Things To Do Near Bidarakatte

The Kannada term "Bidarakatte"  refers to a kind of woven mat or rope wherein the threads are made of natural fibers. Mats play an excellent role in rural Karnataka's day-to-day life and in many parts of South India. The term "Bidarakatte" is associated with the object and cultural heritage, rustic craft, and regional ecological wisdom. Understanding Bidarakatte would then enable an understanding  of how traditional craftsmanship and natural resources can converge to meet a need for practical reasons and on cultural grounds. A Bidarakatte is, at its core, a hand-woven mat or rope made of natural fibers from the palm tree, coir, or even jute. The fibers used for  making the mats have strength and flexibility, making them durable and suitable enough to produce long-lasting  but functional mats. 

The technique of making Bidarakatte is complex and requires knowledge of the material. A bundle of raw fibers is softened, and braids or tight weaves  could become a mat or rope. Again, these mats' weaving techniques and  designs may vary according to region and local traditions. Still, the essence remains the same, something  of  lasting worth is created from the produce of the surrounding area, using only natural materials. The skill of Bidarakatte weaving is passed down from generation to generation, mainly through families or communities.  The  craftsmen, known as "Kaavi Vala" or woven rope makers, took years to perfect the craft, producing mats  for their   use and trade. In many rural homes, the Bidarakatte was found in every house, used as seating mats, bed mats, or even as a simple rug. 

It has much cultural importance to the state of Karnataka and all of South India beyond its functional uses. It  epitomizes the rustic, rural way of life that has long been the hallmark of rural life.  However, of late,  this  traditional craft of Bidarakatte has declined because of industrially manufactured products like plastic mats and synthetic ropes. People no longer need handmade, natural-fiber items because of the lack of demand and popularity among the younger generation. They feel these crafts are time-consuming and  not remunerative  compared to modern professions. 

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in crafts, especially with increasing awareness about  sustainability   and environmental damage caused by synthetic materials. Efforts to preserve and promote the weavers of Bidarakatte, in association with the government, NGOs, and community initiatives, are fostering these undertakings. Workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events have been organized to popularize these crafts and encourage the young artisans to take on the skill. 

This simple, woven mat or rope speaks to a richness of experience  spanning the ages regarding the natural world,  processes of making, and the bond that characterizes human life and its habitat, silently perpetuating  itself since  the times of our ancestors. In this time when the current world trends more and more toward mass-produced, synthetic alternatives, the art of Bidarakatte reminds us about sustainability, tradition, and the lasting worth of handmade, natural products. This is also one of the notable trekking near Bangalore that can be visited  both in the daytime and nighttime. One of the adventurous things you could do at Bidarakatte is undertake a trek on the trail up the hill on a full moon night. The display of natural beauty around you at the top of the mountain  shall be an enchantment to cherish! 

BIDARAKATTE HIGHLIGHTS: 

• It is  an agricultural region. Farming operations such as rice, groundnuts , or cotton cultivation occupy a significant portion of the regional economy. 

• Some Local Craft: Chances exist that local craft is related to mats woven out of palm or coir by people at Bidarakatte. Such will be indicative of a culture of handmade products and sustainable livelihood. 

• Natural Landscape: Picturesque landmarks like fields, small forests , or riverbanks , along with farmhouses, are familiar in  rural Karnataka. 

• Cultural Practices: Possess some solid local traditions, festivals, and cultural practices village fairs, temple festivals, or folk performances like Yakshagana or Karaga. 

• Community Life: A  communal lifestyle wherein families and neighbors generally come together for farming, festivals, and social events. 

• Religious Significance: A local temple may often be a central feature of the community's social and spiritual life. 

• Local cuisine: Rural Karnataka is  known for its varied cuisine–ragi mudde, akki roti, and sambar-and Bidarakatte might also have their regional specialties. 

Check Out: One Day Trip From Bangalore & Trekking Near Bangalore & Two Day Trip From Bangalore

BEST TIME TO VISIT : 

The best season to visit Bidarakatte is between April and June and November and March. The climate is quite  beautiful , and the ambiance becomes a stunning display of ambient colors. From July to October,  there is  raining  on the hilltop. This season needs to be avoided during a visit to Bidarakatte. 

TIPS FOR VISITING BIDARAKATTE: 

• It is not the best time to visit during monsoons since wet roads and slippery trails make it very tiresome to stay afoot; the terrain might be a significant problem to traverse. 

• Always keep adequate water with you and ensure incidents of dehydration do not occur. 

• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear and avoid any unease. 

• The trek is very long, so ensure you are fit enough to undertake the trek. Exercising and stretching activities a few days before the trek may also be helpful. 

• For a night trek, ensure you are equipped with adequate torches and batteries, which would be very important. 

 HOW TO REACH: 

Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is the  primary airport in the state capital. It offers international and domestic services. Whenever you reach Karnataka by air, this airport is the closest  to most  rural locations. 

Bengaluru City Railway Station (SBC) is the central railway station for trains heading into various parts of Karnataka and other states. 

You may hire a local auto rickshaw or shared taxi to reach Bidarakatte if it falls in a remote area. 

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