Main Info
Ramnagaram Tourism
Located amidst tall rocky hills, and surrounded by lush greenery, Ramnagaram is a popular weekend retreat from the busy life in Bengaluru.
A famous tourist spot, Ramnagaram is celebrated for the refreshing greenery that can be spotted all around and the proud granite hills overlooking the region. Ramnagaram is also known as ‘Silk City’ or Silk Town’ since it is a prominent producer of silk. The silk produced in Ramnagaram is used to manufacture the famous Mysore. Ramnagaram is also famous for the Ramdevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary where critically endangered species of vultures can be spotted in their natural habitat. Other popular tourist sites of Ramnagaram include the Savandurga hill. Ramnagaram also has a strong cultural presence, by virtue of the Janapada Loka organization which promotes local art and culture, including dance and music.
More on Ramnagaram
The Bollywood Connection
While the name Ramnagaram might not necessarily seem familiar, the surrounding landscape will certainly bring back memories for Bollywood movie buffs. The landscapes surrounding Ramnagaram can easily be spotted in the iconic Bollywood movie Sholay, especially the tall granite rocks and boulders.
If you prefer action over the cinema, Ramnagaram will not disappoint. The Ramadevarabetta and Savandurga hills are popular spots for rock climbers and trekkers, with a variety of trekking routes available. The hills are also home to birds seeking dry and rocky surroundings, such as vultures, and they can frequently be spotted in their natural habitat. There are a plethora of temples and caves scattered throughout the hills that are waiting to be explored.
The Winged Beauties of Ramnagaram
Birds of all kinds can be spotted amidst greenery and foliage, but in Ramnagaram, the dry, rocky and rough landscape plays host to some of the more unique species of vultures, that are not commonly spotted anywhere else in the nation. For devout bird-watchers, Ramnagaram is a great spot to spot rare scavenging birds of prey such as the vulture.
The hilly region around Ramnagaram that has been developed as the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary (RVS), is one of the very few vulture sanctuaries in the world and also hosts the rare long-billed vulture. The best way to explore the sanctuary is by walking and trekking, so as to navigate quietly without disturbing the birds.
Restaurants and Local Food in Ramnagaram
When in Ramnagaram, eat as the locals do! You might not find the stereotypical restaurant cuisine in Ramnagaram, and the food choices may be limited, so it’s advisable to carry along any food that you cannot do without, or make other personal arrangements. Travelling to nearby cities is a great option to explore the food available and try local the local cuisine such as Dosa, Idli, Sambhar, Vada, Bisi Bele Bath, Jolada Roti, Kesari Bath, Mysore Pak and Rasam.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ramnagaram by road or rain and settle down into your hotel. After having breakfast, begin your day with a walk around the local markets and streets of Ramnagaram that are famous for its silks, and enjoy the market experience. Have your lunch then leave for the Purushotthama Thirtha Gavi Temple that is located near the Kanva reservoir in a scenic setting, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Next, visit the Kanva Lake, which is a favourite weekend hangout spot for locals as well as tourists and try out the boating facilities at the lake. Based on the season, the lake will either be surrounded by lush greenery or with scrub forests, with the birds to match. The Kanva Lake region is home to some of the riches variety of birds in the area.
Day 2: Onday 2, begin your morning by leaving for the Ramadevarabetta hills a few kilometres away from the city, where there are multiple temples you can visit and also enjoy the calm of the hills. For lunch, return to the city and in the evening visit the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary. The one-of-a-kind sanctuary protects the endemic and endangered Indian white-backed vulture and long-billed vultures species.
Day 3: Spend your last day in Ramnagaram in the local markets shopping for the famous silk fabrics and visit the workshops that can be found close to the market. Soak in the relaxing atmosphere and depart for your homes.
