Minchukallu Betta Trek
The lightning hill trek
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TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy
TREK DURATION
2 days
STATE
Karnataka
Minchukallu betta is a massive hill, located around 85 km from Bangalore. Not so popular among trekkers, this was once a three-stage fortified hill. The ruins of the fort wall and temple are some wonders to think about when you are trekking here.
The trek starts from Masanipalya village, 18 km away from Tumkur. You can also approach the hilllock from Hoskote of Tumkur region. The hill looks like a perfectly carved hemisphere from Hoskote. From Masanipalya village, the stepped multilayered hillock is a great sight for the start of your adventure.
Minchukallu trek, also called Minchukallu by locals, takes you through many different trails. For a short trek, the surprises that it takes you through in the first 1 km is unpredictable. During monsoon, you’ll get to see many pretty streams along the way. You’ll even have to walk in the water canal to reach the base!
Minchukallu Betta - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan 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 Indiahikes Southern Campus 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 at the end. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 1
Reach the Indiahikes Southern Campus by 11 am in your own vehicle
Reach the Campus in the morning. Start from the campus with a fresh lunch and drive to the base of Minchukallu Betta in your own vehicles with the Indiahikes team.
- Start trekking by 2.30 pm. Trek to the top of Minchukallu Betta and return by 7.30 pm. Spend the evening sharing stories over dinner and camp in tents for the night.
However since the region is getting warmer, keeping in mind the best interest of the group, your trek leader might take the call to follow the second itinerary- - Arrive at the campus and engage in different activities.
Campsite location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1sVW7g7pJUYPuPdL9
Parking Location near the temple - https://goo.gl/maps/gLyr1h1VeiGADtQ47
Base of Minchukallu Betta Trek - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VaAddxGKCnfJca8B9
Day 2
Have breakfast and spend time at the campus. Leave by 12:30 pm in your own vehicle.
- Start the day at 6 am, with a walk around the campus. Have breakfast, and participate in activities like bird watching. Leave the campus by 11 am in your own vehicle.
OR
- Start the day at 5 am and trek Minchukallu Betta. Arrive back at the campus by 10:30 am. Leave the campus post breakfast by 12:30 pm.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- You will be staying in tents overnight
- Carry 2 bottles of water, 1 lt each.
- Carry a small notebook and pen/pencil
- Carry own cutlery : 1 tiffin box, tumbler (or just plate and cup if not planning to pack food for the trek)
Reach Indiahikes Campus and Trek
Trek distance: 4.8 km | Duration: 4-5 hrs
Altitude gain: ⇗ 985 ft (2,676 ft to 3,661 ft)
Trek gradient: Easy. After the drive, a 20 min walk to the base of the hill, 30 min steep ascent from base of the hill, 90 min gradual ascent to the top. Same route descent, 90 min gradual descent, 20 min walk to campsite.
Water sources: Carry from campsite or source from local villager homes near the base of the hill
Plan and reach the Indiahikes Southern Campus campsite by 10 AM.
Campsite location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1sVW7g7pJUYPuPdL9
Parking Location near the temple - https://goo.gl/maps/gLyr1h1VeiGADtQ47
Plan and reach the Indiahikes Southern Campus campsite by 10 AM.
Campsite location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1sVW7g7pJUYPuPdL9
Parking Location near the temple - https://goo.gl/maps/gLyr1h1VeiGADtQ47
For more information on how to reach by own vehicle or public transportation, please refer the next section.
After a refreshing welcome drink, you will get familiar with the campsite through a brief campsite tour by the trek leader. After the briefing, you will finish setting up your tent and secure all your belongings inside. This is followed by a scrumptious lunch around 12.30 pm. Ensure you eat well so that you have sufficient energy to complete a 4 to 5 hour trek.
You will be briefed in detail about the trek after lunch, a necessary gap for the food to settle down. After the drive to the base of the Minchukallu Beeta trek and if weather permitting, the trek shall start around 2:15 pm. In case of rain, the trek may be postponed to next morning, it shall be trek leader's call to ensure everyone's safety.
Have fun on the trek while following all necessary safety instructions. You would be back to campsite by 7:30 pm. Tasty snacks and chai await your arrival from the trek. Refresh yourself, layer up and get comfortable in your tent and the campsite. Dinner would be ready by 8 pm.
Enjoy your dinner, healthy portion of dessert is recommended for a nice recovery - body and mind. Indulge in dining area conversations, get to know each other and then some more. Enjoy an idyllic starry night sky as you tuck in inside your tents for the night by 10 pm. Prepare your tents and sleeping bags to your comfort preference, sweet dreams.
