Kunagal Betta is a small hill near the town of Ramanagar, about 50 km from Bengaluru (depending on your location in the city!). Recently, Chaya and I visited this place, and in this post, I’ll share our experience.
Drive to Kunagal Betta
Summer isn’t the ideal season for trekking around Bengaluru, so we decided to start earlier than usual. We hit the road at 5:30 in the morning. After exiting the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway at Ramanagar, we crossed the town and headed towards Muduwadi. It took us about an hour to reach Kunagal village, located at the base of the hill.
Thanks to the holiday season, a small crowd had already gathered. We parked the car in the village and began our walk. The previous day’s rain and the cool early morning air made it a pleasant start.
Hike to the top of the hill
The initial stretch was a concrete road, which soon turned into a mud track. The surroundings were serene, with birds chirping and busy with their morning routines.
The mud track ended, and the trail narrowed. After a short climb, we reached the first landmark — a statue of Nandi. The views were beautiful, and the sun was just beginning to emerge from behind the clouds. We soaked in the peaceful morning scenery.
The next stretch led us to the summit. The path passed through a cave and then up a series of steps carved into the rock. One section of the cave was dark, but it was easily manageable. There’s no risk of getting lost, as the trail is well-marked arrow drawings on the rock.
The final climb involved navigating stone-carved steps. A bit tricky, but nothing too difficult for most people. At the top, we arrived at a small temple dedicated to Hanuman. A little higher up, we found a large open area with a shelter.
It took us about 30 minutes to reach the top at a relaxed pace. The views were absolutely stunning, and we spent some time soaking in the beauty before heading back down. On the way home, we stopped for breakfast at a Thatte Idli hotel.
Information and Tips
- You can park your car in the village, but it’s best to check with the locals before doing so. Alternatively, you can drive further and park at the end of the concrete road.
- Bikers can ride all the way to the end of the mud track, which leaves only a short climb to the summit.
- It’s a beginner-friendly trek that offers fantastic views. Visit either early in the morning or in the late evening for the best experience.
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