A Complete Guide to the Ramdevarabetta Trek

This documentation details the Ramdevarabetta Trek in Tumakuru District of Karnataka. Not to be confused with the Ramdevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary or the Ramdevarabetta Temple Site in Ramanagara.

Trekking in Tumkur is usually associated with the well-known fort hills of Devarayana Durga or Channarayana Durga. However, nestled in the heart of the Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known trail—Ramadevara Betta—that offers a completely different experience. Just an hour and a half’s drive from Bengaluru, it is as accessible as the popular treks in the region. Yet it remains refreshingly offbeat.

Unlike Devarayana Durga or Channarayana Durga, there are no steep ascents or tricky sections on this trek. The trail begins in a quiet eucalyptus plantation. It soon opens up into an open, bouldery landscape. After this, the path gently climbs into a beautiful bamboo forest. All along the trail, you come across massive, unusually shaped boulders that seem impossibly balanced, almost like magic. One of them even conceals an ancient cave temple tucked into a narrow crack.

Once you reach the flattish hilltop, you walk into a mix of cultural and natural elements.  Ruins of a forgotten fort, cave temples, deep wells, and stone sundials are scattered all over. While you explore, famous hills like Siddarabetta and Devarayanadurga stand tall in the backdrop. The entire expanse of Tumkur city stretches below you like a map.

What makes this trek even more special is a small perennial waterbody at the summit. Spend some time beside it and you begin to notice fish nibbling on moss, toads lying in wait for insects, and dragonflies skimming across the water’s surface. Geckos scurry among the surrounding rocks. 

Experiencing all of this over just 2-3 hours of easy trekking is something you hardly get on any other trek.

The only real challenge here is navigation. Since locals use different routes to access parts of the hill, there are many intersecting trails. To avoid getting lost, follow the GPX trail recording provided in this documentation or trek with a local guide.

Trek Snapshots:

• Duration: One-day
• Distance from Bengaluru: 70 km
• Highest Altitude: 3800 ft
• Total Trek Distance: 6 km (both-ways)
• Base: Booraga Marada Palya Village, near Tumkur
• Permits: Aranya Vihaara Website (under Tumkur District Treks)
  Go through this article for the steps involved in applying for permits
  

Can beginners attempt the Ramdevarabetta Trek?  The Ramdevara Betta Trek is a perfect beginner-friendly trail, ideal for those new to trekking. The trail offers plenty of variety: you pass through dense bamboo forests, discover hidden cave temples, explore the ruins of an ancient fort, and even come across a serene water body at the summit. 

It is a short, rewarding trek that can be wrapped up in under 3 hours. If you are looking to introduce children to trekking and the outdoors, Ramdevara Betta is one of the best trails to start with.

➤What to Watch out for

1) Bamboo Forest and Wildlife

After the initial eucalyptus section and open rocky landscape, you enter bamboo forests. These forests then continue right upto the summit. You rarely get to see such extensive bamboo forests in the treks around Bangalore.

With tall bamboo arching overhead, it almost feels like walking through a green tunnel. The canopy filters in soft light onto the trail, which is covered in a soft, cushiony layer of fallen bamboo leaves. The section easily stands out because of how different it feels from the rest of the trek.

In these bamboo thickets, you also hear birds all around. From junglefowl, bulbuls, warblers and sunbirds to peacocks. On lucky days, you might even spot birds of prey like shikras. Look out for red bugs, butterflies, moths, and snails on the forest floor.

Although mammal sightings are relatively rare, locals mention occasional movement from the neighboring Devarayana Durga Forest, especially during early mornings or late evenings. During our trek, we spotted a wild boar in the bamboo forests.

2) Boulders and Cave Temples

The trail is lined with large, oddly shaped boulders from the base to the top. Some of them are so uniquely positioned and balanced, it almost feels like they could roll off the hill at any moment. While boulders are common on treks in this region, the sheer variety of sizes and shapes at Ramadevarabetta is unmatched.

The trail also features several hidden caves amidst these rocks, one of which houses a small Shiva temple. This cave temple is also a great spot to catch the sunrise.

3) Views From the Top

The flattish top of Ramadevarabetta offers clear panoramic views in every direction. You see the Siddarabetta rising right in front of you, with the lush, forested Devarayana Durga to its right. Many other well-known peaks like Shivagange, Penamale Konda and Avala Betta rise at a distance.

But what stands out the most is the sprawling view of Tumkur town, along with lakes like Kyatasandra and Maydala. The entire spread of Siddaganga Math is clearly visible too.

