Kaiwara Betta Trek

In continuation to our last visit to “Bheema Bakasura Betta”, we planned to trek the Kaiwara Betta this Sunday. As this peak was under the control of the Forest Department, prior online booking is mandatory (myecotrip.com). It is just a KM away from Bheema Bakasura Betta and 65 Kms from Bangalore.
We booked our spots for the trek online a day before. As the trek starting time was 6:00 am, we left home early & managed to reach the Kaiwara Tapovana Main Gate by 6:15. The destination is visible from a distance of 15 Kms, along a straight road. As we reached closer, the peak was covered under the clouds.

 

By the time we reached, the guide had started the trek with another group of visitors. We followed his instructions over the phone to reach the trek start point (Gangothri Marg). We managed to continue the trek from there on. We started walking around the lush green surroundings. As we gained elevation, we could see the Bheema Bakasura Betta, the Kaiwara Mutt & other surrounding hills. The weather was also pleasant with the sun hiding behind the clouds.

 

We continued our walk & rested in between, also to click some pictures. All along the way we could see some different type of worms doing their morning-walk and of course were not harmful.

 

After an hours climb, we reached the entrance of an old fort. Another 10 mins of hike leads you to one edge of the peak, where from you can see the Bheema Bakasura Betta. It was a nice place to sit & enjoy the view with strong winds. A lone tree at the top was one highlight of the landscape.

 

Further walking to the centre of the Betta, you will find a small temple & 2 water bodies. Finally we met the guide at the top accompanying a team. They even had our National Flag as it was our Independence Day.

 

Now comes the best part of the trek. We found an almost flat place to sit near the water bodies to have our breakfast. My wife had prepared & packed some pālak-poori (with pickle) early in the morning. We enjoyed the home-made food amidst the nature, plus some strong wind and minus the sun. Finishing the breakfast, we made sure that we do not litter by packing the package materials in our boxes.

 

 
However, the homemade breakfast was the only excuse that saved her for her slow rate of climb. ;)
We could see more people joining at the top as we started exploring the peak. It was a nice place to click photos near the water body that too with our National Flag.

 

 

Later we walked to the northern edge of the peak. There were quite a few view points and some rocks on the top that you can climb.

 

After spending a lot of time, we decided to climb down taking the same path. We reached the trek starting point that took more than an hour. A small zoo with limited/no animals exists at the base on the road that takes you to the guest house.

 

Later we visited the nearby Amaranarayana Temple & Thathayya Cave before returning back to Bangalore.

 

Overall the trek was easy for us; however it can be classified between easy & moderate for not-so regular trekkers. Start the trek at 6am to avoid the heat later. The path is all rocky & muddy that will become slippery during rains. Carry sufficient water & snacks if you want to spend more time at the top, but take care that you do not litter the place.

Location: “https://goo.gl/maps/nYNPaix1uKKNyRQU7”
 

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