Antharagange

Antaragange is a mountain located in the Shathashrunga mountain range. It is located three kilometers from Kolar in the direction of Kolar Betta, the series of mountains that form the temple backdrop. This is a sacred spot consecrated with a temple and tank which receives water from a spring.

Antaragange is a mountain located in the Shathashrunga mountain range. It is located three kilometers from Kolar in the direction of Kolar Betta, the series of mountains that form the temple backdrop. This is a sacred spot consecrated with a temple and tank which receives water from a spring.

Behind the temple there is route leading to the forest, the hills of Antaragange are a perfect spot for trekking, rock climbing, night navigation and other adventure activities. The mountains have many wild monkeys which grab food from the people visiting this hill.

The word ‘Antaragange’ means ‘Ganges from deep’ in Kannada. The Kasi Vishweshwara temple is the main attraction of this place. This place is also referred to as Dakshin Kashi or Kashi of the South. The mountain contains a number of volcanic rocks of various sizes and naturally carved caves around it. A clear view of entire town of Kolar can be seen from the top of this mountain.

District: Kolar

Town: Kolar town

Temple: Antaragange

The presiding deity of this temple is Kashi Vishveshwara. The temple has a main Shiva Lingam and around four to five other lingams on the side of the Main Mantapa. The devotees believe that the water is the sacred Ganga falling from the head of Lord Shiva.

Usually, devotees drink this water or bathe in it because this holy water from Antaragange is believed to cleanse the from diseases even if it persists on taking medical treatments.

The Antharagange hill is associated with Lord Parasurama and Jamadagni. According to Hindu mythology, the killing of Kartaviryaarjuna by Parasurama followed by Jamadagni’s murder by the sons of Kartaviryaarjuna and the self-immolation of Renuka was on this hill.

Mythology also says that Parasurama took a vow to kill the entire Kshatriya race on this hill. The Kasi Vishweshwara Temple has a pond that receives water from the perennial spring ‘Antaragange’ which comes from the mouth of a Basava (bull carved in stone). The source of water or where it originates is still unknown. The water gushes out from the bull’s mouth be it monsoon or summer throughout the year.

The Antaragange hill is located just four kilometres away from the town of Kolar and 70 kilometres from Bangalore. From Bangalore, you can catch any KSRTC bus to Kolar from the Kempe Gowda Bus Station in Bangalore. On reaching the town you can either head to Antaragange on foot or in an auto-rickshaw. Through the main entrance, you may have to climb 350-500 steps while another route has also been built recently which can help you reach the top easily. The best time to visit this spot would be from September to November.

 

How to reach Antharagange:

By Air: The nearest airport to reach Anthargange is the Bangalore International Airport which stands at a distance of 70 km. The airport caters to both domestic and international tourists as it operates flights to various corners of the country and to several destinations on the international level, including Asia, America, Europe and the Middle East countries.

By Rail: The nearest railway station for Anthargange is the Kolar Railway Station which lies at a distance of around 3 km. The Kolar Railway Station is connected by several trains to the nearby cities and towns. Travellers can reach Anthargange from Kolar by means of local transport like taxis, cabs, tempos, etc.

By Road: Anthargange is not connected by bus either from Bangalore or from Kolar due to the hilly terrain. However, there are taxis, cabs and bikes available to reach the destination. The journey to the destination by bike is the most exciting one as the journey is a short one and passes through beautiful surroundings.

 

 

Anthargange is a hill range that is blessed with unique natural beauty. The rocky hill range is situated at a height of about 1226 metres from sea level in the Kolar district of Karnataka, approximately 70 km from Bangalore.The main attractions of Anthargange are numerous volcanic rock formations and a series of natural caves formed from small volcanic rocks. The name Anthargange also refers to a perennial spring that is found near the Kashi Vishweshwara temple on the hilly range. The hilly range is a haven for trekkers and adventure seekers.

 

The beauty of Anthargange Temple

Anthargange is a unique hill that is covered by a blanket of dense forest at the base. However, as one moves up the rocky hill the greenery thins out and is finally replaced by some thorny bushes that adorn the top of the hill.

 

The mystic caves

The caves of the hill are a major draw for travellers. These caves are a result of the natural accumulation of big and small rocks over a long period of time to form cave-like structures. The caves are of various sizes. Some of the caves are so small and narrow that it is impossible to pass through them. Some of the caves can only be explored by crawling through them, as they do not have the space to allow travellers to stand and explore them.

 

Charms of temples and springs

Another major attraction of Anthargange is the presence of a few old temples. The hill also has a few natural springs. Among the springs the most famous one is found inside the Kashi Vishweshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as the Anthargange Temple due to the presence of the spring. The speciality of the spring is that it emerges from a small crevice in the rock and flows throughout the year.

The spring is a steady stream of water, the source of which is unknown to everyone. The stream of water flows into a pond situated nearby. The water of this Anthargange spring is considered to be sacred by the local people and tourists with a spiritual bend of mind. It is believed that the water flowing out of the spring has its origin in the holy river Ganga which flows through the eastern part of the country. It is remarkable to note that Anthargange means Inner Stream or the Ganges from deep.

Anthargange is a destination that never ceases to attract visitors. The pleasant weather of the area adds to the lure of the place.

 

Trekking and other adventurous activities at Anthargange

The charm of Anthargange is primarily due to the presence of its rocky structures and caves. The area is an excellent destination for several adventurous activities. Trekking is one of the most popular activities of Anthargange. The hilly range presents a steep and challenging climb for trekkers to reach the summit. The thrill of trekking is enhanced by the beautiful natural sights that can be discovered while on a trek to the top. The initial part of the trek is quite easy as footsteps are built till the Anthargange temple. From the base of the hill there are a flight of two hundred steps that lead to the temple.

 

 

However, beyond the time the trek route winds through the forest and the climb becomes a steep one. Just covering the trek route and overcoming the obstacles to reach the summit can be an enthralling experience in itself.

 

Explore the beauty of nature at Anthargange

To add to the adventure the place is scattered with the natural caves. Exploring the caves and rock formations can be a memorable experience. The ancient caves are inviting and intimidating at the same time. Some caves are set deep beneath the rocks. Such caves are cool but musty. Some caves are so narrow that it is impossible to explore them by any means. Some others are large enough to allow adventure seekers to make comfortable entry into them.

Hiking can be dangerous in some places as there are no places to hold. At such places all one can do to move ahead is to leap forward, leaving behind all kinds of fear.

Once at the top, one can get a lovely view of the  Kolar town below. The gentle breeze and the calmness add to the magical beauty of the place.

Apart from trekking, the place is also famous for other adventure activities. The rocky surface of the area is ideal for rock climbing, rappelling and high rope traversing. Such adventure activities are helped by the pleasant weather conditions of the area.

The area is also a chosen destination of campers. The hilltop is often used by trekkers to camp at night and enjoy the starlit night sky or go on night cave explorations.

 

Information for visitors

While on an adventure trip to the top of the hill it is better to carry water and pack food items as there is no shop for such things at the hilltop. Campers and night cave explorers must go prepared with torches and other necessary tent items. Monkeys are a menace in the area and travellers must be careful about them. It is advisable for travellers to guard their belongings as monkeys are known to run off with anything that they can lay their hands on.