History, Importance, Timings, Trekking, Caves, Adventure Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Anthara Gange Temple, Kolar, Karnataka, India
Anthara Gange or Antara Gange, the Holy Mountain located in Shathashrunga mountain range, just at 3 km from Kolar and 70 km from Bangalore is one of the key religious and tourist attraction in nearby area. The meaning of Antara Gange in Kannada is “Ganges from Deep” where Kashi Vishweswara Temple of Lord Shiva located on top of hill at height of 1226 feet from sea level. Thus it is also famed as Kashi of South or Dakshin Kashi. From top of the mountain you can enjoy panoramic view of city, lush green forest and entire mountain range. This is how Antara Gange is the perfect destination for spiritual along with adventure activities. The true combination of temples, mountain, lush green forest, caves etc. makes it as perfect weekend destination nearby Bangalore.
Kashi Vishweswar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is main pilgrimage attraction here where you can see main Shivlinga surrounded by other five Shivlinga. Also there is small water tank which is believed same sacred as Ganga which falls from head of Lord Shiva. Devotee take holy bath and also drink this water as it is believed to be very holy to cleanse us from sin and also from disease. This holy pond fills up by water throughout the year from the perennial spring ‘Antaragange’ which comes from the mouth of a Basava – Nandi. Even today, the source of water is not known.
Several interesting legends associated with Antharagange hill. It is believed that Lord Parashurama took oath on this hill to kill entire Kshatriya from earth. Antharagange hill is also associated with Jamadagni - father of Parashurama, king Kartaviryaarjuna and his son.
Lots of volcanic rock formations and a series of natural caves formed from small volcanic rocks are the other key attraction of Antharagange. This small and big natural caves are built from small and big rock over long period which attracts lots of adventure lover here. Trekking is quite popular activities here at Anthargange hill. The hilly range presents a steep and challenging climb for trekkers to reach the summit. Along with trekking, you can also enjoy other activities like rock climbing, rappelling, high rope traversing, night camp, night sky views, sunrise, sunset etc.
From the main entrance you to climb around 350 – 400 steps over the plight of stairs takes about one and half hours to reach to top. And around 3-4 km from temple, you can reach ancient caves site.
How to Reach Anthara Gange, Kolar, One of important city of Karnataka, India
Antharagange is mountain hill located at just 3-4 from of city Kolar. As Kolar is one of the important historical city near Bangalore in Kolar district in state of Karnataka and home to several ancient temple. Thus, it is easily accessible via road, rail and air network. Kolar has major railway station from where you can get train to all major station of India. You can get government and private vehicle from nearby cities to reach here by road. You can reach here via air connectivity easily as Bangalore airport is at just 65 km from Kolar. City is located at just 66 km from Bangalore, 150 km from Vellore, 147 km from Hogenakkal waterfalls and 32 km from Kolar Gold Fields
