Kunagalu Betta Trek

Kunagalu village is a small settlement within Hunasanahalli Gram Panchayat in the Ramanagara district, roughly 60 kilometres from Bengaluru. Starting your journey early, ideally before dawn, is advisable to reach the starting factor equally as the sunlight rises. The optimal times for day walks are early morning or late afternoon, as the colours are most lively throughout these periods. Upon arrival at the starting point, it is advised to park your lorries in a marked area in the village centre after consulting with the neighbourhood citizens, as some may object to automobiles being parked before their houses.

To reach Kunagalu village from Ramanagara, you can utilize public transportation, such as a bus or train, followed by a rickshaw ride. Detailed directions on how to get there are provided in the ‘How to Get to’ section below. Start by following the concrete road to the east, where you’ll spot a distinctive boulder resembling a puppy. As you ascend, you’ll come across a Ganesha idol at a turning point, a reflection of the local tradition of worshipping before embarking on something significant. After about 200 meters, the concrete road transitions into a muddy trail for the next half kilometre. Continue along this path, with towering trees and boulders on your right. Eventually, you’ll encounter a water tank on your right. Turn left at this point and continue on the trail until you spot a large rock on your left. From there, follow a faint trail through the undergrowth on your left, as there is no clear path ahead. This marks the start of the actual trek. Navigate through a mix of stones and undergrowth until you reach a Nandi statue atop a rock to your left, surrounded by lush vegetation and rocks to explore.

Take a left and pause at the statue for a while. This spot serves as your initial resting point. As you relax, take in the breathtaking view in front of you. The vast rural landscape features numerous coconut trees, the Arkavathi River, fertile farmlands, and hills scattered throughout, giving you the sensation of being in a tropical paradise.

From the Nandi Statue, retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Search for a refined course that weaves through the overgrowth and rocks. The path might take time to be visible, so continue until you come across an entry to a cavern. As you venture into the cavern’s darkness, you’ll need to browse through the boulders below carefully. Keep an eye out for any bats flying nearby or expenses.

After leaving the cave, you’ll encounter a short but possibly tricky section featuring loosened stone steps and a supporting barrier. Bear in mind your footing, specifically during the downpour period. Once you’ve navigated this component, you’ll find yourself atop a rock with two options: left leads to a flight of stairways carved into the rock, ascending to a temple devoted to the town deity, while appropriate takes you to the top of Kunagalu hill, where a synthetic sanctuary awaits, providing an area to rest and absorb the spectacular 360-degree sight of the town and its surroundings. The shelter is situated near another structure, perhaps a holy place, presently incomplete. The hill’s top is a plateau, inviting you to discover and absorb the landscapes from all instructions.

The rich views stretching out right into the distance relax the mind. Take a break to appreciate the elegance of the natural surroundings. After you finish checking out the summit and enjoying the view, descend using the same path you ascended. Beware as you browse back down, especially in areas with loose rocks and gravel or at the initial area from the peak.