Located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Huthridurga, Huthri Betta or Uttari Betta is a fortified hill built by King Kempegowda in the 18th century. The seven-fort gateway structure, built on rocks that are found along the hike, is unique and picturesque. This hill also served as a military base during Tipu Sultan’s time.

While approaching the village during the ride, one can spot the Huthridurga hilltop with the white temple, standing alone & tall. The Uttari Betta is one of the best sunrise day hikes from Bangalore. To add on, it is one of the Navadurga, 9 hill forts of Bangalore.

Read on to learn more about all the essentials to ensure you successfully undertake and complete this trek.

Uttari Betta/ Huthridurga Hiking Guide

Network Availability

Good cellular reception of Airtel, Jio, and BSNL can be found throughout the trail.

ATM Availability

There is no ATM available in the village. So, ensure you carry sufficient cash.

Languages Spoken

The regional language, Kannada, is the only language spoken by the people in the region.

Parking Availability

Ample & safe parking space is available at the base of the trek.

Restroom Facilities

Be warned, that there are no restroom facilities available. You are entirely gonna have to attend to all of nature’s calls with nature.

Best Time To Visit

You can do the Uttari Betta hike all year round. The best time to visit is during the sunrise, early in the morning. During summer, however, we advise you to start the trek early as it becomes increasingly hot and humid as the day goes by.

How To Reach Huthridurga From Bangalore?

The place is not connected to the railway station. There are no frequent buses available to reach Huthridurga. The ideal way to reach Huthridurga is by road using personal transport. There are two routes, via Yeshwantpur where the roads are good, and via the Tumkur highways where you have to pay for the toll (including two-wheelers). The road after the highways is not as good as compared to the Yeshwantpur route.

Search for the Huthridurga trek starting point. This will lead you straight to the parking lot, the starting point of the hike.

Where To Eat?

Only one snack shop can be found at the base of the hike. Restaurants can be found before entering the Huthridurga Hill near the arch entrance. Bring food or snacks, especially if you are planning for the sunrise hike as no shops will be open at that hour.

Things To Do In Huthridurga

The pilgrimage visit is a popular activity. This is also a great place for trekking enthusiasts to watch the sunrise.

Hiking Details

Distance from Bangalore: 80 Km. There is a petrol bunk near the Huthridurga village.

Entry fee: Free of cost

Registration: Not required

Permission: No permission is required for trekking the Uttari Betta.

Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM

Duration: 1 hour for the ascend, 15 – 30 minutes to descend.

Summit Height: 1130 m

Hike Distance: 5 Km one way

Difficulty Level: Easy, can be done by any age group.

Terrain: Grasslands, steps, and rocks.

Water Resources: No drinking water sources will be available along the hiking route. Bring your reusable water bottles. You can refill from the homes at the base.

Hiking Route:

The trek starts from the temple situated in the village. There are steps carved on stones with side steel rails for support making it easier for anyone to do this hike. There are also white direction arrows wherever needed.

Huthridurga fort ruins with seven fort entrances can be found along the route.

At The Huthridurga Summit:

You can find the Shiva temple known as Shankareshwara temple and a Nandi idol just before the last leg of the stairs. Pooja to the deity is done on Mondays and Fridays. There is a deep spring called “Dotta done” which never dries up.

We get an extensive view of the surrounding settlements dotted by a large number of hills and a lake. A viewpoint on the right (while facing the temple) and Huthridurga fort ruins can also be found. The view is picturesque, to say the least. It is certainly unique and spectacular to be called a ‘million-dollar’ view.

The two stone boulders mark the end of the hiking trail of Uttari Betta. From here, you can see the popular hills of Shivgange and Savanadurga on a clear day.

Important Points 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. Ideally, you are supposed to leave better than it was before. But, you can settle for leaving the trail just as you found it. 
• No trek guide is required for the Huthridurga hike. You can do this trek by yourselves as the stairs and arrow marks guide you straight to the top. The chances of getting lost are little to none.
• Beware of monkeys. They are notorious for stealing food from travelers.

Essential Things To Carry

• Ensure you carry at least 1L of water per person.
• Take sufficient snacks and energy bars. There is only one shop at the base which is open only during the daytime.
• 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.

The Uttari Betta trail is a great trek for amateurs, and the viewpoints alone are worth the endeavor. For more information on other trekking regions in and around Karnataka, you can always pursue our extensive blog list. If there is any particular trekking experience that you would like to share, we encourage you to do so in the comment section. To stay updated on our latest adventures, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter.

Happy Trekking!