Bikes which made it to the top of Bilikal Betta
Been wanting to share this awesome experience with you all for a while and finally got around to writing this blog.
As part of our Sunday rides around Bangalore, we decided to check out Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, this not so popular yet breathtaking destination which is located about 70 kms from the city beyond Kanakapura Town. Ask the locals for directions from Kanakapura Town circle.
The main reason this location isn’t spoilt is due to its lack of connectivity and motorable roads. Its however very popular among the trekking community. Bikers can get to the top only if they have a good machine and enough experience riding on harsh terrain, else do not even attempt. I’m not sure if a 4×4 jeep can make it to the top either since the road is completely eaten away with huge boulders sticking out.
So about 15 bikers headed towards Kanakapura town early sunday morning and breaked for quick snack at the only decent restaurant in town and were back on the road again. We took the road which goes left behind town and into the fields and soon we could see small hills and mountains. After about 10 – 12kms we reached the last village from where the dirt road begins to climb up and gradually gets steeper.
After another 2 kms, we noticed that the road had disintegrated into boulders and sharp stones. Many of the bikers decided to halt here and not try their luck while a few daring riders rode on. After cross a very bad stretch of .5kms the road again improves and finally only 2 bikes made it to the peak.
The 360 view from the top was just breadthtaking and peaceful. We spotted a small pond with dirty water and a temple with a small courtyard which was locked up. We also met a few trekkers who had just made it to the top after a grueling 1 hr climb. Soon we had to return back to the gang who were waiting for us half way down.
Trekkers at the view point
After another coffee break in Kanakapura town, we reached Bangalore by 11.30am and had covered a total distance of over 140kms.
Trekkers can take this route – Get to Harohalli on Kanakpura Road (about 30 kms from Banashankari) & take the road adjacent to the bus stand towards Maralawadi/ Doddamaralawadi (11 kms). Continue past Devarahalli to Onaaladoddi (another 5 kms) where you can dump your modes of transport and start trekking.
Posted a few links from my picasa album here
http://picasaweb.google.com/brian.ammanna/IFMRRideToBiliKalluBettaOn5thJuly0902#
If you have been to any destination which is not popular but worth the visit, do share it with us.
breathtaking! sometimes so wish to be back in bglr- becos honestly i have not been able to ever get away on wknds from bombay! and it saddens me to know how much I m missing out on:(
glad you guys are doing these things- atleast thru ur blog/pics I get to see such lovely places- thankyou:)
can any of you give me some more information on this place, and let me know if it is possible to take family and kids to top of the hill, how is the road to top of the hill.
Hi Vasu,
You can take your family to this place provided you guys trek there. The road is not motorable and even a 4 wheel drive might find it difficult to get to the top. Pls see the trekking route provided in the blog and drive to the base of the hill and start trekking from there.
We will shortly post about another location called Basavabetta which is close to this one but with motorable roads. Stay tuned
Team GreatEscapes