The complete guide to Horagina Betta Trek

The Horagina Betta trek is a picturesque day hike nestled within the Nandi Hills range in Chikballapur District, located around 50 kilometers from Bangalore, Karnataka.

This trek offers a delightful combination of natural beauty, with trails weaving through dense forest, scattered boulders, and open grasslands. As you ascend, the trail gradually opens up to expansive panoramic views from the summit, giving trekkers a rewarding sense of achievement.

The trek is relatively short, covering a distance of 2.8 km, and is suitable for beginners as well as those seeking a relaxed hike. Standing at an elevation of 4510 ft (1375 m), the trek is classified as easy to moderate, making it accessible for trekkers looking for a quick escape into nature.

It also shares a connection with the popular Nandi One Hill trek, allowing for an extended trekking experience in the region.

Table of Contents

• What to watch out for
• Detailed Trail Information
• How to Reach Horagina Betta Trek
• Difficult sections on the Horagina Betta Trek
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• What to Pack for Your Trek
• Places to visit near Horagina Betta Trek

What to watch out for

1. Panoramic view under the banyan tree within 15 minutes of the trek

Experience the soothing breeze on your face while taking in the expansive view in just 15 minutes of the hike. Few hikes offer such an experience.

2. A walk amidst a eucalyptus grove forest section

As you walk through the eucalyptus grove, the air is filled with the scent of eucalyptus. The tall trees sway rhythmically in the cool breeze, creating a soothing atmosphere. You will notice a significant drop in temperature as you trek through the eucalyptus forest. Walking through this section of the forest feels both familiar and unfamiliar. One moment, you are on a dedicated path, and the next, you are walking through bushes with no visible trail.

3. Panoramic view of Nandi Hills and lakes from the summit

The climb to Horagina Betta comes with a cost, but the panoramic views from the summit are truly rewarding. At the top, you can see Nandi Hills, Kandavara Lake, and Chikkaballapur Lake, as well as the surrounding settlements and farmlands in the district.

Trail Information

Horagina Betta Trek can be divided into three sections:

1. The first section involves a trek through a dedicated zigzag trail to an open boulder space near the Banyan Tree and Maneshwara Temple (marked in yellow).

2. The second section takes you through a gradual ascent on a mix of grassy trail and boulder section, along with walking through a dense eucalyptus grove and bushes (marked in green).

3. The final section involves a dedicated trail and a rewarding summit climb through rocky terrain (marked in red).

Section I: Start Point to Banyan Tree Rest Point

Trek Distance: 0.5 Kilometres

Trek Duration: 15 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

GPS Coordinates of start point:13.35679, 77.68415

GPS Coordinates of Banyan Tree Rest Point:13.35868, 77.68558

To reach the starting point of the Horagina Betta Trek, you will have to take a muddy trail straight from Nandi Abhinandana. If you take a left from the intersection in front of Nandi Abhinandana, the road will take you to Nandi Hills Trek and if you take a right, the road will take you toward Skandagiri Hills, both of which are prominent treks around Bangalore.

You start the trek on a dedicated zig-zag trail surrounded by American Century plants and colorful flowers like Blue Fountain Bush and Peruvian Zinnia blooming on both sides.

As you arrive at the end of the zig-zag trail, you see a white cemented pillar, this cemented pillar is a milestone. From there, you take a left to proceed with your trail.

After moving past the white cemented pillar, a 10-minute walk will reward you with a sweeping panoramic view of the Chikkaballapur district on your right, framed by a towering green hill in the backdrop.

As you continue to walk on the motorable road, you will reach an open space of a big rock surrounded by Ragi plantations. It is a perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the view. You can stop here and soak in the gentle breeze touching your face.

You can also walk to the nearby Banyan Tree and take blessings from Maneshwara Temple before starting your onward journey. Keep your eyes and ears open at this rest point to spot various flora and fauna,  like the Matura tea tree and the Indian Rock Agama basking on the big boulders.

Section II: Banyan Tree Rest Point to Main Trail intersection through Boulder opening and forest section.

