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Minchakallu Betta is a fairly good hike away from the crowds in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. Located about 90 Km away from Bangalore, it is a beginner-friendly hike that reaches an altitude of 1100 m.

We hiked to Minchakallu Betta as a day trip from Bangalore and thoroughly enjoyed every bit. The hike was very peaceful and serene.  You can see ancient fort ruins and temples as you ascend.

From the best time to visit the trail route, you will find a wealth of information you need to hike Minchakallu Betta. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and get ready for an exciting journey to the Minchakallu Betta peak.

Minchakallu Betta Hiking Guide

How To Reach Minchakallu Betta?

By Road

From KSRTC Majestic bus station, board a bus to Tumkur. From Tumkur bus station, Minchakallu Betta is 20 Km away and the buses on this route are not very frequent. Get down near Prakruthi College of Pharmacy and walk for about 3 Km to reach the trail base. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk from Tumkur to reach Minchakallu Betta.

The best way to Minchakallu Betta is by hiring a two-wheeler or four-wheeler from Bangalore and reaching the destination. If you own a vehicle, it’s much easier and takes approximately 2 hours to reach.

By Train

Tumkur Railway Station (Station Code: TK) is the nearest railway station. Several trains run between Tumkur and KSR Bengaluru (Station Code: SBC). From the railway station, go to Tumkur bus station and board the bus or better hire an auto at the entrance of the train station.

Hiking Details

Distance to base

90 Km from Bangalore, and about 20 Km from Tumkur.

Cost

Free. There is no entry fee for Minchukallu Betta.

Registration

No registration or pre-online booking is required. You can go directly and start hiking.

Timings

From 6 AM to 6 PM.

Duration: 1:30 hours for the ascend, 40 minutes for the descend

Summit Height

The Minchakallu Betta peak stands at an altitude of 1121 m. The base of the hike is at 835 m. So, the elevation gain is 286 m.

Hike Distance

1.8 Km one-way

Difficulty Level

Easy – highly subject to your fitness level.

Terrain

Boulders, stones, and hiking trails.

Hiking Route

The Hindu temple is the starting point of the Minchakallu Betta trek. Just opposite to the temple, follow the visible route. From there, keep ascending through the boulders. After some distance, you can see white arrow marks.

Walk and keep climbing up towards the direction pointed. After gaining an altitude of about 100 m, the terrain changes to a hiking trail.

Frequent white color arrow marks can be seen going forward. The locals redraw the arrows frequently if they fade away due to rain.

Soak in the views around you while hiking.

Hike past the fort ruins and a Hanuman temple located en route. Keep walking until you reach a more flat surface with multiple stone shelters. Roam around to get 360° views of the surroundings.

At The Minchakallu Betta Summit

The building and the flat surface at the top mark the summit of Minchakallu Betta. Numerous lakes, surrounding settlements, and far-distant peaks including Chinnaga Betta, Madhugiri, and Devarayana Durga (DD Hills), to name a few.

Network Availability

Both Airtel and Jio have good connectivity in the region. We observed intermittent signals while hiking and received signals even at the Minchakallu Betta peak.

ATM Availability

There are no ATMs in the surroundings. You’ll have to go at least 15 Km towards Tumkur to find ATMs. 

Since the hike doesn’t have an entry fee and the shops in the region accept UPI payments, carrying cash with you is not mandatory. However, we recommend you to have a few bucks.

Languages Spoken

Kannada is the only spoken language by the people of the region. Most people don’t converse in Hindi and English. 

Parking Availability

There is no dedicated parking space available at the hike starting point. But there is enough space to park two-wheelers and a couple of four-wheelers.

Restroom Facilities

There are no restrooms even at the base. You are entirely dependent on nature.

Best Time to Visit

Minchakallu Betta can be visited at any time of the year. The best time to visit is during the early morning hours when the weather is favorable for the hike. 

We recommend you avoid hiking to Minchakallu Betta during heavy rains as the boulders are slippery when it rains.

Where to Eat?

There are no eateries or shops near the trailhead or at the peak. Shops are available on the Tumkur road which is 3 Km away. We recommend you carry some energy bars, fruits, and drinking water for the hike.

Where to Stay?

We visited Minchakallu Betta as a day hike from Bangalore. Many accommodations are available in Tumkur. Here are a few of our suggestions.

• Dundi Mango Mist Resort ($$)
• Pruthvi Paradise ($$)
• Diamond Blue Pool Palace ($$$)

Important Things to Remember

• The use of plastics and smoking is strictly prohibited. As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Collect and bring back the waste with you and dispose of it in proper dedicated bins.
• There are no monkeys in the area. You’ll find a lot of colorful butterflies fluttering around.

Essential Things To Carry

• Ensure you carry at least 1L of water per person.
• Take sufficient snacks and energy bars, as there are no shops nearby. Fill your snack box at Tumkur itself.
• Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
• Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
• Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you find this blog helpful in planning your hike to Minchakallu Betta, comment below. For more extensive hiking guides and travel tips, subscribe to the newsletter.