Refreshing @ Thattekere

Place Name: Thattekere

Distance from Bangalore: approx 40 KM from Central Bangalore

Route: Bannerghatta (2wheeler) , Kanakapura road (4 wheeler / 2 wheeler)

Duration: Half day Trip

Road Condition: Good

Best time to visit: October to Feb

Eatouts : Adigas near to Royal Meenakshi Mall / No good eat outs on Kanakapura road after Banashankari

Juggling between projects and stringent deadlines, we were all exhausted and were looking out for a relaxing time-out around Bengaluru, when we zeroed in this place by name - Thattekere. The plan formulated when Bengaluru was hit by the cyclonic weather conditions with incessant rains accompanied by chill breeze, when one of my friends suggested this place and the others pitched it. We started from Basaveshwaranagar at 6:40 am as a team of 5 with 3 bikes along, and took the Bannerghatta road, which appeared longer than the Kanakapura Road. But the ride was worthwhile as this road had good eateries along. Cruising down the road, we stopped for breakfast at Adigas and continued driving till we crossed decathlon, the NICE road junction near Ragihalli (path that leads to Ramakrishna Mission) and then took a  deviation to Shivanahalli. We rode down for about 10KM from the main road, with the refreshing morning breeze. I had visited the nearby Ramakrishna Mission 4 years ago and did not expect to traverse the same route some day.  Probably as the saying goes – “Life is full of mysteries and will unwrap itself only when the right time arrives” , holds good here too. The road was amazing for the drive amidst the  Bannerghatta National Park as you see sign boards along which reads -  "Save wild life -  Save trees". I would suggest all those who enjoy driving and have fun along to take this route.  After reaching Shivanahalli, we came across a dead end and could not decide on the route to proceed further. We asked for guidance and there started our off road driving, which lasted for almost 1 KM.  If you are driving a four wheeler you can choose to take the other route which is inside Shivanahalli. We joined the route which took to Kanakapura Main road about 1 Km inside till we saw the entrance to "Mahadeshwara Swami temple". Since this closed by the Forest officials, we went ahead taking the first right and continued with the guidance of a localite. The elderly person whom we asked for directions, greeted us amiably and helped us with the information. This left an indelible impression on our minds in terms of human hospitality, which we sometimes overlook in our busy life.  Finally we reached our destination –Thattekere, where we were lost in capturing the enthralling beauty of the place.

As we set out back from Thattekere, we took the Anekal route and reached the Kanakapura road via Harohalli and planned to visit the "Pyramid Valley" enroute. There are adequate signboards to guide you for directions, which is an approx 5 km from Harohalli bus stand. From the Kanakapura road we took a deviation and rode for 1 KM to reach the Pyramid Valley. The place is serene and well maintained. As you enter this place you are greeted by a soothing song along with breath of the fresh air around you. As we traversed past the lush greenery, we reached the entrance of the Pyramid. Since this was our first visit, we were lucky to find a person who imparted more information on the significance of meditation in the pyramid.  As we entered the pyramid, we came across a resounding silence in the hall. What captured our eyes was the 30-40 ft pillar in the middle of the pyramid, with a platform for meditation atop. You can find yourself conversing with your breath when you meditate on this platform. We un-winded enjoying the nature around. We had lunch at Annadanam, which is served at 12 pm. The food is simple, well maintained and hygienic. With the setting sun and the birds retreating to their nests, we started back home refreshed!

 



Off Road Driving



Thattekere

Pyramid Valley