Trek Distance: 1.10 Kilometres

Trek Duration: 50 Minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

GPS Coordinates of Banyan Tree Rest Point: 13.35868, 77.68558

GPS Coordinates of Main Trail Intersection: 13.36060, 77.67871

From the Banyan Tree rest point, take the straight trail that connects with the main motorable road of Nandi Hills. From there, take a left. This is where you will leave the motorable road behind and start with the actual trek. This trail now takes a gradual ascent through a boulder section.

There is no dedicated path, so you will have to find your own way. As you walk through the boulders, you will encounter the first tricky section of walking through dense bushes.

Pro Tip: Wear a full-sleeved T-shirt while trekking. It will protect your arms from minor scratches caused by the thorns and bushes on the trek.

After crossing the tricky section, you must traverse through a few boulders to reach an even space. Make sure you observe and appreciate the natural elements amid all these challenges. Keep an eye out for butterflies, insects, and Rock Agamas.

After a short walk, you can spot two or three rest points with gradual gradient of boulders, stop here and appreciate the view in front of you before entering the dense forest.

Prepare to enter the dense forest section, which gives you the feeling of both a dedicated path and no path at all. The entrance of this section is marked by small trees. The third rest point is also an intersection of a trail that connects with the main motorable route of Nandi Hills.

Section III: Main Trail Intersection to Horagina Summit.

Trek Distance: 1.20 Kilometres

Trek Duration: 60 Minutes

Difficulty: Difficult

GPS Coordinates of Main Trail Intersection: 13.36060, 77.67871

GPS Coordinates of Horagina Betta Summit: 13.35521, 77.67535

As you continue on the straight path, you come across a diversion. The path on the right goes to dense jungles with no dedicated trail, and the path on the left takes you to the viewpoint via a boulder section.

We recommend taking the path on the left as it is easier to trek through rather than the dense forest, which is uncertain.

The trail towards the viewpoint is a climb up through a rocky section. The ascent through the rocks is a good challenge. Take your steps slowly and pace yourself. Do not take many breaks, and keep taking one step at a time.

Pro Tip: Follow the technique of climbing in a zigzag pattern to cut the angle of the ascent. If you are trekking in the monsoon season or if there is water after the rains, move with caution as the rocks tend to become slippery.

Look back as you are climbing up to see the majestic Nandi Hills standing tall. Stop a couple of times to hydrate yourself and enjoy the view of the Nandi Hills.

The trail to the viewpoint is a mixture of boulders and stairs carved out of rocks. You get one rest point cum viewpoint before reaching the summit. Nandi Hills is in front of you, and you can experience the wind touching your face.

Begin your ascent from the viewpoint. The ascent is gradual and easy to navigate. Ascend through this section, and you will reach a flatter area. This is your summit.

Once you reach the summit, take some time to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Nandi Hills and the surrounding peaks, as well as the 2-3 lakes visible from the top.

Before you begin your descent, make sure to spend at least 30 minutes at the summit, exploring different viewpoints and savoring the scenery. You can also enjoy your packed lunch here. Take a moment to reflect on your journey to the top.

Find a quiet spot, close your eyes for five minutes, and listen to the sounds of nature.

Allow your body to relax and prepare for the descent along a different path. It's a wonderful way to spend time at the summit.

Route Map

How to Reach Horagina Betta

• Reaching Horagina Betta By Your Vehicle From Bangalore

If you are planning to reach the start of Horagina Betta using your vehicle (two- wheeler or four-wheeler), use this link [Hotel Sri Nandi Abhinandan, Karahalli Cross] to help set up navigation in Google Maps. 

If you do not have access to Google Maps, here is how to reach Horagina Betta Trek:

Take the National Highway 44 and head towards Chikkballapur. Pass Bengaluru Airport Toll Plaza and head straight (if you are in a two-wheeler, the entry is free. For four-wheelers a toll fee must be paid).

After about 40 km, turn left from National Highway 44 to State Highway 104 at Rani Cross (Nandi Cross). You will spot Hotel Nandi Upachar on this cross. Continue straight for about 10 km to reach Hotel Sri Nandi Abhinandan, Karahalli Cross.

The left road will take you to Nandi Hills Trek and the right one will take you toward Skandagiri Hills.

