My solo visit to the Channagiri Betta Trek Start Point was an exhilarating experience. This trek is one of the lesser-known gems in Karnataka, offering breathtaking views, a moderately challenging trail, and an opportunity to connect with nature away from the city’s hustle.
The Good: Scenic Location: The start point itself is surrounded by lush greenery, giving a hint of the beautiful journey ahead. Adventure-Ready: The trail promises a mix of rocky terrain, forested patches, and open landscapes, making it ideal for trekkers seeking variety. Moderate Difficulty: The trek is challenging enough for adventure enthusiasts but manageable for beginners with decent fitness levels. Peaceful Ambiance: Unlike more popular treks, Channagiri Betta sees fewer crowds, making it a peaceful start to a rewarding adventure. Accessibility: The trek start point is relatively easy to locate with GPS and is well-connected to nearby towns and Bengaluru. The Challenges: Limited Signage: The trek start point lacks clear signs, which can make navigation tricky, especially for first-time visitors. No Facilities: There are no restrooms, water points, or eateries at the start point, so trekkers must come fully prepared. Steep Initial Stretch: The beginning of the trail is quite steep, which might be daunting for some. Weather Dependency: The trail can get slippery and risky during the monsoon season, requiring extra caution. Mobile Network Issues: Signal reception at the start point and on the trail can be inconsistent, so plan accordingly. Suggestions for Future Visitors: Start Early: Begin your trek early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and catch the sunrise from the summit. Prepare Essentials: Carry plenty of water, snacks, a first aid kit, and trekking shoes with good grip. Download Maps: Offline maps or GPS coordinates are essential due to limited mobile network availability. Travel in Groups or Inform Someone: Solo trekking can be risky on lesser-marked trails; inform someone about your plans or consider joining a group. Avoid Monsoon Season: For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid trekking during heavy rains. Final Thoughts: The Channagiri Betta Trek Start Point marks the beginning of an adventure filled with natural beauty and rewarding views. While some logistical aspects need improvement, the trek’s charm lies in its serenity and off-the-beaten-path appeal.
My solo visit to Channagiri Betta left me with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection with nature. It’s a must-visit for trekking enthusiasts seeking a quiet yet...
Read moreAs a first time trekker, I went with a small group of amateur trekkers. We were at the base by 5 am and at the summit by 8. It was the perfect time to be on top as the mist set in and weather was a "beautiful" Cold. Spent over an hour on top just enjoying and soaking every moment. Theres a little temple and a tank (step well) with a room behind it. People keep a fire burning, so that was good warmth from the intense cold. Of course we took a lot of breaks, fairly long ones at each of the flats, since we wanted to do it at a relaxed pace. With lowered visibility and no signs, the entire trek was like a little puzzle. Some learnings from my first trek Never wear shorts. Always long pants. The deciduous foliage can scrape your arms and legs. A pullover, jacket for the cold too. Do not purchase the trekking boots from Decathlon like almost every newbie trekker. They are not suitable for monsoon treks in and around Bangalore as the stony surfaces are slippery and these don't grip well. A regular sport shoe is best. Works well even when climbing down. Hydrate well - Keep lots of water and electrolytes. Stack up on food that helps build energy and take regular breaks. Bananas, energy bars, dates et al. There are no provisions for toilets or drinking water along the way or on top. So, be creative and conservative. No dustbins anywhere. So prepare with your own carry bin / disposal bag. Do not litter the area. Let us try and protect what we have. A lot of treks, like this one require prior permission from the forest dept authority. This one's suitable if you plan to take your furry friend as clear steps have been laid for most of the trail.
All in all one of the best experiences with nature. Just realise what I have been missing all...
Read moreIt's a small village sultan pette from where we started our trekking. few meters after passing the village there is a right turn which will take you straight towards the chennagiri base point from where the actual trek will start. On the way to base point you can see grapes garden which will tell you that you are on the right path. Now about the trek, it's a easy trek anybody can do from age 8 to 55 years. Before starting the trek everyone must take the permission from the forest officers or rangers, otherwise later if you caught they will put huge penalties on you, so get the permisfirst. Once you reach to the last camp site where boulders can be seen, then after that actual dense first will start. To reach to the peak you have to take right turn at 10 O'clock and then go through the forest, here stairs are available, so it won't make the trek difficult. But be careful from insects while passing through the jungle. Once you reach to the top, it's a mesmerizing view and definitely you love it....
Read more