We stumbled upon an intriguing discovery on a relaxed 2-day getaway with friends at Ecoland Farms, a rustic and peaceful farm stay near Bangalore.
While enjoying one of the farm’s activities, we checked Google Maps and realized we weren’t too far from the Mallachandram Dolmens, just 26 kilometers away.
Having seen similar prehistoric sites near Hampi, our curiosity was sparked, so we decided to check it out.
The roads leading to the site were in decent condition, with a mix of village routes and a short stretch of highway.
It wasn’t a bad drive, taking us less than an hour to get there. However, when we arrived, the location marked by Google didn’t look much like a tourist site. Instead, we found ourselves in front of what appeared to be a cattle shed surrounded by debris, with a few cows tied up in the shade.
A bit confused, we got out of the car and looked around for someone to ask.
A local schoolboy soon appeared, and when we told him we were looking for the dolmens, he smiled knowingly and pointed us toward a path winding through bushes and trees.
He told us to take the left fork ahead. Feeling reassured, we followed the path.
The walk was pleasant, with the path leading us through wild custard apple trees and other greenery. Along the way, we met a cowherd who advised us to continue until we reached the rocks. After about 15 minutes, we arrived at a clearing with a large bare rock face sloping upward.
It wasn’t a difficult climb, but we were grateful the weather had been dry, as it could have been more challenging. At the top, the view was breathtaking.
We could see surrounding villages, farms, and even industrial sheds in the distance. Most importantly, we had reached the dolmens.
These ancient structures, made of thin granite slabs with flat stones on top, are believed to be burial sites or commemorative structures from centuries ago.
Some even had small round holes on the sides. As we stood there, we couldn’t help but wonder about the people who built these remarkable monuments.
How did they shape and move the granite?
What stories drove them to create such structures high up on these hills?
The mystery surrounding the dolmens added a sense of awe to the experience. The stones were scattered in various stages of decay, some resembling piles of building materials.
We could even spot similar structures on a nearby hill. It was a reminder of the past, long forgotten, but still present in the form of these silent stone witnesses.
It left us thinking about the importance of preserving such monuments, as they tell the story of India’s ancient history.
The climb down was a bit trickier than the ascent, but we returned safely. After our little adventure, we returned to Ecoland Farms for a well-deserved lunch.
It was a day full of mystery, exploration, and the perfect touch of adventure during our farm stay break. See what others have to say about Ecoland Farms.