The Complete Guide to Kunagalu Betta Trek

The first image that comes to mind when we think of Kunagalu Betta trek is the rock that resembles the face of a cute puppy. This is why we, at Indiahikes, have nicknamed it the Puppy Betta trek. ‘Betta’ in the Kannada language means ‘a hill’.

The trek in itself is very short and easy. Whether you’re doing it solo, or with your family and friends, we are certain that everyone falls in love with Kunagalu Betta.

The reason is the reward it offers for the amount of effort you put in. Just an hour’s climb through a sometimes steep, sometimes gradual trail takes you to a vantage point with 360-degree views of the rural side of Ramanagara town.

If you trek during the post-monsoon season, you’ll be in for a treat because the whole region looks like a tropical paradise, with hundreds of coconut trees and fields, while boulders and hills dot the background.

Kunagalu Betta carries the name of the village at its base, which is named after a local deity of the place called Koonamma. As a result, there are many pilgrimage events that take place throughout the year by the locals.

Since the trek lies in the rural part of Bengaluru, the drive to this place gets better as you get past the hustle and bustle of Ramanagara town. You’ll pass through green fields while a cool breeze brushes your hair. 

The short trek, combined with rewarding views make the Kunagalu Betta trek an ideal getaway around Bengaluru.

➤ Table of Contents

Just like you, we love trekking! And this is a trek we've documented in great detail to help you do it on your own. Drop in comments at the end of the page if you need any help!  You will get all the information required to do the Kunagalu Betta trek on your own.

To navigate through the documentation easily, use this section of Table of Contents.

• Highlights
• Trail Information
• GPX File of Kunagalu Betta Trek
• Best Time to do the Kunagalu Betta Trek
• Difficult Sections on the Trek
• Is Kunagalu Betta Trek Safe?
• How to Reach the Base of the Trek
• Things to Take for the Kunagalu Betta Trek
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Nearby Places to Visit

➤ Highlights of Kunagalu Betta

1. Boulder that Resembles the Face of a Puppy

Puppy Betta got its nickname from us when we saw this rock face from almost a kilometer away! It is very easy to identify. You just have to follow the face to reach the base village of the trek.

As you get closer, you’ll notice that this cute rock face is actually a huge boulder with an overhang that looks daunting.

2. 360-Degree Views from the Top

Once you are on the Kunagalu hilltop, this panoramic view opens up, showing the entire landscape of the town’s rural side.

In one wide sweep, you see numerous hills, coconut farms, cultivated lands, the Arkavathi river that cuts through different villages. You’ll feel like you are in a tropical paradise with this contrast.

3. The Adventure of Crossing a Short Cave and Boulders

Although the trek is short, there are a couple of sections where you’ll have to wade through caves, hop on rocks and boulders, and traverse through exposed sections carefully.

These sections are thrilling but not dangerous. Exercise a bit of caution when you come across them, especially if you have elders and children with you. We’ll talk more about these sections in the Trail Information section.

➤ Trail Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a surficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Kunagalu Betta trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Don’t miss the ‘Frequently Asked Questions' section. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

The Kunagalu Betta trek can be divided into two sections:

1. Kunagalu Village to Nandi Statue
2. Nandi Statue to Kunagalu Betta Top and back to Kunagalu Village

Section 1: Kunagalu Village to Nandi Statue

Trek distance: 1 km | Duration: 45 minutes

Kunagalu village is a small hamlet that falls under Hunasanahalli Gram Panchayat, in Ramanagara district. This is about 60 kilometres from Bengaluru.

Start driving early, preferably before sunrise so that you can be at the base just when the sun is coming out. Day hikes are best done either early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is about to set. Because the colours are brilliant only in these times of the day.

Once you are at the base, park your vehicles in an opening at the center of the village after checking with the locals. Some of them would mind if you park your cars in front of their homes.

If you’re taking public transport, you can either take a bus or a train to Ramanagara, and then take an auto rickshaw to Kunagalu village. You’ll know about this in detail in the “How to Reach” section below.

From here, take the concrete road to the east (with the puppy-faced boulder in front of you) which gently climbs upwards.

