The drive towards Kolar road started at 7.30am. We crossed one toll, post which we stopped for a quick South Indian breakfast at a local darshini outlet.
The drive was scenic, the cloudy weather added to its charm.
On turning right from the highway, the single lane road took us through villages.
Being an early Sunday morning, everyone was indoors and the roads empty.
We stopped at a spot for a few minutes, just to stretch our muscles, wherein we came across elephant dung.
Thinking of venturing into the village, a local cop stopped us as it’s not safe for girls.
My friends did not want to risk it, so we continued towards Avani.
Reaching the base of the trek point by 10.00am, we started our way up towards the temple.
It was a fun climb as we went under rocks, stone arches, crossed tiny rock temples along the way, lotus pond and pretty flowers.
The climb was easy, primarily granite steps and can be done barefoot.
By the time we reached the top, the clouds disappeared and the sun right overhead.
It got super hot.
Going around the temple, and exploring the vicinity, we came a across a tall rock and sat beneath it. We saw an aunty roll under it and exit the other side. We decided to do the same. It was amusing and cold.
Starting our descend, we were at the base by 12.30pm.
Walking a little ahead, we reached Ramalingeshwara Temple, a temple site conserved by the ASI.
I saw the biggest chariot ever which the villagers take out only during the Maha Shivratri.
It is said that, for Ramalingeshwara Temple, Ram met Luv and Kush here while on his world conquering spree. Valmiki also wrote a portion of the Ramayana in this village.
The Cholas Style of architecture really took us back into time and we started picturing the use of the place in that era!
Exploring, clicking pictures, and wandering about, we spent 30minutes in that beautifully constructed monumental complex.
We stated our drive back to Bangalore by 1.15pm and reached The Terminal for lunch.
The service was pathetic and we left soon after eating.
We concluded our trip by 2.30pm.
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