*Note: This is the normal itinerary we follow. However, on some days the sun is not very lenient on us. For everyone's safety and the best trek experience, your trek leader might shift the trek to the morning of the next day.
If the trek is shifted, you will be able to participate in activities around the campsite. Our trekkers especially love bouldering and exploring the fauna around the campsite.
Spend time around camp
Trek distance: 1 km | Duration: 1.5 hrs
Trek gradient: Easy. 60 min of easy trail walk around campsite.
Wake up by 5:30 AM, to the bird calls and first light just about peeping behind the adjacent hill. If the trek could not happen the previous day, it shall be an earlier wake up around 4 AM and then starting the trek by 4:30 AM.
Enjoy a quick morning snack with tea or ragi malt. Get ready for a short walk by the campsite at 6 AM. With peacock calls filling the air and imminent sunrise just around the corner, walk for about 30 mins to a clearing around nearby marsh. Enjoy some nature time watching birds and discovering inner peace in a tailor-made natural setting.
Head back and reach the campsite by 7:30 AM. Pack up and complete un-pitching your tents. Learn a bit about how you have helped to leave behind cleaner trail after the trek and practical skills you can take back to your home for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Wake up by 5:30 AM, to the bird calls and first light just about peeping behind the adjacent hill. If the trek could not happen the previous day, it shall be an earlier wake up around 4 AM and then starting the trek by 4:30 AM.
Enjoy a quick morning snack with tea or ragi malt. Get ready for a short walk by the campsite at 6 AM. With peacock calls filling the air and imminent sunrise just around the corner, walk for about 30 mins to a clearing around nearby marsh. Enjoy some nature time watching birds and discovering inner peace in a tailor-made natural setting.
Head back and reach the campsite by 7:30 AM. Pack up and complete un-pitching your tents. Learn a bit about how you have helped to leave behind cleaner trail after the trek and practical skills you can take back to your home for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Breakfast would be ready by 9AM. Reminisce the last 24 Hrs, let the thoughts sink in as you prepare to depart. Get involved in deep conversations with fellow trekkers and the trek leader. Holding on to dear memories, time to bid adieu by 11 AM.
*Note: If we follow the second itinerary, you will start the day early at 5 am. This is the golden period of trekking. The cold weather coupled with the gentle morning sun rays makes a perfect hike.
By 10:30 you are back to the campus. You have a well-deserved hearty breakfast and continue to unpitch your tent. You leave the campus by 12:30 pm
Even during the coldest months of December, January, and February this region is fairly hot, hitting temperatures of around 26-28 °C during the day.
The nights are pleasant at around 18 – 22 °C.
You would only need one jacket and a poncho for early mornings or in case of rain.
Plan Your Travel
The Indiahikes Southern Campus is easily accessible from Bengaluru. Here is the location on Google Maps.
The drive to it is quite scenic with the many different hills popping up at the horizon as you zoom on the highway.
Once off the Expressway, on NH-648, you get close to the countryside of Karnataka punctuated with houses and shops tightly clustered around the road.
Notice how you leave the civilization behind as the Channarayana Durga village draws near.
The only way to reach the Indiahikes Southern Campus is via road, preferably through a private vehicle. Public transport is sketchy in this region. It’s best not to bank on it.
Pro-Tip: For budget travellers, take a local train/public bus to Tumakuru and take a local bus to Tumbadi from the Tumakuru bus depot. And from Tumbadi, take a shared auto-rickshaw to reach Channarayana Durga village (Please confirm bus timings and frequency before taking this option). Here are a few contact numbers of Auto rickshaw folks who might be able to help – Ravi: 9480500309, Laxminarayan: 9731059781
From our Indiahikes Southern Campus, the base of Minchukallu Base is a drive of around 25 km
Given that this is just a one-night weekend outdoor program, with very comfortable weather, we advise you to travel light.
Here’s a list of things you must bring along with you:
- A 20L backpack – A small comfortable backpack will suffice.
- 2 t-shirts – Expect to get sweaty, you will need a change of clothes after your trek
- An extra pair of trekking pants – Avoid shorts at all costs, there are thorns along all the trails.
- Shoes with good grip – Even sports shoes will work, as long as they have a good grip
- One jacket
- Rainwear
- Headlamp
- Sun cap
- Sunglasses
- An extra pair of socks
- A light towel
- Two 1 litre bottles (reusable)
- Your lunch box, mug, and spoon
- A small toilet kit
- Insect repellant
- 2 light single sheets to lie on and cover yourself with in the tent.
