Machakal Thimmaraya Samy Malai Trek in Tamil Nadu ⛰️| Chap 267 (Oct 21 2026)

     

Machakal Malai in Tamil Nadu :)

• Place: Machakal Mali (Marwadi, Tamil Nadu)
• Difficulty: Easy. 
• Distance: 100 km x 2 = 200 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Hosur > Rayakottai > Machakal Malai.
• Krew: Benny (Benzavid), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Heggunda Betta Trek.
• Budget: Rs 280/head (Petrol = 440/2; Breakfast = 120/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Machakal Malai is one of the most unique climbs done to date. There is not a lot of information on this place. So, yeah, it was pure exploration at its best. The "ridge walk" of this place makes it a very beautiful and unique climb. It is risky as there are drops on both sides of the ridge, but nevertheless worth it. Easily one of the most beautiful hills summited till date :)

And this marked 373 days, 59 treks, 12.5 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 47th trek in 43 weeks for 2026, with 44 first-time ascents and zero repeats :)

Heggunda Betta Trek in Tumkur ⛰️| Chap 266 (Oct 17, 2026)

    

Heggunda Betta Trek

• Place: Heggunda Betta Trek (Dobbaspet)
• Difficulty: Easy. 
• Distance: 60 km x 2 = 120 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Dobbaspet > Heggunda
• Krew: Dileep (Koof), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: NS-400.
• Previous Visit: Kavaragal Betta Trek.
• Budget: Rs 220/head (Petrol = 440/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Heggunda is one of the most beautiful treks done so far. The trail is straightforward and clear. It is a 15-20 climb to the summit. The most unique thing is the diamond-shaped rock face as seen from the road approaching it. We have never seen anything like it. And this time, we spotted a complete rainbow - the full circle, an absolutely surreal moment :)

And this marked 369 days, 58 treks, 12 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 46th trek in 43 weeks for 2026, with 43 first-time ascents and zero repeats :)

Kavaragal Betta Trek in Tumkur ⛰️| Chap 265 (Oct 10, 2026)

    

Kavaragal Betta Trek

• Place: Kavaragal Betta Trek (Tumkur)
• Difficulty: Not recommended. (Home to Bears and Leopards)
• Distance: 100 km x 2 = 200 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Dobbaspete > Kortagere > Kavaragal Betta.
• Krew: Datta (Dattu), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Puliyarasi Hill Trek.
• Budget: Rs 290/head (Petrol = 440/2; Breakfast = 140/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Kavaragal Betta is one of the strangest hillocks. And there was no official documentation of the climb. The strange "Jodi Kallu" on top is the crown jewel. There are no clear trails, and it runs through forests that are home to bears and leopards. Recently heard from locals that a bear had ripped a shepherd's face into shreds whilst he was grazing his sheep, so yeah, not recommended for everyone :)

And this marked 362 days, 57 treks, 12 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 45th trek in 42 weeks for 2026, with 42 first-time ascents and zero repeats :)

Puliyarasi Hill Trek (Chakkarlu Malai) in Tamil Nadu ⛰️| Chap 264 (Oct 2, 2026)

   

Puliyarasi Hill Trek

• Place: Puliyarasi Hill Trek (Tamil Nadu)
• Difficulty: Easy Trek. (with last part being tricky) 
• Distance: 75 km x 2 = 150 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Hosur > Shoolagiri > Puliyarasi Hill. 
• Krew: Manish (Akro), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Melumalai Trek.
• Budget: Rs 235/head (Petrol = 330/2; Breakfast = 130/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Puliyarasi Hill is a beautiful trek which offers both a beautiful trail and the last technical push on the rocks to reach the summit.  One can reach upto first temple off-roading on bikes as well, but the last technical push to the summit is a must, and would be very difficult in monsoons. With Akro inducted via steps climb at Melumalai, this had to be perfect choice for his 2nd trek - free trails and technical squeeze to the summit :)

And this marked 354 days, 56 treks, 12 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 44th trek in 41 weeks for 2026, with 41 first-time ascents and zero repeats :)

Melumalai Trek in Tamil Nadu ⛰️| Chap 263 (Sep 26 2026)

  

