Trek to Skandagiri betta

At the outset, I start with pranams to Jagadguru His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal, the ruling and 36th Pontiff of Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetham for everyone’s welfare and continued prosperity.

Trek to Skandagiri hills – 19th Nov-2011

We ( Sundaresan, Srinivas and Prashanth) planned our next trek to Skandagiri hills. This time, we decided to try our hand on a difficult trek and chose Skandgiri. Our objective was clearly to achieve good speed in climbing on a difficult mountain terrain and reaching the summit with short stops for rest. (of course, not compromising on safety) . Scenic photographs may be missing in this blog edition!

Skandagiri betta

Skandgiri is about 70 Kms from Bangalore and and one point of time served as a hill fortress of Tippu Sultan and before him a local chieftain. This is part of the Nandi hill ranges and stands top most on the scenic view. We started from Bangalore at 5:00 AM and reached Skandgiri by 6:10 AM.

After parking our vehicle on the base of the temple, we decided to take the difficult route to the top of the hills. ( There are 2 routes from the base). As we wanted to clock some good speed and have adventure, we choose the difficult route ( one towards the left of the temple) wherein the terrain is more steeper and challenging.

Paths of Glory : The route we took

We started our climb with a small prayer and slowly but steadily started our ascent. With just about 20 mins of climb, we saw breath taking view of the village below disappear in a ocean of white milky clouds. . A picture perfect setting created by nature!



Village covered by White Milky clouds



On the way, we saw the Sunrise and proceeded further.

Sunrsie - As viewed from the 200m from the base of hills

All through the climb, the top of the hill is visible. We divided the climb into 5 stages and every time we have completed ascending a small hill the next one unfolds herself and invites you to conquer her. On the way a couple of shelters erected (probably used as watch towers by the erstwhile rulers) can be prominently seen. Do take care not to disturb them or lean on them, as these structures are completely worn out with the ravages of time and weather.

The Pathway to the Summit !

We reached the top within 1 hr and 35 mins. Definitely, we have clocked good speed considering the average!!. On reaching the top, one can still the remnants of the old forts in dilapidated condition. On the top an old temple constructed out of stone slabs still stands guard.

Nature @ her best : A View from the top

The scenic view from the top of the hills was just enchantingly beautiful. After taking few photographs we started the descend.



On the Summit : L-R: Srinivas, Sundaresan and Prashanth

Trying our hand at Photography: Spot the Moon behind !!


On our way, we visited Muddennahalli village the birth place of the legendary Sir.M.Visweswaraih, one of the India's most accomplished engineers. We paid our homage to one of the leading sons of Indian soil. As we marveled and talked about his achievements, we were humbled by his simplicity and humility. The visit was definitely a nostalgic one

We left Bangalore by 5:00 AM and were back in Bangalore by 12:00 noon.

Some helpful tips for enthusiasts wanting to explore this place:

1) Skandagiri hills – 70 Kms from BLR on the Bellary highway. Take a left on the National highway and Proceed towards Nandi hills. At Karahalli junction take the Right turn (left turn goes to Nandi hills) towards Muddanahalli village and on reaching the village Muddanahalli take the route towards viallge Kalvarahalli…( Ask anybody Skandagiri and they will guide you)

2) There are 2 routes, for beginners and 1st timers the route towards the right of the temple and Mutt is recommended. The one towards left is recommended for experienced climbers.

3) Difficulty rating: Medium to moderately difficult. There are thorny bushes in many places and take care to cover yourself properly. In some stretches steps are carved in rocks to assist climbers

4) In Some places the mountain terrain is very steep and slippery. Ensure that you wear good shoes with proper grip.

5) If you plan to spend some time at the top, a wind sheeter will be handy as it would be very windy and chilly on the top.

6) It takes approximately 2hr and 30 mins from the foot of hills to reach the top.

7) If you are attempting night trekking, take the help of locals for assistance. Ensure that you bargain well on the fees demanded!

8) Park you Cars/Bike near the temple entrance. It is safe to park your vehicles here.

Trek to Shivagange Betta

At the outset, I start with pranams to Jagadguru His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal, the ruling and 36th Pontiff of Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetham for everyone’s welfare and continued prosperity

We completed this trek in Sept’2011 and I just found time now, to upload this article in the blog.

