MM Hills and Gundal Reservoir

Male Mahadeshwara Betta aka MM Hills is 210km from Bangalore (80km from Kollegal). Situated in the Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, it harbours a temple of Lord Mahadeshwara, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The miracles performed by this deity are glorified in songs sung by villagers (Kuruba tribes) by dancing to its tunes in folk style, described as “Kamsale” (Ughe Ughe Maadeva!!). Interestingly, MM Hills was the home of the then Forest Brigand Veerappan. The Kannada movie Jogi, popularized the place as various sequences were shot here.

Route Map to MM Hills and BR Hills

The road to MM Hills was average, with numerous pot holes. We had to cross 27 hair pin bends to reach the Lord Mahadeshwara temple. Initially, it was an up hill drive, however, we had to finally descend the hill to reach the temple. We traversed through moderately dense forests without much wildlife spotting to do. There are petty shops at the base of the hill which serve hot masala vadas and tea which are ultimately delicious and help in tucking a few calories! We were treated to this heavenly delight by Mr Srinivas in his kiosk.

 

The Malehahadeshwara Temple complex is housed in the midst of seven hills - Anumale, Jenumale, Nagamale(here one of the rocks is shaped in the form of a snake and a Shiva linga) , Kanumale, Pachchemale, Pavalamale, Ponnachimale and Kongumale. We were informed that all these hills together form MM Hills and trekkking these hills would take close to two days! There was nothing much to see at MM Hills other than the temple. Seeking the blessings of Lord Mahadeshwara and almost getting burnt in the hot sun, we bid goodbye to MM Hills and started our journey towards BR Hills, racing against time. We hoped, prayed and kept our fingers crossed, to reach BR Hills before 6pm (as the check post gates would close and the entry to BR Hills is restricted between 6pm to 6am by the forest department).

 

Gundal Reservoir:

 

On the way to MM Hills we came across Gundal Reservoir (However, mentioned on sign boards as Gundal Dam), about 18 km from Kollegal. Constructed between MM Hills and BR Hills, it is a picturesque location, hardly frequented by people. The Reservoir is surrounded by a chain of hills and we were told that the rain water which flows down the hills gets collected here. We spent quality time at this awesome location. The tribes at Gundal told us that the hills seen at a distance in the background, were the BR Hills. We did not get much information about the place, however, just managed a few pictures.