Melumalai Trek

• Place: Melumalai Trek (Tamil Nadu)
• Difficulty: Easy Trek. 
• Distance: 100 km x 2 = 200 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Hosur > Shoolagiri > Melumalai. 
• Krew: Manish (Akro), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Bheemana kindi Trek.
• Budget: Rs 275/head (Petrol = 440/2; Breakfast = 110/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Melumalai is one peaceful trail with 1340 steps and a beautiful summit views. It is also called, Balkonda Rayadurgam as it houses a Bala Kondarayaswamy temple at the summit and is open on Saturday's only. So, we had to pull this one off before the crowd's flocked in. It was Manish's first trek with us, so yeah it was nice to initiate a new member to the krew :)

And this marked 348 days, 55 treks, 12 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 43rd trek in 40 weeks for 2026, with 40 first-time ascents and zero repeats :)

Bheemana Kindi Trek in Halaguru ⛰️| Chap 262 (Sep 22, 2026)

  

Bheemana Kindi Trek

• Place: Bheemana Kindi Trek (Kanakapura)
• Difficulty: Easy - but restricted. 
• Distance: 100 km x 2 = 200 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Kanakapura > Halaguru > Bheemana Kindi. 
• Krew: Datta (Dattu), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Ramanahalli Betta Trek.
• Budget: Rs 275/head (Petrol = 230/2; Breakfast = 200/2; Tea = 20/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Bheemana Kindi, is one beautiful trail, BUT it is restricted by forest officials. It is believed that this is place where Bheema and his brothers lived and Bheema to pave way to Kunti (his mommy) shattered the boulders at the top of the hill so that they could unite.  History apart, how did we pull this off? - a freaking heist of a trek this was :)

And this marked 344 days, 54 treks, 11.5 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 42nd trek in 39 weeks for 2026, with 39 first-time ascents and zero repeats :)

Ramanahalli Betta Trek in Kanakapura ⛰️| Chap 261 (Sep 18, 2026)

 

Presenting Ramanahalli Betta Trek in Kanakapura.

• Place: Ramanahalli Betta Trek (Kanakapura)
• Difficulty: Easy - with a few tricky stretches. 
• Distance: 50 km x 2 = 100 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Kanakapura > Ramanahalli Betta 
• Krew: Datta (Dattu), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Siddle Kallu Betta Trek.
• Budget: Rs 192/head (Petrol = 264/2; Breakfast = 120/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Ramanahalli Betta is a totally offbeat place with stunning views of the Kanakapura hillocks. This is situated amidst a lot of resorts that use them as trekking trails. So yeah, had to sneak in and out. The climb itself is short, but a true grind. 

And this marked 340 days, 53 treks, 11.5 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 41st trek in 39 weeks for 2026, with 38 first-time ascents and zero repeats :)

Siddle Kallu Betta Trek in Ramanagara ⛰️| Chap 260 (Sep 12, 2026)

 

Siddle Kallu Betta Trek in Ramanagara

• Place: Siddle Kallu Betta Trek (Ramanagara)
• Difficulty: Easy - with a few tricky stretches. 
• Distance: 50 km x 2 = 100 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Bidadi > Ramanagara > Siddle Kallu Betta (12.71, 77.3)
• Krew: Madhu (Simha), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Xpulse.
• Previous Visit: Mookanur Malai Trek.
• Budget: Rs 235/head (Petrol = 270/2; Breakfast = 200/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, the grand finale of the dream of completing 52 treks within a year, narrowed down to a fresh hillock in the backyard - Siddle Kallu. Siddle Kallu is a pristine and peaceful climb, yet intense. It's one of the BIG FOUR of the east alongside the mighty Handi Gundi Betta and Muthurayaswamy betta. Rather than going big and large, we kept it small and tactical :)

And this marked 334 days, 52 treks, 11.5 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 40th trek in 38 weeks for 2026, with 37 first ascents and zero repeats :)

Mookanur Malai Trek in Tamil Nadu ⛰️| Chap 259 (Sep 5, 2026)

  

Mookanur Malai Trek in Tamil Nadu

• Place: Mookanur Malai Trek (Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu)
• Difficulty: Difficult - Endurance and Trail finding.
• Distance: 175 km x 2 = 350 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Krishnagiri > Dharmapuri > Mookanur Malai.
• Krew: Anwar (Bhai), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Aadinagudde Betta Trek.
• Budget: Rs 435/head (Petrol = 726/2; Breakfast = 85/2; Extra water bottle + Sting = 60/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, with two treks for the perfect 52, we did not slow down. We chose Mookanur Mali, which would turn out to be the toughest of 51 treks. Mookanur Malai shattered us as we lost the way to the summit, and on the way back down were stranded in the forest for 6-7 hours. This is not going to be pretty. And the people of TN, you were already up there; the care and warmth you showed us post-descent took you to a place where no normal humans can ever enter. Writing this post with 22 thorns in hand, severe dehydration and 1 thorn halfway inside my earlobe - not joking, guys!)

