Background photo: Arishinagundi falls in Kodachadri range of Western Ghats.

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Ask anyone in Tumkur for directions to Mandharagiri, it’s most unlikely that you will get proper details. But wait, now ask for directions to Basadi Betta (or Basti betta), almost everyone knows how to go there. Basadi Betta is a small hillock off Bangalore - Tumkur road. The name Basadi betta is due to the jain temple (basadi) on top of the hillock.

While travelling towards Tumkur from Bangalore, some 10 KMs before Tumkur you can see this small hill with word ‘Mandharagiri’ written (in Kannada) on face of the hill. It’s not adjucent to the highway but have to travel (turn right while comin from Bangalore) couple of kilometers to reach the foot of the hill. A hundred or two steps of climbing takes you to the basadi door. While the southern gives the urban landscape, on the other side lies lake Maidala (once source of drinking water to Tumkur city) with the backdrop countless number of hills. Out of them, Devarayana Durga & Ramadrvara Gudda are the prominent ones (or the names which I know :D).

With respect to architecture, the basadi doesn’t attract many people. But the place brims with devotees during festival season & a calm place for many away from the buzzing life. An year ago, a monolith of Chandraprabha Theerthankara was installed at the foot the hill. The statue which stands at a height of 21 feet is claimed to be the tallest statue of Chandraprabha Theerthankara. In case if you are driving by Tumkur and need a break, then you know where to go.

Interesting places near Tumkur:

• Devarayana Durga
• Kaidala
• Shivagange

Swindon, that’s where I am now for the past 2 plus weeks and will be my home for the next couple of months. I’m slowly settling down to the new climate and the new place. Till that time few photos which I clicked while roaming in the town.

Climate has improved drastically since last two weeks. Winter is gone and Spring is springing. Less of cloudy days and more clear skies. And it’s a good sign for me.

I’m trying to explore the country as much as possible during my short stay over here. If you have any recommendations please drop a line.