One day trek to Rangaswamy Betta - [15th March 2014]
-
House Full
A two-hour long drive from Bengaluru, and then a
left turn off of the Kanakapura road, takes you to Rangaswamy betta a.k.a.
Bilikal betta (meaning, ‘The White Hill’ in Kannada). Belonging to the forest
reserve, the Hill is covered in shrub forest (short trees, bamboo and bush) that
are characteristic to high hills. Every once a year, pilgrims from the
surrounding area climb this hill to celebrate a festival at the Ranganathaswamy
temple at the top. The path they have been tracing over the years has become a
regular trekking trail.
The entrance of the trail is reached by vehicle, starting from where you will
enter the forest on foot. The trail begins with a half kilometre walk on a
relatively level path, after which the forest becomes denser and the gradient of
slope increases drastically. The trail constantly winds uphill at an incline,
and includes slightly steep stretches where one is forced to climb on all fours,
as well as short sections that level out to give a brief relief. These act as
viewpoints that give you a great vista of the landscape and also opportunity to
monitor your progress.
The trail finally opens out onto the summit (at 1552 m) which is basically a
large flat field with the Ranganathaswamy temple to the left. The temple is
built under a massive granite boulder which also doubles up as its roof. From
here, you get a 360 degree view of the geography in that area. Different hills
in the the Kanakapura range, including Kabbaladurga, Savandurga can all be seen
from here. If on an overnight trek, catching the sunrise on the east makes for a
highly photogenic moment.
Reasons for this being a great trek for the casual trekker* are
twofold,
1. The Hill, makes a very good ‘transitional’ trek for a beginner hoping to do
more challenging treks (2-day events) in the future.
2. Its close proximity to Bengaluru (63 kilometers) makes it very accessible for
said trekker.
*Caution:
-Please don't register if you are very unfit or suffer from weak joints. This
event requires basic fitness and a decent amount of stamina.
Copyright (c) 2013 Bangalore Mountaineering Club. All Rights Reserved
Distance: From Bangalore: 60kms
Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate
Tentative
Schedule:
Saturday 15th March 2014
06:30AM
Pick up from BMC, Shivaji
nagar
06:45AM Pickup from New Shanti Sagar Hotel, Domlur
07:00AM Pickup From Lifestyle, Magrath Road (Near Garuda Mall)
Have breakfast on the way and pack lunch
Start Trekking to Rangaswamy betta, Reach peak, explore. Have packed lunch
Trek down and Depart to Bangalore
Have tea coffee on the way back
08:30PM Reach Bangalore
Note: Drop points will be the same as
pick-up points.
To
Carry:
-
Personal medication (if any)
- One strong backpack
- Water bottles (enough to carry at least 2 liters of water)
- Energy Food (Chocolate bars, flavored milk, Electrolyte drinks - Glucon-D,
etc)
- Light-coloured full arm clothes (preferable)
- Sports shoes (for better grip)
- Camera
- Rain coat (Highly suggested)
Read our
Cancellation
Policy, just in case you have to cancel participation
Read our
Refund Policy, in case
we are forced to cancel this event.
Important points to be noted
before registering
Participation
Fees: Rs.950.00
Above
charges includes: Transport, 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, Evening Snacks, First- aid
kit, safety gears, Instructor and miscellaneous
Payment options:
Click
here to see various methods of making payment for BMC
event registration
For any
clarification email us at
[email protected] or call on 9611102222
BMC Office Address :
Please transfer the Participation fees before you register