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| Hosadurga Betta Trek |
- Place: Hosadurga Betta Trek.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Distance: 85 x 2 = 170 km.
- Directions: Bangalore > Kanakapura > Kodihalli > Hosadurga
- Krew: Gundachar (Gunda), Anwar (Bhai), Karthik (Sp).
- Bikes: Ignitor, Pulsar.
- Previous Visit: Anchetty Durgam Trek.
- Budget: Rs 342/head (Petrol = 765/3; Breakfast = 260/3)
IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:
This was the 2nd chapter of February and the 8th trek of 2026. And 20th trek in 20 weeks. Feels FREAKING GOOD. This chapter covers a relatively unknown trail of Hosadurga. Hosadurga is situated on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. The best part of this trek is the beauty of the trail. And views from the top? - STUNNING.
INTRO & PLAN:
After the scoop shot last week to Anchetty Durgam, it had only postponed this place, but was lingering around the back of my mind. After Bhai's and Gunda's confirmation, it was a matter of execution. But remained fluid, last minute change of plans and direction are ingrained in us. The plan was simple: meet at my place, ask for the road we would like to spend the day on, then head out.
TIME: 20:00 (13 Feb, 2026)
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| Only love is for the mountains ⛰ |
ASSEMBLE & LEAVE:
Yes, I was up by 22:30 (Feb 13, 2026), yeah, happens sometimes. Blasted some heavy metal, and was doing push-ups and sit-ups. Waited for the night to pass, watching the road, and having a few places as PLAN B, C, D, E. Once 3am struck, got ready and was all set to go. Bhai arrived at my place at 05:30, we greeted each other, and once Gunda arrived, asked others which direction. Both of them now said "ANYTHING IS FINE". Scratched my forehead and decided to pull Hosadurga off, haha.
TIME: 06:30
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| Welcome to Hosadurga Trek |
RIDE 1: (Bangalore > Kanakapura > Kodihalli > Hosadurga)
As we left Bangalore, we could feel the winter fade. The air was cool, but not freezing cold. The ride felt comfortable. And that was a bummer in some aspects. We joined Kanakapura road, and it was butter smooth sailing until Kanakapura road. We pulled over at the VASU hotel (1969) for some mouth-watering Dosas. After breakfast, we had some filter coffee and then came the best part of the ride - the cruise mode.
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| Vasu Hotel (1969) |
From Kanakapura, Hosadurga is about 25km, and the ride? I tell you, it's one of the best. The roads are in excellent condition, and with trees planted on both sides and greenery until the eyes can see, it's hard to ride fast. We were moving at 40kmph and guess what? All the other vehicles were moving at a slow pace too; it was almost like the world moves at a slower, calmer pace in sections.
Post Kanakapura, we had to take 3deviations, and strictly with NO GMAPS. We nailed most of it, but still conversed with locals to get the vibe. After allowing the bikes to glide through the roads like a hot knife through butter, we made it to the town of Hosadurga.
TIME: 07:15
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| Hosadurga betta as viewed from the town |
HOSADURGA RAMADEVARA BETTA TREK
THE LOST PRIEST:
TIME: 08:30
ASCENT:
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| The trek finally begins |
The trek is a beautiful one. It took us about 30 minutes to hit the summit. It has well laid ancient stone pathway as in Nidagal betta if you remember. The views of the trail are something more I personally enjoyed. As we begun our trek, the trail was crystal clear and in the middle of the trail, the lost priest stood confused. We asked him as to why he was standing there so confused, he asked which way do I go? We looked at each other, then pointed him the direction.
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| The trails are clear and uplifting |
TIME: 09:00
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| The ascent started become spooky |
TOP:
From the summit, the views were incredible. We paid respects to the place and then the temple, which exists atop. Then found a nice place (actually a dangerous one). The spot was a 60-70 degree slope with good grip, below which it was a vertical drop. But there is some internal peaceful joy in resting in such spots. We hydrated and sat peacefully.
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| The excellent view from the top |
After a while, we decided to explore the top and moved to the other side of the mountain, other than the temple. Here it was more of flat land, so we found a comfortable spot and slept. With the sun hitting us head-on, we really felt like lizards basking on the rocks. After a good 30 minutes of power napping woke up, rehydrated ourselves and were ready to head back. Asking for a safe passage back, we thanked the hillock.
TIME: 10:00
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| Give me my WINGS. |
DESCENT:
The descent was surgical. A non-stop walk down. But we took our pauses admiring the beauty of the trails again. Trust me, one of the most beautiful trails done till date. It took us about 30minutes to reach the place where we had parked our bikes.
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| Ancient games and grinder at the summit |
Then we spotted the actual priest (not the lost one). He started calling the monkeys of the place as he got a carton full of bananas. We had spotted only two monkeys, so in our minds, we thought the fruits were excess and were wondering if we could ask for a couple of bananas. Then came a sight we would never forget. Hordes, I mean Hordes of monkeys were descending the steep vertical rock faces from the summit and coming towards us. There were more than 100-150 monkeys, all came down like a massive army and enjoyed the bananas. There were a few who had two in their hands and one in their mouths, trying to find a spot to enjoy it.
TIME: 10:30
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| Another reason why a big tummy is not good |
RIDE 2: (Hosadurga > Kanakapura > Bangalore)
With a heavy heart, we thanked the hillock for LETTING US GO. Felt a little envious of the monkeys enjoying the treat, and thanked them for not beating us up. The smell of the animal made sense; it was the monkeys. But never had we expected such numbers; we had played around with two of them at the summit, making faces at them. Thankfully, they didn't complain to the others.
The ride back was ultra smooth one; we never wanted the ride to end from Hosadurga to Kanakpura. This stretch is simply special, and if you ride more than 50 km/h on this one, we would be forced to conclude you are stupid. After joining Kanakapura road, we rode non-stop to reach Bangalore for some ice-cold beer and put the last rites on this chapter.
TIME: 12:00
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| The beautiful trails of Hosadurga |
CONCLUSION:
For the 8th trek of 2026, Hosadurga Betta was a pleasant surprise. The raw beauty of the place and the trails were very uplifting. Also, the ride to the place was something very special and equally beautiful. Pulling off 20 treks in 20 weeks feels something special :)
KREW:
Gunda: This was second run for Gunda. First baptism was done at Hiregundagal which was absolutely raw. This was more beautiful. Was happy with the place, his banter with Bhai made me crack throughout the trip.
Bhai: Must be wondering, where I keep the dusty diary haha, it is like Draupadi's saree, the list of places keep coming up non-stop.
Sippy: Worth waking up at 22:30 on previous day haha. 20 weeks, 20 treks baby \m/
Until next time, Ta-da Cia \m/
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| The monkey within us all says HELLO |
"Young riders pick a destination, Old school pick a direction \m/."
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