The Kunti Betta is a two-rocky hill structure found in Pandavapura, Mandya district, Karnataka, around 130 kilometers from Bangalore. The hill rises to a height of 2882 meters above sea level, with steep granite walls.
History of Kunti betta:
This hill has a historical connection to the rule of Tipu Sultan and the Pandavas in the 18th century. According to legend, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata and their mother Kunti lived in the caverns of this hill during their exile.
Kunti’s favorite spot, where she spent a lot of her time, is named Kunti Betta; as a result, the mountain is named Kunti Betta. At the top of the slope is a utensil-shaped stone and a stone pestle, where it is said she used to prepare and granulate food, which is why this hill is also known as Onake Betta ( Onake implies pestle in Kannada).
Pandavapura:
These slopes were previously known as the ‘French Rocks,’ because the French armed forces that assisted Tipu Sultan in his war against the British used this location as their outdoor training ground. The Pandavas’ 12-year exile has come to an end here. As a result, the town is known as ‘Pandavapura.’ Pandavapura is historically significant since it is thought that the Pandava brothers and their mother Kunti resided here during their exile.
It is also said that Kunti and the Pandavas fell in love with the hills, so the hills are named after her and the place after the Pandavas. At the foot of the hill, there is a temple, making it a popular pilgrimage site.
An Expert Interview Regarding Kunti Betta Trek Details
- Pandavapura, Mandya district, Karnataka is the starting point.
- The trek gradient ranges from easy to moderate. It’s a fantastic first-time hike. The trail winds through rocky outcrops, grasslands, and granite outcrops.
- This trek should take between 2 and 3 hours to complete.
- 4 km of uphill and downhill trekking
- There are no water sources. Before beginning the trek, bring at least 2 liters of water with you. At the base village, there is a temple where one can refill their bottles.
The best months to visit are:
The best time to trek to Kunti Betta is from September to February because the trail becomes murky and slippery during heavy monsoons, making the descent difficult, and it is overly humid in the summer.
Trekking at Kunti Betta
The Kunti Betta trail is a short but technical hike. It includes steep ascents and descents. You can see Thonnur Lake while navigating first over a hillock and then as far up Kunti Betta as possible. The terrain is mostly made up of volcanic stone and rocks, with a few patches of moorland thrown in for good measure (short grass, shrubby trees, and hedge). When you see the Stone column, you realize you’ve arrived at the pinnacle.
The Stone Pillar is an ideal viewpoint due to its extraordinary views of surrounding fields, hillocks, and Thonnur Lake. The beginning of the hill is marked by an old sanctuary with a lake in the center. Begin the move trek on the right side of the pond, stepping your foot on the steep slope.
Details of the trek
Begin the movement. Step your foot on the steep slanted surface of a single stone visible to the unaided eye on the trek from the right side of the pond. The initial walk for a few meters is more than 60 degrees. Instead of diverting directly from the stones and following the path that crosses through dense vegetation, there will be a vertical divider that will be difficult to climb.
The track will have a Croc-face rock. Turn right and climb the massive stone that connects the paddy fields and coconut trees to the other slope and Kunti Kund. The Kunti Betta hillock with a column on top would be visible from the opposite side.
How to get a beautiful view:
A small slope bordered on the left side is also noteworthy. Begin walking in the open area on the left side of the path. If you keep following the trail, you will eventually reach the base of the paddy fields. To avoid this, take a right turn along the hillock. The croc-face is the small top on the left. Follow the path, cross the stones, creep around the thick vegetation, and you’ll get a fantastic view of the surrounding area that will make you feel the magnificence of the Pandavas’ legacy unfold before your eyes.
Itinerary for the Kunti Betta Trek
We will begin our bus trip.
- 06:00 a.m. – Indiranagar 80 feet Road, first bus stop from BMC
- 06:30 a.m. – Domlur, second bus stop from New Shanthi Sagar Hotel
- 06:45 a.m. The last pick-up location was Lifestyle, Magrath Road, Near Garuda Mall.
- Along the way, stop for breakfast.
- We’ll use the restrooms at the restaurant because there aren’t any on the trek route.
- Get to the base village.
- Introduction with the Treks and Trails India team Dos and Don’ts during the trek Begin the trek with a gentle warm-up.
- Reach the Kunti Betta Peak and take in the scenery.
- Lunch with other trekkers Takes pleasure in your packed lunch.
- We will begin our descent trek until we reach the base village.
- After we board the bus, we will begin our return journey.