PRO TIPS
- As the trail is exposed, with very little tree cover, make sure you cover yourself well while trekking. Carry a full-sleeve t-shirt/shirt and full trekking pants for this trek.
- Keep a pair of sandals to walk around the campsite.
- Disposable cutlery, plates, glasses etc
- Packaged foods and snacks
- Wet wipes
- Original and two photocopies of a government identity card, which can be a driver's license, Aadhar Card, or passport.
- Personal Medical Form and Disclaimer certificate: You don't need to print or carry the disclaimer form. Your Trek Leader will give it to you at the base. Just sign and hand it over then and there.
- However, if you are a minor unaccompanied by your parents, please download this disclaimer, print it, get it signed by your parents/guardian and carry it to the basecamp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate
Please note: Trekkers above the age of 58 need to submit both the certificates mentioned under points 2 and 3
➤ Trail Information
The Minchukallu betta trek can be divided into two sections.
- Masanipalya to Minchukallu Base
- Minchukallu Base to Minchukallu Top
Section I : Masanipalya to Minchukallu Base
Trek Distance: 1.2 km Trek Duration: Half an hour
Minchukallu Betta Trek starts from Masanipalya village. Masanipalya is a small village in Tumkur located around 7 km from Hoskote. The trek starts from Kindergarten School in Masanipalya.
If you’re travelling on your own, it’s better to park your vehicle here and walk from this point. The road condition from here to the base is very poor. Though the trail is well laid, it is narrow. During the monsoon season, this section can be filled with slush.
As you start from Masanipalya, you encounter one or two houses at first and the trail becomes deserted as you continue walking towards the base. The morning colors on this trail are beautiful. The orange sky, lush green vegetation on both sides of the road and morning sun rays falling on the grass is a beautiful sight to behold.
About 400 metres in this trail, you’ll see a giant hill standing tall on your left. This is Masanipalya hill. One can go on a trek to this hilltop as well.
Continue walking on the same trail for another 100 metres and you enter into a valley-like setting. On your left, Masanipalya hill stands in close proximity. On your right, lies another rocky hill. A walk on this trail is a beautiful experience.
Just when you think that this doesn’t get any better, you see a water canal that you’ve to pass through. The water flows here only during monsoon. So it’s an added adventure this trek offers during monsoon.
Walking on this trail gives you a unique experience. It’s sandy and feels like you’re on a beach. But then trees and bushes on either side of the trail remind you of a dense forest of Western Ghats.
During the monsoon, many small streams join this canal. They are just beautiful.
After around 300 metres of walk in the water canal, you see areca nut farms. You can see Minchukallu Betta on your right from here. The trail to Minchukallu base goes between two areca nut farms.
Section II: Minchukallu Base to Minchukallu Top
Trek Distance: 1.2 km Trek Duration 1 hour
From the base, the trail is not well marked. It’s a rocky section that ascends gradually. Choose the trail carefully. Following a zig-zag trail will reduce the angle of your ascent and help in reaching the top.
After about 600 metres of climb in the same terrain, you will reach stage I. You get an aerial view of the path you have taken to reach from here.
Continue trekking towards the top through rocky terrain for another 200 m to reach stage II. As you carefully ascend to the top, surrounding hills and villages gradually unfold behind you. Don’t forget to look around and soak in the beautiful views it offers.
At stage II viewpoint, there are ruins and structures of the fort. Spend some time exploring these structures.
From stage II to Minchukallu top, it’s another 300 m hike.
From stage II, you have a marked trail that leads to the top. The initial trail ascends to a rock cliff through a valley. The deciduous forests you encounter in this section, again remind you of the Shola forests in Western Ghats. Also, the pop of greenery on what seemed like an endless boulder terrain is quite refreshing.
From the cliff, continue trekking towards the top. 10 minutes later, you’ll reach Minchukallu Top. There is a Hanuman Temple on the top. Occasionally, villagers climb to the top of the hill to worship, otherwise the place is usually deserted.
There are stone ruins on the summit and a watchpoint from where you get the best views of the neighbouring hills and villages. Spend an hour here.
The descent is along the same route. It takes around an hour and a half to descend. Keep a Turn Around Time (TAT) of 4 PM so that you’ll be back at the base before it gets dark.
How to Reach Minchukallu Betta Trek
The trek starts from Masanipalya Village which is around 85 km from Bangalore.