Take the straight muddy trail right next to Hotel Sri Nandi Abhinandanal till the start point of Horagina Betta Trek.

If you have a four-wheeler, park it outside the hotel, as the muddy trail is not big enough to let a four-wheeler pass through.

• Reaching Horagina Betta By Public Transport System From Bangalore

In the morning, there are no direct buses from KSR Bengaluru City Junction (Bangalore), you will have to change buses from the Devanahalli bus stop.

The best route we would suggest is Majestic Bus Station —> Devanahalli —> Karahalli Cross.

Only one bus from KSRTC leaves from Majestic at 8:28 am, which goes straight to Karahalli Cross. The starting point of the trek is 15 minutes of walking away from the bus stop. There are no buses from BMTC going to Karahalli Cross.

This information was sourced directly from the KSRTC and BMTC Bus Department in 2020.
Do not go by any other sites about bus timings.

The other best way to travel will be taking a bus to Chikballapur. These buses are much more frequent and you can get down at the Nandi Cross (Near the Nandi Upachar) 

From Majestic Bus Station —> Chikballapur Bus Station —> Bus to Karahalli Cross—> 15-minute walk to the base.

Nearest Railway Station

Chikballapur Railway Station

Train Timings to reach Chikballapur and back

Bengaluru to Chikballapur
Train No: 76551 at 08:30 AM
Train No. 76525 at 06:10 PM
Chikballapur to Bengaluru
Train No: 76526 at 07:55 AM
Train No. 76552 at 03:55 PMT

Nearest International and Domestic Airport

Kempegowda International Airport

How Difficult Is the Horagina Betta Trek

There are no difficult sections on the Horagina Betta trek. However, it's important to be aware of these sections while trekking.

Here are a few things you should keep an eye out for while ascending and descending:

• Tricky rock section:

In the second section of the trek, after we cross the boulders, there is a section which requires you to put special attention while traversing the rocks to avoid slip and fall.

• Dense bushes:

There are a few stretches in second section where you will trail covered with bushes. You are required to navigate through the section mindfully.

Pro Tip: Keep both the hands in front of you and duck your head while crossing the bushes. Also, wear full sleeves shirt.

• The exposed section at the summit:

Although this section is not difficult, it is extremely dangerous. Make sure you always stick to your right and do not go over to the edge until the section is crossed. The drop over the edge and overhang can be life-threatening if the precautions are not followed.

• Monsoon specific challenge:

The trail becomes more tricky during monsoons as the mud and rocks become very slippery and great caution must be taken while traversing. If trekking in the monsoons, you should be very careful with the choice of footwear and should check weather charts to avoid days with anticipated heavy rains.

How To Get Fit For Horagina Betta Trek

The Horagina Betta trek is classified as an Easy-moderate grade trek. You will gain approximately 4510 feet in altitude. Though the altitude gain is not much, the continuous ascent can be quite demanding for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Training yourself for a low altitude easy-moderate grade trek

Here’s a guide to help you get fit for the trek in 4 weeks:

Cardiovascular Endurance

In case you’re just starting with a fitness routine, start slow and increase your pace everyday in the following manner –

• Target completing a jog of 5 km in 45 minutes when you begin.
• Gradually increase your pace by running 5 km, 4 times a week.
• As you become more comfortable, introduce another day of running in your routine. 
• Progressively increase the distance you run in a workout until you can complete 5 km in 40 mins.

If you prefer cycling over running, target covering 15 km in 60 minutes when you begin.

• Progressively increase your pace to cover 18 km in one hour.

Strength Training

This is an important area you need to work on.

Strength training is equally important to trek comfortably. Work on your glutes, calves and knees. Additionally, work on strengthening your core.

You must strengthen your core muscles. For strengthening your core muscles, holding a plank and it’s variations (elbow, side planks) are the best exercises to go about doing it.

Also, try these exercises for strength:

Target 4 sets of squats with 20 in each set.

– Squats (Mix it up with sumo squats)

– Lunges (Forward, backward and lateral lunges)

– Planks

Flexibility

Flexibility determines the amount of movement your bones can make in any direction around joints such as shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.

