Bengaluru Trails
Chikkabananthamari Betta trail
Trails / Karnataka / Ramanagara / Kanakapura / Chikkabananthamari Betta
🔒 Permit required

Chikkabananthamari Betta

Distance
3.47 km
Elevation gain
201 m
Route type
out-and-back
Difficulty
Moderate
Peaks on this trail
⛰️Chikkabananthamari Betta1,001 m

About this trail#

Bananthimari Betta, locally known as Karadi Betta, consists of two rocky hillocks within Bananthimari Reserve Forest. This trail leads to Chikkabananthamari, the smaller of the two peaks, starting from Bananthimari Temple. The lower section passes through bamboo vegetation and a small pond before entering the rocky forest. The route climbs through large boulders and rocky outcrops, including formations resembling caves, with a viewpoint towards the surrounding lakes. Higher up, the terrain becomes steeper and involves scrambling over rocks, with a section providing a view of the Arkavathi River. The trail ends at a broad, relatively flat summit, from where Bananthimari Temple and the larger Bananthimari hill are visible.

Permits & Access

🔒 Permit required

Permits are no longer issued for this trail. As the trail lies within a reserved forest, trekking on the trail is currently not permitted.

Trail Information#

Bananthimari Temple to Pond

The trail starts at Bananthimari Temple and follows a broad, mostly straightforward path towards the pond. Just beside the temple, on the right, a small and almost hidden trail leads to a shallow stepwell located inside the vegetation. The well is accessed by steps and is not very deep.

Pond to Anjaneya Temple

Beyond the pond, the trail passes through a bamboo-covered section, with bamboo growing on both sides of the path. A small rock sits inside the pond and cannot be reached directly from the bank; reaching it requires entering the water. Another larger rock nearby has a small shrine at its top, accessed by a short ladder.

Anjaneya Temple to Monolith

Near the Anjaneya Temple, the trail splits, with one route leading towards an open area and another continuing through the rocky section. This part of the trail is slippery when wet, with a rock face on one side and a deep drop on the other. Cave-like rock formations are visible on the right side of the trail.

Scrambling to the Peak

Beyond the rocky section, the trail becomes steep and requires scrambling over rocks. The climb involves using both hands and legs in places. Along this section, there is a point from where the Arkavathi River can be seen.

Summit

The summit is relatively flat and allows exploration across the top of the hill. From one point, the Bananthimari Temple where the hike begins is visible below. The larger Bananthimari hill is also visible from the summit.

Getting there#

Trail route

Route flyby#

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GPX file#

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Trail reports#

Trail conditions and experiences shared by hikers who've done this route

Sugan KrishnanSugan KrishnanHiked 2 days ago · 9 Aug 2026★★★★★Crowd: Quiet

Wildlife & Nature#

As per the Forest Department, bears and leopards have been sighted in the area.

Camping#

Camping is not allowed on this trail.