Trek to Kengal Betta

I was really thrilled that I am on an unplanned trip and I am going to do it all alone. I was not sure that the hill I am planing to climb has even an access. I didn't even knew the name of the hill. But I decided to take my chances....!

It was Sunday, 8th of June, 2014. My my heart was missing some thing: the feeling that I have not done any thing in last one month. Friends were of no help as they were busy. That afternoon I decided to take a bike ride towards Tumkur to break the monotony. Plan was to take a long drive and return home in a couple of hours.

1-30 PM, hopped on my bike: I was driving through NH4. Traffic was minimal and wind breeze was lovely. In no time I was in Nelamangala. I was not satisfied, decided to go further. Then I thought, as I have traveled this far, I should visit Mahimarangana Betta- Mahimapura, as it was in my mind from couple of years, which I couldn't do.

Mahimarangana Betta- Mahimapura.

Mahimarangana Betta is situated at a distance of 45 km from Bengaluru and is 1.5 km from NH4. I took a left turn from NH4 at temple arch and followed a sign post to reach the hillock base. Freshly painted steps were leading to hillock top. Atop a hill, there is a temple dedicated to Mahima Ranganathaswami (Lord Vishnu). Temple was closed: I did not had a chance to visit the temple. I took circumambulation of the temple and sat there for about half an hour. I enjoyed the the majestic views of the Shivagange hill which is situated at a stone throw away distance. I also could see 2-3 near by hillocks which are located towards Tumkur. It was only 3-30 PM. Thought I could I do something more today. Climbing Shivagange was too ambitious. I thought, I will another climb another hillock near by. I didn't know the name, but it caught my eyes, it was visible from the Mahimarangana Betta. The hill is monolithic, and has a shape of Shivalinga. My friend Ravi, once told me that hill top has Basavanna (Nandi) and a Mantapa. I decided to visit Mahimarangana Betta once gain and started to climb down with an intention to climb another hill.

Mahimarangana Betta: Steps leading to top

I was doubtful whether to venture into this unknown hill alone that too at this time. But strong urge to see sunset from hill top pulled me through. I took a road which was leading to Shivagange. This road is awesome, has agricultural fields on either sides of road . I spoke to couple of villagers and found a way to hillock base. By the way name of the hillock is Kengal Betta, which I learned from the villagers.

Kengal Betta,

I took a left turn from Shivagange-Dabaspet main road. This is a mud road and looks like it will lead to somewhere near the hillock base.  My guess was correct: the road took me almost to the hillock base.There is Granite Quarry, where I parked my bike. Bike would't go further. I walked through private agricultural fields and crawled under fencing to reach the hill base.

Jungle Betta.

Started climbing, took an easier path. Walked through bushes and thorny plants reached almost mid of the hill. Villagers do cattle grazing till this point.

Almost middle of this hill - Remains of the an old fort

From here path becomes difficult. I had to a climb steep rock. This was the most challenging part of the entire trek.

Steep rock

I had to climb-crawl-jump in repetition to reach the hill top. Hill tap has a Mantapa and Basavanna (Nandi).

Final Ascent

Hill Top: Mantapa and Basvanna

I enjoyed excellent views of Shivagange Hills and surroundings.

View of  Shivagange Hills

View looking towards Tumkur

Sat down there for about 10 minutes,very much satisfied with the trip. I descend hill safely. Had lunch at Dabaspet and head towards Bangalore. Reached home by 7-30 PM with a feeling that the day was well spent.