The Ultimate Trekking & Pilgrimage Spot - Shivagange

Shivagange is referred to as the "Dakshina Kashi" which means the equivalent of "Kashi of the South" or the "Hill of Shiva" in Karnataka state. It is a favorite hill resort and pilgrimage as well as a top tourist destination. The place makes the adventurous trekker, the spiritual sojourner, and a nature enthusiast its mandatory visitor. Shivagange lies to the north of Bangalore in Tumkur, about 50 kilometres and touches around 4,400 feet of the height above sea level to overlook a stunning sight of the neighbouring areas. The holy hill is revered by Hindus of great consequence in the cultural and spiritual profile of the locality.

History of Shivagange

Local culture and history connect themselves to the Shiba River. For centuries, it has been a religious site and the locals designate it as a sacred hill. In local legend, this hill is the site of a dedicated temple of Lord Shiva. The Gangadhareshwara temple at the bottom of the hill is believed to have been created during the Chola dynasty, showing its historical importance. There are many historical incidents of mountains. Back in the old days, Sivagange was indeed a perfect location selected by many local rulers since the hill, with its elevated position, could serve as a natural fortress. Most notably, the legend has it that kings and soldiers did worship and meditation at this place. It is also a prominent link of connecting society with its environment, nature, and even spirituality. The rituals and celebrations performed at the mountaintop, which includes the ones dedicated to age-old traditional practices, are vibrant and lively on the night of Shivratri.

 The Trekking Experience at Shivagange

Shivagange is one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in Karnataka, providing an exciting and enriching journey for trekkers of various skill levels. The trek combines adventure with spirituality, providing an unforgettable experience as you ascend through picturesque landscapes, encounter historic landmarks, and delve into the rich cultural significance of the place.

Scenic Beauty: Natural Surroundings, Landscapes, and Flora

The natural Beauty Of Shivagange Trek is one of the greatest beauties of the journey. The dense, deciduous forests like bamboo, tamarind, and teak are seen on either side of the trail. One passes fields, small farms, and hill-top meadows in the ascent that adds to the gentle and scenic ambience. The landscape surrounding Shivagange is very varied and breathtaking. From the bottom, the valleys and rolling hills are treated to views, along with a far-off view of the town of Tumkur. As you climb further, the more expansive the view becomes, while the top has panoramic views of the Devarayanadurga hills surrounding it, rocky outcrops, and faraway villages nestled in the valleys. Along the trek, you will find several vantage points with scenic stops to rest and take photographs. The combination of rocky cliffs, wildflowers, and patches of forest creates a perfect harmony of nature.

Tourism and Adventure Activities at Shivagange

Shivagange is not only a destination for religious and historical explorations but also an adventure and nature lover's paradise. It provides a rich cultural background with stunning natural beauty, giving visitors a chance to indulge in various outdoor activities. Trekking remains the most preferred one. Here is a detailed guide to tourism and adventure activities at Shivagange.

Trekking routes and the best time to visit

• Trekking routes: The trek to the top of Shivagange is a must for every explorer visiting the region. This hike is a mix of easy-to-difficult trails suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers. The main trekking routes are as follows:

• Main trek (via Nandi Temple): This is the most common route starting from the foot of the mountain near the Nandi Temple. This short trail has a wonderful steep stone path leading to the summit. The trail is quite steep but could be accessed by most hikers. Along this trail, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and observe local wildlife. It passes by many temples and rock formations, famous among them being Shiva Linga at the very top of this mountain. The last part is a bit of a climb, but the views from the top are worth the effort.

• Alternative route (via Gangadhareshwara temple): Another popular route among hikers starts from Gangadhareshwara temple. This is a rock trail and fairly loose in some sections, so it is a bit more of a test, but it also happens to be in a peaceful environment and not very crowded. This takes you through massive forested areas, so again, big nature lover types will love this one.

• Short Hikes: Accesses to tiny viewpoints and viewpoints for those wanting less strenuous and short hikes can be accessed in multiple places. A wonderful route to introduce families to a hike as well as amateur walkers. Though short, even the trail holds lots of charm within itself with beauty from Shivagange.

Best Time to Visit

• Monsoon (June to September): The beauty of the rain-filled season gives this hill a picturesque appearance, making the place attractive with lush green surroundings. On the other hand, trekking may not be recommended due to rain and traffic risk. However, it is going to be fascinating for nature enthusiasts who would see this hill looking lush green all around.

