On September 1, I wanted to go a temple that I had not visited earlier. I started checking out on the internet for the temples that I could choose. Sometimes the distances were prohibitive for a 3-4 hour drive. After some research, I selected 2 temples on NH207 – Venkata Ramana Swamy Temple @ Chikka Tirupathi and Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple @ Kalkunte Agrahara. What a surprise it turned out to be!

The Venkataramana Swamy Temple and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Not much is documented about these temples and there are confusing articles too. Firstly, to sort out the confusion. There are 2 Tirupathi representations near Bangalore. One is called Chikka Tirupathi and the other is called Bangaru Tirupathi. Chikka Tirupathi is the place I visited on Sep 1, and Bangaru Tirupathi is at a place called Guttahalli in Malur Taluka in Kolar District (not yet visited). The legend (link 2 below) regarding Agni Devata is associated with Chikka Tirupathi and not Bangaru Tirupathi.

Pics from Sri Venkataramana Swamy Temple @ Chikka Tirupathi

The above temple is supposed to be an important pilgrim center in Karnataka. Considering its fame as the other Tirupathi, I half imagined having to face lots of crowds thronging the temple. When I visited the temple, I was the only person at the temple with the exception of the priest. The temple had just reopened for the evening (5:30PM) and maybe that is why it was so empty. You can read more about the temple at the link provided under point 2.

Scenic route NH207

This was the absolute surprise. I did not even expect to get such a lovely drive barely any distance from Bangalore. One advantage for me was that I stay at Kundalahalli (a.k.a. Brookefields) and it is just 9 kms from Whitefield. NH207 starts from Whitefield and goes past Channasandra, Ettagudi and Kalkunte to take us to Chikka Tirupathi. A total distance of about 20 kms from the NH207 starting point. The route is quite unlike what you get to see even upto Whitefield. Shady trees, green fields, vegetable plantations, quiet roads … etc. All the ingredients that make up a nice drive. The road is patchy at a few places, but that can be discounted. :-) Make sure you keep asking the villagers if you are on the right route. Another key to see is for the yellow painted milestones bearing the number 207. The road is not an absolutely straight one, and turns at right angles at places. Any road that has not been tarred well enough or is not wide enough is not NH207.

Sanctum Sanctorum of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple @ Kalkunte Agrahara

I decided to include this temple after I read the trip report included under point 1. Lovely serene place. It is only a small temple. Once you reach Kalkunte, ask the locals for directions. It is a small detour from NH207. The priest even allowed me to take a picture of the sanctum sanctorum. The inner chambers were embellished with silver plates. The entrance door had the Dasaavataara embossed in them.

Helpful links:
1. Trip report on Team-BHP forum – Kalkunte, Chikka Tirupathi and Krishnagiri Dam.
2. Everything regarding Chikka Tirupathi.
3. About Bangaru Tirupathi.
4. Other great places in Kolar district.

How to get there?
From anywhere in the city, first get to ITPL gate on Whitefield road. Proceed further towards Whitefield and reach the signal from where you got to take a right turn to go into Whitefield town. Proceed straight from this signal, this is the start of the NH207. Barely any distance later, you reach Channasandra. This place still bears some resemblance to Bangalore’s outskirts and commecialism. Leave Channasandra and go straight… and you enter pristine rural landscape. All the way, make sure you are on NH207 like mentioned above. You will see distance markers for Hoskote, Devanahalli, Hosur and Sarjapura. Drive past Ettagudi and Kalkunte. There is a huge stone with the name of the village painted on it before each village. Once you reach Chikka Tirupathi, reach the central market place and ask anyone how to reach the temple. It is in a small bylane.

If you are one to visit temples and enjoy the countryside, without having to travel too much, then this one is surely for you.