Day Outings from Bengaluru to Mandaragiri Hills

With the stress I have been putting up for straight 5 days I was looking for a simple weekend hike with kids. It was a best way to unwind myself and spend some quality time. Mandaragiri Hill or locally known as Basadi Betta is a lesser-known destination near Bengaluru. Its photos were mesmerizing. I wanted to checkout that splendid ambience and bird-eye view of temple from atop.

Mandargiri Hills is a small hillock in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. It is roughly a 2-hour drive from Bengaluru. It is located 10 KM before Tumkur if you are traveling from Bangalore. Google maps will guide you exactly to that place. We started from home around 6.30 in the morning, had a nice breakfast enroute and we started moving closer to this place.  Mandaragiri is gradually gaining popularity due to its unique peacock feather shaped Jain temple. This place is perfect if you want to spend a few hours or a day away from the hustle-bustle of city life. 

The first sight to welcome you as you enter is the temple complex is Mukha Mantapa. It has a statue built that belongs to Chandranatha Tirthankara, an ascetic of the Jain community. The early morning view is a magical aura that is pleasing to all of us. Since it was our kids first Jain temple visit, they were astonished and had several questions to us on religion and the symbolism of Digambara.

As you pass through the Mukha Mantapa you will notice is the bright blue, green, and orange hues of a peacock feather shaped temple.  The architecture of this Jain temple is inspired by the ‘Pinchi’ (whiskbroom made of peacock feathers), which looks pleasing to the eye. While the structure displays colourful feathers, it is also symbolic for the Jain which makes it all the more one of its kind. The beautifully designed Jain Temple, Guru Mandir is the main attraction in Mandaragiri. The Guru Mandira at Mandaragiri is open for visitors to use and mediate at. We sat inside the Guru Mandira and did some meditation peacefully as there were very few visitors.

Our kids were so eager to climb the Mandaragiri hill. When we moved closer and when we were in the foot hills, our kids didn’t want to take the stairs route. We climbed using rocky phases near stairs. It’s a simple easy climb. It has close to 500 stairs. On top of the hill, there is a group of few other Jain temples. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the village and Mydala lake from the top of the hill. We enjoyed an amazing view and a cool strong breeze at the top of hills. We spent an hour sitting at the top and enjoyed the view. The cleanliness at this place has been well-maintained by the temple authority.

Mydala Lake

Mydala Lake and Reservoir is situated behind Mandaragiri Hill. One need not have to get down the hill, you have a back  route, which will take you directly near the lake. Its roughly a 600-700 mts downhill walk. You will find the huge pristine lake surrounded by hills.  You can take your own bike/car through the mud road.

However, the initial part of the lake was littered and dirty. So, we decided to go a circuit around the lake. It was one of the best decisions. We took a mud route and went along the circumference. It was a beautiful less crowded and well maintained.  Those still waters of the Mydala Lake were a serene spot – I was stunned by the beauty of the place from other end. We sat for a while near the pump house.

We spent long hours here, filling our lungs with fresh mountain air and our souls with the tranquil silence. It was a mesmerising sight to behold, with sunlight glittering in the clear waters of the Mydala Lake.

Once we were back, our kids explored a couple of rocky phases for bouldering at the back of hills. Huge granites and rocks are scattered all over the banks of the lake. This was a perfect place to explore bouldering.

After we feasted our eyes and heart well, it was time to feast our tummies. We started back towards Bengaluru. Stopped in a nice restaurant for food and started our drive back, with happy memories.

Tips

1. Try to visit early in the morning or during sun set as the views are amazing
2. Don’t forget to take a look around Mydala Lake
3. Carry your own water bottle and cap for climbing hill
4. Timing: Guru Mandir on Monday to Friday opens at 6:30-10:00 am and 3:30-6:00 pm. It remains open on weekends from 6:30 am – 6:00 pm.
5.  Free parking and restrooms are available. 
6. Be responsible and don’t litter
7. Reach: 10 kms from Tumkur. Auto’s are available from main road.