Immovable Rock and Cave Loop
Ramanagara
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Overview
A loop trail combining a hilltop summit and a hidden cave-with-shrine. Slightly more demanding than the cave-only route, with a few rock sections that need grippy footwear.
I have graded this trail as easy-moderate. It has a few steep rock sections, so carry footwear with a good grip. You might have to come down on all four limbs at some spots. If you're going to the cave, you might have to wade through some grass and thorny bush depending on the season.
Photos
🐾 Wildlife
⚠️ Bear country 🐻. A friend has spotted a bear in the area not very far from the cave, and locals reiterate that there are bears in this area.
- Be loud when entering the cave or going to any cave-y or densely vegetated part of the trail. When in doubt, shout! Clap!
- Avoid dark hours - early morning and evening.
- Be wary on cloudy days and avoid camping here overnight.
There have been mentions of it being converted into a bear sanctuary, hasn't happened yet.
🎟️ Permit
No permissions are needed to hike in the area.
Notes
The trail leading to the hill goes through local farms, so avoid trampling the crop. Stay on the periphery of the farms.
Trail Description
Hilltop
The trail starts in the village and goes through farms and mango orchards. Looking ahead, to the southwest, the most prominent hill you see is the one you'll be summiting.
After you pass the farms and orchards, you will come on to a slab of rock and then into a forest. Soon you'll start gaining some altitude and you'll see white trident-like symbols on the trail.
You keep following the symbols and then take a u-turn to climb up the hill. Some parts en route to the hilltop are steep and have steps cut into the rock to make it slightly easier.
Shrine and hidden cave
As you descend down the hill, again look for the trident-like symbols to your right on a flat section of rock. Such a symbol is called a "Nama" (ನಾಮ / नामा). Get down to one of these symbols and look right. There's a small shrine and a water body next to it. The locals pray here. I have even eaten prasad here - a fruit salad mixed with flattened rice, curd, and jaggery. Very satiating after a hike!
This crepuscular cave is about 100 meters from the shrine. Follow the trail map through a slightly bushy, thorny trail leading to the cave. The cave has a ton of space and a few thick trees suitable for a hammock or slackline. Don't camp in the cave overnight as there is bear activity in this area.
For the cave, you take a little detour instead of following the namas all the way to the shrine (look at the map). Access to the cave might be a little thorny and overgrown at times and the grass can make the trail quite deceptive.
The hike down
Just retrace your path back to the village. Check the trail map for guidance.
🛺 Getting there
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