If you start early, you can catch a beautiful sunrise from the top. As the sky turns orange, the hills light up slowly — it’s a good moment to just stop and watch.

4) Ruined Fort Structure at the Top

At the top, you stumble upon the ruins of an old stone fort. Scattered across the hilltop, these weathered remains hint at a forgotten past. Though the fort’s origins are unclear, they could date back to around 400 AD, connecting to the long history of fortified hills in and around Tumkur.

Amidst these ruins, sits a beautiful yet crumbling Shiva temple. The structure still retains the Garbhagriha, Antarala, and Navaranga structures though the Shikhara has long vanished. Close to the temple stands a solitary stone mandapa. Weathered but stoic — a silent witness to centuries gone by. All around, the hill is adorned with religious carvings — statues of Nandi, symbolic footprints, and other scattered remnants that speak of a once-thriving spiritual center. 

But what makes Ramadevara Betta truly captivating is the divine legend attached to it. Folklore connects the sacred lingam inside the temple to Lord Rama himself. During their exile, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshmana are believed to have spent time atop this very hill.

One story suggests that Sita was bathing near a pond when she heard Rama and Lakshmana returning. She dragged her saree hurriedly, leaving a mark on a nearby rock. Locals claim that this mark is still visible on the rocks.

Though the mark is hard to make out, this fabled waterbody still exists at the top of Ramadevarabetta. If you wait at the water’s edge, you can see fish feeding on the moss, dragonflies frisking near the surface and toads waiting for their catch. In the rocky patches around the waterbody, you see numerous geckos scurrying about– some basking in the Sun and others busy in mating displays.

➤ Suggested Itinerary

Ramadevara Betta is a short trek that can be done at any time of the day, but we recommend starting early morning for the best experience.

• Ramdevara Betta is approximately 65 KM from Bangalore. We suggest starting early, at round 3.30 AM.
• Reach the Trek Start Point in Booraga Marada Palya by 5:30 AM
• Guides are not mandatory for this trek but available if required. The associated cost is Rs.800 per guide. You need to inform the Forest Department’s PoC in advance if you need guides. Please call only after you have booked your permits and not before that. Go through the linked article if you are confused about how to Obtain permits from the Aaranya Vihara Website.
  PoC Contact: +91-9916756124 (Santosh)‬
  ‪Pro-Tip: If you wish to start the trek before 6:00 AM you can call the Forest Department PoC and share your permits with him one day in advance.
• Start the trek by 5:30 AM and target reaching the hilltop by 7 AM. This will give you enough time to explore the ruins at the hilltop.
• Start your descent by 8:30 to 9 AM.
• Descend from Ramdevara Betta can take around 1 hour.
• Return to base, have breakfast and head back to Bangalore. We suggest trying the famous breakfast joint, Pavithra Idli Hotel for an authentic culinary experience.
• Return to Bangalore by 2 PM.

➤ Detailed Trail Information

The trail to the Ramdevarabetta takes you into the Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary. You trek through eucalyptus plantations, rocky open patches and dense bamboo groves before reaching the hilltop.

This trek can be divided into 3 sections :

1. Trek Start Point to Cave Temple: 1.2 km | 30 mins
2. Cave Temple to Stony Trail Section: 1.3 km | 40 mins
3. The Final Climb to Hilltop: 500 m | 15 mins

Section I: Trek Start Point to Cave Temple

Trek distance: 2 km
Drive duration: 1 hr

• Start from the trailhead at Booraga Marada Palya. The Gokula Goshale start point mentioned in Aranya Vihara is outdated information.
• The Booraga Marada Palya village is named after "booraga mara", the Silk Cotton Tree. You see many Silk Cotton Trees throughout the trail.
• You will see a wire fence marking the boundary between the village and Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary. This is your trek starting point.
• Trek starts through eucalyptus plantation and soon transitions into rocky open landscapes.
• Navigate the bouldery section with occasional bamboo groves.
• Beyond this small bamboo section, arrive at a wide open rocky clearing.
• If you look closely, you'll find arrows marked on the boulders that point to a narrow gap between the rocks.
• Walk through that narrow gap to reach the secluded Shiva Temple built inside a cave.
• This is the Cave Temple that marks the end of the first section of this trek.
• If you do not wish to visit the temple, you can take a diversion to the right just before this cave. This diversion is marked in the GPX file. There is an arrow mark on a stone marking this diversion as well but it is faint and easy to miss. The trail, ahead of this diversion, eventually merges with the trail that winds beyond the cave Temple. Taking the diversion cuts your distance to the top by about 200-250 m.

