Rudrapatna is not a forest, a mountain, a trekker’s delight or a water body, although there is one nearby. Rudrapatna is for music lovers and if you love carnatic music, then this place is worth a visit. It is said the village is an abode of Veda, Nada, and Taranga and its music is famous and goes back hundreds of years in time.
Some of the greatest carnatic musicians such as RS Keshavamurthy, RK Srikantan, RK Srinivasamurthy, RK Suryanarayana, RN Thyagarajan and RN Tharanathan (also known as the Rudrapatnam brothers), RK Raghavan, RK Prakash, RK Prasanna Kumar, RK Padmanabha, RS Ramakanth, RN Sreelatha and Rathnamala Prakash and others had hailed from this village.
The story goes that two groups of people from Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu settled in the area. While one group performed rites like yagna and yaga, the other spent their time on music. Many musicians in the state today relate to Rudrapatna. The influence of music is obvious in the village. For example, a temple has been built in the shape of a veena and the garden is filled with artistic works of musical instruments.
A temple at the village built in the shape of a veena
While on a trip to Rudrapatna, one can also visit Ramanathapura, a village on the banks of the Cauvery. Sitting on the banks here while the sun sets is a soothing experience. The fish in the river are an attraction, so much so that vendors sell puffed rice with which visitors feed the fish. Local villagers have converted the area into a ‘fish sanctuary and have banned fishing at this spot. Besides, the fish sanctuary, there are a couple of temples dedicated to Lord Ram. It is believed that Ram had visited this place. The architecture of the temples, located on the banks of the river, is also worth noting.
Food: There are no big hotels near Rudrapatna or Ramanathapura, but one can get food either from Holenarasipur or Arkalgud.
How to get there
Hit the Nelamangala Road and head to Channarayapatna and from there to Holenarasipur. From Holenarasipur head to Ramanathapura. Those who plan to visit Shravanabelagola can also visit Rudrapatna. The road is in fairly good condition.
source: http://www.BangaloreMirror.com / Home> Columns> Quick Getaways> Story / by Sridhar Vivan / Wednesday, January 16th, 2013