Biligiri Rangana Betta (BR Hills) ascension scenes

Thunderstorm activity in 2024 summer started late and it was during early week of May it acquired pace. We wanted to enjoy few hill stations due to scorching summer. While exploring the options, choice of BR hills was made. We booked KSTDC hotel at BR hills summit and journey started early morning from Bengaluru. We reached the entrance of BR-Hills around 11AM. After paying entry fee, the journey resumed. Here are some pictures from ascension.

Being wildlife sanctuary, the BR hills entry is closed from 6PM to 6AM. Elephant/Tiger crossings are common here. The roads are narrow deliberately perhaps to regulate speed of vehicles and preserve the natural cover of region. Its difficult to overtake as well due to narrow roads and deep shoulders. We couldn't overtake this car even till summit!

The base of hills was arid mostly due to lack of rains and long dry-spells. The weather was hazy and as well humid. As the ascension reached halfway, the green cover increased. Looks like the top of hills received more rains while base received none. The forest turned much more dense as car further ascended along winding road. The Sun was shrouded by thick canopy of trees with lush greenery. The ground moisture looked decent and large puddles too along shoulder. This is how significant the natural vegetation is. The rains were considerable along dense forest regions while it was bleak nearby base.

It was comfortable 15kms ascension with no stoppages. The stopping of vehicle is restricted by forest department and could be heavily fined if someone identifies the stoppage. We saw forest guards patrolling along the forest stretch intermittently. Unfortunately, we did not spot any wildlife crossing the road, not even deer. They know their timings looks like :-D.

Despite being 15kms, it takes 40 minutes to reach the summit. The weather cooler which was stark contrast from base, thanks to elevation. The evening, we witnessed heavy thunderstorm for 45mins which was refreshing. Here is short clip of it.

The region was covered with dense fog with low-clouds smashing the hillocks persistently. Surprisingly, base did not see much rains during our descension post checkout next day. I will write separate post on the descension.