Section II: Cave Temple to Stony Trail through Bamboo Forests

Trek Distance: 1.3 km
Trek Duration: 40 mins

• After arriving back on the main route from the cave Temple, take the narrow trail descending into the forest to your right. 
• There's another way up through the boulders on your left. This is shorter till you reach the base of the hill but there's no way further. You have to scramble around the base of the hill through dense, thorny bushes and find your way up. This is not recommended.
• The trail to the right takes you into a short bushy stretch which opens into a rocky clearing.
• You see the top of Ramdevarabetta on your left from here.
• Beyond this rocky clearing, the main bamboo forest section starts.
• The walk through this forest is magical. Trail also ascends very gradually allowing you to enjoy the section fully.
• There are 3 rocky clearings within the bamboo section as well. But apart from that, you always walk under the arching canopy of bamboo.
• Soft morning light filtering through the gaps. You walk on a soft, cushiony layer of fallen bamboo leaves below your feet.
• The thickets are full of birds and insects. From the Indian Red Bug to Sunbirds, Warblers, Bulbuls, Junglefowl and even birds of prey like Shikra, these forests are perpetually alive.
• Some of our team members also spotted wild boars in this section. So, be on your guard.
• After you arrive at the 4-th rocky clearing, the bamboo forest begins to thin. Other trees and thorny bush begin to appear.
• The red soil and layer of bamboo leaves below your feet also transitions into hard rock.
• The final stretch to the hilltop begins now.

Section III: The Final Climb to Hilltop

Trek Distance: 500 m
Trek Duration: 15-20 mins

• Keep climbing along the narrow, rocky mud trail that you are on.
• Soon you'll arrive on roughly cut steps in the rock.
• The gradient of ascent in this section is slightly steeper than the rest of the trail. 
• In about 10 mins, this trail ends and you arrive on open boulders.
• There are no bushes of trees on your sides now. You have almost arrived at the hill top.
• Keep going straight along this bouldery stretch until you see the ruined structure of a stone fort.
• This is the hill top.
• As you move closer, you'll see a Shiva temple standing in the ruins and on your right, is a waterbody.
• This waterbody is attached to several interesting mythological stories. One story suggests that Sita was bathing near a pond when she heard Rama and Lakshmana returning. She dragged her saree hurriedly, leaving a mark on a nearby rock. Locals claim that this mark is still visible on the rocks.
• Locals also believe that the pond at the top of Ramadevarabetta is mysteriously connected to the one on Shivagange hill. There's an old tale passed down through generations — no one knows when it happened, but they say a woman once left a baby in the Ramadevarabetta pond. To everyone’s shock, the baby was later found in the pond on Shivagange hill.
• Stay by the water and you'll spot fish nibbling moss, dragonflies zipping above, and toads lying in wait. Among the nearby rocks, geckos dart around—some soaking up the sun, others showing off to attract mates.
• The history of the ruined fort is unknown but it is believed to date back to 400 AD, connecting it to the old history of fortified hills around Tumkur.
• The hilltop of Ramdevarabetta is a flattish plateau with lots to explore. On clear days, you also get great views of the entire Tumkur City and famous hills like Siddarabetta and Devarayanadurga.
• There is a Cave Temple at the top as well, with stones dedicated to Ram, Lakshman and Sita and a Hanuman idol.
• This Cave Temple, the water body, the viewpoint and the main center of the ruins at Ramdevarabetta summit are all marked on the GPX Map. Take your time and explore before retracing your way back to the base.
• From the top, there is a descending trail that takes you down to the other side of the Ramdevarabetta Hill. However, this route is overgrown and not properly maintained. It is easy to get lost. So we do not recommend taking that trail. As per the forest permit as well, you are expected to return by the same route you had taken on the way up.

➤ Best Time to do the Ramdevarabetta Trek

The Ramdevara Betta Trek is accessible year‑round. But we recommend September to February as the best time to do the trek.

In peak monsoon season, trails are overgrown, rock surfaces are slippery, fallen leaves rot, and bamboo‐forest sections turn muddy and waterlogged. It is not a great time to do the trek. 

By September, the rains retreat, but the forests remain lush. It is also the best time to see vibrant greenery. In winter, the weather is pleasant and the clear blue skies are a treat. Winters are the best time for birdwatching as well. 

