Biligirirangana Hills, also known as BR Hills, is situated 5,091 feet above sea level in between the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats in Karnataka. The hills are in the Yelandur and Kollegal Taluks of Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka.
The B R Hills Sanctuary (Biligiri Rangaswamy Sanctuary) takes up most of BR hills, which is a protected reserve by the government. It has a wide array of species of animals, birds, and insects. It also has a wide range of plants and trees with over 800 species. It is also a major Royal Bengal Tiger reserve. The sanctuary covers an area of over 540 km, and it has varied temperature.
During winter, the temperature drops till about 9øC, and in summer, the temperature can be as high as 38øC. The forest is open all throughout the year for visitors, but the best time to visit is in the summer as you can spot a larger variety of animals. BR hills also have one of the holiest tribes - the Dodda Sampige tribe situated in the Chamarajanagar district. The forests are controlled by the Karnataka Forest Department.
Places of interests in Biligirirangana Hills
Biligirirangaswamy Temple
The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary derives its name from the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, located atop a hill, of primitive origin. Venkatesha, better known as Ranganatha, is the principal deity.
Kanchikote is another place that deserves mentioning. These are remnants of an ancient fort constructed by `Gangaraja of Shivanasamudra`. In the areas close by, one finds ample scope of excursion. Mysore, the City of Palaces, is an ideal locale where tourists from Biligirirangana Hills can visit every now and then. Amba Vilas, Jaganmohana palace, Lokaranjan Mahal and Crawford Hill are some of the magnificent palaces, which are not to be missed.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills
Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills in the district of Mysore is another place that is popularly visited by the tourists. Lying in the lushly tracts of Western Ghats, it is a real tourist paradise. It is also a famous hill resort. People enjoy trekking here. The Gopalaswamy Temple lies at the hilltop and is a special attraction among tourists. This place of worship is dedicated to Lord Hoysala.
Visiting Information on Biligirirangana Hills
Availing airways for Biligirirangana Hills is ideal for a person who is in a hurry. Closest airport is in Bangalore, almost 254 km away. One has to reach there via Mysore. People also get railway facilities. Mysore, lying almost ninety km away, is the nearest railway station. One can board trains to go to various places of Karnataka. Biligirirangana Hills also is connected to other places of India via roadways. Bangalore stretches up to a distance of nearly 254 km. Mysore is only ninety km from this place.
