Nestled in the hilly region of Tawandi ghat, Shippur village is home to an ancient Ramling temple surrounded with lush green trees. One visit to the shrine is enough to make you feel that God has endowed the best of nature’s creation in this small remote village.How to reach: Ramling temple at Shippur hill is located in Hukeri tehsil of Belgaum district. It is just a 45-minutes drive from the city. If one takes the National Highway 4 towards Belgavi, one has to take a right deviation at Goa pass after crossing Tavandi ghat and head straight for around 2km where one could see an arch on the left side of the Shippur Ramling temple. One has to climb down around 100 steps to reach the shrine.Legend has it: Though the temple has a Shivling and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is believed to be from the Ramayan period. One can also find the idol of Lord Ganesha carved on a tree. Balu Gurav, a priest at the temple said, “Since this temple has been developed time and again, there is a mix and match of temple architecture here. It is believed when Lord Rama was on his exile, he spent fourteen days here and established fourteens Shivlings. The temple is at the centre of the hill and regular fresh water is available here. The temple organises a feast in the month of Shravan in August and on Mahashivratri.”Flora and Fauna: Ramling temple at Shippur is blessed with a rich biodiversity and offers a pleasant atmosphere throughout the year to the visitors. Sagar Patil, a trek organiser said, “This place has different species of medicinal plants and herbs. Karvee, jamun, banyan, bamboo and wildflowers can be found in plenty on both sides while trekking down towards the temple. Butterflies are the other major attraction for tourists. Species like grey pancy, common sailer, sleepy orange and common crow can also be spotted here.”

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