You’ll notice a Ganesha idol at the turn as you climb up. This signifies the belief of the locals where they worship the Ganesha idol before starting anything auspicious.

In about 200 meters the concrete road ends. You are on a muddy trail now for the next half a kilometer.

Follow this trail as you gradually trek up amidst tall trees on either side, with boulders on your right.

Soon, you’ll find a water tank on your right. Take left and be on the trail till you see  a big boulder on your left. You’ll notice there is no route from here, except a faint trail that passes through the undergrowth on your left.  The actual trek starts from here.

Once you take the left, make your way through a combination of boulders and undergrowth.

In about 10 minutes you’ll see a Nandi statue on top of a boulder to your left, and a lot of overgrowth that leads into the boulders.

Take left and spend some time near the statue. This is your first rest point.

While you rest, do not forget to take in the scenery that is in front of you. The entire rural landscape with hundreds of coconut trees, the Arkavathi river, farm lands filled with fertile crops, and hills sprinkled all around makes you feel like you are on a tropical island.

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Section 2: Nandi Statue to Kunagalu Betta Top and back to Kunagalu Village

Trek distance: 1.60 km | Duration: 2 hours

Head back from Nandi Statue to the trailhead. Find a faint trail leading through an overgrowth and in between the boulders. You may not spot the trail at first. Keep going ahead until you find an opening through the cave.

There is a sudden darkness as you head into the cave and you’ll find yourself carefully making your way through the boulders below.

You might have a few bats flying close or above your head.

Take the left by following a marker inside the cave. In about a minute you will be out of the cave.

As you come out of the cave, you will find a few stone steps that are loosely placed, along with a railing for support. This section can be a bit tricky, especially in the monsoon season, so be careful at this stretch.

You are now on top of the boulder you just climbed. Take left to go over a flight of stairs carved on the boulder to visit the village deity’s temple. It is a small structure which is built just to house the deity.

Or take right to reach the top of Kunagalu hill where there is a man-made shelter that serves as a place of rest.

You have reached the top of Kunagalu Betta at this point. Spend some time by resting at the shelter, taking in the panoramic view of the entire village and its surrounding.

There is another structure getting built at the top, probably another temple a few meters away from this shelter.

The top of the hill is a plateau. Walk around to get a glimpse from all four directions.

The verdant settings as far as the eye can see is soothing to the mind. Take a moment to appreciate nature.

When you are done exploring the top and taking in the scenery, make your way down the same way you had climbed up.

Although you’ll take the same route back down, it gets slightly tricky when descending through loose rocks and gravel sections or at the first section from the top.

➤ Best Time to do the Kunagalu Betta Trek

The best time to do Kunagalu Betta Trek is between June and February.

While the post-monsoon season brings out the best in the trek, with lush green sightings all around, winter is also a pleasant time. However, the greenery would start turning golden brown.

If you’re doing the trek in monsoon, the trail and the rocks become slippery. It is not dangerous, but exercising caution at difficult sections and wearing proper shoes is key to staying safe.

You can do the trek during the summer season as well. But the sun shines brighter and you’ll tire quickly. Wearing a sun cap or a hat and covering your body with light coloured clothes will protect you from the heat and sunburns.

➤ Difficult Sections on the Trek

Honestly, Kunagalu Betta trek is not really difficult. It is rated as 'Easy' as it is just a short hike and it doesn’t have many steep or tricky sections.

The trek also has easy exits and there are no technical sections.

The only tricky sections are after the Nandi Statue, which are for not more than 100 feet. The trek is one of the easiest we have done around Bengaluru. It is a lot easier than Channarayana Durga or Skandagiri in comparison.

➤ Is Kunagalu Betta Trek Safe?

Yes. Trekking to Kunagalu Betta is very safe. That's because the trail is not very remote, and is close to Ramanagara town. Most of the time it's just your group trekking on your own in nature.

To do this effectively, let’s break down into two aspects of safety:

• Exit points on Kunagalu Betta trek
• Closest hospital to Kunagalu Betta trek

Exit Points on the Kunagalu Betta Trek

Medical Emergencies can strike on any trek. The key to dealing with them lies in knowing your exit points. Know how to get out and reach the nearest hospital quickly.

