Plan your weekend: A hilly terrain known for its diverse species

One of the major attractions of the Biligirirangana Hills is the Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or BRT Wildlife Sanctuary. It is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects the Eastern Ghats to the Western Ghats.

Another attraction for tourists is the famous Biligiriranga Swamy Temple, an ancient temple that is located at the edge of a rock cliff overlooking the northern part of the wildlife sanctuary. Dodda Sampige Mara (Big Champak Tree) that stands inside a temple is more than 2,000 years old. Visitors can indulge in safari rides, trekking, fishing, river rafting and even opt for outdoor camping.

Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka

Distance from Chennai: 490 km

Interesting trivia:Members of Soliga Tribals, an ethnic group of India, have inhabited the Biligiriranga Hills. Once in two years, the tribals present a 1-foot and 9 inches slipper, made of skin, to the deity in Biligiriranga Hills.