Island camping trek on the backwaters of Hirakud Dam 

TREK DIFFICULTY

TREK DURATION

TREK STARTS FROM

AGE LIMIT

Odisha has always been famous for its food, culture, and spectacular scenery. However, trekking in the region has always remained an elusive opportunity for all. And that is about to change. 

Debrigarh, more than a wildlife sanctuary, is a natural wonder. Never before have we seen such diverse ecosystems in a single place. The Mahanadi River, also known as the holy Ganga, serves as the lifeline of this region. 

The Hirakud reservoir has given rise to numerous islands here. Each island has a delicate ecosystem of its own. But here’s where the magic unfolds: During winter and summer, as the water level recedes, newer islands come to life, setting up a perfect home for migratory birds coming in winter. The islands here are ever-changing. 

Zoom out on Google Maps, and you will see names of islands inspired by bats, peacocks, cattle, and even sunsets! 

Our team of explorers returned absolutely enchanted by this trek. We can understand the reason why: On the first day of the trek, you hop on the back of a gypsy and start your trek from Zero Point. This jungle safari offers you many facets of experience. It takes you from visuals of the longest earthen dam in the world to the stillness of a dry deciduous forest.

On the second day, you get ready to hop on a boat from the Bat Island. At this juncture, you could be wondering why the place is called an island if it is connected to the mainland? We were surprised by this too! During the monsoon, the path that you came trodding on will disappear due to rising water levels. Doesn’t this fact make you wonder about the countless mysteries that lie submerged in the vast backwaters of the dam? 

After you take a long boat ride with nothing but water and small islands in sight, you arrive at your camp for the night. The cattle island. An island with very interesting inhabitants and history. We’ll circle back to this. 

Come evening, when the sun dips below the horizon, casting its final glow across the water, the vastness of the Hirakud reservoir will become strikingly apparent. 

Visiting Debrigarh is not unique. But trekking on its trails definitely is! As you make your way through bamboo thickets and dense canopy, you are constantly reminded of the diverse flora and fauna of this region. Be on the lookout to spot the paw prints of endangered species of wolves and tigers. Walking beside the backwaters is a joy for birdwatchers and photographers. The sheer variety of fauna you will spot on this trek will leave you trembling in awe. 

An island hopping trek like this is very rare. Combine this with a safari and trek around the island, and it becomes a must do trek for anyone who wants to get introduced to nature. 

This fee includes everything from base camp to base camp.

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.

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 superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary 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. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id and medical certificate for entry at forest check posts on the trek. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp. 

➤Stay facility: Your two night stay in the wildlife sanctuary will be in a camping tent, where the men and women will have separate 3 person sharing tent. 

➤ Dustbin Free Campus: Do not bring any packaged food, tags from your new clothes or any waste with you. We follow a Dustbin Free Zone and No Wet Wipes Policy at our base camps in line with our spirit of Green Trails.

➤Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a Cloak Room facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack/suitcase/duffel bag or anything similar.). Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

Nitesh Kumar is the Chief Explorer and one of the Senior-most Trek Leaders at Indiahikes. He has led & explored the most famous treks across our country, like Bodpathri Meadows, Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, and Brammah Valley. He is also the mastermind behind the design of the Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek itinerary. Read what he has to say about the trek here.

What I like about the Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.   

Crocin (Paracetamol) – 6 tablets (fever)

Norflox TZ – 3 tablets (diarrhoea/ severe GI issue)

Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury

Our trek leaders carry a medical kit with them. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit. 

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and 2 (two) photocopies of government identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification. 

Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record.  The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate

Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate

Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.

If you’re trekking in the Debrigarh Sanctuary in March, the temperature during the day will be around 28 to 34 degrees and, at night the temperature will drop to 15 to 18 degrees. You will need to carry a minimum of one warm layer. 

Ensure you carry a pair of sandals, a poncho and full sleeve t-shirts and pants to have a comfortable trek.

Trekking shoes: Carry trekking shoes and not sports shoes. The trail will be slippery in several places and will require shoes with good grip and ankle support. You can watch this video to learn to choose the right trekking shoes. 

Backpack (40-45 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for the backpack is essential.

On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.

One layer of warm clothes: Carry one warm jacket or fleece for protection in the night. If your jacket is windproof then all the more better. 

Two trek pants: Carry light quick dry trek pants. One trek pant while trekking and an another pant inside the backpack. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.

Three t-shirts: You will wear one t-shirt while trekking and the rest two t-shirt inside your backpack. Carry light, full-sleeved t-shirts that prevent sunburns on the neck and arms. Let one of these be a dry-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day. 

Sandals: Carry sandals on this trek required on day four during the shore walk. Trekking shoes are required for the forest but have a handy pair of sandals to slip into.

