Off the Beaten Path: Exploring the Bheemana Kindi Trails

Bheemana Kindi is about 35-40 kilometres from Bangalore and falls under the district of Ramanagara, famously known as India's "Silk City." This is not a very challenging trek so it is suitable for beginners too and experienced trekkers. Bheemana Kindi is about 1,300 meters above sea level. The site gives a spectacular view of the surrounding valleys, hills, and forests. It is even possible to see the whole of the Ramanagaram range, an extension of the Western Ghats, on a clear day. Bheemana Kindi" is the derived name from the mythological word.

According to the locals, this gap was created by the powerful warrior of the Pandavas Bhima in order to get a passway to the Himalayas for ascending. The way passes through thorny forests and rock trails while sometimes giving hints of the area. The destination offers an exceptional opportunity for adventurous people who desire to enjoy the experience of trekking, climbing rocks, etc. The view at the top of Bheemana Kindi trek is one of the attractions. It ranges from the surrounding areas to as far as the eye can see, with the Nandi Hills and the village of Ramanagaram. The location is also a good photography spot and a place to enjoy some solitude and peaceful moments amidst the quiet of nature.

History of Bheemana Kindi

In legend, Bheemana Kindi depicts the period of the Pandavas, but more precisely it is that of the strong warrior Bheema from the Mahabharata. A local legend states that during their sojourn as they crossed the country, the Pandavas had to face many difficulties. According to the locals, Bheema created this gap for the Pandavas to travel northwards as it was he who possessed enormous strength. This is the most popular myth around, but other folk tales also have accounts of how the gap came into being. Stories also exist, stating that this gap was produced by long periods of natural erosion for centuries. However, to local tribes and farmers, it has been known by this region since the ancient period. As a region located close to Bangalore city, easy reach is not difficult for many trekking tourists as well as adventure enthusiasts towards the recent periods.

Bheemana Kindi Trek

Bheemana Kindi Trek is a popular, moderately challenging trek near Ramanagaram in Karnataka, 35-40 km from Bangalore. This trek takes adventure lovers through natural beauty, mythological value, and the thrill of having reached an unusual destination-a narrow gap in the mountains known as Bheemana Kindi or Bheema's Gap. Local folklore suggests this place got its name from Bheema, the strong Pandava prince in the epic, Mahabharata, who crossed here while en route through the forest as part of the Banish Banished period of the Pandavas. This is, therefore, not only a trek but also an endeavour to connect with the rich myths surrounding this place. The actual trek has been rated to be somewhat moderate; however, it is good for beginners and people who are casual trekkers and have some level of fitness. It can be finished in 2-3 hours, though not extremely difficult, it does have a lot of rock scrambling at the end when you get to the top. The trail runs through rocky terrain and dense forests, giving you both challenge and beauty on the way.

The climb gradually steepens, and there are sections of the hike that demand using one hand to push oneself up as one scrambles over enormous boulders. This is a test of physical endurance but compensated by some of the best views and a sense of adventure. The trek has many great moments, and one of them is the Bheemana Kindi-a narrow passage between two hills. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. From this vantage point, trekkers are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the nearby Nandi Hills and Savandurga, both of which are other popular trekking destinations in the region. The sight of the lush green valleys and rocky hills below is a breathtaking reward for the effort invested in the hike. The place is very peaceful. The place would act as the ultimate resting site and photography site to soak the serenity in this landscape.

How to Reach Bheemana Kindi

Bheemana Kindi is very accessible from Bangalore, which acts as an entry point to this beautiful trekking destination. Here are a few ways to reach Bheemana Kindi:

• By Road: The most common way to reach Bheemana Kindi is by road. It is located about 35 kilometres from Bangalore, and the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The scenic road route takes the traveller to the foothills of the Bheemana Kindi trek. Most of the trekkers prefer driving their vehicle or they take a private cab or hire some service.

• By Train: Ramanagaram is also well connected by Indian Railways. Ramanagaram Railway Station is 10-12 km from the base of the Bheemana Kindi trek. Trains between Bangalore and Ramanagara are quite frequent, and you can board a train from Bangalore City Railway Station. From the railway station, you can hire a local taxi or bus to the trek base.

• By Bus: It's several buses between Bangalore and Ramanagara that would take a trekker closer to the start of the Bheemana Kindi trek. The Government as well as Private buses can be caught during the entire day. An auto-rickshaw or local taxi could take you from Ramanagaram to the bottom of the trek.

Best Time to Visit

The most favourable time for trekking at Bheemana Kindi is from October to March. It cools down nicely and becomes much more pleasant to enjoy outdoor activities. The region remains generally green and lush with warm but manageable temperatures as it comes after the monsoon season. Avoid the monsoon months of June to September as some of the trails may be slippery, and heavy rainfall is expected to hit the region. For those who may want to take the trek during the cooler months, December through February is a good time for it to be done. For those people who love seeing sunrises in the morning, this will be an impressively great time. Early mornings are misty and magical, making it quite mysterious for trekking.

Attractions Nearby

While Bheemana Kindi itself is a very interesting place, there are several other attractions nearby that make it an ideal destination for a weekend. Some of the popular places nearby are:

1. Ramanagara: Ramanagaram is also known as the "Silk City" and "Rock Climbing Capital of India." It's an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is very famous for its rocky terrain and is called a very popular spot for rock climbing and rappelling along with other adventure sports. A very significant hill, Ramadevara Betta, is a location where Hindu mythology interacts with panoramic views to provide a great view of the surroundings.

2. Nandi Hills: 40 km from Bheemana Kindi lies Nandi Hills, which is one of the most famous hill stations of Karnataka. Famous for viewing the sunrise, Nandi Hills are a favourite for trekking and have significant historical importance since several forts, temples, and palaces stand there.

3. Muthathi Forest: Muthathi Forest is a calm place located at a distance of about 35 kilometres from Bheemana Kindi on the banks of the Cauvery River. This is an ideal place for nature lovers with lush green surroundings and boating and river rafting activities.

4. Chunchi Falls: Chunchi Falls is a lovely waterfall located in the hills, about 35 kilometres from Ramanagaram. The falls are surrounded by forests and provide a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

5. Savandurga: About 40 kilometres from Bheemana Kindi, the Savandurga is one of the biggest monoliths in Asia and it is a rock-climbing destination. The terrain of this hill will give clear visions of the landscapes around and for many, this is an adventure spot.

6. Bangalore: Bangalore itself is a big city in South India, and the city provides an amalgamation of modern attractions, historic sites, parks, gardens, and cultural experiences. Art galleries, malls, restaurants, and pubs abound in this city for all kinds of travellers.