Trekking in Bangalore: 7 Trekking Routes For You

The Silicon Valley of India got all the attention when techie Sandeep Vijaykumar Shah conquered Mount Elbrus on 2nd September 2023. He was the first Indian to climb the tallest mountain in Europe, with an elevation of 5,642 meters.

While what Sandeep did in Russia was beyond commendable, Bengaluru has always been a name that mountaineers utter with love and respect. Located in the heart of the Mysore Plateau, Bengaluru has many trekking trails within a distance of 100 Km or less.

Also, trekking in Bangalore is a delightful experience, even for a beginner, because of the pleasant weather conditions and easy accessibility. Further, it is hard to believe that the tech city has so much to offer to indulge in the company of nature and an inward journey.

Moreover, the trekking routes to Nandi Hills, Kunti Betta, and many other destinations have mythological and historical connections. For someone who always wants to know “what’s more,” these expeditions are enriching and fulfilling.

So, let’s get the gear ready and hit the Bengaluru trekking trails.

Self-Guided Trekking In Bangalore: These Are The Routes You Cannot Miss

You are the busiest techie in Bengaluru, and your desire to spend days in the mountains always drives you. Don’t lose heart if you can’t make it to the long trips to Bangalore Hills, as you can always try a one or two days trip from Bangalore.

Even if you can only manage a weekend trip from Bangalore, trekking in Bangalore spoils you with options. The routes I have curated here are a few hours’ drive from Bangalore, and the trekking expedition will also take a few hours.

So, you can complete your trek, stay overnight at the nearest accommodation, and return to Bangalore the next day.

1. Horagina Betta (Nandi Durga)

Trek Length: 3.9 Km

Height: 1440 Meters

Location: Chikkaballapur, Karnataka

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance From Bangalore: 50 Km

Travel Time: Around 1:30 Hours *

Horagina Betta Trekking in Bangalore is known for the beautiful butterflies, flowers, and insects you get to meet on the way. The trek starts from the check post near the Nandi Hills road, and as you reach the peak, you can have some moments of solace at the Lord Shani-Eshwara temple.

Further, from the Horagina Betta peak, you will get the most beautiful view of more famous ranges like Nandi Hills, Channagiri, and Skandagiri.

⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Notes ⁕⁕

Horagina Betta may not be the most exotic of treks near Bangalore, but for someone like me who loves “me-time,” it was bliss. The fact that you don’t have much to do except soaking in the vibe of nature and pure energy here makes the trek special.

If you are especially visiting the hill in the winter, you can spend as much time as you want at the top.

It is one of the best off-beat trekking destinations close to Bangalore.

You can travel to Horagina Betta from Bangalore through three routes.
⁍ The route through Bellary Road is the shortest. This 50 Km distance will take you around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
⁍ It will take around 2 hours to reach Horagina Betta if you travel via Doddaballapur Main Road from Bangalore. The distance here is close to 60 Km.
⁍ You can also travel via NH75. Here, the distance is almost 66 Km, and the journey takes 2 hours.

2. Ramadevera Betta

Trek Length: Around 7 Kms

Height: 1187 Meter

Location: Ramanagara, Karnataka

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance From Bangalore: Around 67 Km

Travel Time: Around 2 Hours

Ramadevera Betta excels in natural, architectural, and historical significance. It is also a great trekking destination for spiritual seekers.

⁍ History Becomes Alive At Ramadevera Betta Hills

During the Vijayanagara Empire and the rule of Kempegowda, Ramadevera Betta was a crucial vantage point. The ruins, inscriptions, and temples on the hill tell century-old tales.

Also, it was used for defensive and military purposes.

⁍ It Is The Home Of Ramadevara Temple

Ramadevera Betta has many old temples of Lord Rama and Lakshmana. Further, you will visit the Ramadevara Temple as you reach the hilltop.

The temple displays the excellence of South Indian craftsmanship. The sculptures and stone carvings are especially spectacular.

However, as you enter the temple, you can get immersed in a spiritual experience.

⁍ Trekking At Ramadevera Betta

Ramadevera Betta is a popular trekking destination in Bangalore for beginners and seasoned trekkers. Throughout the trekking route, you will cherish the amazing landscape around the hill.

⁍ Myths About Ramadevera Betta

Lord Rama killed Kakasura, or the crow demon, at Ramadevera Betta. The crow demon was the son of Lord Indra, and he disturbed Sita Matha, the consort of Lord Rama.

Then, Lord Rama used an arrow of “Dharbhe Hullu” or a “blade of grass” to kill him. As the demon asked for forgiveness from Lord Rama, he was relieved from his curse of a crow form.

Surprisingly, local people report that no crows are seen around this area. They associate the absence of crows in the area with the killing of Kakasura.

Did You Know?
⁍ Sholay, the biggest blockbuster in Bollywood, was shot on Ramadevara Betta Hill.
⁍ Ramadevara Betta has the only vulture sanctuary in India.

3. Bananthimari Betta

Trek Length: 5 Kms (Both Way)

Height: Around 1200 Meters

Location: Kanakpura, Bangalore

Difficulty Level: Easy

Distance From Bangalore: 65 Km

Travel Time: Around 2 Hours

Bananthimari Betta is the best forest trekking in Bangalore. As a part of the “Bananthimari Reserve Forest,” this trek route offers you the chance to meet bears. Because of the presence of bears, this hill is also known as Karadi Betta.