Sunglasses: Sunglasses are mandatory. This is to protect you from the harsh winter sun.

Sun Cap: In the jungles, even though there is heavy tree cover, the harsh sun can dehydrate you very quickly. A sun cap comes in handy to prevent the moisture to escape when you are sweating. 

Socks (4 pairs):  Your normal cotton/ sport socks are good, but make sure they are all high ankle socks

Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory + extra Batteries.

Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole. 

Ponchos: In a jungle, unexpected rain is possible at any time, and hence it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that you don’t get wet.

Toiletries: Sunscreen, light towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. We do not like biodegradable wet wipes because they take a long time to decompose in the mountains. Use toilet paper instead.

Sanitary waste: Make sure you bring your used sanitary napkins back to the city with you. Carry a zip lock bag to put used napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose of sanitary napkins in the mountains.

Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their cutlery for hygiene reasons. We do not allow biodegradable or disposable cutlery on our treks.

Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.

We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools. 

The Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary trek comes under easy-moderate category and is a 3-day trek, the fitness requirement is different than our traditional Himalayan treks. 

While we suggest running as the best exercise to get fit for the trek, being able to brisk walk 5 km under 45-50 minutes should be sufficient to do the trek comfortably. Share your fitness screenshot in the WhatsApp group with your experience coordinator once you register for the trek. 

How to achieve this fitness? 

Start with walking at least 4 days a week 

If you cannot brisk walk/jog 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.

Once you’re able to reach 5 km, increase your pace day by day. 

Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 45 mins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Trekkers share their experience with Indiahikes

As industry leaders, we have innovated and set safety standards in the trekking industry. Our people, our processes, and our equipment are what make Indiahikes the safest trekking organisation in India.

Complete the steps below to register for your Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

We go to great lengths to keep you safe on your trek. However, trekking with the safest organisation in India comes with certain commitments from your end. 

Eligibility Criteria for Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Island Camping Trek in the backwaters of the longest earthen dam in the world. Trek details, itinerary, cost, maps, available dates, Odisha Tourism, boat rides, Jungle Safari. 

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek, ODS, Orisha sanctuary trek, orrisha trek, sanctuary trek, wildlife sanctuary trek, 

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

SUITABLE FOR

If you are looking for a power-packed and thrilling summit climb, the Pangarchulla Peak trek offers just that. The summit point of the Pangarchulla Peak trek is situated at a challenging altitude of 15,069 ft.

To begin with, Pangarchulla is a 5-day trek (7 days when you include the travel days from Rishikesh). The trek starts from Auli near Joshimath in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Nanda Devi National Park. 

This trek is known for its summit climb. For anyone who has done this trek, that will be the first thing to recall about their trek. The summit day is for one very long. You climb over lots of boulders covered over snow, feeling your feet every step of the way.

While the summit climb in itself leaves you with a strong adrenaline rush, what adds to this experience is the mountain views you get from the top. All along the trek, you are accompanied by grand views of a big part of the Greater Himalayan Range. And at the summit, you are surrounded by them and they all stand so close to you.

And when you trek in March and April, they are filled with blooming Rhododendrons, providing colours to the already beautiful forest. Being in Khullara will transport you to a different world altogether.

Watch these videos to prepare for your Pangarchulla Peak trek.

Pangarchulla Peak - 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 superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Pangarchulla Peak 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. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

A route map of the Pangarchulla Peak trek

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- At the base camp, your stay will be arranged in lodges.

- On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent.

- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Anything beyond one luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

If you're planning your travel, choose to travel by bus instead of train. They're usually on time compared to trains. If you're travelling by train, choose a train to reach Haridwar a day before Day 1 of your trek, and take an auto-rickshaw or a shared taxi to reach Rishikesh on the same day. 

While returning, you will reach Rishikesh between 6.00 and 7.00 PM. Plan your travel any time after 9.00 PM from Rishikesh. Since there are no trains directly from Rishikesh, the Nanda Devi Express from Dehradun (about 45 km from Rishikesh) will suit your schedule well. 

Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the "Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking.

Here’s Sandhya talking about one of the well-known treks in our country.

Pangarchulla Peak trek is categorized as a difficult trek trek. At Indiahikes, we classify a trek as difficult if it fits the following criteria: 

– Challenging, uneven trails
– Goes over 15,000 ft
– Trekking hours can go up to 9 hours a day
– Few exit options
– Excellent cardiovascular fitness and prior high altitude trek experience are required  

We feel that the Pangarchulla Peak trek addresses all of these criteria. The trek reaches an altitude of 15,070 ft.  The summit day goes up to 12 hours of hard trek climbing up and down an altitude of 4,000 ft in a single day. The summit climb is challenging and has steep, uneven and exposed sections.

