Things To Do Near Narayanagiri

Being on the hills in Karnataka , which unites rich history with scenic value  and religious significance, it is the state's  natural beauty on display , as is Narayanagiri - a lesser-known destination hill station than its  prominent Western  Ghat counterparts. It makes quite the experience for all nature seekers, hill climbers, or those keen to take  advantage of cultural resources at par with its developed contemporary India siblings. The hill is 1,500 meters  above sea level; it allows for great views of the valleys, thick forests, and distant ranges of the Western Ghats.  Lush green surroundings and waterfalls render Narayanagiri a picturesque destination  for  tourists seeking a  quiet retreat from the noise of city life. The hill is a natural wonder and forms an important ecological zone  in which flora and fauna have created a thick biodiversity of the region. 

The hill is a great location because it offers a picturesque view of the Bababudangiri hills and Mullayanagiri, which is the highest peak in Karnataka. There is a whole series of trails crossing the area, and when taking a trek to Narayanagiri, one would have to go through dense forests, coffee plantations, and streams,  making the  trekking worthwhile. It is often associated with the historical significance of the area in other kingdoms  that  have  ruled Karnataka and the Western Ghats, such as the Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas and, later, the Hoysala dynasty. Narayanagiri itself  was never political capital; however, it bears historical  significance  regarding  the  passing trade routes through the Western Ghats and its strategic location. 

It is believed that Narayanagiri could have been part of an overall network of hill stations and forts built by the Raja of Chikkamagaluru or used by other regional powers in the medieval period to protect against invaders, monitor trade routes and safeguard the area from the threat of invasions. However, few authentic  history books  are available concerning Narayanagiri, and most of its history is derived from oral traditions and indirect references from other regions. West Ghats was the main corridor to the Hoysalas for trade and  military expeditions  during the  10th to 14th  centuries. The seat of the capital of the Hoysala dynasty was in the two ancient  towns that  are now Halebidu and Shravanabelagola. 

Also, it is one of the notable trekking near Bangalore, which can be done during the day or at night. It is one of those adventurous things that you can do at Narayanagiri when you 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 would be a treat to cherish! The hills offer a variety of trails for the trek and hike, so it is the best destination  for adventure lovers. The hike to the top will give an excellent view of the landscape , with forests and valleys sprawling below. The trails also  provide exposure to local flora and fauna , making them an excellent place to go for nature walks. 

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NARAYANAGIRI HIGHLIGHTS:

• The name itself seems to convey an association with Lord Vishnu, one of the main Gods of Hinduism.  'Giri' is Kannada for 'hill', and 'Narayana' refers to Lord Vishnu, who often assumes the role of preserver and protector of the universe in Hindu belief. So, possibly , Narayanagiri  originally was a  religious or  sacred  site associated with worship in the name of Lord Vishnu or his various forms , such as Narayan, the preserver. 

• A highly visible Narayan Temple occupies the hill summit, and the hillside attracts pilgrims from various parts of the region. The temple is relatively simple in design but provides a nucleus for spiritual gatherings, prayers, and worship. Most  devotees visit when there are festivals or to obtain blessings;  many  make  the  arduous effort to climb to the top as part of their pilgrimage. This religious association has bestowed upon Narayanagiri a kind of sanctity, and it is held as a sacred place by all those people who are liable to all the  Hindu traditions. 

• Apart from its association with Lord Vishnu, the hill is also sacred to the Veerashaiva and Lingayat tribes  due to the high historical presence of these tribes on the land. The variety of religio-cultural shrines, temples, and smaller shrines on the way to the hilltop emphasize the diversified spiritual heritage of the region. 

• The area where Narayanagiri stands is the Western Ghats , a region of the country  known  throughout  the  globe for its biodiversity. The hill forms a very significant part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is rich in the preservation of ecological balance. Through the forests and streams around Narayanagiri,  the cycle  of water within that area and the promotion of the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats are sustained. 

• The slopes are covered with all those lovely,  sprawling coffee plantations, which give  scenic beauty  alongside the chance to get familiar with the process of coffee cultivation. A few local coffee plantations  provide coffee plantation tours. Here  , visitors can  familiarize themselves with the techniques for growing  coffee and freshly brewed coffee. 

• This is way away from the hustle and bustle of city life, ideal for people who are looking for a life of  serenity  and rest. The Narayanagiri Hills is one of the hotspot regions in Western Ghats , which is rich in flora and fauna. 

• Some very old temples give an impression of the cultural part of the area. Local temple visits  can provide  knowledge about the historical and spiritual life of the locals.

BEST TIME TO VISIT : 

The best time to visit Narayanagiri is between April and June and between November and March. The climate is quite pleasant, and the atmosphere turns into a lovely display of ambient colours during this time. From July to October, the hilltop witnesses the rainy season, which must be avoided when visiting Narayanagiri. 

TIPS FOR VISITING NARAYANAGIRI: 

The monsoon season is one of the worst periods to visit Narayanagiri. Wet roads and slithery trails make it very cumbersome to stay afoot, making the terrain one huge problem to cross. 

Always carry enough water with you to avoid incidents of dehydration. 

Ensure you put on comfortable clothes and footwear to avoid unease. 

Since the trail is long, ensure you are fit enough to trek. Some exercising and stretching a few days prior to the trek may also be helpful. 

A night trek can also be very useful if you can carry enough torches and their respective batteries. 

HOW TO REACH: 

The closest railway station to Narayanagiri Hills is Chikkamagaluru Railway Station (CMR). From there, a taxi or other local transport can be taken to visit Narayanagiri Hills. Closest Airport: The nearest airport is Mangalore, but it's still at a distance of 150 km. However, Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is the closest one. 

From Bangalore or Mangalore: KSRTC buses are available from Bangalore, Mangalore, and other places to Chikkamagaluru. From Chikkamagaluru, you can hire a taxi or local transport to reach Narayanagiri Hills. 

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