Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta

Date: 17-Sep-16

A spontaneous decision to go on a long ride led us to Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, popularly known as Bilikal Hills. Located about 70 km from Bangalore, this hill is a popular destination for a one-day getaway. What attracted us most was the combination of a challenging off-road stretch near the summit and the panoramic views waiting at the top.

Setting out from Bangalore

Thilak had visited Bilikal Hills earlier and was well aware that the final 5 km stretch was not suitable for comfortable riding. However, we wanted to experience the much-talked-about off-road section ourselves. We started from home at 9:15 AM under cloudy skies, with the weather providing ideal riding conditions.

The ride along Kanakapura Road was especially pleasant without the harsh summer sun. Traffic was moderate until we crossed the Art of Living Ashram, after which it reduced considerably. After reaching the KSRTC bus stop in Kanakapura town, we took the left diversion towards Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta. The route passes through villages such as Malagaalu and J.M. Doddi. One challenge along this route is the lack of signboards. We could not find the name “Bilikal Hills” displayed anywhere, not even in Kanakapura town. It is advisable to either ask locals for directions or rely on Google Maps to avoid confusion.

The road leading towards Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is narrow but extremely scenic. Agricultural fields stretch across both sides of the road, and as you approach the hill, the distinctive white rock face becomes visible in the distance. This white cliff is what gives the hill its name, as “Bilikal” means “white rock” in Kannada.

Going off road

At the base of the hill, we reached the entrance gate of Bannerghatta Sanctuary, from where a winding forest road begins. The initial stretch was surprisingly well maintained. However, conditions changed dramatically after we crossed a small village called Sundaghatta, located about 11 km from Kanakapura. The village consists of a handful of houses, a school, and a small Mahadeshwara Temple. Finding the correct road towards Bilikal Hills from this junction can be confusing, so it is best to confirm the route with local villagers.

The challenging final stretch

I was mentally prepared for a rough road, but what awaited us was beyond my expectations. The track was covered with loose gravel, stones, and mud. Since it was a steep hill road, we had to climb continuously over this difficult terrain. To make things even more intimidating, the route passed through a thin forest where signboards warned about elephant crossings. The road was completely deserted, and we did not encounter anyone along the way. The thought of unexpectedly encountering elephants on such a remote and challenging stretch genuinely frightened me. While I kept hoping the difficult section would end soon, Thilak was thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to test his riding skills.

After navigating this demanding 5 km stretch, we finally reached the hilltop safely at 11:45 AM.

Bilikal Rangaswamy Temple

At the summit stands the Bilikal Rangaswamy Temple, located beneath a massive boulder. Unfortunately, the temple was undergoing renovation during our visit, and entry was not permitted. The only people present at the hilltop were workers involved in the renovation activities.

Even without entering the temple, the location was worth the effort. The hilltop offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. On the left side of the temple, a narrow passage leads to a large rock outcrop where visitors can sit peacefully and enjoy the scenery. The atmosphere was calm and serene, and we spent a considerable amount of time simply appreciating the beauty of nature around us.

After relaxing near the temple, we walked towards the main viewpoint located close to the temple tank. The view from this spot was breathtaking, with rolling hills stretching far into the horizon. We spent some time taking photographs before deciding to begin our return journey at around 1:15 PM.

Back through the rough terrain

If the climb up was challenging, descending the hill required even greater caution. Riding downhill on loose gravel and uneven terrain demands complete concentration. It is highly recommended to keep the motorcycle in first gear and apply the brakes very carefully throughout the descent.

Fortunately, we managed to negotiate the difficult section without any mishaps and reached the area near Mahadeshwara Temple in about 30 minutes, where the good road resumed. From there, we retraced our route via Kanakapura and Kaggalipura. We stopped for lunch at Swaad Restaurant along the way and eventually reached home at around 4:30 PM.

Caution: If you are planning this trip on a motorcycle, exercise extreme caution during the final stretch near the hilltop. The road conditions can be dangerous, especially while descending.

Travel snapshot

What started as a spontaneous ride turned into an adventure that tested both our nerves and riding skills. At the summit, the peaceful views and the vast expanse of hills made every difficult kilometer worthwhile. Bilikal Hills may be close to Bangalore, but the experience feels far remote from the city’s routine and offers a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility.

• Route Travelled: BTM Layout > Kanakapura > Bilikal Hills.
• Total Distance (To & Fro): 140 km
• Mileage (Bike): 38 km/l
• Fuel expense: 252 Rs
• Total expense: 707 Rs 

Route Map