule really entrancing :)  Since we have well-connected road almost till the top of the hill, it should not be a worrisome task for many to hold your breath and climb high! As you climb around 200 steps from the car parking area, you would find Yoganarasimha temple, in Chola architectural style. As you climb the steps, you would experience the amazing beauty of nature along with a cool breeze to relax your mind and soul:) Ensure to visit either in the morning or evening to enjoy the scenic beauty of sunrise/sunset.

If you like trekking step up beyond the temple premises, you would really have some more captivating experience of nature in the next around 200 steps. It would never be a waste to complete this treck without reaching on top since you would forget your tedious job of climbing the steps by seeing the hypnotic beauty, open sky all around and the eye-catching mountain ranges far in your sight. For all of you who love photography or selfies then you can really take some nice clicks! Therefore, even if you are an atheist, it would be a spellbound experience for you in the divinity of nature!

Points to be noted:

- Pack your food from home as there are no good hotels/restaurants around the place, however, in the noon, you are provided lunch in the Bhoga Narasimha temple premises, which is situated on the base of the hill for every visitor.
- You would find street vendors selling chats/bananas/cucumber etc around car parking area
- Beware of monkeys since they may snatch your eateries or food
- Locals warn us to avoid travelling in this place after 7 pm cause there are reports of robberies and assault cases to the travellers, especially if you choose to travel by two-wheelers.

Below are some of the pictures for your quick look :)... Happy travelling to all my readers!