Nijagal Betta (Hale Nijagal / ಹಲೆ ನಿಜಾಗಲ್)
Nijagal Betta has got to be the closest, simplest, and fastest getaway from Bangalore. It is located after Dobbespet on the Bangalore-Tumkur highway (aka Tumkur Road). It is fairly isolated and yet safe. Parking your vehicle on the highway is not an issue and you can always have a steaming cappuccino at the CCD at the foothill to pump up your energy. View from the foot of the hill G Coming to the fort, the place is also known as 'Hale Nijagal' which translates to 'Old Nijagal'. Although it may not inspire awe compared to its neighbors such as Channarayana Durga, Devarayanadurga, and Madhugiri, it does have its own aura when viewed from the highway as it stands tall upon the hill I first explored this hill fort in 1992. At that time, it had an upcoming dargah as well as some old temples in ruins. Now, after 30 years, some more pucca mosques have come up and there seems to be electrical connectivity. Having said that, the place still retains its ...