Grand Canyon of India - Gandikota, Belum Caves Bike Ride

Grand Canyon of India is one of the best place I ever visited in India. Twice I have been there but the memories with are still fresh and young. One must visit the place have to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Watch the below video which I have visited:

How to plan your trip to this place. Read more on my previous post:

Grand Canyon of India

http://www.kmdmello.in/2014/12/the-travel-reminiscenes-gandikota-grand.html

Belum Caves

http://www.kmdmello.in/2014/12/the-travel-reminiscenes-belum-caves.html

Varlakonda Fort

Varlakonda small village situated on the NH 7, on the highway till the village of Varlakonda is reached. On the left, one can sight the Hill with some fortifications on it . Take a left turn and drive for about half a kilometer.There is a small temple on the top and some old ruins. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Although climb is easy, Initial climb is Steep. Its a less explored and unknown to public.Be ware of Monkeys!

Nearest Places to explore: Devanahalli Fort, Nandi Hills

Distance from Bangalore : 75 kms

Trek Distance: 2kms ( one way)

Trek Level : Easy

Time : 45 mins Ascend

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Varlakonda Fort

This is another amazing Biking cum trek happened. A awesome ride and the memories.

These moments are very hard to explain, the happiness and the feeling with it only felt by visiting. Now why waiting plan your another adventure. 

Horagina Betta Night Trekking

Horagina Betta Night Trek was another memorable trek.
Source: The Travel Reminiscence: Horagina Betta Night Trekking

Horagina Betta also known as Brahmagiri, 65 kms from Bangalore is one of the major hillocks on route to the Nandi Hill Mountain.Horagina Betta has been rarely visited by trekkers. The peak has a very beautiful Lord Shani-Eshwara temple. The evergreen forest patch on top of the hill being a favored wintering location for many migrant species of warblers, flycatchers and thrushes. Due to the presence of Nandi Hills which is a popular tourist destination. Horagina Betta has been rarely visited by trekkers.I have mentioned 2 options for trek. If it is night trek since vehicles are not allowed to enter nandi checkpost better to take 2nd option. If it’s a day trek one can take option 1. There no vehicle parking in option 1 but bikes can be parked nearby. But option 2 has unofficial parking place.     

Trek Ways: Two Options to Ascend!

1. Nandi hills road junction where we can find board of Shani-Eshwara temple (1hr).

2. Can start from Gangothri hotel. (2 -3 Hrs)

What we did: While ascending we took Second option and while returning in morning we came by First option.

Campfire: Can be done near Shani-Eshwara temple. 

Shelter: There are two open rooms if its rainy or cold near temple.    

Be Aware of: Can encounter Small snakes, Insects, Scorpions etc in the night.

Carry : Snacks, Water, energy food etc.Must take torch for night trek

Route: Bangalore - Chikkaballapur - Nandi Hills Cross -(4 kms) towards Nandi Hills .

Difficulty level: Moderate

Google Map: "Trail to Nandi One" Please follow the this you will reach the top.

View Point : 500 mts above temple, Take steps to go to view point.

Read More: The Travel Reminiscence: Horagina Betta Night Trekking

Heggunda Hill

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Heggunda Hill

Heggunda is the massive rocky hill, Ramadevara Betta, crowned by a Rama temple on the top. Heggunda (earlier called Pokkunda) was an important city during the Hoysala period (12th Century).The iron railings installed all the way to the top provide adequate support and comfort for the city dweller long used to the elevator. Atop the hill is a small temple of Sri Rama with a tall stone pillar installed in front. It is said that Rama's sacrificial horse was tied to this post by his sons Lava and Kusha.There is temple on the foothills. After walking for 10 mins you will find Anjaneya temple, take left from there which leads to small pond and the steps with railings to reach the top.

How to Reach:

Bangalore --- Yeshwanthpur --- Dobbespet -> Right turn under the flyover leads to 

Heggunda

Nearest Place of interest : DD Hills, Mandargiri hills, Nijagal Betta.

Best Time to Visit: All Seasons.

Coordinates:   13°16'51"N   77°15'27"E

Parking: Park in village near temple.

Permission: Not required.

More Read on  The Travel Reminiscenes: Heggunda Hill

Horsley Hills

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Horsley Hills:

Horsley Hills is a summer hill resort in Andhra Pradesh, about 140 km from Bangalore. The old name of Horsley Hills was Yenugu Mallamma Konda. According to legend, there used to be a little girl named Mallamma who was taken care of by Elephants.Standing at a dizzying height of 4,312 feet (1,314 meters) above sea-level, the unspoilt and tranquil environs of Horsley Hills in Chittoor district command breath-taking, panoramic views of the lush expanse of the broken hill ranges of the Southern portion of the Eastern Ghats. Located near the South Western border of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, this "Andhra Ooty", with its rich foliage, wildlife and pleasant climate is undoubtedly one of the underrated hill stations in the country. The area is a treasure trove of deciduous flora and fauna and rich in eucalyptus, silver oak, mahogany, coffee, jacaranda, allamanda, gulmohar and flowering plants. The quaint hill station of Horsley Hills in Chittoor district is the perfect refuge for weekend holidays. Immaculate air, panoramic views of the surrounding hillocks and dense forests, perfect weather and serenity. The adventure sports are open from 7 am to 6 pm and anyone above 5 years are eligible. Rope sliding, horizontal ladder are some of the high rope activities one can opt for, besides the trampoline, archery can be done. Do visit the 148-year -old eucalyptus tree 'Kalyani' that is visible from the Kadiri-Madanapalle road, that is 70 kms away, on clear days. Planted by WH Horsley in 1859, the tree was awarded the Maha Vriksha Puraskar a few years ago. Enjoy the rejuvenating heavy winds as they blow past you.

How to Reach: Bangalore – Chintamani – Madanapalle – Horsley Hills

What to look at Horsley Hills: Environmental Park, Gaali banda/Wind rock,Highview seeing point, Kalyani tree, Lake Gangotri and Mansarovar Adventure sports area, Swimming pool,Kerala Massage.

Eat: APTDC Haitha

     Breakfast: Rs.120 Buffet

     Lunch: Rs. 140 Buffet

Stay: APTDC Haitha hill resorts, Holiday homes. Reserve your stay in advance.

Best time to visit: Winter.

Note: There is no ATM on the hill, Card accepted in Haritha but don’t take chance.

Nearby Places of interest : Gandikota , Belum Caves, Ahobilum, Tirupathi