Bananthimari Betta Trek

Bananthimari betta aka Maribetta aka Karadibetta is one of the less explored hills in the vicinity of Bangalore. I had always wanted to trek here but found very less reliable information on the place. A week ago, when my colleague Sharath and I were planning on a trek during the long weekend, this was an obvious choice. As the day of trek approached (3rd September), we were joined by 10 other people. 

Last evening, I had a tough time finding a descent blog that could direct us properly up to  the summit of Bananthimari Betta. Several of them had gone lost while trekking here and some seem to have taken a different route along with some organised trekking groups. So, with an open mind to explore, I set off on the journey today. I had decided that if at all we make it to the top, I would try to provide a detailed direction for future independent trekkers.

The group gathered near NICE road junction on Kanakapura road and proceeded towards Kanankapura. At Kanakapura, we stopped at the famous, but crowded Vasu hotel for breakfast. This place is famous for its delicious Masala dosa. However, at 6:30AM, they were not available. So, we settled in for some hot Idlys. 

A group of elders, gathered outside the restaurant, gave us some directions towards the base of the hill. However, they suggested that I keep checking with the locals regularly so that we don't miss the route. Apparently, there are multiple routes that lead you to different sides of Bananthimari betta. Also, the hill can be viewed on the right as you enter Kanakapura while driving from Bangalore. The closest route to the base is via  Kanakapura-Ramanagara road. This road is is listed on google maps. If you take this route, you might have to walk through the valley to get to the trail which actually begins at the temple. We took the temple route. It is better to take this route and follow my directions. (Checkout the video at the end of this post).

Directions From Kanakapura to Bananthimari Temple - 

Take the Kanakapura-Malavalli route (Also called Sathanuru road). At the Y junction after Kanankapura town, take the road on your right. Follow the google maps or take the right turn near a public school on this road. 

Keep driving for about 6 kms to view the temple arch on your right. In case of doubt, check with the locals for guidance. The road through the arch takes you into a village and you will find signboards all through the route.  

The roads get really bad as you approach the temple. We had to park our cars at about half a kilometre before the temple. Bikes can manage to ride upto the temple.

Directions From the Temple to Bananthimari betta Summit - 

As you climb up and reach a flat region, you will find the temple on your left. 

On your right is a trail that actually connects the valley to the temple. Take that trail. 

A few distance on this wide trail, you shall see a small pond on your right. On one of the rocks, is a small shrine for Nandi.

As soon as you cross this pond, you will find a rock on your left , with an arrow mark (Was red, but it's yellow now) pointing left. This can be easily missed, so pay attention!

If you miss this arrow mark, you shall reach a huge tree. At the base of this tree, you shall see some "trishul" and pooja material left behind by the devotees. If you get there then just return back to find the arrow mark.

So, as soon as you cross the pond, on a small rock, you shall find an arrow mark pointing leftwards. This arrow leads you up into the forest and you shall soon see another arrow mark on a rock above. Then on, just follow the markings. The markings can also be simply a dot on a rock and at times, they could be hidden behind the bushes. But once you are on this track, I think you are good to go. You can find some way or the other up the hill. 

Our Story - 

We assembled at the temple at around 8:00 AM and took the trail. Based on one of the blogs, we headed towards the route that we assumed to be the trail. But that blog was misleading and it took us to a small hill on the right side of Maribetta. But we realised it very soon and returned back to the tree (Mentioned earlier). It was very clear, observing the hill that we could only climb it from the back side. That is, from the side of the temple. We explored some route near the tree but had no luck. We decided to head back to the temple and see if there were any other trails leading us towards the back of the hill and as we reached the pond, we saw this arrow mark on the rock. That was a relief. 

Once we were on the trail, the trek seemed extremely easy. The initial climb is steep and first time trekkers may find it difficult. But for regular trekkers, this is an easy or a moderate trek. As you gain height, the trail gets simpler and you walk towards the pointed end of Bananthimari betta.

Bananthimari Betta was filled with beautiful wild flowers. The lush green surroundings made this climb refreshing. It took us less than an hour to get to the summit. At the summit, we relaxed for about an hour. There are a few cave formations on the hill that could be explored. 

We began our descent at around 10:45 AM. The return to the base was even more quicker. We arrived at this small cave on our way back.

Back at the village, the locals were busy setting the Cocoon stands (Chandrike) or working in the fields. It was a pleasant morning. 

At Kanakapura, we stopped again at Vasu Hotel and still had no luck with the Masala dosa. So, we deicded to head back to Bangalore and have lunch at A2B. The town was getting ready for Ganesha Festival and the Idols were on display all along.

Bananthimari Betta is a short but thrilling trek. I am very glad that we spotted the markings on time, else it could have been extremely challenging to find a way up this hill. A trek to Bananthimari betta post monsoon would be ideal. The views are great with lush surroundings and beautiful seasonal blooms. The weather was perfect on this day, with the sun hiding behind the clouds. It was also a great experience trekking with my colleagues as everyone was energetic and enthusiastic - willing to explore the unknown. 

Here is the film on Bananthimari betta trek -