Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Tariq
Looking for an escape from the noisy city life into the soothing lap of nature?
Then Siddara betta hills near Bangalore are calling your name.
Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Tumkur district, just outside Bangalore city, Siddara betta is a haven for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Towering 1700 feet above sea level, this scenic hilltop unravels spectacular vistas, ideal trekking trails, and opportunities for soaking in divine tranquility.
At the summit of this lush green hill sits a cave temple of Lord Shiva, drawing a steady stream of devotees throughout the year.
If you wish to breathe in some fresh mountain air, soak in enchanting vistas and explore historical cave temples, join me on a journey to Siddara Betta hills!
Quick Info
Looking for some quick info? Hope this helps! 🙂
Location | Siddara Betta, Karnataka 572138 |
|---|---|
Entry Fee | No Entry Fee |
Timings & Visiting Hours | Open 24 hours, from Monday to Sunday |
Nearest Metro | No metro connectivity is available to this place. However, you can reach Tumkur by train or bus first and then travel the rest of the distance either in a two-wheeler or four-wheeler. |
Phone Number | – |
Address | Siddara Betta, Karnataka 572138, India |
How to Reach Siddara Betta?
By Air: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru is the closest airport to Siddara Betta. From the outside of the airport, you’ll need to book a cab or taxi and travel approximately 100km. Drive from SH 3 to Gowraganahalli and then continue on Chattenahalli for 18 mins. Next, take SH 94, SH 9, NH648, and Adarsha College Rd to Terminal Blvd. The total journey would take around 1hr and 20mins.
By Train: If you travel by train, board a train to Tumkur railway station from either Yeshwantpur Railway Station or KSR Bengaluru City Junction. From Tumkur, you get on a bus to Koratagere. From there, Siddara Betta is only 12km.
By Bus: Catch a bus from Majestic Bus Station that terminates at Koratagere. Buses ply the Koratagere to Tumkur route via Siddara Betta at one-hour intervals. The distance from Koratagere to Siddara Betta is roughly 12 kilometers.
In the event, you’re unable to find a direct bus to Koratagere from Majestic, ride one to Tumkur instead. Frequent buses run between Tumkur and Siddara Betta via Koratagere.
Places to Visit at Siddara Betta
While at Siddara Betta, consider visiting the other popular tourist attractions in the vicinity.
Lord Shiva Temple
The cave temple of Lord Shiva, nestled within the hill, is the main attraction at Siddara Betta. The temple complex is completely surrounded by rocky cliffs. A stream of water that runs beneath the temple is believed to have medicinal properties.
Siddaganga Mutt
Channarayana Durga, located around 11 kilometers from Siddara Betta, is a scenic hilltop within the Tumkur district. This relatively untouched, serene location features several ancient forts and religious shrines dating back centuries.
The trek to the summit of Channarayana Durga is of moderate difficulty. The entire trek, including ascending to the top and descending back, takes around half a day. Hiking up offers views of the surrounding countryside and historic ruins atop the hill.
Madhugiri Betta
Madhugiri Betta hill fort lies around 24 kilometers from Siddara Betta. It is the second largest monolithic structure in Asia and has a fort named Madhugiri Fort after it. Trekking to the summit of Madhugiri Betta is challenging but rewarding, with four stages of increasing difficulty. Railings support the stairs in the initial stages but the final stage has narrow, curved steps and no railings. The view from the top is spectacular.
Channarayana Durga
Another nearby hill fort is Channarayana Durga, about 11 km away. It sees fewer visitors compared to other hills. The moderate trek to the fort atop this hill takes half a day. It has a few historic ruins and temples.
Things to do at Siddara Betta
(Source: Indiawilds)
Trekking
The trek up Siddara Betta Hill is an enjoyable experience for adventure seekers. Staircases made of stone blocks line the entire route to the summit, making for an easy climb.
The surrounding lush greenery and picturesque views from the top make the trek worthwhile. Siddara Betta is a popular trekking destination, offering an exciting hike thanks to its rocky terrain, caves, and uneven surfaces.
The trekking path winds through caves and over boulders, though the overall climb to the hill temple is fairly easy due to the stone steps. Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to explore the hill’s scenic trails and scenic surroundings.
Cave Exploration
Cave exploration at Siddara Betta is another enjoyable activity for adventure seekers. Inside the main cave, a narrow passage winds and twists among rocks and boulders, allowing only single-file walking.
The cave route is more challenging than the regular trekking path up the hill. Visitors need to navigate a strenuous, energy-sapping trail as they make their way through the cave.
Bird Watching
Devarayana Durga forest, located near Siddara Betta, is a bird watcher’s paradise. The forest is home to a diverse array of migratory and native bird species, including rare birds like the Yellow Throated Bulbul.
The abundance of foliage and water sources in the forest attracts a variety of colorful feathered inhabitants. Bird enthusiasts can spend hours spotting and identifying the many different birds that flock to Devarayana Durga.
Things You Must Carry
- Backpack
- Water bottles
- Food
- Raincoat/ Poncho
- Personal medication
- Sports shoes or trekking shoes
- Warm clothes for the night (if you go trekking)
- Extra clothes (if you plan to dive in the lake)
Tips to Follow at Siddara Betta
- The caves are dimly lit, so bring a flashlight or headlamp to properly see the cave interiors
- Large numbers of monkeys inhabit the hill so do not leave food or belongings unattended
- If you are making a reservation through the Forest Department, bring your ID card
- Take the required measures because leeches may be present during the rainy season
- Many believe the hilltop temple marks the summit of Siddara Betta, but the true summit can be reached via a trail behind the temple
Location
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the best time to visit Siddara Betta?
The best time to travel is from November to February because the weather is typically more pleasant than it is in the summer.
Is any food and water facilities available at Siddara Betta?
Yes, there are modest refreshments and packed snack stands lining the hills, however, there are no restaurants on this hill. Additionally, there is an Ashram at the foothill that provides meals to all guests.
Why is it called Siddara Betta?
According to legends, many centuries ago saints and sages came to this hill to seek spiritual enlightenment through penance and meditation. The presence of these saints bestowed sanctity on the hill and it came to be known as Siddara Betta. Siddara Betta translates to u0022Hill of Saints.u0022