On the Kunagalu Betta trek, your best bet is to descend to Kunagalu village. That is the easiest way out.

Closest Hospital to Kunagalu Betta Trek

In case of a medical emergency, and if you need serious medical attention, head to Ramanagara town for better facilities.

➤ How to Reach the Base of the Trek

Reaching Kunagalu Betta by your Vehicle from Bengaluru

Kunagalu Betta is in Ramanagara town, on the way to Mysore. Ramanagara is famous for its silk cultivation and export. There’s another thing Ramanagara is known for, the sweet dish -- Mysore Pak.

| Tip: When you are in Ramanagara, do not miss visiting Hotel Shri Janardhana in the heart of Ramanagara. You’ll get the best Mysore Pak here.

Turn your Google Maps on and follow this link.

Reaching Kunagalu Betta by Public Transport

Option 1: From Majestic Bus Station —> Take a bus to Satellite Bus Station —> Get Down at Ramanagara Bus Station —> Take an auto rickshaw to Kunagalu village —> Get down at the start of the village.

Option 2: From Majestic Railway Station —> Take a train which goes towards Mysore and get down at Ramanagara —> Take an auto rickshaw to Kunagalu village —> Get down at the start of the village.

Note: An auto rickshaw costs around Rs 100 to Kunagalu village.

Bus and Train Timings to reach Ramanagara and back

There are KSRTC buses every 15 minutes to Ramanagara from Satellite Bus Station, Bangalore. Hop on to any bus which goes towards Mysore. All the buses stop at Ramanagara, except the ones with “Non-Stop” sign on them.

Similarly, there are frequent trains to Ramanagara from Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station, Bangalore. Catch a train that goes towards Mysore. Except the non-stop Express trains, majority of the trains stop at Ramanagara.

Keep an eye out for the signboard while boarding.

The same applies to buses from Ramanagara to Bangalore as well.

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➤ Things to Take for the Kunagalu Betta Trek

• Basic First Aid kit*
• Identity Card
• Cap/ Scarf/ Bandana & Sunglasses
• Water (Minimum two liters)
• Lemon and salt OR Electrolyte Powder/Drink (Electoral/Gatorade/Glucon D, etc.)
• High-calorie snacks (Nuts & dry fruits, a 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:

• Scissors
• 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. Can I do this trek if I have never been on a trek before?

Yes. Anyone can attempt the Kunagalu Betta trek without prior preparation. The trek is easy and is a quick getaway from the cities. It is one of the rare treks that is suitable for children and elders alike.

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

There are no restaurants at the base of the trek or in the nearby village. There are decent restaurants in the town, about 7 kilometers away.

We recommend you pack your food from home if you plan to have a proper meal during the trek.

There are no water sources near the base. However, there is a water pump before the start of the trek. If you are allergic to groundwater, we recommend carrying a minimum of 2 litres of water from home.

3. Do I need to obtain permission for trekking to Kunagalu Betta?

No. You do not need to obtain permission to do this trek. Since it is a place of worship for the locals, there is no restriction on climbing to the top without permission.

4. Do I need a guide to trek to Kunagalu Betta?

Although the trail is not very clear due to overgrowth of bushes after the Nandi Statue, the path till the top is easy to follow along the faint trail. We do not recommend a guide for this trek.

5. Where can I park my vehicle?

The start point of the trek is the village itself where there is an open space. Use the space to park your vehicle after asking the locals for their permission, if they are around.

➤ Nearby Places to Visit

1. Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary - India’s only Vulture sanctuary and a popular hiking and bird-watching spot.

2. Manchanabele Dam - A dam which forms the reservoir that supplies water to the nearby towns of Magadi, Ramanagara and many nearby villages.

3. Janapada Loka (Folk World) - A folk museum with an exclusive display of village folk arts of Karnataka.

➤ Trek Contribution

Trek explored and documented by the Indiahikes Team

Photos Clicked by Suhas Saya, Abhinav Verma and Gautam Singh