Route : Bangalore - Nelamanga - Shivagange - Bangalore
Myself and Satish had been for this trek. Me on my Thunderbird and Satish on his Yamaha RX135
Shivaganga is a conical shaped hill, which offers a breathtaking view from the top. Shivaganga is located in the hill top which is about 1368 meters high and 70kms from Bangalore towards Tumkur on NH 4. There are two shrines dedicated to Lord Gangeshwara and Goddess Honnadevi and also there is a fresh water spring called Pathala Ganga. This hill has four faces, and it looks like Nandi from the east, Ganesh from the west, Linga from the south and hood spread Cobra from the north.
It was on Saturday evening, Satish called me to inform that we are going to Shivaganga just as a casual weekend ride and for a trek. I did not have any plans and I have told him lets hit the road. Satish came to my house around 7.00AM and I was waiting for him. We started and I was in my Thunderbird and he was on his Yamaha RX135. Early morning ride on NH was too good and it was start of Monsoon and weather was very good in morning.
Satish on his RX135
Me on my Thunderbird
We reached Shivaganga at around 8.30AM and we were feeling very Hungry. There are no good hotels and you have to rely on small tiffin shops. Trust me the taste in these small hotels are mouth watering and we had heavy breakfast of Idlis, Dosa's and also some rice.
Then we started to climb up the hill and we decided not to take any rest and just keep climbing because it would easily take 3Hrs. The first portion of the climb is very easy till the temple because we have steps and Trails. Here you will find Lord Gangadeshwara Temple and also the Pathala Ganga. To Visit Pathala Ganga, you have squeeze yourself and go inside the cave.
The Thrill starts after this and you have to climb the hill where there are steps without Trails. Some place you have to crawl and its really fun to Trek. Steep Ascent starts from here and pics below shows you how the route is all about.
This is the last portion of the trek and is really difficult. The Climb is almost vertical and trails are rusted. You cannot rely on trails and just climb leaning forwards.
Top of the Hill
We finished the trek and also came down the hill by 2.30. We relaxed and had lunch on the way home and we were back to home by 4.30PM. It was nice day out and ShivaGanga is a must visit place who loves treks.
