A granite hill town known as Silk City and the shooting location of the Hindi film Sholay, with popular rock-climbing and vulture-habitat hills.
Ramanagara is a district town on the Bengaluru-Mysuru road, famous for silk cocoon markets and for the boulder-strewn hills where Sholay was shot. Ramadevara Betta has a Rama temple on the summit, a short but steep climb, and the surrounding Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary protects a small population of the long-billed vulture. Climbing and bouldering in the surrounding hills is popular with Bengaluru climbers, and guided routes exist for beginners. The town is easily combined with Channapatna's toy workshops on the same road.
| Distance | About 50 km south-west of Bengaluru on the Mysuru highway |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1.5 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Mode: Train, bus or car; Detail: Ramanagara is on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway and rail line, with frequent buses and some trains |
| Cost | Free to visit; climbing guides charge a few hundred rupees, about ₹300-1,000 (approx $3.12-10 USD) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Ramadevara Betta, Ramanagara, Karnataka 562159, India |
How to get there
- Bus: KSRTC and BMTC buses along the Mysuru road, about ₹60-150 (approx $0.62-1.56 USD) to Ramanagara town
- Train: several passenger and express trains stop at Ramanagara, ₹30-100 (approx $0.31-1.04 USD)
- Car or cab: about ₹2,500-4,000 (approx $26-42 USD) return for a half-day, using the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway
- Motorbike: popular for rock-climbing weekends
Location
Ramadevara Betta, Ramanagara, Karnataka 562159, India
12.7205, 77.2806 View on map
Highlights
- Ramadevara Betta hill climb
- Sholay filming hills
- Long-billed vulture sanctuary
- Rock climbing and bouldering
Tips for visiting
- Start early; the granite heats up by mid-morning
- Wear grippy shoes and carry water on the climb
- Combine with Channapatna toys on the way back
- Climbing routes need experienced guides for anything technical
When to visit
Early morning between October and February.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ramanagara worth a half-day?
It suits climbers and film fans; combining it with Channapatna makes a fuller day.
Can it be reached by train?
Yes, several trains on the Bengaluru-Mysuru line stop at Ramanagara.
Is the climb hard?
The summit hike is steep but short; technical routes require experience and a guide.