Ghati Subramania is a good ride for a Saturday morning from Bangalore. We left early morning at 6 and it was a scenic and traffic free route via Dodballapur road. The temple is 600 years old and popular for worshipping snakes. There are thousands of snake idols around the temple, erected by devotees seeking a child. The route continues past the temple to an old fort called Makali Durga. Its a scenic spot with a railway line passing through. It is difficult to believe such a landscape exists just 60 KMs from Bangalore.
Reaching Ghati Subramania & Makali Durga
Ghati Subramania is located 60 KMs away from Bangalore, past Dodbalapur. Makali Durga is located 10 KMs away from Dodbalapur on the way to Gauribidanur. The route is via bellary road and Dodbalapur road. After Dodbalapur, continue further till you see the deviation towards right for Ghati Subramania. The trail to Makali Durga starts behind the temple. We left Bangalore from Hebbal at 6am and reached the temple by 730am. The ride from the temple to Makali Durga base takes another half an hour.
Breakfast at Dodballapur
Ghati Subramania Temple
Ghati Subramania is 600 years old and was under patronage of Ghorpade rulers from Bellary. It is one of the rare temples with idols of both Lord Karthikeya and Narasimha. Legend has it that both idols emerged from beneath the ground. While the idol of Karthikeyan faces East, Narasimha faces the west. The idol of Karthikeya has a seven hooded cobra and is made from a single stone. Giant mirrors have been placed so one can have a look at both the idols are the same time.
Ghati Subramania is also famous for snake worship.
The temple is also popular among childless couples who come here to pray for child. The custom is to build a snake idol near the temple and usually the wish comes true. we found thousands of snake idols near the temple.
We did some shopping at the colorful shops near the temple. The trinkets were irresistible!
Ghati Subramania plays host to a cattle fair in the month of december when ryots from all neighboring states also come in.
Makali Durga Fort
The route to Makali Durga starts behind the Ghati Subramania temple. A half hour ride takes you past a railway line and then to the base of the fort. The fort is atop a 1115 metres hill. There is an idol of Shiva and Nandi on top. Legend has it that Rishi Markandeya performed penance on top of this hill.
The trek to Makali Durga takes between 1.5 -2 hours. Itsa fairly easy climb over granite rocks and boulders as long as you have good footwear. It is better to do this before noon to avoid the heat. Night treks to Makali Durga are also gaining popularity. You would need a local guide to undertake this nocturnal adventure. Torches, mosquito repellant and camping equipment would be needed.
The ride back from Makali Durga to Bangalore was through villages and vineyards.
A roadside temptation-
It is quite a surprise to note this kind of scenery exists just 60 KMs from the urban chaos of Bangalore!
For more weekend ideas around Bangalore visit Bangalore Weekend Getaways.
For homestay options across India where you can have a feel for the local culture, visit India Homestays.