• Winter (October to February): Winter is the trekking peak season; it is cold and sunny, which makes the trek enjoyable.

• Summer (March to May): Though treks get difficult during summer, it can still be done in the early morning or evening when it's cooler. 

Nearby Places of Shivagange

Situated in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Shivagange is surrounded by several other fascinating tourist attractions covering diverse interests including history, culture, nature, and adventure. After your visit to Shivagange, here are a list of close-by sites you can see:

1. Devarayanadurga 

   • Distance from Shivagange: 18 km

   • Travel Time: 30 minutes by road

   • Highlights: Devarayanadurga, a lovely hill station known for its spiritual value as well as its magnificent natural beauty, entices many hikers and nature enthusiasts.

2. Nandi Hills (40 km from Shivagange)

   • Distance from Shivagange: 40 km

   • Road Travel Time is 1 hour.

   • Highlights: Nandi Hills, near Bangalore, is one of the most desired hill stations since it provides magnificent vistas of the nearby valleys and flatlands.

3. Tumkur (12 km from Shivagange)

   • Distance from Shivagange: 12 km

   • Travel Time: 20-30 minutes by road

   • Highlights: Tumkur is a city rich in historical and cultural significance. Don't miss the Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, located a bit further in Tumkur, where you can see blackbucks in their natural habitat.

4. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (20 km from Shivagange)

   • Distance from Shivagange: 20 km

   • Travel Time: 30 minutes by road

   • Highlights: This temple is one of the oldest dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at the foothills of Nandi Hills. The architectural style of this temple is remarkable and reflects the rich heritage of the region.

5. Manchanabele Dam (20 km from Shivagange)

   • Distance from Shivagange: 20 km

   • Travel Time: 30-40 minutes by road

   • Highlights: Manchanabele Dam offers stunning views of the hills and the reservoir along the Arkavathy River. The area around the dam is perfect for a peaceful day trip, with picnic spots to relax and enjoy the serene water.

6. Shivagange Lake (At the Base of the Hill)

   • Distance from Shivaganga Hill: Base of the hill

   • Highlights: This location provides a natural view of the hill, enhanced by the surrounding greenery and the reflection of Shivagange peak in the water. It's a tranquil spot, ideal for quiet reflection after a trek.

7. Agastya Lake (40 km from Shivagange)

   • Distance from Shivagange: 40 km

   • Travel Time: 1 hour by road

   • Highlights: Agastya Lake is another serene spot nearby, known for its beauty and tranquillity. The lake is considered sacred and holds spiritual significance due to the great sage Agastya.

8. Hesaraghatta Lake (50 km from Shivagange)

   • Distance from Shivagange: 50 km

   • Travel Time: 1.5 hours by road

   • Highlights: Hesaraghatta Lake is a man-made reservoir that serves as a fantastic birdwatching location, especially during migration season. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place for a relaxing day in nature.

How to Reach Shivagange

Fifty kilometres from Bangalore, Shivaganga is situated in Karnataka's Tumkur district. It can be reached by way of a roadway. At the mountain crest, history, spirituality and exploration combine in an exceptional balance. Visitors of all types are drawn here. Read on to learn how one can travel to Shivagange from every potential starting point:

• By road from Bangalore: Seventy kilometres from Bangalore, the road is the simplest means of reaching Shivagange. The main roads go in the following order:

• NH48 (National Highway 48): From Bangalore, take the Tumkur Highway (NH48). After passing through the Peenya Industrial Area, continue on the highway towards Tumkur. Shivagange is located 13 km from Tumkur. You can follow the signs or ask the locals for directions.

• Bangalore-Tumkur Road: Continue west on the Bangalore-Tumkur Road from Nelamangala and then towards Tumkur. Sivagangai is easily accessible from Tumkur by local transport.

• By Bus: You can drive yourself from Bangalore or take a taxi or bus. There are many bus services in the city for a day trip to Shivagange. You can take a KSRTC bus from Bangalore to Tumkur and then a local bus or an autorickshaw from Tumkur to Shivagange. There are 24/7 buses between Bangalore and Dumkur. From Tumkur, you can take an autorickshaw to the northern part of Shivagange.