For ease of understanding, we have broken down the journey based on the transport and the route you take.
Reaching Masanipalya by your own vehicle
From Bangalore, it takes about 2 hours to reach.
If you plan to go by your own vehicle, use this link to help set up navigation on Google Maps.
Reaching Masanipalya by Public Transport System
There are no direct buses to Masanipalya.
- From Bangalore, take a bus that goes to Tumkur.
- From Tumkur, you’ll get frequent buses to Koratagere. Board any of them and get down at Anjaneya Temple Stop. It’s on Tumkur - Koratagere Highway. From here, it’s around a kilometre walk to Masanipalya.
Nearest Airport and Railway Station
Kempegowda International Airport is the nearest airport and is around 110 km away from Masanipalya.
Tumkuru Railway Station is the nearest railway station and is around 18 km away from Masanipalya.
Trek Contribution
Trek documented by Manjunath Krishnamurthy.
Photos contributed by Manjunath Krishnamurthy and Hemanth N V.
Trek written by Manasa N L.
Minchukallu betta is a massive hill, located around 85 km from Bangalore. Not so popular among trekkers, this was once a three-stage fortified hill. The ruins of the fort wall and temple are some wonders to think about when you are trekking here.
The trek starts from Masanipalya village, 18 km away from Tumkur. You can also approach the hilllock from Hoskote of Tumkur region.
Do refer to our previous sections on how best to reach the location.
It is an easy trek. These sections are anticipated to be of moderate difficulty:
- Initial steep section from the base of the hill, for about 20 to 30 mins
- Steps section 10 mins before the summit, for about 10 mins
Since the majority of the trek is on boulders / granite, it becomes quite slippery during and immediately after rain. It is advised not to trek the hill during such treacherous conditions.
Although the trek can be done throughout the year in all seasons, the rock surfaces get quite slippery in monsoon. If it is just a passing rain, the rocks dry up quite quickly. So, please time your ascent and descent accordingly. Wait for rain to clear before embarking on the trek.
The village adjacent to the hill does not have any hotels or lodges. Indiahikes groups have a southern base camp about 10 mins from the village where tents are pitched during active days. However, if you are doing the trek on your own, it is best to plan this as a single day trek and head back in the evening. The nearest town where some accommodation can be found is Koratagere, which is about 12 km, 20 min drive away from the hill. It is highly recommended NOT to camp on top of the hill or in the village outskirts as it is not safe. The area is frequented by bears.
There is consistent network connectivity throughout the trek from all major mobile operators - Jio, Airtel, BSNL, Vodafone.
There are certain steep boulder sections on the trek which are slightly technical. Hence we recommend NOT to take children below 5 years on this trek. There are also no fresh water sources on the trek and medical emergency response is also limited if at all any.
This is not a long trek and a fit person can complete it even if above 55 years of age. Please take note that there are steep sections on the trek which shall put pressure on knees and ankles. Please speak to an Indiahikes team member if in doubt before finalizing.
There are no washrooms or toilets throughout the trek. In an emergency, there are a few sections inside the fort walls which are secluded and with some bush cover. However be extra careful of the thorny bushes if you venture in. We strongly recommend keeping the entire trail clean and it is best to relieve yourself before starting the trail.
There is no entry fee or permission needed for the trek.
Camping on the top is not allowed. It is a short trek and can be completed in half a day.
You don’t have any stay options in Masanipalya.
However, Tumkur is just 18 km away and you have quite a few hotels as an option. Check out the link to know more.
This is a day trek and takes about 4 hours to complete.
Start your trek early in the morning around 7 AM. It can get very tiring otherwise, as there are no shades throughout. The weather becomes very humid and the rocks get heated up as the sun rises.
Food: There are no hotels or shops in Masanipalya. If you want to take packed food, it’s best to take it from Tumkur. There are many hotels in Tumkur. But make sure to carry your own tiffin boxes and not to use disposable containers.
Water: There are no water sources on the trek. Make sure to carry at least 2 litres of water per person.
Koratagere Government Hospital is the nearest hospital on the trek which is around 10 km away.
Koratagere Police Station is the nearest police station on the trek which is around 11 km away.
In case of emergency, contact Assistant Forest Officer Office, Koratagere.
ERSS: For any kind of emergency help, you can contact the Pan-India Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) number- 112
Madhugiri Fort Trek
The Madhugiri Fort Trek is one of the most popular treks around Bangalore. This trek is to the second-largest monolith in Asia. The highlight is the fort which stands atop the rockdome. From the peak, you get the best views of the Thimmalapura Forest range.
