Bilgiri is nestled about 120 km from Mysore City via Chamarajanagar, the Hills (highest point is 5091 feet above sea level), are densely wooded. Elephants, bison, deer, sambar, etc can be found in the BRT wild sanctuary. Perched on a hill is the temple of Biligiri Ranganathaswamy, built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
 

There is the well-known temple of Ranganatha atop this hill. A copper plate evidence dated 1667 and belonging to Mudduraju, son of Trimalarajanayaka of Hadinadu sheds light on the history of the temple. Here these hills are mentioned as that of Thiru Venkatanatha of Bilikal (White Rock). The Venkatanatha temple became known as Ranganatha temple after Tipu Sultan visited this temple while on a hunting journey and described it as a temple of Lord Ranganatha.

At the hillock on Chamarajanagar road, there is a brindavana (small lake) known as Kanakadasa's cave. It is whispered that the famous spiritual guru Haridasa Kanaka lived here singing praises of the lord for some time.

There is an unexplained tradition and legend about this temple. Anyone visiting the temple can see a massive pair of sandals. Legend has it that these sandals are used by the presiding deity Lord Ranganatha to roam around these forests. It is believed that the sandals are out every day on its journey and the villagers customarily replace it.