Horagina Betta, also known as Nandi One, is located 65 km from Bangalore and is a well-known hillock on the way towards Nandi Hill Mountain. Although it is close to the popular tourist attraction of Nandi Hills, Horagina Betta is not explored by hikers. It is home to a breathtaking Lord Shani-Eshwara Temple when it is at its height and is a great place to spend a day from Bangalore that offers an amazing drive and an enjoyable trekking journey. It is recommended that visitors bring plenty of water and remain mindful of monkeys who play around the temple. It rises to 4724 feet (1440 meters) above sea level; the landscape of Horagina Betta is characterized by an array of outcrops with rocky cliffs as well as lush evergreen forests along the slopes. It is famous for its varied birdlife, which attracted photographers and birdwatchers due to its abundant birds of prey. The area with the highest concentration of forested areas is a popular wintering location for migration-prone birds, including flycatchers, warblers, and thrushes. The hill is also a small relict colony that includes birds like the Nilgiri Woodpigeon. In addition, this hill has the nesting group of Shaheen Falcons and other unique animal species, such as Malabar Whistling Thrush, Uropeltid snakes, and Pill millipedes that are typically seen within areas of the Western Ghats region. Particularly, the Yellow-throated Bulbul is an indigenous species that is native to the peninsular hills of India and is found at the foot of Horagina Betta.
Scenic beauty: Enjoy a route that takes you through lush forests with rugged outcrops and vast meadows. As you gain elevation, stunning panoramic views reward your effort.
Accessibility: It covers 2.8 kilometers and an altitude of 4510 feet (1375 meters). This trek has been classified as easy – moderate. This is a great option for beginners or those looking for the perfect one day trekking experience near Banglore.
Extended Adventure: For those who want to go on a deeper adventure, this trek is linked to its Nandi One Hill trek, allowing you to prolong your journey and explore more of the stunning natural beauty.
Best Time for Horagina Betta Trek
For optimal conditions on this Horagina Betta Trek, October and March are recommended as ideal months, when temperatures remain cool and dry.
- Morning: Start early each day to soak in fresh air and admire a breathtaking sunrise across the Nandi Hills, while also helping avoid scorching midday heat – this can especially beneficial during summer!
- Evening: Evening treks offer wonderful sunset views and cool temperatures after spending all day outdoors in the heat of summer sun.
Considerations:
- Summer (April until June): While summer may be a good time to go however, you should start in the early hours to combat increasing temperatures.
- Monsoon Season (July through September): It’s advisable to steer clear of trekking in the monsoon season due to muddy, slippery trails and the increased dangers posed by the heavy rain.
Highlights of Horagina Betta Trek
- Banyan Tree Vista in 15 minutes: Begin your hike with a great reward in the early morning. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll reach the perfect spot to relax under the majestic Banyan Tree. There, you’ll be able to relax while a soft breeze brings the fragrance of nature while an expansive landscape is revealed in front of you.
- The enchanting Eucalyptus Forest Journey: Enjoy a stroll through Eucalyptus groves, where the play of shadow and light makes for a tranquil, calming ambiance. When you walk along the well-marked trail, take in both the gentle paths and occasionally rugged sections of bush that provide an element of uncertainty to your journey.
- Summit Panoramic Overlook: Take the trek up to the top of Horagina Betta and be rewarded with stunning panoramas from Nandi Hills, alongside sparkling Kandavara and Chikkaballapur Lakes. From the vantage point at an elevated elevation, The surrounding farmlands, as well as picturesque villages, provide a stunning view, making each step of the hike worth it.
Horagina Betta Trek Detailed Trail Information
This 3 part adventure lets you discover some remarkable areas such as Banyan Tree Vistas, enchanting Eucalyptus Forest Journey, or breathtaking vantage points over Nandi hills and adjoining lakes.
Section 1: The Beginning & Banyan Tree Rest Stop
- Beginning Location: Start on an unimproved trail near Nandi Abhinandana and at the intersection turn left for Nandi Hills Trek (taking right leads directly to Skandagiri Hills).