Since the trek involves walking through open rocky landscapes, the harsh summer sun can take a toll on you. If you're planning to trek Ramadevarabetta in the summer, it's best to start early and aim for a sunrise hike. This way, you can finish the descent before the daytime heat sets in.

➤ How to reach the Ramadevara Betta Trek

The Ramadevara Betta Trek starts at a wire fence that marks the boundary between Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary and Booraga Marada Palya village in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district. This is around 3 km from Kyatsandra, the gateway to Tumakuru City.

Note: The Aranya Vihaara website mentions Gokula Gosale in Karigiripalya as the starting point. This is outdated. The trail from that side is unmarked and the GPX file available there is also old. It’s easy to get lost if you follow that route. For a hassle-free experience, start from Booraga Marada Palya and follow the route described here.

How to Reach Ramadevara Betta Trek from Bangalore by Car

The trek starts from Booraga Marada Palya village, which is easily accessible by road. The drive from Bangalore to the starting point is around 70 km via NH 48 (Bangalore–Tumakuru Highway) and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. You can use this Google Map Link for easy navigation.

There are no designated parking spaces at the trek start point. It’s tricky to turn your vehicle around here. Instead, you can park in an open area about 300 meters before the trek start point and walk to the wire fence. This is unmonitored parking. Park at your own risk.

How to Reach Ramadevara Betta Trek from Bengaluru by Public Transport

To get to the trek by public transport, first reach Kyatsandra — the closest access point. You can take either a bus or a train.

Reaching Kyatsandra by Bus:

• KSRTC buses heading to Tumakuru pass through Kyatsandra. Ask the driver or conductor to stop there.
• You don’t need to take a bus only to Tumakuru — buses going to Chitradurga, Shivamogga, or Davanagere from Bangalore also stop at Kyatsandra.
• Board from Majestic Bus Stand or the Goraguntepalya Bus Stop.
• Tickets can be booked online through KSRTC or private operators like Red Bus.

Reaching Kyatsandra by Train:

• Take the Bengaluru City–Hosapete Passenger Train (Train No. 56519).
• It departs daily from KSR Bengaluru (Majestic) at 5:00 AM and reaches Kyatsandra by 6:15 AM.
• Tickets can be booked on the IRCTC website or bought directly at the station.

From Kyatsandra– bus stop or railway station– the trek starting point is about 3.3 km away. You can either walk or take an auto. Autos charge anything between Rs. 150-200, which can be shared between 3-4 members.

For your return journey to Bangalore from Kyatsandra, take a bus from the same bus stop, or catch the same passenger train (Train No. 56520) back. The train departs Kyatsandra at 8:27 PM and reaches KSR Bengaluru by 11:00 PM.

➤ Frequently Asked Questions about the Ramdevarabetta Trek

1. Is there any permission required to do the Doddabetta Trek?

Yes. You need to obtain permits from Aranya Vihaara to do this trek. Go through this article for a detailed guide on how to book permits through Aranya Vihaara.

2. How difficult is the Ramdevarabetta Trek?

The Ramdevara Betta trek is an easy, beginner-friendly trail—perfect for those who are new to trekking or looking for a short, rewarding outdoor experience. It takes under 3 hours to complete and offers a great mix of elements: dense bamboo forests, hidden cave temples, ancient fort ruins, and a peaceful water body at the top. It’s also an excellent choice for introducing children to trekking and the outdoors.

3. Are there any food stalls and water sources on the Ramdevarabetta Trek ?

There are no food stalls on this Trek. There are no other water sources along the way as well. So, we strongly recommend you to carry enough water (2 litres) with you for the entire trek.

5. What is the distance of the Ramdevarabetta Trek Trek from Bangalore?

Booraga Marada Palya, which acts as base for the Ramdevarabetta Trek, is about 70 km from Bangalore and is accessible by both private and public transportation means.

6. Can I do the Ramdevarabetta Trek alone?

Yes. But there are many crisscrossing trails and it is easy to lose your way in spite of the arrow-marked stones along the trail. We recommend using the attached GPX file to navigate or going with a guide.

What to Pack for the Ramdevarabetta Trek

➤ Places to Visit After Completing the Ramdevarabetta Trek

1. Pavithra Idli Hotel:  If you are planning Ramdevarabetta as a Sunrise Trek, you cannot miss out on having breakfast at Pavithra Idli Hotel, located just 3 km away from the Trek Start Point. It is a famous breakfast joint known for authentic thatte idli and perfectly prepared dosa.
   
