Located in the Kaiwara National Park in the Chintamani taluk of Chikballapur district, the Kaiwara betta is a lesser-known hiking trail near Bangalore, Karnataka. The trail also goes by its former name, Ekachakrapura. This particular hilltop is where the well-known Kaiwara Thathayya or Sri Yogi Kaiwara Narayana Thathayya who is a bilingual Poet and a devotee of Lord Amara Narayana meditated. Naturally, this place is of spiritual importance to pilgrims.
If you are a trekker or an adventure seeker, we highly recommend that you do not miss this hiking trail. The trail is home to stunning views, and untouched landscape and the trail as such is a calm & serene journey uphill among nature.
Keep reading this blog to ensure you are well prepared to hike the Kaiwara betta by yourselves.
Kaiwara Betta Hiking Guide
Table of Contents
Network Availability
Airtel and BSNL provide moderate to good cellular reception throughout the trail. Jio connectivity is fickle at best.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available 5 Km away from the base of the trek. Given that the booking is done online prior to the trek, cash is not a mandatory requirement, but, it is good to carry some.
Languages Spoken
The regional language, Kannada, is the only language spoken by the locals. The forest department officials speak English & Hindi.
Parking Availability
There are no dedicated parking spaces. But you can park along the side of the road beside the forest entry gate.
Restroom Facilities
Well-maintained public restrooms are available near the rabbit cage. However, once the trek starts, you are entirely dependent on nature.
Best Time To Visit
Although the Kaiwara Betta can be hiked throughout the year, during summer, we advise you to start the trek as early as 6 AM as it becomes increasingly hot and humid as the day goes by.
How To Reach Kaiwara Betta From Bangalore?
By Train
The Chintamani railway station (station code: CMY, 11 Km) is the nearest. The place is not well connected to the railway station, and we recommend that you do not consider trains as an option.
By Road
There are no direct frequent BMTC or KSRTC buses available to reach Kaiwara. The best way to get to the Kaiwara Betta is by road using personal/hired transport.
Click here for the forest entry ticket counter location. Read further to know the hiking route and hike starting point.
Where To Eat?
There is only one snack shop available in close proximity to the entry gate. Restaurants can be found about 5 Km near the Kaiwara cross.
Drinking water is available near the rabbit cage inside the tree park. You can refill your water bottles before and after the hike.
Things To Do In Kaiwara Betta
Nearby villagers make frequent visits to the tree park and temples nearby, and this place is gaining gradual popularity as a trekking site.
Kaiwara Tapovana Tree Park
Although we went for the trek, we could not skip visiting the Kaiwara Tree Park. The park is very clean and well-maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department. This place is the ideal leisure spot for families and kids, and it is home to a few animals and birds including rats, peacocks, rabbits, and deer. There is also a children’s park. Few unique trees and foliage can be found with sign boards describing them.
Entry Fee: Rs.10 per adult
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
The Thathayya Cave Temple
Located just one Km away from the Kaiwara Tree Park, the Thathayya cave temple is a popular pilgrimage site among the locals. This beautiful ancient temple honoring Kaiwara Thathayya and Lakshmi Narasimhar is decorated with white marble and numerous idols welcoming you along the way. The idol sculptures make this place worth a visit.
You should be able to find a woman selling tender coconuts outside the temple. While visiting this place, beware of monkeys.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
Kaiwara Hills Hiking Details
Distance from Bangalore: 66 Km
Entry fee: Rs. 250 + GST (inclusive of the guide charges) per person.
Booking: Online booking through EcoTrails is mandatory without which you’ll be denied entry. So, ensure you register and pay online.
Permission: The Kaiwara Betta is a reserved forest maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department. Permission is mandatory for trekking the hills of Kaiwara Betta. Your online booking will be verified by the forest department officials near the entry gate.
Camping: Not Allowed
Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
Duration: 2 hours for the ascend, 1 hour for the descend.
Summit Height: 1290 m
Hike Distance: Approx 2 Km one way
Water Resources: No drinking water was found along the hiking route. Bring your reusable water bottles and refill them before you start your trek. As mentioned earlier, water sources can be found near the rabbit cage.
Hiking Route:
Once you reach the Kaiwara Tapovan tree park ticket counter, after verifying the tickets, you can start walking on the tree park road.
Just before the rabbit cage on your left, you can spot the Gangothri Marg name board. Start hiking towards the direction pointed and this is the starting point of the hike. The directions are not marked on the trail route but the straight path will lead you to the summit.
After crossing the bamboo trees, the uphill hike is steep and challenging. Be careful as the terrain may be slippery during monsoons. Halfway through the journey, you can spot the fort walls. Past the leg of this journey, the terrain is flat and easy.
Most of the hiking route is shady and covered by trees.
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate, highly subject to your fitness level.
Terrain: Stones, rocks, boulders, and grasslands
At The Kaiwara Betta Summit:
Unlike the other hilltops, it is more spacious. You can see 360° views of the surrounding hills, settlements, and the Thathayya cave temple (white color) among other pilgrimage sites.
There is a Hanuman temple, pond, and fort ruins at the summit.
Important Points To Remember
- The use of plastics and smoking is prohibited.
- As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Leave the trail better than it was before.
- Although the directions are not marked at any part of the trail, the route from the Gangothri Marg name board will take you straight to the hilltop. The chances of getting lost are little to none.
- Be cautious as several monkeys are found at the tree park. However, none can be found at the summit or hiking trails.
Essential Things To Carry
- Ensure you carry at least 1L of water per person.
- Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
- Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a guide mandatory to trek the Kaiwara Betta?
Although a guide is not mandatory, a guide will accompany you if you go early at 6 AM.
Other Places to visit near Kaiwara Betta
The Bhima Bakasura Betta or Chamundi Betta is a nearby historical hill with approximately 500 steps. You can visit the Thathayya cave temple which is situated just a Km away from the Tree Park entrance. About 7 Km from Kaiwara is Kailasha Giri where the cave temples like Ambaji Durga Cave Temples and Ananta Padmanabha and the Chenna Keshava Cave temples are located.
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