It is an aspect that will help you trek comfortably. Carrying a backpack, however light, can become a strain. Stretching your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors and lower back muscles regularly, promotes relaxation in the tissues reducing the strain on your back.

If you can’t go out and jog because of time and space constraints, here’s a video you can use to work out indoors.

Things To Take On Horagina Betta Trek

• Basic First Aid kit*
• Identity Card
• Cap/ Scarf/ Bandana & Sunglasses
• Water (Minimum two litres)
• Lemon and salt OR Electrolyte Powder/Drink (Electral/Gatorade/Glucon D, etc.)
• High-calorie snacks (Nuts & dry fruits, home-baked cake, etc.)
• Safety Pins, Rubber bands & Whistle (Useful in emergencies.)
• Quick Dry T-shirts are preferable over cotton tees.
• Poncho, only during monsoons
• Plastic sheet to wrap electronic devices, only during monsoons
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Optional: Trekking poles

*First aid kit:

• Scissor
• Band aids (Regular & Waterproof)
• Analgesic spray (Relispray, Volini, etc.)
• Antiseptic Liquid (Savlon, Dettol etc.)
• Antiseptic powder (Povidone-Iodine based powders like Cipladine, Savlon, etc.)
• Cotton roll & Bandage
• Crepe Bandage
• 1 inch wide medical tape (paper or cloth.)
• Micropore tape
• Tablet for motion sickness (Avomine), Acidity (Gelusil, Digene, etc.).
• Mild pain relief tablet (Crocin)

| Note: Always consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I require any permission for trekking to Horagina Betta Trek?

Until 2018, you didn’t require any permission to go on the trek of Nandi One. Recently, the forest department has been changing the permission and regulations in this region. You now need prior permission from the forest department before going on the trek. 

You can get permission from DCF Chikkaballapur Forest Department.
Contact Number: 08156 263198 (Landline)

2. Where can I get food and water during the trek?

The nearest town is Chikballapur. There are a alot of restaurants and eateries on Karahalli Cross and on the National Highway 44 as well, the popular one being Hotel Nandi Abhinandana.

It is advised to pack your lunch from home. You can plan to have your breakfast at any of the restaurants near Karahalli Cross. There are no water sources at the base of the trek. Fill your water bottles while starting from home or fill them at one of the restaurants en route.

3. Do I need a guide to do the Horagina Betta trek?

The trail is straightforward and you don’t need a guide. Go through the trek information, and take a printout of the map with details. You can also use the GPX file which can be downloaded here.

4. Do we get mobile network on the trail?

You will get a mobile network for almost all major operators like Airtel, Vodafone & Jio throughout the trek, except for some sections where the network is weak.

5. How far is the nearest ATM?

Nandi Cross (Outside of Hotel Nandi Upachar) has one ATM which is the closest ATM for the trek.
Other than this, Bangalore or Chikballapur are the main places to withdraw cash. So ensure you carry enough cash with you before starting the trek.

Nearby Places To Visit After the Horagina Betta Trek

• Nandi Hills – Nandi Hills is very close by and you can drive up to the viewpoint. An ancient hill fortress built by the Ganga Dynasty and later enlarged and strengthened by the Tipu Sultan. There are many stories and rich histories associated with Nandi Hills. You can also visit the famous Tipu Drop.
• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple – An ancient Hindu temple complex dating back to the 9th century, with ornately carved pillars and a reflecting pool, located in Nandi grama.
• Devanahalli Fort/ Tipu’s BIrth Place – a prehistoric fort constructed in the year 1501 AD that was passed on to the hands of the Wodeyars of Mysore, the Marathas, and was under the control of Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan. The present fort is ascribed to Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, which incidentally is his birthplace. It has an east oriented fortification. The bastions are provided with gun points built in brick and lime.
• Muddenahalli – The birthplace of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the first Indian engineer. It is also the place where he was buried after his death in 1962.

Go through this article if you are interested in other day hikes to do around Bangalore.

Trek Contribution

Trek documented by Rahul Paul and Deetisha Rasyara

Photos Contributed by Rahul Paul and Deetisha Rasyara

Trek written by Radhika Baviskar