Fancy going to a place where Mythology , history exist in equal measures with climbing, trekking , good photo opportunities and solace ? Sounds almost magical but a place to that effect exists .
Today i will share my experience of a wonderful day trip from Bangalore to Avani village in Kolar district of Karnataka. I have had an amazing one day trip to Kolar gold fields which takes you back to the good old era where Gold mining was at its peak.
Avani village is 30 odd kms ahead of kolar gold fields.
Avani is around 80 kms from Bangalore which makes it an excellent choice for a day trip. Driving at a leisurely pace would get you there in 2 hours . Traffic is not much on the NH75 towards Hoskote and then towards Kolar till you reach a right turn towards Avani village. There is no eateries around the temple area so better to stop for some refreshment on the highway itself. Also you could try a picnic basket packed with sandwiches/paranthas along with a flask filled with tea/coffee. Its a hot sunny place so remember to carry loads of water, hats,sunscreen etc.
Remember to take a right where this board guides you to.
Avani village is around 6.5 kms from here. You could park in the temple complex here. If confused ask any local villager and they will guide you towards the temple complex.
Avani is also known as the Gaya of South and has ancient temples known as the Ramalingeshwara, Lakshmaneshwara, Bharateshwara and Shatrugneshwara, dating back to the period of the Nolamba Dynasty.
Enroute to Avani village we stopped at this beautiful spot for some tea (from the flask!!!) and a quick photo. It was hot and sunny for sure and i just hoped for an overcast sky with little pitter patter of rain drops. But was not in luck.
We had hit the village now and i compared old houses to the new construction.
We decided to head towards the temple.
We parked here in front of the Rath . Mahashivaratri is celebrated in a grand fashion here and am sure this is taken out at that time !!! Only one other car was parked and i could only see local villagers with a small makeshift shop selling bric-a-brac (water. cold drink) Many beggars around
and their poverty apparent.
Clicked these at the temple entrance . Have tried to cover this trip with a 40 mm lens.
Great depth of field but does not work again back lit areas. Also as one can understand the canvas provided is small.
These fall under ASI (Archaelogical Survey of India) protection. I feel this area is a gem waiting to be discovered . Not much awareness and hence not many people visit here I suppose.
This temple complex is of great antiquity and is constructed in the Dravida style of architecture. As per ASI, it is a 10th century Nolamba Dynasty construction which was renovated later by the Cholas.
Legend has it that Valmiki who is the author of the spic Ramayana stayed here and Hindu Lord Rama visited this place on his return to Ayodhya from Lanka.
Also legend has it that Lava and Kusha , Rama's sons were born here on the hill (called Lava-Kusha Betta) which is a short distance from the temple complex.
Lets go inside the temple complex and explore....
Shoes are not allowed and stone can get hot. I always carry an old pair of towel socks for such areas.
Back light does not seem to work with a 40 mm lens. Major disappointment. Me with Nandi Bull in the backdrop.
The wall and pillar relief is beautifully done.
The temple complex has a beautiful ceiling relief.
For a hike up the Luv-Kush betta, one needs to come out of the temple complex . As soon as you come out the road to the left leads up to the hike.
Here we are at the start point leading up the Betta. Sita mata temple is located on the top. This is one of the very few temples in India dedicated to Sita. It is believed that Sita stayed here during the time Valmiki was writing the Ramayana. This is where Luv-Kush were born.
I along with my husband are a fitness freak and found the /trek up the hillock very easy but might be a strain for people not in good shape. The sun scorched on. No relief !!
In the last picture the temple can be seen on the top. But we did not trek up till there was we needed to return due to some urgent work and were hard pressed for time. Another time maybe!!
Today i will share my experience of a wonderful day trip from Bangalore to Avani village in Kolar district of Karnataka. I have had an amazing one day trip to Kolar gold fields which takes you back to the good old era where Gold mining was at its peak.
Avani village is 30 odd kms ahead of kolar gold fields.
Avani is around 80 kms from Bangalore which makes it an excellent choice for a day trip. Driving at a leisurely pace would get you there in 2 hours . Traffic is not much on the NH75 towards Hoskote and then towards Kolar till you reach a right turn towards Avani village. There is no eateries around the temple area so better to stop for some refreshment on the highway itself. Also you could try a picnic basket packed with sandwiches/paranthas along with a flask filled with tea/coffee. Its a hot sunny place so remember to carry loads of water, hats,sunscreen etc.
Remember to take a right where this board guides you to.
Avani village is around 6.5 kms from here. You could park in the temple complex here. If confused ask any local villager and they will guide you towards the temple complex.
Avani is also known as the Gaya of South and has ancient temples known as the Ramalingeshwara, Lakshmaneshwara, Bharateshwara and Shatrugneshwara, dating back to the period of the Nolamba Dynasty.
Enroute to Avani village we stopped at this beautiful spot for some tea (from the flask!!!) and a quick photo. It was hot and sunny for sure and i just hoped for an overcast sky with little pitter patter of rain drops. But was not in luck.
 |
| Avani village dwelling |
We had hit the village now and i compared old houses to the new construction.
We decided to head towards the temple.
We parked here in front of the Rath . Mahashivaratri is celebrated in a grand fashion here and am sure this is taken out at that time !!! Only one other car was parked and i could only see local villagers with a small makeshift shop selling bric-a-brac (water. cold drink) Many beggars around
and their poverty apparent.
 |
| Temple entrance |
Clicked these at the temple entrance . Have tried to cover this trip with a 40 mm lens.
Great depth of field but does not work again back lit areas. Also as one can understand the canvas provided is small.
These fall under ASI (Archaelogical Survey of India) protection. I feel this area is a gem waiting to be discovered . Not much awareness and hence not many people visit here I suppose.
This temple complex is of great antiquity and is constructed in the Dravida style of architecture. As per ASI, it is a 10th century Nolamba Dynasty construction which was renovated later by the Cholas.
Legend has it that Valmiki who is the author of the spic Ramayana stayed here and Hindu Lord Rama visited this place on his return to Ayodhya from Lanka.
Also legend has it that Lava and Kusha , Rama's sons were born here on the hill (called Lava-Kusha Betta) which is a short distance from the temple complex.
Lets go inside the temple complex and explore....
 |
| At the entrance |
 |
| Rath used during Maha shivratri |
 |
| Dhwaj Stambh at front of the temple |
Back light does not seem to work with a 40 mm lens. Major disappointment. Me with Nandi Bull in the backdrop.
The wall and pillar relief is beautifully done.
The temple complex has a beautiful ceiling relief.
For a hike up the Luv-Kush betta, one needs to come out of the temple complex . As soon as you come out the road to the left leads up to the hike.
Here we are at the start point leading up the Betta. Sita mata temple is located on the top. This is one of the very few temples in India dedicated to Sita. It is believed that Sita stayed here during the time Valmiki was writing the Ramayana. This is where Luv-Kush were born.
I along with my husband are a fitness freak and found the /trek up the hillock very easy but might be a strain for people not in good shape. The sun scorched on. No relief !!
 |
| Depiction of Valmiki writing the Ramayana |
In the last picture the temple can be seen on the top. But we did not trek up till there was we needed to return due to some urgent work and were hard pressed for time. Another time maybe!!
