The Biligiri Rangana Hills, also known as BR Hills, is a range of hills located in the southern state of Karnataka, India. It is situated at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats and is known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife. The region is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. The BR Hills is also home to the Soliga tribe, who have been living in the area for centuries and have a deep connection to the land and its resources. The area is protected by the Biligiri Rangana Betta Wildlife Sanctuary and is a popular spot for ecotourism and trekking.

Biligiri Rangana Hills, commonly called BR Hills, is a dense hill range found in the southeastern part of Karnataka and which is a border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The area is called Biligiri Ranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or simply BRT Wildlife Sanctuary. Being at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, the sanctuary is home to ecosystems that are unique to both mountain ranges.

Biligiri Rangana range of hills is picturesquely situated between the Cauvery & Kapila Rivers. The hills are in the Yelandur taluk of Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka and are considered a bio-geographic bridge between the Western and the Eastern ghats. Biligiri Rangana Hills is locally called as Biligiri Rangana Betta, "betta" means "hill" in Kannada.

The sanctuary derives its name Biligiri either from the white rock face or the white mist and the silver clouds that cover these lofty hills for a greater part of the year. BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Situated at a height of 5,091 feet above sea level, this hill stretches from north to south for about 16 Km. The lower hills are covered with rich deciduous forests that are home to a large number of Asian Elephants and tigers in southern India.

The Biligiri Rangana Hills have been a good place for viewing large game and at the same time encountering numerous smaller life forms. The forests have been famous for the Gaur, a large Asian bovid. There are about 26 species of mammals like sambhar, chital, the shy barking deer the rare four-horned antelope, and 250 species of birds like the Paradise Flycatcher, Racquet Trailed Drongo, and the Crested Hawk Eagle, to name a few.

Biligiri Ranga Swamy Temple:

Gopalaswamy Temple

Biligiri Ranga Swamy Temple, also known as BR Hills Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the Biligiri Rangana Hills of the southern state of Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Hoysala dynasty and is considered to be an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Vaishnavism tradition.

The temple is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of Hoysala and Dravidian styles. The temple complex includes a main shrine, a mandapam, and a number of smaller shrines. The temple also features intricate carvings and sculptures, including those of Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi.

The temple is located in a scenic location surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. It is also considered a sacred place by Soliga tribe. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees during the annual festival of Brahmotsavam which is celebrated in the month of March/April.

The hills are famous for the temple of Lord Ranganatha or Lord Venkatesha which is situated on the highest peak of the hill range, on the 'white cliff' which gives the hill its name. The local form of the deity is called Biligiri Ranga and is depicted in a unique standing position. There are idols of Ramanuja and Alwars installed in the temple.

The Annual Car festival of the deity held during “Vaishakha “in the month of April, is famous in the region and attracts several pilgrims from other places too. The local tribes present a large pair of slippers measuring 1 foot and 9 inches, made up of skin, to the Ranganathaswamy once in two years.

 

Biligiri Ranga Swamy Temple Timings

07.00 am - 06.30 pm

Biligiri Ranga Swamy Temple Entry Charges

Free Entrance

Best time to visit BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

June-Oct and a comfortable, relaxing time would be winter to early summer.

How to Reach BR Hills

There are several ways to reach the Biligiri Rangana Hills (BR Hills) in southern India. The most convenient option will depend on your location and travel preferences.

By Air: The nearest airport to BR Hills is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, which is about 170 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach BR Hills.

By Train: The closest railway station to BR Hills is the Chamarajanagar railway station, which is about 30 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach BR Hills.

By Bus: BR Hills is well-connected by road and there are frequent buses from major cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Ooty. You can also take a bus from the Chamarajanagar bus stand, which is about 30 kilometers away. KSRTC Buses & private buses ply regularly from Mysore.

By Car: You can also reach BR Hills by hiring a car or driving your own vehicle. The drive from Bengaluru to BR Hills takes about 4-5 hours.

It's important to note that the last stretch of the road is not in good condition and it is advised to take a 4-wheel drive vehicle.