Anurag Jain's Blog on Bangalore Events, Travel, IIM Bangalore, IIM, IIMB, Management

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Posted 12:20 PM by Anurag

Quick Bangalore Getaways: Tippagondanahalli & Kalya Caves, Magadi

I just couldn't resist copy-pasting the following articles on two near-by places.

#1 From Times Of India Bangalore; Jan 21, 2005; :Pg 02 - City; : # Picture version # Text version

"HIDDEN RETREATS-II
Ideal spot to picnic in backwaters: TIPPAGONDANAHALLI (aka Thippagondanahalli, Thippagondana halli, Tippagondana halli & Tippa gondana halli)
By Anita Rao Kashi/TNN

Bangalore: If you are at a loose end on a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning and don't wish to go too far from Bangalore, then Thippagondanahalli (T.G. Halli) is the ideal place for a family picnic.

Essentially a reservoir at the confluence of rivers Arkavathy and Kumbavathy, it is about 35 km from Bangalore on the way to Magadi.

Since T.G. Halli supplies drinking water to 20 per cent of the city, entry from the main gate, which leads to the supply and treatment areas, is restricted. But the backwaters can be approached from just outside Magadi town.

Though water sports are generally not encouraged since there are no guards, boating is done intermittently. However, thick foliage and woody areas around the backwaters conceal many hiking and trekking trails. Many enthusiastic bikers eye the area; the winding road to reach the dam backwaters is equally scenic.

The dam is not without history: In 1931, due to increasing population in Bangalore, per capita water availability dwindled to 45 litres and water sources within the city were not sufficient. An expert committee was set up, which recommended building of a dam across Arkavathy.

The task was given to the state's greatest engineering mind - Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The dam, also called Chamarajasagar, was completed and commissioned in 1933. It has been in working condition ever since.

Getting there:
Distance: About 35 km.
How to get there: Take the Magadi Road out of Bangalore and follow it till you reach the reservoir gate; go past it round the bend, past the bridge and climb back towards Magadi on the other side. Half way up the incline look for a muddy road on the right. The road is bumpy and pebbly and will lead you straight on to the water's edge. By public transport: Regular buses ply between Bangalore and Magadi, but there is no stop, so please check with the driver if he will drop you at the turnoff.
Food: Best to carry; Magadi 15 km from dam) or Tavarakere (5 km before dam are the nearest towns, but food in these places is basic at best.
Best time to visit: After monsoon; it could be treacherous during the rains, dry in summer.
Tips: The paths are quite pebbly, so watch your step. It's advisable to go in groups and leave before dark.
Also visit: Ranganatha temple and fort in Magadi. "

(Update [26th June '05]: Srini's article on T G Halli in Deccan Hearld.)

#2 From Times Of India Bangalore; :Apr 15, 2005; :Pg 02 - City: # Picture version # Text version

"WEEKEND RETREAT-XV Kalya Caves, Magadi
Explore these hidden realms
By Paawana Poonacha/TNN

Bangalore: Rock climbing, cave exploration or a relaxing swim in the clean blue pond, packaged beautifully in the thick rocky hills, offering offbeat adventure for a perfect weekend getaway. For trekking and rock climbing enthusiasts scouting for some daring daylight adventure, the 10-acre (approx) rocky retreat at Kalya caves near Magadi town could be an ideal place.

Kalya rocky hill abounds in caves, two cave temples, a placid lake and a good number of wells. According to locals, Kalya was known to be a centre of learning for the Jains, Buddhists, Vaishnavas and Veerashaivas. The place was earlier known as Kalavaripattana, which is said to have inspired Telugu poet Vemana to write several of his famous poems. Telugu inscriptions on the main Kalya temple prove this school of thought.

While the place is now largely explored for its precariously laid-out multipitch climbs, the two cave temples dedicated to Kalleshwara and Kala Devi still remain an attraction. There is also a deep well at the base of the rocky hill which never dries up even during the most severe drought, say locals.

Paving the way to the top are two routes - one to the Kali Devi temple and the other to Kalleshwara Math. Ascending the rugged path to reach the hilltop is another exciting adventure. Huge monolithic rocks dot the bushy hill. Some have even spotted bears and mongeese deep inside.

A gigantic 20-metre boulder - with its base occupying very little space in comparison to its height and girth - makes a spellbinding spectacle on the hilltop.

The Kalleshwara Matha is a large complex of various temples dedicated to Ishwara, Nandi and Parvathi. Other than the cave temples there are many modern temples. The Kalleshwara Matha has a small court yard and a vast cave under a rock shelter. This cave is large and is called the Guru Matha or the teacher's abode. It is here that the main deity or Kalleshwara is installed in the form of a Linga.

The Kali Devi temple comprises 108 images of various gods and demigods. The intricate sculptures and objects here are catchy. A stone dolmen exists atop a steep rock behind the Kali Devi temple.

The getaway is incomplete without plunging into the clear waters of the pond situated opposite the hillock.

Trekkers often descend down the lake to rejuvenate themselves with a good swim here.

Distance: 56 km from Bangalore, Located near Magadi Town.
How to get there: Buses are available only till Magadi town. Private vehicle recommended to cover another 3 km to reach the caves.
Food: Best to carry.
Best time to visit: Monsoon. "

(Update [26th June '05]: Srini's article on Kalya Caves in Deccan Hearld.)

5 comments

Comments:

Hi Anurag,
I am surprised that you have posted only the TOI articles on your blog. I had written up these destinations eons ago in Deccan Herald. In case you wish to read them here are the links.
Kalya = http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/july24/metro8.asp
Thippagondanahalli = http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct072004/metro6.asp
regards
Srinidhi

# posted by

Anonymous : June 08, 2005 1:54 AM

Dear Srini:

Thanks for pointing that out. I have included links to your articles too now.

Best wishes,

Anurag

# posted by

Anurag : June 26, 2005 4:21 PM

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

# posted by

sanjaykattimani : May 21, 2006 9:36 PM

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

# posted by

sanjaykattimani : May 21, 2006 9:43 PM

sanjaykattimani said...
:) Thats a good pick from DH about Tippagondanahalli. My experiences of the same place.
http://sanjay-explores.blogspot.com/2006/05/thippagondanahalli-tg-halli-dam.html

# posted by

sanjaykattimani : May 21, 2006 9:46 PM