- Trail Ambiance: Take the winding path decorated by American Century plants, vibrant Blue Fountain Bushes, and Peruvian Zinnia flowers. The zigzag trail will lead you to an impressive white cement stone pillar. This is the signal to make a left.
- Panoramic prelude: In just 10 minutes after the pillar, you’ll get an amazing 360-degree view of the Chikkaballapur district. It is framed by the lush green hills.
- Banyan Tree Rest Point: Pause in an open space that features huge rocks and an imposing cliff surrounded by Ragi trees. Relax under a beautiful banyan tree. If you want to go to the Maneshwara Temple, then you can also go there. Take time to admire the wildlife and flora, such as Matura tea trees, or sitting on rock agamas.
- Distance: 0.5 km
- Timing: Approximately 15 minutes (including interruptions)
- Transformation: Starting at the Banyan Tree Rest Stop, take a forest-lined route (1.10 kilometers) up to the Main Trail Intersection.
Section 2: The Ascent Through Rugged Terrain
- Information about the Trail: Begin from Banyan Tree Rest Point by following the trail towards Nandi Hills and make your way across. As soon as you cross back over, begin your climb through unmarked terrain consisting of dense forest, scattered rocks and an assortment of natural and paved trails.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts to guard against sharp leaves and thorny undergrowth.
- Relax along the way: Take advantage of numerous resting places, often marked with gentle sloping rocks. They are ideal for observing the local fauna, including butterflies or Agama Lizards.
- Checkpoint: One crucial crossing is – Resting Place 3, where you can rejoin the main route to Nandi Hills. Make this a reference point before stepping into the thicker forest terrain.
Section 3: Trek To Summit & Panoramic Overlook
- The Summit: Complete 1.20 km the final strech on the straight trail, later this trail will divides in two routes. The first route disappears into a thick forest, while the second one is recommended for easy trekking and this trail will take you through stunning and rocky landscapes.
- Use the zigzag technique on steep sections, particularly after or during rain, when the rocks may be slippery.
- Maintain a steady pace, take frequent breaks, and drink enough water for a secure ascent.
- When you ascend, stop regularly to gaze at the immense Nandi Hills and soak in the vast view. This route comprises stone steps and natural sitting areas which double as observatories.
- On the Summit: Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Nandi Hills, surrounding peaks, stunning lakes (including Nandi Lake), and the beautiful landscape. Make sure you spend at least 30 minutes at the summit, whether you want to enjoy a picnic, a peaceful reflection, or the spectacular views.
How to Reach Horagina Betta Trek
If you’re driving, cycling, or riding public transport, Here’s an easy route on the right path to start Horagina Betta Trek.
By Car or Bike
- Summary of Route: Follow National Highway 44 toward Chikkballapur. Proceed past the Bengaluru Airport Toll Plaza. Note that although two-wheelers can be free of tolls, four-wheelers need to pay before being allowed to enter.
- Directions: At about 40 miles, you will turn left into State Highway 104 at Rani Cross (also referred to as Nandi Cross). In this area at this intersection, there’s the Hotel Nandi Upadhyaya. Follow the road for about 10km until you arrive at Hotel Sri Nandi Abhinandan, close to Karahalli Cross. The hotel is located on a straight, well-paved (yet slightly slippery) path that leads directly to the beginning of the hike.
- Tips: If you’re riding on a quad bike, you should place it in the hotel parking lot, as the very narrow dirt path might not be appropriate for all-wheeled vehicles.
- To get exact directions, utilize this Google Maps link for Hotel Sri Nandi Abhinandan, Karahalli Cross.
By Public Transit
- Bus Route: from Bangalore, there is no direct bus service from KSR Bangalore City Junction in the early morning. You can instead take a bus that departs from Majestic Bus Station to Devanahalli.
- Transfers: At Devanahalli bus station, transfer to a bus headed towards Karahalli Cross.
- KSRTC Alternative: One KSRTC bus leaves daily at Majestic around 8:30 am. The journey is simple. Be aware that BMTC doesn’t operate on the route.
Alternate Options: Peoples from Chikballapur can catch frequent buses that depart at Nandi Cross near Hotel Nandi Upachar. Then, from there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Horagina Betta Trek starting point.
