Ramanagaram - Trekking, Ethnic food, and some Arts & Crafts

Ramanagaram is located 49 Kms southwest of Bangalore; this beautiful landscape spot is popular with rock climbers. It is also an important silk cocoon marketing center.

Ramanagara is also famous for the huge rocky outcrops. These hills, among others are known for thier granite reserves.

Those that are popular for rock climbing are

• -Savandurga
• Ramadevarabetta
• SRS betta
• Thenginkalbetta 

Though some areas and hills are reserved for quarrying, many are there to be explored by trekkers and nature lovers. Because of it close distance to Bangalore (Ramanagaram is part of Bangalore - Rural district), it attracts weekend travellers and holiday goers.

Ramadevara Betta at RamanagaramThis place is also famous for being the location of the shooting of the movie Sholay; many of the hills here were famous for Gabbar's hideout in the movie (the villain in this movie). 

Very few organised treks are conducted here and usually, it is an unplanned trek by a group of avid explorers.  You could explore the numerous hills of Ramanagaram and it is advisable to go as a group. Locals are there if you ask and who can act as a guide for your trek.

Organised treks:

Bangalore Mountaineering Club conducts organised treks and adventure trips all around Karnataka and a few other places in South India. They also conduct rock-climbing and trekking tours in Ramanagaram and other surrounding hillocks. Get in touch with them if you are interested in exploring Ramangaram's hills.

Bangalore Mountaineering Club
1310, Gokulam, 6th Cross, 10th Main, HAL 3rd Stage
Bangalore 560008
Telephone: 080 25271045
Email: corporate@bmcindia.org  
Website: www.bmcindia.org  

You can also contact Neeraj Malve (who is the founder of this club) at: Phone: 9341961262 / 9980761262

between 10:30 Am-01:30 Pm & 10:30Pm-11:30 Pm  

Also check this trekking blog by Bharata, who recounts his trekking trip to Ramanagaram. 

Janapada Loka - a center for arts, crafts and folk history of Karnataka 

Janapada Loka, a display of village settings in sylvan surrounding, is at a distance of about 53 Kms from Bangalore (Bengaluru), very near Ramanagaram. A subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of folk culture. Sprawling across 15 acres, the complex has an art gallery, and an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum. 

Janapada Loka - Folk Arts center at RamanagaramA walk in this place is invigorating with lots of trees and greenery combined with a tour of Karnataka's folk history.  It is next door to Kamat Loka Ruchi, a restaurant that serves authentic Karnataka cuisine (Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dinner). Try the North Karnataka meal here in the afternoon.

The Janapada Parishath conducts sight seeing tours of Janapada Loka. You'll have to enquire or book 15 days in advance with thier office.

Karnataka Janapada Parishath
Janapada Siribhuvana
No.1, Jaladarshini layout
Next to Ramaiah hospital main gate
New BEL Road, Bengaluru-5600054.
Phone- Office No.: 080-23605033
Janapada Loka : 080-7201143

Check JanaPada Loka's official website here : http://www.janapadaloka.org/en_index.html

Channapatna - Town of toys

60 kms southwest, this town is famous for its lacquer ware and handcrafted wooden toys. It is also a silk rearing center. 

Channapatna toys are unique in their design and manufacturing and it is native to this region.  It is protected under the World Trade Organisation and administered by the Karnataka Government

The origin of these toys can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan who invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys. For nearly two centuries, ivory-wood was the main wood used in the making of these toys, though rosewood and sandalwood were also occasionally used.Toys of Channapatna

These toys are available in most of the shops (art or otherwise) in Ramanagaram and even in some places in Bangalore. But to get a good deal, it is best to buy from Channapatna itself. You could also request a few shops to see how they are made. 

Some places of interest in and around Channapatna include:

1) Kanva Maharshi Math and Brahmanya Theertha Brundavan is 6 Kms away from Channapatna on the way to Kanva Reservoir.
2) Kanva Reservoir is 13KM from Channapatna with automatic siphon system.
3) Maloor Aprameya Swamy Temple which also has the world famous Ambegal Krishna whose beauty inspired the famous poet Purandhara Dasa to compose "Aadisidale Yashoda Jagadodharana...." is just 2KM away from Channapatna on the Highway towards Mysore.
4) Kengal Aanjaneya Swamy Temple is on the way to Channapatna from Bangalore. 5 Kms before Channapatna. It is situated beside the Bangalore to Mysore High-Way.
5) Igloor Barrage is 20 Kms away from the Channapatna City. Igloor Barrage is on the way to Santemogenahalli and Akkooru.
6) Bettada Timmappa is 13 Kms away from Channapatna. It's on the way to Nidasalige  town.
7) Bevoor Mutt
8) Revana Siddeswara Betta
9) Kokkare Bellur bird sanctuary: Spotbilled Pelicans and Painted Storks from different countries fly here and live for few months.

Return to Places to See around Bangalore or go to Bangalore Attractions