A Day at Kailasagiri

They say family road trips are all about bonding, but nothing bonds you faster than holding your breath on a narrow dirt road with a drop on one side! Our weekend dash to Kailasagiri Cave Temple, just 60 km from home, took a dramatic turn when we decided to drive further up the hill from the caves to see a few small shrines. The last 4 km turned into a dusty, twisty climb on a dirt track that clung to the hillside. 

The cave itself was a rewarding stop with its carvings, cool interiors, and sweeping views. From there, we made our way to a nearby reservoir, where calm waters and quiet moments gave us a chance to catch our breath. But the real test came after, in the form of a trek that had us huffing, puffing, and bargaining with our knees. 

By the time we reached the top, the weather, the views, and the sheer sense of making it felt like a prize we’d truly earned. In the end, what began as a simple drive turned into the kind of journey you’ll laugh about long after the aches fade.

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We started early at 7:30 am, with a breakfast stop along the way, and the drive turned out to be smooth and refreshing. Soon enough, the green signboard to Kailasagiri appeared, marking the beginning of our little adventure.

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Our first glimpse of the Kailasagiri hill, rising tall and rugged through the greenery.

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From the parking area, a short 50-metre walk brought us to the entrance of the Kailasagiri Cave Temple, a striking opening carved into the massive rock face.

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The interior of the cave temple opened up into a large chamber where the natural rock surface and warm lights added to its quiet charm.

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A quick video I shot inside the cave temple gives a better sense of its vastness and the calm atmosphere within.

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At the heart of the shrine is this magnificent stone carving depicting the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. At the center stands Shiva in divine grace, with Parvati beside him, her hand ceremoniously offered by Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma oversees the sacred rituals, while celestial beings and sages bear witness. The intricate details bring to life a timeless moment of cosmic union, etched forever in stone.

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And of course, the mandatory selfie, a little pause to soak in the moment inside the cave.

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Step out of the cave and boom, a front-row seat to hills, rocks, and clouds putting on a show.

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After the caves we found ourselves by the Ambaji Durga reservoir, where the hills posed perfectly and the water doubled the view for free.

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At the reservoir, the calm waters mirrored the sky, but for the boys, the real fun was not in sitting by the shore, it was in scrambling up the giant boulders nearby. What looked like rugged rocks to us quickly turned into their personal playground.

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While the boys claimed the rocks, she found her own joy at the water’s edge. Feet splashing in the cool reservoir, ripples spreading out with each playful kick.

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While they played, I spotted a myna on a branch.

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Next, a white-throated kingfisher, watching the water as intently as we were.

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In the next instant, it spread its brilliant blue wings and darted straight to the water.

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As we lingered by the reservoir, a shepherd passed by with his goats.

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Rohan and my wife were side by side on the trail, steadying each other as they made their way through the rocks.

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Among the rocks, a peninsular rock agama caught our eye. Its vivid orange and black made it look like a tiny flame clinging to stone.

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At the reservoir, a person told us about the shrines further up, saying the views from the top were breathtaking. That’s when we decided to drive.

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The drive from the reservoir to the shrines was just 4 km, but it felt like an adventure of its own. The road narrowed into a dusty track that clung to the hillside, with twists, turns, and the occasional sharp drop keeping us wide awake. Every bend revealed a new stretch of rugged beauty, equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking.

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Midway through the climb, we pulled over to take in the valley view. The drop below and the endless stretch of green hills were worth every bump on the road. Here’s a short video I shot.

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The Hanuman temple not only has an ancient idol, said to be over a thousand years old, but also carries the story of Hanuman’s Panchmukhi avatar (five-faced form). According to the priest’s narration, when Mahiravana, Ravana’s brother, abducted Rama and Lakshmana to sacrifice them to Kali, Hanuman entered his realm to save them. The only way to kill Mahiravana was to extinguish a five-wicked lamp in a single blow. Hanuman assumed five faces at once, blew out the lamp, and vanquished Mahiravana, rescuing the brothers.

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The temple tower (gopuram) reflects this story vividly, you can see carvings of deities including a five-headed Hanuman, reminding devotees of his power and devotion.

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We came across a striking statue set atop a massive rock. It depicted Lord Rama with Sage Vishwamitra, while Hanuman bowed in devotion.

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At the dhwaja sthambam (flagstaff pillar), Garuda stood carved in stone, hands folded and adorned with a garland.

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Behind the Hanuman temple, a steep trail leads on foot to two hilltop shrines. We began the climb and soon reached the first shrine, which was locked.

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The locals said the climb to the top shrine takes 30 minutes. For us, it stretched into two hours.

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The views on the way.

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Nishant was the first to reach the summit, standing by the small white shrine at the top.

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Twenty minutes later, I too reached the summit, greeted by the stone Nandi adorned with marigolds.

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At the summit stood a small Shiva temple, simple yet serene, with a dhwaja sthambam rising beside it. The weathered walls and quiet surroundings gave it an ancient charm. With the sweeping views all around, the temple felt like a peaceful crown atop the hill, a perfect spot to rest after the long climb.

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From the summit, the views were spectacular. On one side, we saw the town sprawling across the plains, with fields and houses spreading out endlessly. On the other, the rugged hills stood tall, their rocky cliffs and green slopes adding drama to the horizon. The patchwork of farmlands below looked like a vast canvas, and the misty sky made the whole scene even more breathtaking. It felt like the climb, though tough, was worth every step.

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Rohan and my wife took their time on the steep trail, carefully making their way up. Though they lagged behind a little, their steady effort paid off, and they too managed to reach the top, sharing the joy of the summit together.

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While they made their way up, I paused here and there, noticing little details along the rocks, a fern pushing its way out of the cracks.

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Lichens painting the stones in shades of orange and grey, each adding its own story to the hill.

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I also noticed a tiny, brown chrysalis clinging to the underside of a leaf.

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Nishant, however, seemed to have a different speed setting. He was already a good way ahead, a bare-footed rabbit on the descent, waiting patiently for the tortoises to catch up.

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And finally, the downhill drive was the most spectacular of all, with valley views you just can’t miss.

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With that, we wrap yet another enjoyable trip. The downhill drive, with valleys opening wide, was the perfect close. The best routes are often the ones that test you a little, don’t you think? Awaiting your comments.