Antaragange trek

Sixty kilometers from Bengaluru, Anthargange in Kolar is a massive field of volcanic boulders and rocks. These boulders, all heaped one on another create a whole network of cave-like formations and tunnels that make this a great place for cave exploration, light trekking, and camping.

A long staircase leads to a temple with a pond. There is a stone bull here with water flowing out of its mouth. No one knows the actual source of the water, which is how Antargange got its name (Antargange literally means "Ganges of the Deep"). An hour of climbing uphill leads to the approach route into the caves. The entire route twists through a dark maze of rocks, boulders, between cracks, and enters holes that sometimes will allow just one person to crawl through, all of which make for an exhilarating experience.. (Don't forget to carry your torches/headlamps). Once out of the exit, a short trek leads to a viewpoint where one can rest, and if on a night trek, wait to catch the sun rising to light up the entire landscape.

Antargange is not at all technical and is relatively safe*, making it the perfect introduction for anyone interested in getting a taste of Caving or any kind of adventure based activity. Being just an hour and a half long drive from Bengaluru, Antargange is an opportunity to do something fun and adventurous over the weekend.

Caution: Please don't register if you suffer from a weak heart, weak joints or claustrophobia. This event requires basic fitness. You will have to crawl, climb and jump through an unlit and unfamiliar environment.

Nearest Towns:

Location info:India->Karnataka->Antaragange

Route Info:

Bangalore-Old Madras-straight-Kolar-Antaragange

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Summary:

Antara Gange is a part of the Shathashrunga range of mountains which is located in Kolar district of Karnataka.Antara Gange means "Ganges from deep". It is so named as there is a temple on the hill with a pond from which there is a continuous flow of underground water. At the entrance of Antaragange, we were welcomed enthusiastically by a gang of monkeys. We climbed about 300 - 400 steps to reach the main attraction Kashi Vishweshwara Temple. The main deity of the temple is Kashi Vishveshwara (Lord Shiva). The temple is made of rocks, with a main Shiva Lingam and a few more Lingams beside the main mantapa.
Outside the temple there is a statue of the bull (Basava) made of stone and the water streams out of the mouth of the bull all through the year. It is believed that the source of this stream is the holy river Ganga, far up in the north. It could be the small Kalyani (temple pond) nearby, but nobody knows the source of the water for sure.

Things To Look for:

• Nice view en route to Kolar.
• Water stream at Antaragange temple.
• Lot of rock climbing opportunities.
• Cave exploration.
• Camping atop the hills
• Beautiful view when its raining

Things To Be Aware Of:

MONKEY ALERT:
Antaragange is overpopulated with wild monkeys. They grab anything they can. It is dangerous to keep your belongings down. Some monkeys are so clever that they even grab things from our hands!

Things To Carry:

• Personal medication (if any)
• Day bag back
• Water bottles (enough to carry at least 2 liters of water)
• Energy Food (Chocolate bars, flavored milk, Electrolyte drinks - Glucon-D, etc)
• Camera (Optional)

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