Ramadevarabetta: The Hidden Gem I Somehow Missed for 30+ Years

We humans are funny creatures. We travel thousands of kilometers, hike through forests, climb mountains, and cross states to "explore nature"… but completely ignore the beautiful places sitting quietly in our own backyard.

I've lived in Mandya my entire life. I've travelled on the Mandya–Bengaluru highway more times than I've eaten dosas. Yet somehow — in all these years — my eyes had never really stopped to admire the Ramanagar rocky hills.

It's almost embarrassing.

I've proudly told people about my trips across India, but the fact that I hadn't visited a stunning hill that was literally on the same route I travel very often … That's the real comedy.

The 30+ Reality Check: Friends Cancel, Bikes Don't

After crossing 30, planning a trip with friends goes like this:

Me: "Bro, plan?" Friends: "YES bro! We are in!!" Also them: cancels exactly one hour before leaving.

That's when I made one of the best decisions of my life —

I bought my third bike, not because I needed another vehicle, but because I needed movement without dependency. A ride that begins the moment I decide it should.

This time, I wanted to travel alone — no cancellations, no excuses, no "bro, adjust maadu."

And that's how I ended up discovering Ramadevarabetta for the first time.

Before Google Tells You — Let Me Tell You What Google Won't

Yes, Google will show you: • Timings • Temple photos • Reviews • Trek difficulty • Location

But here's the real version Google won't tell you:

🌤️ 1. The Hill Is Always Humid

Doesn't matter which season you go — Rocks + Sun = Free Sauna.

The worst thing you can do is go at midday.

🕤 2. Best time to enter is exactly 9:30 AM

Be the first one to buy the ticket.

Or go on a cloudy day — then any time is fine.

🌧️ 3. Avoid rainy days at all cost

Rain + Rocks + Bad shoes = Instant regret + a possible viral WhatsApp video of you slipping.

Reaching the Base: Where My First Plan Failed

There's a structured parking lot — separate for bikes and cars. I reached, parked, and confidently looked around for tiny shops so I could dump my riding jacket.

Bad news: There are zero shops.

So I set my jacket and helmet on the bike and headed up, trusting they would remain untouched.

Every Hill Has a Tradition — This One Starts With Lord Ganesha as always

At the very first step, Lord Ganesha greets you. A perfect start.

There are multiple temples on the way up — including a Shiva temple and a beautiful ancient Rama temple.

If you don't want to climb the full hill, just visiting the temples takes 10–20 minutes max.

🌿 Near the Shiva temple, there's a peaceful sit-out spot

Perfect for evenings or cloudy days. It feels like a place where time slows down just a bit.

The Final Stretch: Where Your Legs Start Questioning Your Life Choices

Everything is easy until the last climb.

The final steep slope is no joke — 60 to 70 degrees inclination.

If it's your first time, you will rethink your life decisions.

Your brain: "Climb." Your legs: "Nope." Your heart: "Are we really going to do this?" Your ego: "Don't embarrass yourself."

Thankfully, there are iron rods for support, so you won't fall — unless you try to show off.

At the Top: Hot, Humid… and Worth Every Step

By the time I reached the summit, it was 10:30 AM. The sun was bright, the rocks were warm, and the humidity was unbeatable.

But the view?

Absolutely stunning.

There are a few cactus plants that magically become "shade trees." You sit under them, take deep breaths, and forget you're sweating like a waterfall.

There's also a small pond-like water body at the top

Tiny, peaceful, and adds to the beauty of the place.

Final Thought: A Perfect Half-Day Trek

If you're looking for a light trek: • Solo ride ✔️ • Good views ✔️ • Peaceful temples ✔️ • Some leg workout ✔️ • And a refreshing pause from routine ✔️

Then Ramadevarabetta is a perfect one-day or half-day escape.

And as someone who ignored it for 30+ years — believe me, this hill is worth your time.