Destination Features

The most interesting feature of Heggunda is the massive rocky hill — Ramadevara Betta — crowned by a Rama temple. The hill towers behind the village and its main face has been peculiarly sculpted and shaped by the elements. But beware of the several large beehives on the rockface disturbing even one of them might cause an army of soldier bees to chase you.

The path to the top commences from the eastern face via an uneven path, which slowly becomes a gentle rock face till a ruined stone dolmen (mantapa), where a stone pond is located. One can find frogs, fishes and insects and also village urchins swimming here. From here on it is a long and ultra-steep flight of tiny rock cut steps to the top. The iron railings installed all the way to the top provide adequate support and comfort for the city dweller long used to the elevator.

Atop the hill is a small temple of Sri Rama with a tall stone pillar installed in front. The pillar, believed to be associated with the epic Ramayana. It is said that Lord Rama’s sacrificial horse was tied to this post by his sons Lava and Kusha. There is also a pair of footprints nearby which is believed to belong to Lord Rama.

Memorial stones.