The last 4 hours of the summit climb are trekking on hard snow over boulders. It is extremely challenging, tiring and filled with tricky sections. It requires that you are sure-footed, always high on alert and carrying a lot of energy.

Apart from the first two days, the rest of the trek is marked with long days with a minimum of 8 hours trek each day. 

All of this makes the trek a difficult trek to do. Without prior high altitude trek experience and excellent physical preparation, this trek is almost impossible to do.

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of trek everyday, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

Pangarchulla Peak trek is accessible for only one month of the year — that is in April. This covers the Spring Season of the year.

The trek is not open during the other months of the year.  Before April, the trek has too much snow for the summit climb to be possible.

After April, the snow melts away leaving the route to the summit unsafe with exposed boulders. These boulders are big and have a lot of gaps between them, making traversing them quite challenging for any trekker. It is easily exhausting and very unsafe as well. Because of these reasons, the trek to the summit is best done before the snow melts away.

The month of April offers the right amount of snow for a successful climb to the Pangarchulla summit. Though the rest of the route is open for almost 8 months in a year, the summit climb is best done during this small window.

In April, it is proper Spring on the Pangarchulla trek. At this time, the snow is melting, giving way to lush meadows. The campsites are free of snow but there is plenty of deposited hard snow above 12,000 ft. This is the right amount of snow required for facilitating the summit climb.

Among other attractions is that April is also the season of flowers. You see meadows flowering and Rhodos blooming during this time.

In a nutshell, spring offers the best of both worlds — the perfect window for the summit climb and the time to see fresh blooms. This is the only time the trek is accessible and safe.

Presence of snow: You will find snow starting from Auli, all the way to the summit.

Day time temperature: Between 12 °C and 15 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to temperatures between 0 °C and -5 °C. 

No. of warm layers required: 5 warm layers

Why fitness matters on the Pangarchulla Trek

Pangarchulla is not an easy trek by any means. The summit push involves a continuous climb from wee hours such as 1 am to almost 10 or 11 am. That's 10 continuous hours of trekking at high altitudes, over snow and hard boulders. Not to mention, you're climbing to 14,000 ft., which is a very high altitude.

It requires fit legs and strong lungs to do this trek, which means you have to work on your fitness for at least two months before you step on the trail. 

Watch this video to know about how difficult the trek is and why fitness matters.

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader. 

Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Tapoban. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Pangarchulla Peak trek.

Dexamethasone (1 Strip): This is part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises. 

Nifedipine (5 tablets): Again part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.    

Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain

Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.

Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol. 

Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS. 

ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking.  Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.

Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.

Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.   

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.  

Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate

Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. 

Before you purchase any gear, make sure you visit the Crosstrek Rental store, where you can get custom-made high quality gear at 5% of the buying cost.

You can rent trekking shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear and headlamps for less than Rs 1400 for the entire duration of your trek. Visit our Crosstrek Rentals store here.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)

Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)

Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)

3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)

2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Sun cap, preferably with flaps (Available for purchase)

Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)

Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)

Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Poncho is available on rent)

Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)

Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)

Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug (Lunch box is available on rent)

Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water bottles are available on rent)

Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.

Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pangarchulla Peak

We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.

To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 10 km in under 60 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.

If you cannot run 10 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 2 km over 2-3 weeks.

Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day. 

Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 10 km in less than 60 mins.

You must be able to run 10 km in 60 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek. 

This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing. 

Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.

How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:

Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek. 

A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling 

Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek. 

At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking. 

Over 20,000 people trek with Indiahikes each year and vouch for our

Click Here For Frequently Asked Questions

Things Nobody Tells You About Pangarchulla Peak

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

As industry leaders, we have innovated and set safety standards in the trekking industry. Our people, our processes and our equipment are what make Indiahikes the safest trekking organisation in India.

Complete the steps below to register for your Pangarchulla Trek

We go to great lengths to keep you safe on your trek. However, trekking with the safest organisation in India comes with certain commitments from your end.

Eligibilty criteria for Pangarchulla Trek

Complete information on the Pangarchulla Peak trek. Trek details, experiences, maps, photos, videos, when to go, what to take, how difficult is the trek etc.

Pangarchulla Peak 2024 - A Challenging Summit Climb High on Adventure - Indiahikes

Pangarchulla Pangarchullah Pangerchulla Pangarchoola Pan Pang peak Panger PP

Trek to a lakeside hill near South Bangalore

Bananthimari Betta is a part of the lush Bananthimari Reserve Forest, 60 kilometres off Bangalore, near Kanakpura. In Kannada, Bananthi means ‘she, who is just borne with a child’ and Mari means ‘goddess.’ Women and families who are unable to bear children, come to the Bananthimari Temple which is located at the base of the hillock. To the locals, these twin hillocks are better known as Karadi Betta (Karadi - Bear, Betta - Hill).