And this marked 327days, 51 treks, 11 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 39th trek in 37 weeks for 2026, with 36 first ascents and zero repeats :)

Aadinagudde Betta Trek in Ramanagara ⛰️| Chap 258 (Aug 28 2026)

    

Aadina Gudde Betta Trek 

• Place: Aadinagudde Betta Trek (Ramanagara)
• Difficulty: Difficult - Technical.
• Distance: 50 km x 2 = 100 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Bidadi > Aadinagudde Betta.
• Krew: Datta (Dattu), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Arulagiri Fort Trek.
• Budget: Rs 188/head (Petrol = 176/2; Breakfast = 100/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, speak about off-offbeat, and this is the hillock I will tell you right away. Aadinagudda Betta is a massive hillock in the Ramanagara district, with steep vertical walls and a thick forest route. An excellent climb, but high in technicality.  I would go so far as to say this would be the most technical climb done in the past 50 treks. SO, yeah, had a BLAST! \m/

And this marked 48 weeks, 50 treks, 11 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 38th trek in 36 weeks for 2026, with 35 first ascents and zero repeats :)

Arulagiri Fort Trek in Tamil Nadu ⛰️| Chap 257 (Aug 22 2026)

   

Arulagiri Fort Trek

• Place: Arulagiri Fort (Tamil Nadu)
• Difficulty: Steep Rocks, not a trek, more of an exploration.
• Distance: 110 km x 2 = 220 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Hosur > Krishnagiri > Arulagiri Fort.
• Krew: Anwar (Bhai), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Handi Gundi Betta Trek.
• Budget: Rs 297/head (Petrol = 484/2; Breakfast = 110/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Arulagiri Fort, we had on our radar since February 2026. This is a strange hill. It has 3000-year-old human settlements, but requires a lot of exploration. So this one is not a trek as such, but more of a crazy spooky exploration :)

And this marked 47 weeks, 49 treks, ~11 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 37th trek in 35 weeks for 2026, with 34 first ascents and zero repeats :)

Handi Gundi Betta Trek in Ramanagara ⛰️| Chap 256 (Aug 20, 2026)

  

Handi Gundi Betta Trek

• Place: Handi Gundi Betta Trek in Ramanagara
• Difficulty: Easy Trek (But Forest area with animal activity) 
• Distance: 45 km x 2 = 90 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Ramanagara > Handi Gundi Betta.
• Krew: Madhu (DD), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Sanjeevarayan Malai Trek.
• Budget: Rs 190/head (Petrol = 200/2; Breakfast = 180/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Handi Gundi betta is a delightful climb of easy difficulty. However, it was closed by the forest officials. The trails are easy but runs through a proper forest, we did find a lot of snakes. So, yeah beautiful, worth it, but be cautious on this one! 

And this marked 46 weeks, 48 treks, ~10.5 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 36th trek in 34 weeks for 2026, with 33 first ascents and zero repeats :)

Sanjeevarayan Malai Trek in Tamil Nadu ⛰️| Chap 255 (Aug 15, 2026)

 

Sanjeevarayan Malai Trek

• Place: Sanjeevarayan Malai Trek 
• Difficulty: Moderate. (Easy in terms of technicality, but a grinder)
• Distance: 125 km x 2 = 250 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Rayakottai > Palacode > Sanjeevarayan Malai.
• Krew: Anwar (Bhai), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Shri Krishnagiri Betta Trek
• Budget: Rs 335/head (Petrol = 550/2; Breakfast = 100/2; Extra water bottle = 20/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Sanjeevarayan Malai is an off-beat hill offering a really scenic trek. The hill is massive, the trails are clear and easy. A grinder for sure. Perfect for climbers who want to test mental grit and endurance. And oh yeah, this is the first hill dedicated to Hanuman. Usually it is Vishnu or Shiva. It is believed that this hill has herbs that resembles that of the Sanjeevini Parvath that Hanuman got from the Himalayas :)

And this marked 46 weeks, 47 treks, ~10.5 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 35th trek in 34 weeks for 2026, with 32 first ascents and zero repeats :)

Shri Krishnagiri Betta Trek in Channapatna ⛰️| Chap 254 (Aug 8, 2026)

Shri Krishnagiri Betta Trek

• Place: Shri Krishnagiri Betta Trek 
• Difficulty: Very Easy.
• Distance: 65 km x 2 = 130 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Ramanagara > Kanva Dam > Shri Krishnagiri Betta
• Krew: Madhu (DD), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Saanarappan Malai Trek 
• Budget: Rs 243/head (Petrol = 286/2; Breakfast = 200/2)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Shri Krishnagiri betta is situated in interior part of Channapatna. The climb itself is very easy and short. But the views it offers from the summit is breath taking. Overall, the trek is great a perfect "break without taking a break".

