Minchukallu Betta Trek

The Minchukallu Betta Trek commences from Masanipalya village, which is a small village in Tumkur situated approximately 7 km from Hoskote. The trek kicks off at the Kindergarten School in Masanipalya. If you are driving independently, it is advisable to park your vehicle at this point and proceed on foot. The road leading from here to the starting point is in very bad condition. While the trail is well-defined, it is quite narrow. In the monsoon season, this stretch may become muddy and slippery.

Beginning your journey from Masanipalya, you will come across a couple of houses. Initially, you proceed towards the base, but the path becomes quiet and empty. The vibrant hues of the morning sky, the verdant foliage flanking the road, and the gentle sunlight casting its rays on the grass create a picturesque scene. Around 400 meters into the path, a massive hill will come into view on your left – known as Masanipalya hill. It is also possible to embark on a trek to the summit of this hill.

Proceeding along the same path for an additional 100 meters, you’ll encounter a picturesque valley surrounded by hills. Your left-hand side will feature the imposing Masanipalya hill, while a rugged rocky hill will be situated to your right. This trail offers a tranquil experience, with a surprise awaiting you. As you continue, a water canal will come into view, which is only filled during the monsoon season, adding an extra layer of excitement to your adventure. The trail’s unique terrain is characterized by sandy soil, giving you the feeling of strolling on a beach. At the same time, the dense forest of Western Ghats, represented by trees and bushes on either side, creates a contrasting yet harmonious atmosphere.

In the rainy season, numerous tiny streams flow into this waterway, creating a picturesque sight. After walking about 300 meters along the canal, you will come across areca nut plantations. From this point, you can spot Minchukallu Betta to your right. The path to the base of Minchukallu cuts through two areca nut farms. Once at the base, the route becomes less defined. It involves a rocky stretch that gradually ascends. Be sure to select your path with caution. Opting for a zig-zag trail can lessen the steepness of the climb and assist you in reaching the summit.

Upon ascending approximately 600 meters in the identical landscape, you will arrive at stage I. At this point, you will be able to see an aerial perspective of the route you have traversed to get to this location.

Keep moving towards the summit across rough terrain for an additional 200 meters to reach stage II. As you climb upward with caution, the hills and villages around you start to appear more clearly. Remember to take a moment to observe and appreciate the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

Explore the fort’s ruins and structures at the viewpoint for a while.

The hike to Minchukallu top involves an additional 300 meters of walking. Starting from the clearly defined path that guides you to the summit. As you follow the trail, you will climb up towards a rocky cliff by passing through a valley. The lush deciduous forests along this route may evoke memories of the Shola forests found in the Western Ghats. Furthermore, the vibrant green vegetation that contrasts against the seemingly endless expanse of boulders provides a rejuvenating sight.

From the cliff, proceed upward towards the summit. After a 10-minute hike, you’ll reach the top of Minchukallu, where a Hanuman Temple is located. The temple is occasionally visited by villagers for worship, but otherwise, the area is generally quiet. On the summit, you’ll find stone ruins and a watchpoint offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and villages. Spend some time taking in the scenery before beginning your descent, which will take around an hour and a half to complete. Be sure to turn back by 4 PM to ensure you return to the base before nightfall.