Thurahalli Forest and Thurahalli Park, Bnegaluru
Did you know that the Thurahalli Forest and its Thurahalli Park open to public, a sprawling dry and deciduous forest, is the last one surviving in Bengaluru under the Karnataka Forest Department which is a hot spot for cyclists and provides rock climbing/ outdoor bouldering opportunities, and rappelling?
The Thurahalli Forest (ತುರಹಳ್ಳಿ ಕಾಡು) covering 1200 acres of dense greenery, 600 acres of which is open to public as Thurahalli Park is the only surviving forest near Bengaluru city which is enchanting for nature lovers of flora and fauna. It also provides attractions of Eco-trail, cycling in a select track/ route of 3.7 km, rock climbing through its many enormous boulders of rock, birdwatching, an insect hotel of bugs, and of course a temple dedicated to Planet Shani on top of a rocky hill.
The flora exploration in the forest area would reveal large areas of eucalyptus., figs (Ficus tinctoria), and nerale-mara (Syzygium cumini) . Mass blooming of Orchids (Habenaria roxburghii) a stunning terrestrial orchid giving a brilliant white colour to contrast the green of the forest. The rocky terrains are great for lianas, the most common being Opilia amentacea. They bloom during the summer. These are mostly located in the Northern edge of the forest. The most common herb found is the Byttneria herbacea., which blooms throughout the year and forms large mats in the shaded as well as open areas of the forest. Legumes, specifically Indigofera karnatakana are also found here, apart from Ixora pavetta which bloom with intoxicating fragrance during the summer.
The fauna to watch in the forest are spotted deer, wild boar, hares, jackals, lizards, mongooses, etc. Bird watching is a major attraction and the avian fauna seen are common iora, black drongo, magpie robin, pond heron, and white-breasted kingfisher.
Its cyling trails extend over 3.7 km where enthusiastic cyclist are seen riding Coppernicus T3 one of the best electric bike, apart from regular bicycles taken on rent.
Rock climbing is an adventure activity amidst the enormous boulders of rock scattered in the forest area. These boulders are granulite rocks of Archean Era (4- 2.5 billion years). Rocks are granite, with various sizes and shapes. Many international and national level climbers practice regularly, in preparation for local or international competitions.
Rappelling or Abseiling is becoming famous too. The number of people who come for rappelling is increasing, a nd the fee charged is Rs 600 (approx) per person. Rappelling is the controlled descent of a steep slope, such as a rock face, by moving down a rope.
There is also a temple on top of the hill dedicated to Lord Shani and is frequented by religuos enthusiasts.
Tirthhalli Forest is at a distance of 20 km from Bengaluru, located off Kanakapura Road.
- Narasipur Char