Channarayana Durga
Channarayana Durga, a perfect destination for a day hike, lies in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. This fort is situated on a hill at a height of 3734 feet
There are three stages of the fort, the lower portion is covered with steep rocks, and the upper portion contains a pond that is filled with water and thick vegetation. The middle section is damaged and dug up by the treasure hunters over the years, in their quest to find any hidden treasure that may have escaped the hands of the various rulers.
You might as well do some treasure hunting while you trek and irrespective of whether or not you find anything; this experience is sure, a trekker’s treasure!
Siddara Betta
Siddara Betta in Kannada means ‘Hill of Saints’. It is one of the most popular places to visit around Madhugiri.
This is an appealing hike for Trekkers and Pilgrims. The pilgrims come to visit the Shrine of Lord Shiva at the top of the hill. There is also an ashram situated at the base.
The rocky trail and the caves add a lot of thrill to the climb. The route from the caves has uneven rocks and boulders, allowing only a single person to cross at a time. Exploring the caves is a cherry on the cake, as the view from the peak is equally rewarding as it is surrounded by the lush greens of the Devanarayana Durga Forest.
We recommend you follow a fitness routine 5 times a week (combination of walks, stair climbing and stretching).
By the time your trek starts, you should be able to walk 5 km between 50-60 minutes comfortably. Ideally, closer to 50 minutes.
Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, your core, and your lower body. To reach this fitness, there are just two things to work on - your cardiovascular endurance and your muscle strength. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.
Weeks 1 - 4:
- Walking
- Week 1: Keep the distance of your walk to just 2 km
- Week 2: Keep the distance of your walk to just 3 km
- Week 3: Keep the distance of your walk to just 4 km
- Week 4: Keep the distance of your walk to 5 km
- Stair Climbing: When you climb stairs, target for at least 10 floors (20 stairs per floor), and repeat it for 2 sets.
- Stretching: Keep stretching everyday. This video will help you with stretching: https://youtu.be/IDjWoSPV6ok
Take your rest days seriously, and rest. Your body recovers quickly when you rest.
Weeks 5 - 8:
- Once you can comfortably walk 5 km, the following weeks are focused on building speed.
- Everyday, walk 5 km with an intention to finish within 50-60 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.
- Once a week, go for 10 km walk at a stretch. This will help build your endurance. Do not worry about the time you take to cover this distance.
- Continue with stair climbing and stretching.
Important Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Three things happen when you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team
- You miss out on a deep transformative experience that trekking can offer
Good part is, it’s not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 45-60 days before the trek begins.
We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience.
Yes, we do have parking facilities at the basecamp. You are welcome to come in your car/ bike.
However, you will park your vehicle about 300 meters away from the actual base. Indiahikes cannot take responsibility for the safety of your vehicle.
We have been running this trek since 2022. Our trekker's vehicles have remained completely safe at the parking space. We have not encountered any untoward incidence regarding the same.
Photo Gallery
Trek Focus
Highlights from Minchukallu Betta Trek
What are the highlights from Minchukallu Betta Trek
1. Stunning views from the peak
The view from the peak of Minchukallu betta is spectacular, to say the least. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Masanipalya village from here.
For a short 2 km hike, the pretty views you get from the hilltop are quite rewarding.
You get the panoramic views of surrounding hills such as Masanipalya hill, Hoskote Thimappa betta, biodiversity hotspot Devarayanadurga and the neighbouring Jenukallu Gudda. You also get an aerial view of the Hoskote lake surrounded by foothills of massive rocky hills.
2. Exploring and the Thrill of Climbing the Granite Rock
The trek of Minchukallu Betta is most suited for trekkers who are keen on exploring the different aspects of the broken ruins of the fort, the physical features of the rock, and having a sense of adventure.
Since the trail is not marked, you can end up exploring different entry points towards the top of the hillock.
Apart from these, there is a temple near the top. You’ll also find a check dam on the summit. There is a watchpoint from where you get the best views of the neighbouring hills and villages.
3. Walk from Masanipalya to Minchukallu Base
The walk from Masanipalya village to Minchukallu base is a pleasant one. Along the way, you get views of the massive hills on both sides. During monsoon, this trail will be in full bloom and you’ll get to witness a riot of colours.
The surprises on this trek in terms of change of scenery are something you rarely get to witness in other short treks.
It takes you through a mud road initially, then the valley, then through a water canal and at last, an areca nut farm to reach the base.
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