About Siddara Betta
Siddara Betta is well known for its scenic beauty, religious significance, and biodiversity. Siddara Betta means “Hill of the Saints,” and it has always been associated with ancient sages and priests who used to meditate in the caves on its rugged, rocky areas. The hill attracts adventure seekers, spiritual enthusiasts, and nature lovers, offering views of the surrounding hills. The region is rich in medicinal herbs and is therefore considered important in the history of traditional medicine. One can embark on several trails, caves, and temples on the hill and enjoy the picturesque scenery, natural beauty, and heritage of Siddara Betta.
Historical Significance
The history of Siddara Betta is significant because many hindu saints meditated here. There are many ancient temples on it and this has been associated with Siddara Swami, a saint who lived here in the 19th century.
Distance from Bangalore and Reaching Time
The distance of Siddara Betta from Bangalore is approximately 104 kilometers. The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions.
Best Season and Time to Visit
The best season to visit Siddara Betta is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant and it is easier to explore and indulge in sightseeing and trekking.
Local Attractions
- Devarayana Durga: Devarayana Durga, located close to Siddara Betta, is one of the ancient hill forts that attracts visitors with its stunning temples and picturesque scenery. This fort is said to have been built by the Mysore rulers in the 17th century, including Devaraja Wodeyar, after whom the place is named. It is surrounded by rich greenery and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.At Devarayana Durga, two temples, the Yoga Narasimha and Bhoga Narasimha, are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temples are situated at different points on the hill, and they feature beautiful, intricate carvings with mythological significance.
- Naamadha Chilume: Naamadha Chilume, a spring situated just north of Siddara Betta, has an intriguing story and unique rock formation. According to legend, when Lord Rama was in exile, he stopped here, finding himself without water. It is a beautiful sight that is steeped in mythology and is said to be a source of holy water.
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple: Located near Siddara Betta, the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple complex characterized by beautiful Dravidian-style architecture. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and was first built during the 9th century. With ancient origins, the temple’s design is intricate and detailed with grand pillar’s and famous kalyani.
- Markonahalli Dam : The Markonahalli Dam, located near Siddara Betta, is an attractive destination for people interested in engineering and nature. This dam was constructed in 1940 along the Shimsha River under the guidance of Sir M. Visvesvaraya. It features unique radial gates that open and close without the use of any mechanical devices, allowing for the flow of water. The dam is a site of lovely serenity, perfect for picnics, birdwatching, and sunset views.
- Pandavara Betta : The Pandavara Betta, positioned adjacent to Siddara Betta, is a picturesque hill that is believed to have been visited by the Pandavas during their exile. The hill is popular among trekkers as well as mythological and historical buffs. It is quite an easy climb, especially for novices, offering fascinating sights of the surroundings from the top.
Key Facts
- Elevation: Approximately 1,100 meters above sea level.
- Location: Tumkur District, Karnataka, India.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Historical Significance: Associated with ancient saint Siddara Swami.
Travel Tips
- Preparation: Comfortable clothes, trekking shoes, sunscreen, snacks and other essentials.
- Guides: Not required but consider one if you want to learn about the history of the temples.
- Permits: Check for necessary permits.
- Respect Nature: Do not litter the surroundings and carry your garbage back.
[Images by Tripadvisor]
Activities
- Trekking: Trekking at Siddara Betta is full of beauty and offers an adventure that provides a sense of the eternal. This is an easy trek with well-defined paths that are fairly rugged and feature plenty of rocky options. Nature enthusiasts as well as adventure lovers will appreciate embarking on this trek due to its beauty.
- Birdwatching: Due to the rich biodiversity of Siddara Betta, birdwatching is one of the best activities for nature lovers. Kingfishers and eagles are among the native and migratory birds residing in the region. As usual, early in the day is the best time to visit the sights, as it is possible to see birds in their habitats without any disturbance. Photography: Siddara Betta photos are filled with immense beauty and scenic views because every corner of the hill is wonderful. Be it during the early mornings or at sunset, the eye-catching angles of the forests and valleys are excellent. Apart from the surroundings views, wildlife and birds are also good subject matters
- Meditation: The peaceful environment of Siddara Betta temples allow for fruitful medication practices and sessions. The caves and secluded spots are famous medication places alongside old temple grounds. Many sages have meditated here previously and the hill is said to be very sacred.
Itinerary
- Morning:Depart from Bangalore and reach Siddara Betta around 9am.
- Afternoon: Explore the hill and its surrounding temples followed by lunch.
- Evening: Capture the sunset and explore the local markets.
- Morning: Visit the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple to worship or adore the architecture.
- Afternoon: Head to Markonahalli Dam and witness the engineering marvel.
- Evening: Check the Naamadha Chilume spring and catch the sunset at Pandavara Betta before leaving.
Location Map
Frequently Asked & Question
Siddara Betta is famous for its scenic trekking trails, natural caves, and its historical association as a meditation site for saints and sages. It’s also known for the small temple at the peak.
The Siddara Betta trek is approximately 5 kilometers (round trip). The trek to the peak takes around 1-2 hours, depending on pace and fitness level, and involves a mix of rocky steps and trails through boulders.
The Siddara Betta trek is of moderate difficulty. It involves climbing rocky steps and passing through boulders, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers with basic fitness.
Siddara Betta is approximately 100 kilometers from Bangalore, making it a popular option for a day trek.
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