A short drive to Avani, Kolar for culture and adventure!

Avani, which is about 90kms from Bangalore, boasts of the Ramalingeshwara temple, the Lava-Kusha hills on top of which is the Sita temple, Shankar mutt and the Basava theertha.

Directions, details and help 

We started from Bangalore at 8am on a Sunday morning. Joined the Bangalore-Tirupathi highway. The Highway road is good but I found that there is some traffic and many distractions due to many intersections (there are many towns on the way). Paid Rs.23 for the first toll. On the way we stopped for breakfast at the Kamat restaurant, about 20 kms before Kolar. Drive on until the second toll (we paid Rs. 91). Take the first right after the toll which is the road to Avani. Drive for around 10 kms, you will have no trouble finding the temple entrance.

We checked out the Ramalingeshwara temple first. It houses many mini temples inside, most with a Linga in it. It is said that here Lord Ram is worshipped in the form of Lord Shiva. Hence the name Ramalinga. The architecture here is fabulous. This temple was built during the Chola dynasty period.

We climbed up to the Sita temple situated over the Luv-Kush hills. This is said to be the birthplace of Luv and Kush. The boulders are placed in such a manner that it makes you wonder how they are formed!!

We had hired a guide to take us along. He showed us the Basava theertha which we would not have found on our own. So I recommend that you take a guide along but however, you have to bargain on the fees with them (We paid Rs. 100). The Basava theertha or the unhtar-gange as told by the guide is a natural spring. The unique thing about it is the color of the water which is slightly milkish-white.

We also visited the Shankar mutt and prayed to Sharada Devi.

Ideal time to visit would be in time to catch the sunrise or sunset. 

Overall experience 

It’s a nice short drive from Bangalore. You get to view some amazing architecture at the temple (it’s a protected monument). Good trek up the hill which compliments to the drive as a great adventure!!

The Ramalingeshwara temple

 View of the temple halfway up the hill

 

The Luv-Kush Hill