Phone📱ringing... "Hello'..
"Hi Angela, are you coming to the Bilikal betta trek?" said a voice at the other end. "Uhh, Yeah, sure, sure". I replied. It was almost 7am, it's the first time that I had overslept on a trekking day. Arun the trek coordinator gave me the address where we would meet. In 40 mins I got ready, tied my shoelaces, a hot cuppa of tea with bread and butter, got my backpack together and dashed down the road and, and on to the pickup location.
It was past 8 am, and guess what~ I was not the only one late. A group of 3 more trekkers met us 20mins later. Arun broke the ice and started a nice informal chat that put me at ease. "So we're a small group this time.. ha ha" he said.
Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta trek highlights
Trek start point~ Konala Doddi
Trail distance~ total 6 kms climb/ 3 hrs one way
Altitude~ 1152 m
Terrain~ shrub forest with nice trail, not tricky, but continuous climb
Level~ Easy to Moderate
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The Kanakpura hills in the distance, a view from the peak of Bilikal Betta, KARNATAKA |
Bilikal betta also known as Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is most definitely an Offbeat Trekking trail about 65 km/ 2 hrs drive on the Kanakpura road. This hill gets its name from the Rangaswamy temple located at the peak.
Unfortunately, but as expected we got caught up in slow-moving traffic till the city limits, and then it was easy. Roundabouts Art of Living (Kanakpura road), we halted for breakfast, and then continued onward to Harohalli, from there we took a diversion till Doddamaralavadi, and further 12-13 kms to Konala Doddi.
Planning to do this trek on your own?
Getting here by public transport~ there are buses from Bangalore's Majestic bus stand to Harohalli. OR Bangalore to Kanakapura. Thereafter engage local transport like autos/ cabs till Konala Doddi. Although the trail is fairly clear; at the village near the trekking start point, one can still engage a local guide to be on the safe side.
Tip~ There are two routes to reach the peak~ 1) Uphill hiking trail 2) Road
Enchanting forest but Unforgiving climb
Bilikal betta is a forest reserve. And while the overall vegetation comprises a moderately dense forest, its beauty lies in the unique fir-like shrubs that abound here. The shrubs could possibly be the diet for a thriving elephant population in this forest~ just as the shola grasslands of Chembra peak.
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| The beautiful Shrub forest of Bilikal betta |
Tip~ this is a protected forest and largely elephant territory. Trekking can be done only Sat and Sun after prior permission.
The trail no doubt is interesting and fun; but strenuous~ as it's an unforgiving continuous climb till the peak. After a quick photo-ops, we began the climb and thoroughly enjoyed it for a long way, stopping by to catch our breath, sip some water, chat and exchange stories.
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| Bilikal Rangasamy betta trek trail |
We were the only group of 5 on this trail. "Since this is an Offbeat trek, then how come the trail looks so well-trod?" I asked Arun. He replied, "That's because scores of locals climb up to the Rangaswamy temple during festival season." The sun 🌞 was shining brightly now, and the shrubs hardly offered any shade. As the climb progressed the heat got more and more unbearable, and we constantly kept on the lookout for a big tree where we could wait awhile under the shade.
When it felt too much, I raised my eyes to Mr & Mrs Swamy (the couple in their near 70s ) for inspiration. They had done a Himalayan trek before, and this one would help them build up stamina for another Himalayan trek they were planning shortly. On the other hand I had only trekked the Western ghats.
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| A sense of the oppressing heat while trekking Bilikal betta, KARNATAKA |
Tip~ Avoid getting kids along for this trek, as it's quite strenuous.
The trail was strewn with elephant dung and in most cases fresh dung, further adding to my panic. I wondered what would happen if we encountered elephants? We all got discussing now on what to do, if that happened... but sadly nothing came out of the discussion. Arun mentioned this trek is best done at night so one can reach the peak at sunrise. But I shuddered at the thought of wild elephants and any animals lurking in the dark. Still the thought of elephants climbing up and down this hill was incredible.
Tip~ carry sufficient water and snacks as nothing is available, but keep the backpack light.
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| It seemed like a never ending climb at Bilikal betta trek (Kanakpura) KARNATAKA |
It seemed like a never ending climb as the glistening sun was striking our eyes and dehydration set in. It literaLLy felt like I was struggling to stretch my hand out to an oasis in a scorching desert. I had drunk so much water by now and still needed more. "But drinking too much water can increase one's body weight and may make the pace slower. " said Mr.Swamy, still full of verve and upbeat.
I dragged myself gradually for a good while longer, even my brain was shutting down (or so I felt)... Jeez 🥺 when I think about it now! But with incredible support from Arun and Mr.Swamy I calmed down, took breaks but continued the climb until the peak.
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| Almost there... Bilikal Rangaswamy betta trek highlights |
Luckily, we didn't meet any wandering elephants. Also, I didn't spot a single treacherous gradient to trigger my fear of heights. So that was a good thing!
At the peak of Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta
We were greeted by a giant boulder in the shape of a whale and beside it the temple of Sri Rangaswamy. Infact, Matsya which means 'fish' in Sanskrit is one of the 10 avatara (incarnations) of Vishnu ie. Sri Rangaswamy and this rock is so apt.
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| The whale shaped boulder atop Bilikal Rangaswamy betta peak |
There is a simple house, where the temple priest resides. The view of nearby Kanakapura hills from here is just amazing. It was 4 pm and too early for sunset, so we spent a great deal of time resting, snacks and drinks passed around. And lastly another photo-ops session to end the day.
Conclusion for Bilikal betta trek
1) This trek is best done during winter months.
2) Start early in the morning, even if it means staying overnight at the village prior to trekking day.
3) An early start will give you adequate time to take regular breaks, so one can enjoy the forest and make it far less strenuous.
A sense of accomplishment
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| Finally at the peak, What a sense of accomplishment completing Bilikal betta trek (Kanakpura) |
On our return, since the car was waiting for us at the peak, we opted for a road trip back to Bangalore...
Hope to enjoyed reading this blog! Your comments will be appreciated. Thanks!
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