2. Sree Siddaganga Math: It is an ancient ashram established by Sree Gosala Siddeshwara Swamiji in 15th century A.D. Hosting everything from parks, schools and student hostels to sprawling exhibition halls, the Math has been developed into a much-visited pilgrimage. Gokula Goshale, situated behind the Mutt premises, is just about 1 km from the Ramdevarabetta Trek starting point.
   
3. Namada Chilume: It is a sacred spring believed to be created by Lord Rama, where the water is believed to never dry up. Just about 12 km from the Ramdevarabetta Trek starting point, Namada Chilume has a Deer Park, a medicinal plant nursery, and walking trails marked through the Devarayanadurga State Forest Reserve.
   
4. The Kaidala Chennakeshava Temple: Just about 15 km from Ramdevarabetta, it is a remarkable example of Hoysala architecture dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It is known for intricate carvings, designed by Gule Bachi, a chieftain under Hoysala King Narasimha I, as per inscriptions found in the Gangadhareswara Temple.
   
5. The Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Temple: About 40 km from the Ramadevarabetta Trek, the revered Goravanahalli Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and attracts thousands of devotees each year. After your visit, you can also enjoy a peaceful walk around the nearby Theertha Reservoir.
   
6. The Nittur Jain Temples: About 40 km from the Ramadevarabetta Trek, it is a historic Jain center located in the Nittur village of Tumkur’s Gubbi Taluka. Believed to have been constructed in 1175 AD, the intricately carved figures of yaksha, yakshi and tirthankaras in the ceilings often draw comparison with the famous Dravidian Sculptures of temples in Aihole.
   
7. Jayamangali Blackback Conservation Reserve: If you have some time at hand, do not miss out on visiting the Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve, about 70 km from Ramdevarabetta. It hosts Karnataka’s largest of the Near Threatened Blackbuck species and is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts.

➤ Other Treks in the Region

1. Basadi Betta: Basadi Betta  (also called Mandarairi) is located 8 km away from Ramdeavarabetta. It is a Jain pilgrimage, with a beautifully preserved 12th-century temple and stupa at the hill-top. You also get beautiful views of the Mydala Lake from the top.
   
2. Devarayanadurga: Just 15 km from Ramdevarabetta, Devarayanadurga is one of the most prominent  Navadurgas of Bangalore. In fact, you can see Devarayanadurga from the top of Ramdevarabetta. A forested hill dotted with ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, including the Lakshmi Narasimha, Bhoganarasimha (at the base), and Yoganarasimha (at the top) shrines, it is extremely popular in the trekking circles. Not many people know that near Devarayanadurga is a guest house where renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali once stayed during his research.
   Note: Obtain permits from the Aaranya Vihara Website for this trek.
   
3. Shivagange Hill: Also known as Dakshina Kashi (Kashi of the South), it is just about 25 km from Ramdevarabetta. A popular pilgrimage, Sihvagange is uniquely shaped like a Shivalinga, with a spring called "Ganga" flowing nearby, which gives the place its name.
4. Chinaga Betta Trek: Around 20 km from Ramdevarabetta, is Chinaga Betta, one of the least-frequented treks in Tumakuru. The trail starts from the Torana Anjaneya Swamy Temple and ends at Sri Lakshmi Ranganatha Swamy Temple at the top. Like Ramdevarabetta, it is also situated within the Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary. Note: Obtain permits from the Aaranya Vihara Website for this trek.
5. Siddarabetta: The Siddarabetta Hill is located about 40 km North of Ramdevarabetta. Siddarabetta literally means “Hill of Saints”. It is a popular destination for both trekkers and pilgrims, visiting the cave shrine of Lord Siddalingeshwara. Known for its medicinal plants and natural springs, the hill also offers lush greenery, rocky terrain, and scenic views from the top. Along the trail, you might spot wildlife like leopards, sloth bears, peafowl, jungle fowl, and other birds. Note: Obtain permits from the Aaranya Vihara Website for this trek.

➤ Trek Contribution

Trek documented and written by Upayan Chatterjee, Aditya Thokchom and Indiahikes Trekking Club Members (Amogh, Ankit, Bindu, Geetha, Hari, Isha, Kaidzohar, Kumkum, Lavanya, Nandita, Naveen, Nikhil, Preethi, Sai Sudeep, Sanjay and Sumedha)

Banner Image by Upayan Chatterjee