Further, if you are lucky enough, you will encounter animals like bison, spotted deer, and Sambar deer.

The trek route begins with a mud path, and as you advance through the route, you get to see steep and flat boulders of varied colors. Some of these boulders are as old as 50 million years! Also, the green canopies and bushes throughout the trek make it less strenuous. Local vegetation found here is rosewood, sandalwood, and teak.

Along with the diverse landscape and vegetation, this place is also known as a paradise for birders and insect watchers.

4. Channarayana Durga Trek

Trek Length: Around 5 Kms

Height: Close to 1190 Meters

Location: Tumakuru, Karnataka

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance From Bangalore: Around 100 Kms

Travel Time: Around 2-3 Hours

Channarayana Durga is one of the nine forts or “Navadurgas” around Bangalore. For history lovers, nothing can be more special than trekking through the layers of a 16th-century fort.

The fort, with multiple sections and structures, speaks of the architectural excellence of that era. Further, you will feel the thrill of climbing the granite rocks.

Moreover, when you are at the hilltop, don’t forget to cherish the beauty of Madhugiri Betta or the monolith of Madhugiri.

5. Halu Chilume Gange Trek

Trek Length: 1.9 Mile

Height: 1008 Meters

Location: Doddaballapur, Karnataka

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance From Bangalore: 60 Km

Travel Time: Around 2 Hours and 15 Minutes

Halu Chilume Gange is one of the trekking spots in Bangalore. As you reach the peak, behold Makalidurga Hill, the main attraction of Doddaballapur.

This trail is on my list of favorites, as the site is still pristine. Various unexplored parts of the site also bring out your adventurous self.

There is a small stone-carved temple with a stone idol of the Goddess Ganga. People from local villages visit this temple as it is believed to be a place where all wishes get fulfilled.

6. Savandurga Trek

Trek Length: Around 5 Km

Height: 1226 Meters

Location: Savanadurga State Forest, Karnataka

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance From Bangalore: 60 Km

Travel Time: Around 2 Hours via NH275 or Mysore Road

Savandurga trekking in Bangalore is suitable in all weather conditions. Has anyone told you that it is the largest Monolith Hill in Asia?

You can behold the quaint beauty of the Manchabele village from the hill. The Manchabele Dam is closed to visitors due to shocking drowning incidents in 2006 and 2011, causing 200 deaths.

However, you can see the dam over the Arkavathi River. Specifically, it is on the confluence of the Kumudvati River and the Arkavathi River.

Arkavathi River is the lifeline of the local area. It is the source of irrigation and drinking water for the local people. Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill) are two other hills of Savandurga.

Like many other hills and trekking routes in Karnataka, Savandurga Trek also has a history. Its story goes back to 1340 AD when Hoysala rulers built it.

Moreover, you can visit the Sree Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple (where the trek starts) and Savandi Veerabhadraswamy temple at the base of the hill.

7. Kunti Betta

Trek Length: Around 4 Km (Trek and Back)

Height: Around 878 Meters

Location: Pandavapura, Kachenahalli, Karnataka

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance From Bangalore: 128 Km

Travel Time: Around 3 Hours

Kunti Betta is my favorite place to trek in Bangalore because it is less crowded. The low height of the hill is easy to conquer, and the sugarcane ranches, coconut trees, and paddy fields around the hill make it a delightful place to be. Also, the Thonnur Lake or Kunti Kund here offers you the most tranquil experience.

Kunti Betta has a significant mythological and historical connection.

It is said that Pandavas, along with their mother Kunti, used to live in the caverns of this hill during their exile. The hilltop was Kunti’s favorite spot. Thus, the hill got its name.

Kunti Betta also has a stone-molded utensil and a pestle at the hilltop. So, locally, it is called Onake Betta. In Kannada, it means pestle hill.

⁍ Kunti Betta And Tipu Sultan

The slopes of Kunti Betta were known as the “French Rocks.” French troops used these slopes as their outdoor grounds.

They helped Tipu Sultan in a battle against the British.

This Is Why I Love Self-Guided Trekking
⁍ There is no room for words like “rush” and “hurry” in self-guided trekking or tour. I will move at my own pace. I will stop by the prettiest wildflower and watch the grasshopper dancing its way!
⁍ Also, I will create an air of silence around me where I can be absolutely alone amidst even thousands of tourists. And the best thing! No one will stop me from taking snaps till I am done for the day. The lush greenery and forests of Bengaluru are perfect for my kinda trekking.
⁍ Life is magical, and you never know when you will meet the best people. Will you believe me if I say I found my closest buddy on a Bengaluru trek? Sharing chocolates, a hot cup of coffee, or just holding hands while passing a difficult spot are the things you need to celebrate friendship in the hills.

For me, what (friendship) happened in Bengaluru has been the most fulfilling thing, touchwood!

Who Are The Best Trekking Organisers In Bangalore?

If you are not up for self-guided trekking in Bangalore, contact the following trekking organisers.

Bangalore Mountaineering Club (Member of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, the Apex Body for Rock Climbing and Mountaineering)

Indiahikes (It is a community of more than 20000 trekkers with members invited by TEDx talks for presentation. The Ministry of Tourism also recognizes Indiahikes for its sustainable trekking practices.)