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Jalamangala- Narayangiri Hill
(Mountain Climbing & Camping)
(Please do not liter around these scenic places, carry back all your waste and dispose the same in a proper bin. Do educate others to follow the same. Your contribution can make a big difference)
General Information:
Classification by way of interest/activity:
MODERATE (what's this?)
Accommodation: One Tent for 2, on top of the hill.
Essentials: Food Pack, water, stove & coal to keep warm.
Transportation: By Road
Cost Per head: Rs. 500/- per head (for 2 members)
Synopsis:
Narayanagiri is a rocky hill which stands out among many similar but smaller rock formations amidst serene and lush green settings at Jalamangala.
Jalamangala, about 76 km from Bangalore, is an ideal weekend getaway which has something for everyone. Sited deep in the countryside off Mysore road, Jalamangala is famous for its rocky hill known as Narayanagiri which soars to a height of around 3845 ft and is crowned by a Laxmi-Narayana temple. Narayana Annappana Kalluddurga, Ankanakote etc., was built by a local chieftain Annappa Nayaka in the 16th century with the financial support of the Mysore Wodeyar kings.
Narayanagiri with its massive rock faces, the Laxmi-Narayana temple, small ponds, numerous caves, lush green forests is the highlight of Jalamangala.
Narayanagiri is one of the lesser known hill forts in Karnataka. Narayanagiri is a rocky hill which stands out among many similar but smaller rock formations amid serene and lush green natural setting. The entire hill is fortified and one can see the remains of a fort wall almost encircling the top of the hill completely. While the fortifications are fairly well maintained, the wall around the fort today is a mere 3ft tall and is crumbling at places.
But the strong gusts of wind which is strong enough to sweep us off our feet will blow away the fatigue and rejuvenates the spirit enough to climb many more such mountains.
A word of caution, don’t attempt this climb in the afternoon as the sun burns down mercilessly on the hill making the rocks hot like burning coal. Reach Jalamangala early in the morning and start climbing the hill
How to reach?
Start off your journy on the Mysore road, after covering a distance of 55 kms you will arrive at Ramnagaram. Take a right turn at the main circle beside the government bus stand and after about 100 meters the road forks, turn left here and enter a narrow village road flanked by shops, leading to lush green fields interspersed with rugged rocky hills. Twenty km on this road and you will arrive at Jalamangala village, travel right across the village and you will arrive at a small lake to your right and a towering rocky hill behind it. Proceed over the tank bund and you arrive at the base of Annappana Kalldurga. A road is under construction to facilitate visitors drive to the top, but it may take some years for completion.
The Narayanagir Hill
The hill is accessible via an irregular footpath in the lower parts and rough steps, carved on the stone rock face in the upper reaches. Thoughtfuly, the locals have painted arrow marks (showing the direction of accend) for new visitors to navigate to the top. The initial part of the ascent is a beaten path flanked by thick scrub jungle infested with many varieties of wildlife, monitor lizards, mongoose, peacocks to name a few. The jungle abounds in thorny bushes which seem to threaten to tear off even the toughest denims if you are not careful. The beaten path takes one to about a third of distance to the top when it gradually becomes steeper and more rugged. Around halfway to the top there is a large cave to the left, it seems that Mother Nature made it for the tired trekker who wants to take a breather in the cool shade of the rock.
The next stretch till the top is a steep knee-breaking climb over a massive rock face on which steps have been carved and recently railings have been installed for climbers to hold on when fatigue overcomes them.
The top of the hill is a vast plateau which tapers downwards towards the periphery where the slope is quite steep. Other than the temple and fortifications there is literally nothing on what seems like an endless stretch of rocks dotted by cactus bushes and grass in some places and three large flowering trees.
Interestingly, the locals have drawn power lines to the top of the hill and there is light near the temple at night. Which gives a great sence of security for night time camping, amist the vast dark plateau covered with thick vegitation.
The temple itself is a fairly modern structure with brick and mortar walls and a cement gopuram. But the original temple inside the brick structure is made of stone adorned with beautifully carved pillars. The main deity in the grabhagriha is a strikingly beautiful image of Laxmi-Narayana made of shiny black granite which commands reverence of one and all.
The steep and tiring climb has its own rewards in the form of breathtaking views of the lush green countryside. The small village ponds far below appear like small patches of light springing out of earth in the reflection of suns rays. The climb to the top would leave even the fittest city dweller gasping for breath.
Water Pool
If you are lucky you may find small water pools on top of these mountains. The water pool next to the temple may be contaminated by moss or plastic left over by the visitors. You may try to scale other smaller hills adjucent to the main hill where you may find the water pool fairly clean for a face wash. It is advisable to cary your own drinking water as there is no ediable source of water on top of the mountain.
Food and accommodation:
Jalamangala is a non-descript village, very poor in infrastructure. There is only one hotel in the village. There is no place to stay, it is advised to visit here only on a day outing unless you wish to camp near the temple itself. It is believed that this rocky belt is infested with rocky boulder sloth bears... but, we came across none. Even if it did we are always prepared with fire crackers.
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