"Team work demands a level of understanding of which no words are said! Just a look and the other person automatically responds to your call."

The stress levels in office was increasing and we decided to unwind ourselves and wanted some more fun. On popular demand, the next trek to Shivagange betta was organized.

A Scenic View of Shivagange betta surrounded by a veil of clouds

Shivagange Betta is around 56 Kms from BLR on the BLR-Tumkur highway. Most of the trek is on a flat track and the final leg of the journey is very steep with steps carved in rocks to make it easy for the climber.



Statue of Lord Shiva @ the bottom of of the Hills

Our start time got delayed as one of the team members arrived late and we took a conscious call, not leave any team member behind.The drive to Shivagange Bette was pleasant. Most of it was on highways proceeding towards Tumkur. After about 15 Kms from the Nelamangala toll gate watch out for the diversion toward Shivagange village and proceed on the Village road. Once we got off the highways and onto the narrow village road, we could easily make out our destination (mountain surrounded by clouds). Both sides of the road had fields. As we neared the village, there was a small entrance. The vehicles were parked at the base of the mountain near the temple entrance.



Majestic Nandi @ the bottom of Shivagange betta

Finally the ascend began. After winding our way through the temple steps, we encountered a majestic Nandi at the bottom of the hills, carved out a solo rock. One more would await us at the top of the Shivagange hills who is of equal size and grandeur. We marveled at the ability of our ancient sculptors to have left brilliant masterpieces that has stood the test of time for our, and next generations to come by.

There were lot of Monkeys all though our climb and they were very eager to snatch away our belongings.As we moved on one of the monkey jumped onto our colleague’s bag, hoping to find some food; These smart monkeys had learnt to open zips and steal food; as we learned shortly and shockingly as well!



Snatch & Search : Monkey searching the bag after snatching from a Pilgrim

The range of vision was steadily increasing as we started gaining altitude.Around midway there is a cave filled with lake, sort of an underground lake. The lake extended slightly out of the cave. It is believed, and the locals had a legend, that if you bend and touch your feet while looking at the reflection of your face in water, your wishes will come true.[ More of an yogasana]

Team members Resting near 'Olakku Theertha' & practicing yogasana

The brand of monkeys in the latter part were even more audacious and were adept in opening the zips of our backpacks. The initial part of the trek had steps, after that there were none until the last leg of climb. We had reached at the last leg and we felt this was going to be a piece of cake (because of the stairs), well we couldn’t have been more mistaken! The steps were small, narrow and steep. We were lucky that these were not slippery and that there were railings on both sides, for at times the climb was almost vertical and there was no way to climb without the support of the railings.



A Step forward in evolution: A monkey removing the zip of backpack

 So it was many a puffing and panting later that we were finally at the peak. On the peak there is another huge Nandi .

The serenity and scenery of at the peak was just enchantingly beautiful. One could see for miles in any direction. We sat there talking, chatting and taking group photos in the beauty for some time.

Our team @ the Summit

 The downward journey seemed to be an equally daunting task due to the steepness. After reaching the base, we waited for everyone to gather and started our journey back home after a fantastic and challenging climb.

Some helpful tips for enthusiasts wanting to explore this place:

1) Shivagange Betta – 56 Kms from BLR on the Tumkur highway. After about 15 Kms from the Nelamangala toll gate watch out for the diversion toward Shivagange village and proceed on the Village road. There are adequate sign boards

2) To see : 'Shiva' temple @ its foothills and a holy spring (called 'Olakallu Theertha', meaning water inside the rocks) en route to the peak. The peak has a big Nandi.

3) Difficulty rating: Easy to Medium . Most of the trek is a flat track as well as steps carved in rocks to easily climb

4) It takes approximately 1hr and 30 mins from the foot of hills to reach the statue of Nandi. Start the trek early in the morning (By 7:00 AM), so that you do not get Sun burns, and be very light with your back-packs.

5) There are lot of monkeys and the evolution has provided them intelligence to the level of opening your bags.

6) Park you Cars/Bike near the temple entrance. It is safe to park your vehicles here.

For many of the colleagues this was their first trek and all of us felt that this is just the beginning of many more beautiful trips to come!