Sri Ramadevara Betta – Ramadevara Betta is one of the renowned places to visit in the District of Ramanagara. Scaling at a height of 3000 feet above ground level, this hillock offers a spectacular view of beautiful nature. Nestled amidst the lush green shrubs, it is an ideal location for trekkers/hikers and an apt place for weekend getaways.
To reach the peak of this hillock, you need to climb 200-300 steps. Ramadevara Betta got its name from an ancient Sri Rama temple located at its zenith. The entire vicinity of this religious hillock is the dwelling place for the wake of endangered long-billed Vultures. This is the only place in the whole of India to have a Vulture Sanctuary.
If you are a birdwatcher or an Ornithologist, visiting this place can be considered beneficial for your research. As you need to pass through a dense forest while hiking/trekking to this hillock, you can enjoy the cool misty morning breeze, listen to the chirping of birds, hike amid emerald green bushes/shrubs/trees, and might also get a chance to spot a few wild animals. Apart from the greenery, at the entrance of the hillock, you also will come across various boulders with paintings of Gods on them. Among those, Lord Hanuman’s painting is worth seeing.
According to Wikimapia, small door-like grottoes were made in the rocks to resemble caves during the film shooting of David Lean’s “A Passage to India.” Also, the iconic Bollywood Blockbuster movie “SHOLAY” was shot in Ramadevara Betta or Ramghad hill. The timings of Sri Rama Temple atop this hillock are from 9 AM to 12 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 6 PM on the weekends. Tickets are priced at Rs.10/- for Children, Rs. 25/- for Adults, and Rs.100/- for the Foreigners. If you are traveling in two-wheelers, it is rupees 10, and for four-wheelers, you need to pay rupees 20.
If you wish, you can have a meal prasadam in the temple by paying a nominal amount as a donation. For this arrangement, you need to inform the temple Pujari Sri Nagaraja Bhattar beforehand. As per the website www.rashminotes.com, the Sri Rama temple on the hillock was built by the Vaanara King Sugreeva. There is also a huge pond in front of the temple called Sita Pond, and due to its depth, people are not allowed to enter that area.
Timings – 9am–5pm
Address – Ramadevara Betta, Ramananagara, Karnataka 562159
