Chintamani, Chickkaballapur.

Take a left from Hosakote and around 70 kms from Bangalore is Chintamani. The town doesnot sound like the usual weekend getaway but has it's own interesting places. 2-3 kms away from Chintamani town is the hill named Ambajidurga.

Chintamani is the tomato capital of Karnataka. I have heard stories that when tomato prices fluctuate and crash - the farmers dump the tomatoes on the street and walk away in frustration.

It has a cave temple being built by the local politician and folks. Though there are no eateries near the cave temple, the temple gives free meals and accepts donations. Nearby school children come here for the meals. Free up that wallet and donate with a smile. There is another place called Murugumalla which has a perennial spring but I did not get a chance to visit this place which is 10 km from Chintamani town. Chintamani is also famous for Chaakli chaat which is very spicy and not for the faint hearted. Lime soda with ginger and variety of combinations. They have very unique snacks and brings a smile. They also have dosa and lemon rice in it. Wash it down with the midget mangos which are unique to Kolar and Chintamani.

A few kilometers away is an ancient temple. It is believed that this was the place, called Ekachakradhipura, where the Pandavas spent a year during their Agnyaathavaasa (The Pandavas had lost a bet and had to hide so that none recognize them).

Some very nice sculptures here. It is beleived that a demon used to harass the villagers and if the bullock cart of food was not sent everyday.

Eventually when the pandavas came, they killed the demon and are beleived to have spent a couple of years in this area.

Nice way to spend the day and in the evening you could buy some vegetables cheap and head home.

There is a College of Sericulture (Silk) near Chintamani if you are interested or know of any one interested in production, manufacture etc.. of silk.