Birankal is a typical Indian village sited in Tumkur district, about 500 houses mostly with thatched roofs, a solitary school, two-three buses passing through, few small general stores and tea shops. But what makes Birankal different and worth visiting on a weekend is the towering presence of a massive monolithic rocky hill known as Birankal Betta. Crowned by a quaint Shiva temple, the hill also has a large and undulating natural stone pond and numerous interesting rock formations. These natural attractions make it an ideal locale for trekking, rock climbing, wilderness camping and hiking. This imposing and tall brownish-black rocky hillock attracts attention as one drives towards Sira from Tumkur. Surrounded by lush green farmlands and countryside, Birankal is definitely a worthy get-away-from-it-all weekend destination for those who seek a little adventure but want to be close to the national highway. Since the hill is sited about 6 km off the national highway not many people bother to visit the place. It is only those hard core explorers seekers who thirst for new adventures visit here. It makes all the more reason for one to prepare well for the outing and not to be caught unawares and suffer from lack of forethought. A small Matha at the foot of the hill allows vehicles to be parked and water bottles filled up from the borewell. From the Matha onwards it is a steep rocky flight of steps all the way to the top. As the ascent progresses, the gradient gets steeper and the size of boulders increase. The climb can be quite tiring for those used to attaining heights via the elevator. As you complete climbing 75 percent of the 1,000 ft hillock, there is a small plateau with couple of old neglected buildings and some interesting rock formations. From here the steps become steeper and at places are rock-cut. The tiny temple atop the hill has a small Shivalinga enshrined inside and is surrounded by stonewalls. One can offer worship in his chosen method and move ahead to explore and enjoy the fantastic views around. Spend some time here; relax and enjoy the cool breeze. If you wish to camp atop the hill carry enough food and lots of water and some warm clothing as nights can get very cold. Due to sparse human intervention in the precincts of the cliff, the entire area is very clean and unpolluted. For those who want to see multitudes of villagers in their rustic finery and participate in the fair, celebrating Shivrathri festival at Birankal is perhaps the best solution. And for those who would rather revel in the lap of nature amid quiet and calm surroundings, there is the rest of the year when Birankal is nothing but a solitary hillock amidst several villages of Tumkur district. Travel Tips Place Birankal Distance from Bangalore city 72 km Getting there… By Bus: Tumkur the nearest town is well connected with frequent KSRTC buses. From here several private buses ply to Birankal village. By Road: Drive out on the Tumkur Road (NH 4) for 65 km to reach Tumkur. Proceed further on the Sira road and drive for another four km, till you arrive at a granite factory (Ceeta Granites), turn right here into the small road adjacent to the factory. Six km from here is Birankal village, the Birankal betta stands as a sentinel to the village on its south-western side. Place to Stay & eat: Camping on the hill is the only option available locally or one has to go to Tumkur for hotel accommodation. Carry your own lunch as there are no hotels in Birankal village.