Ramadevara Betta, Tumkur

 Place: Ramadevara Betta, Tumkur, Karnataka

Distance: 70 km from Bangalore (103 km from my place)

Type: Trekking

Ideal for: Adventure Trekkers

Trek Difficulty: Medium

Trek Length: 3.9 kilometres on one side

Trek Duration: 2.5 hours for ascending

 Ramadevara Betta located approximately 103 kilometers from Electronic City, Bangalore, is a captivating hilltop destination. We embarked on our journey early in the morning, departing at 5:30 AM and reaching our destination by 7:45 AM.

 Situated adjacent to Kyatsandra, a suburb of Tumkur, Ramadevara Betta offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It is easily visible from NH4 and lies approximately 1 kilometre from Sri Siddagana Mutt. The elevation of Ramadevara Betta is around 3900 feet above sea level.

Upon arrival, we parked our tempo traveller at the Goshala parking lot and set off on the trail leading to the hilltop. After consulting the internet, we discovered that there are multiple paths to the summit. To ensure we were on the correct route, we sought guidance from a couple of Goshala workers, who kindly directed us towards the most suitable trail.

We Started at 8.05 am, the first half of the trek winds through a narrow lane enveloped by lush greenery, guarded by thorny and prickly plants. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous Monkey Tamarind plants, notorious for their extreme itchiness upon contact. These plants also produce many medium-sized red swollen bumps along with itching. Despite their unpleasant side effects, Monkey Tamarind plants possess agricultural and horticultural value and are utilized in herbalism.

The second half of the trek presents a greater challenge, involving the ascent over large boulders and rocks. We discovered a few flat areas surrounded by massive boulders where we could enjoy our snacks.

In the third phase, we traversed through bamboo groves followed by a grassland studded with sharp, needle-like thorns that pierced through our pants and even our shoes and socks. Subsequently, we encountered a series of enormous boulders, small caves, and ponds.

Finally, after a few pit stops we reached the mountain's summit through the entrance to an open space with a fort-like structure.

 

This open space houses a Shiva temple. Thanks to the favourable weather conditions, and our fortunate timing in visiting during the ideal season, the cool and gentle breeze complemented the serene silence of nature, making the experience truly worthwhile. We all remarked and agreed that this place resembles Jannat, a paradise.

 Perched atop the hill, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Despite our efforts, we were unable to uncover any information about the temple's history. No priest or resident was present at the summit, and even the Goshala worker possessed limited knowledge about its origins. The temple grounds encompass a flat expanse, offering breathtaking scenic vistas in all directions.

    

From this vantage point, I could clearly glimpse the NH4, Railway tracks, the town of Tumkur, two or three sizable lakes, Nijagal Betta, Mandaragiri, Shivagange Hill, and Devarayana Durga. The spectacle was truly captivating.

As the sun reached its peak at 12:30 PM, we commenced our descent trek. As expected, the downhill journey was less strenuous, although we once again encountered thorny and prickly bushes and grassland. We briefly paused a few times before reaching the foot of the hill. The Goshala worker who had guided us was awaiting our return. After reaching an agreement on an initial payment of INR 100, we got on our adventure. However, upon the conclusion of our trek, we expressed our heartfelt gratitude for the Goshala worker's assistance and guidance and rewarded him with an additional INR 300 as a token of our appreciation for his kindness and helpfulness.

 Here's a summary of your trip:

 Distance: Approximately 103 km from Electronic City, Bangalore

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (5:30 AM to 7:45 AM)

Elevation: 3900 feet above sea level

Starting Point: Goshala parking lot

Trail: Narrow lane surrounded by natural vegetation, followed by a path with boulders and rocks

Highlights: Panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, town of Tumkur in the distance

 It's great to know that Ramadevara Betta is a relatively easy trek with stunning views, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Bangalore.