Channagiri – Channakeshava Trek | Scenic Hill Trek in Karnataka

Channagiri located to the north-west part in the Nandi Hills chain, is one of the lesser-known trails in Chikkaballapura. Locally, it’s recognized as Channakeshava Betta. This is where the North Pinakini River and has an Omkareshwara Temple located at the highest point. There is something more in this mountain than the famous landmarks. It’s a wonderful day hike. The hike takes you through an array of interesting vegetation in two two hours. It begins in some tamarind and eucalyptus tree and then enters dense deciduous forest large boulder sections, and finally reaches a summit with amazing 360 degree views over the valleys, plains, and mountains surrounding.

Handy Tips For Trekkers

1. Best Time to Trek

This trek is best experienced in the evening.Morning heat rises quickly and makes the climb uncomfortable.

• Start Time: 2:00 PM
• Summit Target: 4:00 PM
• Descent: Start around 4:30 PMThe sunset behind Channagiri paints the sky beautifully — don’t miss it.

1. Trail Cleanliness

The trail’s entrance has some litter.Once you move further in, the trail becomes much cleaner and more scenic.

• Carry small trash bags
• Pick up a little waste if possibleGoal: Leave the trail better than you found it.

1. Water & Supplies

There are no shops or homes at the base and no water sources on the trail.Carry everything you need.

1. Clothing & Gear

The trail passes through dry thorny vegetation.

• Wear full-sleeve cotton t-shirts
• Avoid fleece or wool-like fabrics (thorns cling to them)Cotton is smooth, breathable, and doesn’t trap thorns.

1. Best Season to Visit

• Ideal Months: December – February (cool and clear skies)
• Avoid: April & May (temperatures can reach 40°C)
• Monsoon: Rocks may be slippery — walk carefully.

1. Parking & Accessibility

There is designated parking available at the base point.You can drive up, park, and start the trek easily.

1. Wildlife on the Trail

The trek is generally safe.Common sightings include:

• Trail dogs
• Skinks (small lizards)
• ChameleonsThere is a chance of spotting snakes, so walk mindfully.

1. What Makes This Trek Special

This is one of those rare hikes that truly shines in the evening.In just 2 hours, you get:

• Varied terrain
• Crisp winds
• Spectacular 360° views of hills and open plains

A short trek with a big reward.

Highlights of Kunagalu Betta Trek

• This rock formation stands out and serves as a recognizable landmark to guide you to the trek’s starting point. Upon approaching it, you’ll realize that this charming rock face is, in fact, a massive boulder with an imposing overhang.
• Upon reaching the summit of Kunagalu hill, a breathtaking vista unfolds, revealing the town’s expansive countryside. The scene encompasses a multitude of hills, coconut plantations, farmlands, and the meandering Arkavathi River passing through various villages. The juxtaposition of these elements creates a sense of being in a lush tropical oasis.
• While the trek is short, there are a few parts where you must pass through caves, jump on rocks and large stones, and navigate carefully through open areas. These parts are exciting but safe. Be cautious when encountering them, particularly if older individuals and children accompany you.

Channagiri / Channakeshava Trek Detailed Trail Information

• Altitude 2950 feet up to 4,478 feet. The total gain in altitude is 1,528 feet
• Time required: 2 hours to ascend and one hour to descend. 4.2 km, including the ascent and descend.
• Trek gradient: Easy
• Type of trail: Trail majorly in the form of stone steps concealed in thick undergrowth. A few small sections are made of rocks. A gradual ascent to the summit.
• The sources of drinking water are: None. Take 2 Liters of water per person. Channagiri is a hill that is only 55 kilometers from Bangalore. The hill is within the Nandi Hills range, which comprises the famous Nandigiri as well as Brahmagiri hills. It is well-known among people who visit for the Omkareshwara temple on the summit which has the Hanuman deity within the temple. It is also believed to be the place of origin of the River Pinakini, although you rarely see water during any season other than the monsoon season’s peak.

The beginning of the hike is clearly visible by an Ant hill, which is decorated in white and is worshipped by locals. The trail is just to the right of the structure, slowly climbing up.

It then enters wild bush that in winter is dry and filled with thorns. You can start this path. It’s well-marked, and follows a simple route with no turning in 15 mins. The Channagiri hill rises to the left side of this stretch.

The plateau begins to open ahead of you. Every now and then , make sure to turn to enjoy the views. Farmland dominates the landscape, but there are also a few urban structures scattered throughout the landscape.

The trail rises slowly. You don’t feel like you’re on the mountain in about 20 minutes. The path alternates between rock and steps.

About 25 minutes into this trail abruptly arrive in a wide, flat space. It is your first clear area. There are two of these clearings along the hike. This is the one that’s straight ahead. you’ll see construction sites as well as huge rock hills being ripped down. It’s not a beautiful scene, but it’s a landmark nevertheless. Alongside the construction zone on the right Skandagiri is an ideal triangular mound. Here, veer left. It’s almost a right-angled turning to your left. There’s no straight trail ahead. It’s a drop down to the lowest.

As your turn to the left Channagiri that was just to your left has now risen directly in front of your face.

The trail isn’t very well-defined in this area. It’s possible to get lost in the thick grass surrounding you. The gradient upwards is a little higher from here on out.

The next landmark you’ll see in 3 minutes is a massive rock to the left. If you’re a creative person, you could notice a grim face on the rock. The rock is on your left, go up.

The stone steps signify the path, so you’re not lost. In front of you, the view grows better and better.

Within 10-15 minutes the path leads you to massive boulders. They’re large enough to be climbed which brings to mind the huge stones of Hampi.

You can spend a few minutes on the boulders to take a refreshment. The perspective of Skandagiri is stunning from this spot.

From here you will be able to follow the trail for about ten minutes, crossing large rock. This is the second opportunity to clear. In monsoon, these rocks might be slippery.

In just five minutes, you’ll reach the grassy flat section. There’s a huge rock with a flat, smooth surface to the right. Just ahead of you and above you, you can see the forest’s deciduous stretch you’ll need to follow.

The trail may disappear into the forest here. However, if you search in the area for 5 minutes you’ll find an easy trail that you must take to the right that climbs into the forest. Be sure to follow the path on the right.

Step onto the final stretch of the stairway

From this point the remainder of the hike is on a fully-fledged staircase. The trail is a mix of high grass and small canopy of trees. It is an unidirectional, well-maintained trail for approximately 30 minutes. There isn’t much to look ahead however, you can stop to look around behind you from time to time. The whole landscape opens up. On a clear day , you can see for at least 30 kilometers out to the sky.

Reach the top

As you climb the stairs The top of the hill opens before you. There’s a temple with the Karnataka flag atop it. In the distance, you’ll find a tiny structure that has an empty water tank in front of it. According to our sources, the tank is regularly filled however, the water is not suitable to drink. We don’t advise touching the water, either.

It is important to walk across the the mountain. It’s a vast , flat space that gives you an unobstructed panorama of the hills surrounding. It’s easy to spot the entire range that is Nandi Hills.

Descent

Begin your descent at 4.30 after 5:00 pm. It will take about an hour to get back to the base. The trek can be difficult at night Don’t go out after sunset.

Take the stairs until you get to the lowest point. The route is easy. If you are confused, stay to the left.

If you’re able you have, make sure to stop on the other clearing to rest for bit. The sky’s colors and the reflection of light on the landscape during the golden hour are spectacular, Don’t miss it.