Update August 2021
Subbu and I climbed this hill today. It took us about 40 minutes to climb up to the top. We did struggle to find the deviation from the main trail for few minutes. But we managed to join the track after taking a shortcut. Look out for a narrow path that goes to the left after the pond.
The unique part on the top portion of the hill was the large plateau before the final climb. Added to the beauty was the cactus plant that grew in large numbers. They were huge, and a few of them looked like trees!!
One significant change is the presence of the forest department gate at the start of the trek. No soul was present during our visit, but you can expect further restrictions from them.
23 May 2015
Bananthimari betta is one of the hillocks near Kanakapura. We had climbed nearby Bilikal Rangaswamy betta and Kabbal Durga before, and hence we decided to knock off another hill. Little did we expect to return with failure!!
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| View from the top (Almost!!) |
Krishna and I started in the morning to hit Kanakapura at breakfast time. Vasu hotel, a good but small restaurant, was our breakfast place. After a good breakfast, we continued our journey on village roads to reach Bananthimari Temple. The last stretch of the road was not good for the car, and we parked a bit away from the Temple. The hills nearby looked small, and we felt that our job was a simple affair though the destination hill was not visible from the village.
A group had arrived at the Temple before us. With large utensils, they had come to prepare lunch and eat at the Temple. As we started our climb, they asked us to come back by noon for lunch!! Interesting!!
It was a gentle walk, and in a few minutes, we reached a small pond. A tortoise resting on a rock attracted our attention. By the time I could change my lens, it had jumped into the water. Krishna was luckier than me.
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| Tortoise lake |
A short distance after the pond, the path split into two. We knew that the hill we planned to climb was on our left side. Hence we took that deviation even though it was going down. The path directly entered into the valley covered with forest. It was dense though it did not possess the grandeur of rain forests!!
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| A tree with flowers on the way |
After walking for half an hour, we saw the hill for the first time. It was a monolith, and in no way we could climb from that side. We walked for little more distance hoping to find a way through the rock wall. By then, we were convinced that we had missed the path. The hill was not climbable from that side. So, we retraced our path to reach the pond.
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| We cannot climb from this way!! |
With the help of GPS, we found a possible way to climb the hill from the other side. But very soon we hit the steep boulders and had to come back. That was not looking good.
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| View of the village and lake from the route |
When technology does not work, locals help. This time it was in the form of a herdsman. He sympathized at our plight and felt bad that we were walking for two hours without results. “There is a path, even cows go there” was his words. “If I go to Bengaluru, I will lose my way. You city guys are experiencing it in the village!!” he told us with a glee on his face. It certainly did not look like a compliment!!
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| An anthill in the forest |
Anyway, he showed us the deviation we had to take. Well, there was no deviation, but we just had to get into the shrub forests at a particular point. The herdsman gave a general indication of the route we need to follow and asked us to shout in case of any help. We could not understand how he can guide us standing at the base. Anyway, we walked in the direction he showed.
But the day was not ours. We knew that our defeat was certain. Considering a “quick and clean” climb we had come with just one water bottle. We emptied it as we started our climb on the new path. The scorching heat with humidity was already taking a toll on us. We were sweating profusely, and we knew that we could not continue in this situation for long. We decided to stretch as much as possible without being foolish.
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| So near, yet so far |
We finally reached a place where we could see the top of the hill. We still were at least 30 minutes away from it, and the walk was on rocks. We were already tired with dehydration and decided to get down.
We bid adieu to Bananthimari betta by saying “We will be back”. In our adventure, we had found out some more good places nearby where we can spend an entire day. We decided to come prepared for the next time.
How to reach this place?
There are two routes to climb the hill. One is on Kanakapura-Ramanagara road. Other is near the village Kuthagondanahalli. We choose the latter route. To reach the place, go towards Sathanaur road from Kanakapura. At the outskirts of Kanakapura, after a lake (or remains of the lake!!), take the road going towards the right. Drive for 5-6 km. Take the right turn at the arch. The road ends at Bananthimari Temple, which is the starting point of the trek. There are no asphalted roads after the deviation from the arch.
Prashanth M
This almost happened to us in Bandalli durga which we did in Jan this year. Somehow we managed to climb it completely. Bananthimari is there in my list as well. Let me know when you plan for next attempt 🙂
ರಾಜೇಶ್ ನಾಯ್ಕ
Losing way is good sometimes. You find new places, as you did.
Vineeta Yashswi
Its beautifully written and picture are also amazing…
aravindgj
Prashant,
Sure. I will let you know.
Rajesh,
Correct.
Vineeta,
Thanks.
Akshita Kaur
There just one word I can say "Amazing" after seeing these pics. I am happy I came across this blog. Now I know where can I use Offers and Coupons from Goibibo
Sadanand S hegde
Excellent blog,The plave was so near to Bangalore but difficult to reacj
Praful Kodli
Hi its seems you attempted it 2015 , by now did u do the summit ?? I have done this Bananthimari 2 times once in 2016 and 2018. In 2018 we were lost while returning we took a stupid route and lost our way . This particular trek needs some experience and navigation technique for sure. I am a solo trekker , if attempting anytime now in coming day. i can join you free of cost. feel free to call me . Praful 9738516864
aravindgj
Thanks for your comment. It is still in my bucket list!!