The hillocks, mainly known to the locals, are relatively lesser known to the trekking world. The trek to the summit is a picturesque landscape through ancient lakes, lush forests and boulders, dating back to more than 50 million years. 

The path leading to the base of the hill crosses through villages and small settlements with farms growing vegetables and grains. You may even be greeted by the friendly village folk and their cattle on the way to the temple!

The Bananthimari Betta trek offers diverse landscapes, an experience catered to beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. Throughout the trail, you will witness a variety of bird, insect and plant species, making it one of the most gorgeous trails around Bangalore. 

Bananthimari Betta - Complete Trek Information 

Use this section to learn about the Indiahikes Kanakpura 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.

- You will be staying in tents overnight.

- Carry own cutlery : 1 tiffin box, tumbler (or just plate and cup if not planning to pack food for the trek)

1. This trek could either be very warm or cool and rainy, depending on the weather. Plan your gear according to the weather forecast. On sunny days, ensure you have a sun cap and wear full-sleeved t-shirts. In the event of rain, don't forget your rainwear. 

2. Start your drive well in advance so that you reach the campus on time. Factor in any traffic jams you may face in and around Bangalore. 

The Bananthimari Betta Trek can be divided into three sections.

Walk from Bananthimari Temple to First view point

A gentle ascent from the first view point to the second view point.

Trek from the second-view point to the peak.

Section I: Bananthimari Temple to First view Point.

The Bananthimari Amma Temple, located at the base of the hill, serves as the starting point for the trek. This temple is dedicated to Bananthimari Amma, a local goddess believed to bestow fertility. You might come across some locals performing pooja, or aarthi, at the temple.

Upon arriving at the temple, you can park your vehicle and commence your trek. The trail is well laid out with mostly eucaliptus and bamboo trees.

Another alternate start of the trek would be from Bananthimari Lake, which is located 300 meters before the temple, just beside the road. The lake, surrounded by rocky outcrops and eucalyptus trees, is itself a sight to behold. Once you start the trek, continue along the road to the temple. Watch out for various species of birds that flock to the lake for their feed.

After walking approximately 200 meters from the temple, you'll come across a pond on your right. Watch out for the reflection of the surrounding hillocks on the water.

Continue for another 70 meters, and you'll notice a path to your left. Opt for the left path. The path will lead you to a bunch of huge rocks and boulders. A few of these boulders look like caves. The whole section is filled with bamboo trees. We dont get such sections on other treks around Bangalore. Trekking on this path does not feel like a regular trek around Bangalore. The path is well laid out, with a few arrow marks to guide you.

After a steep ascent through the forest filled with boulders for about 10 minutes, you'll arrive at the first viewpoint. The place is a small clearing with views of the surrounding lakes. Watch out for various patterns on the rocks formed by millions of years of erosion and weathering.

Section 2: First View Point to Second View Point

Take a brief pause and then proceed along the trail until you arrive at the boulder section from the forest section. You'll need to maneuver your way through the boulders for about 10 minutes, which will lead you to the second viewpoint. The view point is filled with fallen rocks and cairns This vantage point provides a stunning perspective where you can view the nearby lakes and the rocky formations in the surroundings. The climb on the boulder can get tricky during the rainy season.

An ascent of 150 meters will lead you to flat land. It's worth noting that the clearing isn't a small, typical viewpoint; instead, it's a relatively spacious area. Take the time to explore the place, and in the far corner, you'll come across a rocky outcrop that marks the highest point.

Continue your walk along the clearing to the highest point. After walking for 5 minutes and a short descent of 10 meters, you will reach a small bamboo trail where you can take a break. Observe the silence, except for the occasional crawling of lizards or insects on the dry leaves scattered on the forest floor. Cross the section to reach a second boulder section with a short but steep ascent.

During the climb, you will feel like you have reached the summit. But once you reach the top, you will realize that the actual summit is another 50 meters away. Once you reach the peak, you will see a structure made of rocks.

From this elevated position, you'll have a panoramic view of tiny villages to your right, while to your left, you can admire the Bananthimari Reserve Forest. The surrounding peaks of Kabbala Durga and Bheemana Kindi are also visible. 

Even during the coldest months of December, January, and February this region is fairly hot, hitting temperatures of around 25 - 28° C during the day. 

The nights are pleasant at around 15 – 22° C. 

You would only need one jacket and a poncho for early mornings or in case of rain. 

Spring treks

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