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