Memorable One-Day Trip to Devaramane with Friends: Exploring Belur, Halebeedu, and Charmadi Ghat

Memorable One-Day Trip to Devaramane with Friends: Exploring Belur, Halebeedu, and Charmadi Ghat

October is a month that brings the joy of Dasara holidays when you are in school! The nine nights of Navaratri are here! During this time, we used to get a month-long holiday initially. Gradually, it was limited to a two-week vacation, and eventually, the summer vacation became just a one and half month holiday. During these two weeks, nine days were dedicated to Navaratri puja, visiting temples, and one day to visit grandparents' homes, and the rest was free time. However, after joining engineering college, long vacations became rare. Government holidays and holidays from college were the only opportunities, and if they didn't coincide, then there were holidays only during semester breaks or internships. So, the dream of longer vacations like before has become rare. Among the available holidays, it's either spending time at home with parents, visiting grandparents, or going to the hometown. This is how the holidays pass. But this time, after the exams were over and before the internship started, I managed to enjoy a slightly different four-day break.

Last time, when I went on a family trip to Belur and Halebeedu and returned via Charamaadi Ghat, our driver pointed to a hilltop and said that it was the Devaramane (Devarayana Durga) temple. He mentioned that it's easily accessible from the main road near Kotegehara. Since we had no prior knowledge about the place, we didn't go there. After returning home, I looked up Devaramane on Google.Later, during a trip to Bisle and Pattlabettu with friends, I expressed my desire to visit Devaramane the next time. The plan was made, and my friends agreed. However, as I contemplated the trip, I realized that going to Belur-Halebeedu and then to Devaramane since there was much time. I discussed this concern with my friends, and they agreed. So, we decided to visit Belur-Halebidu first and then make our way to Devaramane.Back home, I informed my family about our plan to visit Devaramane. My mother, who knew that there might be experienced drivers for such trips, suggested calling someone who has experience of driving. If we couldn't find anyone, she warned us that the journey through Charmadi Ghat could be challenging. Taking her advice seriously, I called my close friend, Keerthiprasad. He agreed to join us. And that's how the adventure of our trip to Devaramane began!

On the morning of October 6, 2023, we set out from Puttur early in the morning and headed to Uppinangadi. There, we picked up Keerthiprasad and proceeded towards Belur through Charmadi Ghat. In Ujire, we had breakfast and marveled at the natural beauty surrounding us. We continued our journey through Charmadi Ghat, driving cautiously through the unexpected twists and turns. We prayed at Shri Annappa Swamy Temple at Charmadi Ghat and continued our journey.From Kottigehara, my friend Keerthiprasad took over the driving duties, and I guided him along the path to reach Belur around 10 AM. I had described Belur's Suri Chennakeshava Temple extensively in a previous article, so I won't dwell on its history again. Admiring the architectural beauty of Belur, we spent some time there.We observed the architecture and layout of the temple complex and speculated about the intricate craftsmanship that must have gone into building it. Without going into further detail about the temple, we paid our respects to Lord Chennakeshava,Lord Kappechennigaraya, Goddess Soumyanayaki, and sought blessings.Afterward, we relaxed for a while and enjoyed the serene surroundings before heading towards Halebeedu, continuing our exploration of the historical and architectural wonders of the region.

Upon reaching Halebeedu, we were astonished by the intricate architectural marvels of the Hoysaleshwara Temple. However, it was disheartening to witness the gradual deterioration of these architectural treasures. We paid our respects to Lord Hoysaleshwara and Lord Shantaleshwara, feeling a sense of reverence for the historical significance of the place.From there, we continued our journey to Devaramane. We admired the craftsmanship of the Hoysaleshwara Temple and expressed our respect to the deities before setting off towards Devaramane. Unfortunately, due to a lack of time, we didn't delve into the historical details of these temples, as we had studied them in our social science classes back in school.We enjoyed lunch in Cheekanahalli. Afterward, we continued our journey, through Byduvalli Cross and finally arrived at Devaramane.

From the parking area near Devaramane, it was about a 300-meter walk to reach the summit of the Devaramane hill. Here, there are two peaks, one to the north and the other to the south.We decided to ascend the northern peak from the parking area. The path to the peak was a bit steep, but it was well worth the effort. As we climbed, we were mesmerized by the beauty of the surrounding Western Ghats. Words cannot adequately describe the breathtaking views we witnessed. From the northern peak, we could see a panoramic view of the mountain ranges, and from the southern peak, we could admire the other side of the hills.The weather was cool and breezy, with occasional cloud formations adding to the scenic beauty. We spent around an hour absorbing the natural beauty and tranquility of the Devaramane hill before making our way back to Puttur.On our return journey, we paid our respects to Lord Shri Kalabhairaveshwara from outside at Shri Kalabhairaveshwara Temple, which is situated at the base of the Devaramane hill. This ancient temple has been a place of worship for approximately 800 years and is considered a family deity for many households in the region.When we reached the Devaramane temple, the doors were closed. After paying respects we continued our journey back to Puttur.

When leaving Devaramane, I tried to find the way to Puttur using Google Maps, but it directed us through some hilly terrain, which we unintentionally followed. Eventually, we ended up on a narrow and unpaved road. Realizing our mistake, we reached a nearby house and asked for directions to Kottigehara. They guided us to the correct route and we reached Kottigehara. From there, we continued our journey to Puttur.Keerthiprasad left us at Uppinangadi and then myself with my friends Adithya,Rohan and Srujan returned to Puttur.This incredible journey provided unforgettable experiences, especially during the drive in Charmadi Ghat and the time spent at Devaramane. It's a trip that we will never forget, and the memories of driving through Charmadi Ghat and exploring Devaramane will always remain with us.

If you are planning to visit Belur, Halebeedu you can follow these advices:

1. Plan to start your journey early in the morning. This way, you can reach Belur by around 9:30 or 10 o'clock and explore the places in Belur and Halebeedu by around 12:30 in the afternoon. You can then proceed to Devaramane in the evening and return by nightfall.
2. Combine your visit to Belur and Halebeedu with a trip to Devaramane. You can visit all three places together. Even though the atmosphere at Devaramane may be a bit chilly, it's worth the trip.
3. If you have two days for your trip from Belur to Halebeedu, you can plan your journey as follows:
   a. Day 1: Belur - Halebeedu - Shravanabelagola
   b. Day 2: Dharmasthala - Belur - Halebeedu - Horanadu - Sringeri

This one-day trip provided many experiences and opportunities to learn various things. When accompanied by family, it was enjoyable as my parents took care of all responsibilities. I had a lot of fun with them. On the other hand, when traveling with friends, each of us took on different responsibilities, which allowed us to learn new things and enjoy the trip. 

Article by:
Shreekara B
Photo credits: Adithya Nayak,Srujan Rai