What going to unfold here is just not an interesting story, but a roller-coaster ride. It was some time since we went on an outing other than regular shopping on weekends. So we decided to go out for family lunch on Sunday. But after discussion with couple of family friends the lunch changed into picnic cum site seeing to Devrayan Durga 65 kms from Bangalore.
It was uneven path all the way to the top through the bushes, trees and over the steep boulders. But, it was a exciting adventure of hiking to the top and for the kids first of its kind.
The path is so narrow at some places people can move only in one direction while people in the opposite direction have to wait for you to pass by. Finally we made it to the the top and the cool breeze at the top even in the summer rejuvenates all.View from the top is awesome and the temple at the base of the hillock looks great from top.
After refreshing for some time we started to move back from the summit. While on our way back we were more confident and wanted to do it on our own without support of others. At one of the place a member of our team slipped and fell down and had to sit their for few seconds before starting again.
We have given the exact spot name of the person as "The XXXX Drop" One will surely not miss this spot as that is the only route to the top. All said, this was one trip we will not forget for our lifetime. It was fun, excitement, adventurous and kids truly loved it.
There are two temples in this area located at different levels which are worth a visit:
Very close to Arjuna's Penance on the hill slope is a huge boulder. This massive rock is perched on the slope of the hill opposing the all laws of physics. This has been standing in this position for centuries now without any support. Area around the boulder is so slippery that kids use it as a natural slide.
It is believed to be eroded volcanic rock formation that survived even in earthquake of mag 6.5. The balance of the rock is intact since ages.
There are two such natural rocks which have been not given any shape and they can be seen even today as they were from ages. These rocks can be seen on the way to Kamalapur, which is 4 kms away from Hampi . The interesting aspect of these Sister Rocks (popularly known as Akka – Thangi Betta) is they lean against each other and touch each other only at the top tip. Local legend has it that two sisters were walking towards Hampi and the were very tired and the weather was very dry. As a result they insulted Hampi and they were cursed to become rocks.
From here we moved back to Bhopal by afternoon. At Bhopal we had our lunch and proceeded to railway station to board a train to Gwalior. From Bhopal to Gwalior is 6 hrs journey by train. We reached Gwalior by night and then checked into hotel.
