Travelogue - Shivanankareshwara Temple – Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Bengaluru – the city denoted for IT industry, numerous Government Organizations, Defense Establishments among others is also a tourist destination.

City known for green coverage, internally, is also surrounded by forest, rivers across directions and in this series of travelogues, will try to share some of the well-known destinations along with some hidden places, to explore.   

In this blog sharing the information about one such location which might be useful for travel enthusiastic looking for a day outing.

Located around 90 kms from Bengaluru, Sri Shivanankareshwara Swamy Temple is a perfect combination for a long ride comprising of highways & mud roads, serenity amid forest and spiritual blessings of Lord Shiva.

If you are travelling from any part of city through NICE road, take exit at Kanakapura road, hit the National Highway 209 (now called- NH 948 ), crossing Art of Living, Kagallipura. The newly laid Highway ensures a good drive bypassing Harohalli and Kanakapura town and ensure to follow the direction boards towards Sangama (another well-known landmark)

In most of the junctions you can see the signboards for either Sangama or Madivala Shivanankareshwara temple, which will help you to navigate seamlessly.

On the way you also can quench your thirst with a pit stop at Nandini outlet at Shivanahalli with some exclusive snacks just outside the  KMF mega factory before you proceed further in to rural roads.

As you continue on the Sangama road, you will be entering the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary and clear the forest department check post by sharing your purpose of visit to the temple.

Enjoy the drive in well maintained roads sailing amid greenery around till you reach a junction at Kaggedoddi, where the road splits to Sangama and Hiri Madivala on to the left which leads to a bridge with a beautiful view of River Arkavathi.

Cross another check post, leading a forest trail with mud roads, carefully navigating for five km’s to reach the temple premises. 

As mentioned above, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva along with other deities.  Believed to be centuries old, it has huge following of devotees from across Karnataka and Tamilnadu (just across the border). 

We do get information on various events been organized by authorities / trust attended by large number of people.

The location of temple itself brings in calmness, connected to nature, surrounded by hills and forest.

A getaway spot if you are looking for long ride, explore new destinations for a short trip.  

Additional places like Sangama (confluence of rivers Cauvery and Arkavathi), Mekedatu (private vehicles were not allowed, need to board bus from Sangama) can be covered, depending on the timings. 

Do follow instructions from Government Authorities on entry, timings, and permissions while planning for any additional locations.