Namada Chulime – Blessed With Nature. Review on Namada Chulime

Namada Chulime – Blessed With Nature

There are a lot of wonderful places near Tumkur that have haven’t heard of, or even seen. Namada Chilume is one such wonderful place which is worth to be seen.

This is my second visit to Namada Chulime, unexplored place near Tumkur. After attending the reception of my cousin, I took my kids to Namada Chulime. The drive to Namada chilume is very good, with entire stretch covered by lush greenery. Once we reached the beautiful & peaceful place surrounded by nature, my kids started running, climbing the trees and rocks. Due to its high altitude, the town has a cool climate and offers many pleasant walks. There are several lookout points which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills.

Historical significance of Namada chillume

Namada Chilume is a natural water source which sprung out from the surface of the rock. It is said the lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana visited this place during their 14 years exile.  During their stay, Lord Rama searched for water to apply tilaka(Coronation) on his forehead.  But he could not find water nearby, then he shot an arrow at the rock, arrow made small hole in the rock and water came down from the hole.  Rama used this water to apply tilaka on his forehead.  Henceforth, this place was called Namada Chilume, meaning “Spring of Tilak”. The water comes out from a small hole throughout the year and never dries up. I have heard that some people come here to drink and collect the sacred water and a few have claimed to have been cured by drinking this holy or divine water.

There is a Deer Park in the vicinity of the Namada Chilume. There many spotted deer taken care by the forest department. One can enjoy the unpolluted greenery and fresh air of the Namada Chilume. My kids spent around two hours in the deer park. They were picking the fallen leaves, twigs & grass to feed the deers. The staff was courties and friendly and they tried to ensure maximum satisfaction for my kids. They brought grass & leaves to feed the deers.

This place is enclosed by the forest department. Little away from the current government guest house, just facing the spring is an old, dilapidated guest house constructed in 1931. Dr. Salim Ali, ornithologist also known as the “Bird man of India” was said to have stayed in this guest house during his visits to this place, around 1938.

The forest department has developed a nursery of medicinal plants near Namada Chilume. There are about 300 varieties of rare ayurvedic plants in this nursery. Group of similar species of plants are cultivated on specified plots for easy identification of the plant varieties.

It is good try for one day trip. One needs to carry their own water and food, though there are small shops around. Also there is a Kamat & other popular outlet nearby on Tumkur Road for food and refreshments.

Places of Interest around Namada Chilume.

There are many beautiful & interesting nearby places to see, Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Temple, Siddarabetta, Suryanaganeya Temple, Veeranjiya Temple, Shivagange, Siddaganga Mutt etc.

Some Useful Suggestions

Beware of the monkeys; they may steal your food.

Pack the right stuff.  Bring camera & binoculars. Take along a hat, suitable clothes, shoes and sunscreen.

Where To Stay: There are some decent hotels & many budget hotels to stay at Tumkur. Do not go for online booking, it’s always better to check suitable hotels & directly ask for the low tariffs & special discounts.

Best Time to Visit: Any time of the years is the fine to enjoy the natural scenic beauty.

To Get There:  By road: 65 kms from Bangalore, 12 kms from Tumkur Town, near Devarayana Durga.

Nearest Town: Tumkur

Nearest Railway Station: Tumkur

Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport

Overall Namada Chilume is a beautiful place packed with historic stories, encircled by green dense forests, wonderful nature, hard trekking trails and what not?  In my opinion if a place includes all this, it is worth visiting these places by making our time in our busy schedule.  Do visit once.