Shivagange is also known as Dakshina Kashi,located just 60 km from Bangalore. Shivagange the has religous significance and it is also known for adventure. Atop the hill and on the trekking route there are numerous shrines of Shiva, Parvathi, and Ganga, including Gangadhareshwara temple and Honnadevi temple.

It is blessed with spring water spots, and according to myths, the water is of sacred Ganges, thus it has been named Shivagange. From the west, Shivagange looks like the shape of a Shiva Linga. While from east, it looks like the shape of a bull, a cobra from the North, and from East, a Ganesha.

The spring water, Olakal Teertha, is little further up the hill. At the peak, there is a beautifully carved monolith of Nandi, Lord Shivas Bull, perched on a huge rock. The trekking path after this leads to the temple built in the mountain, Patala Gange, which has an underground spring.

Exact Location: Shivagange is about 55 + km from Bangalore near Dobbspet Village.

Nearest Town: Bangalore 56+ km, Tumkur 8+ km

Distance from Bangalore: 56+ km from Bangalore

How to Reach: Bangalore - Tumkur Road - Nelamangala - Right to Hassan Road - Solur - Right turn to Shivagange.

There are two routes to reach the base of this destination from Bangalore. One is Bangalore-Hassan route, which is known to be less crowded. The alternate route is via Dabbaspet. Shivagange is 8+ km from Dabbaspet on the way to Tumkur. Board any bus from Bangalore that is going towards Dabbaspet. Reaching Dabbaspet, take an auto or you can take a local bus that regularly plies between Dabaspet and Shivagange.

Trek Length: 2+ km from the hill base to the hillock

Advisory: Every year on Sankranti, a Jatre is organized and the place is swarming with people. If you are planning to indulge in adventure activity like trekking, its better to avoid Shivgange during this time.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

Other Attractions in the Vicinity

Goravanahalli Mahalaxmi Temple: Located close to Bangalore and about 30 km from Tumkur, Goravanahalli Mahalaxmi is an ancient Temple known for its unique architecture. Its one of the major pilgrim centers in Koratagere.

Siddara Betta: Around 95 km from Bangalore, Siddara Betta, which means hill of saints, is a well known Shaiva pilgrim center. Legends say that at this place, 9000 pious spiritual men worshipped Lord Shiva and were freed from this mortal world. Along with pilgrims, the place also attracts trekkers and rock climbers because of its rocky mountains and caves, which are crevices formed between rock and boulders. Bird watchers also frequent Siddara Betta, and the place is rich in medicinal herbs.

Devarayanadurga: Devarayanadurga is located around 71 km from Bangalore on Tumkur road. It hosts the natural water spring Namada Chilume, which is a small stream of water coming out of the ground. Yoganarasimha and Bhoganarasimha temples are located on the hill.