And this marked 45 weeks, 46 treks, ~10 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 34th trek in 33 weeks for 2026, with 31 first ascents and zero repeats :)

Saanarappan Malai Trek in Tamil Nadu ⛰️| Chap 253 (Aug 1, 2026)

Saanarappan Malai Trek

• Place: Saanarappan Malai Trek
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.  
• Distance: 120 km x 2 = 240 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Hosur > Krishanagiri > Saanarapan Malai Trek
• Krew: Datta (Dattu), Anwar (Bhai), Gundachar (Gunda), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Enfield, Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Musatu Malai trek
• Budget: Rs 321/head (Petrol = 1056/4; Breakfast = 230/4)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Saanarappan Malai, is an off-beat, beautiful trek in the Thiruvannamalai route. It sits right behind Jagadevi Fort and offers great views from the summit. The trail is well marked and simple. The climb can get technical at certain stretches.  A great trek all in all. 

And this marked 44 weeks, 45 treks, ~10 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 33rd trek in 32 weeks for 2026, with 30 first ascents. :)

Musattu Malai Trek in Tamil Nadu ⛰️| Chap 252 (July 25 2026)

 

Musattu Malai Trek

• Place: Musattu Malai Trek
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Distance: 110 km x 2 = 220 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Hosur > Krishanagiri > Musattu Malai
• Krew: Anwar (Bhai), Ramkrishna (Rama), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Fz-16, Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Mutturayaswamy betta trek
• Budget: Rs 292/head (Petrol = 700/3; Breakfast = 175/3)

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Musattu Malai is a pleasant trek in Tamil Nadu offering some stunning summit views. The difficulty of the trek can be chosen based on one's fitness, there are two routes to the summit. One is a gradual ascent via the forests and the other is a shorter fun rock climbing one. 

And this marked 43 weeks, 44 treks, ~10 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 32nd trek in 31 weeks for 2026, with 29 first ascents. :)

Mutturayaswamy Gudi Betta Trek, Ramanagara ⛰️| Chap 251 (July 18, 2026)

 

Mutturayaswamy Gudi Betta Trek, Ramanagara

• Place: Mutturayaswamy Betta Trek
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Distance: 55 km x 2 = 110 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Bidadi > Ramanagara > Achalu > Muthurayaswamy betta.
• Krew: Madhu (Simha), Datta (Dattu), Gundachar (Gunda), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Xpulse, Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Maharajakadai Fort Trek.
• Budget: Rs 221/head (Petrol = 484/4; Breakfast = 400/4)
• Spotify Podcast: Mutturayaswamy betta trek 🎧

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Mutturayaswamy betta trek is an easy one with two levels of fortifications. The hill does offer some gradient, but yeah, it is fun to navigate. The trek should be more considered for the views it offers, and it is a perfect pick before you tackle other mammoths like Kabbaladurga in the region - very similar rock profile. 

And this marked 42 weeks, 43 treks, ~9.5 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 31st trek in 30 weeks for 2026, with 28 first ascents. :)

Maharajakadai Fort Trek in Tamil Nadu⛰️: Graceful Chaos | Chap 250 (Jul 11, 2026)

Presenting Maharajakadai Fort Trek.

 

• Place: Maharajakadai Fort Trek
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Distance: 125 km x 2 = 250 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Hosur > Krishnagiri > Maharajakadai Fort.
• Krew: Anwar (Bhai), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Virabhadra Fort Trek.
• Budget: Rs 294/head (Petrol = 528/2; Breakfast = 40/2; Water Bottle = 20/2)
• Spotify Podcast: Maharajakadai - Into Elephant Zone 🎧

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, for the 250th Chapter and Bhai's 25th Chapter with us, we chose Maharajakadai Fort. It is a massive fort hill situated near Krishnagiri. It is well-known for elephants, so yeah, it made the trek so much more fun. But to be frank, we had underestimated it; it was a true grinder, alright! 

Note: Go post 7am for two reasons: elephant activity and not to get electrocuted by the wires meant for elephants.

And this marked 41 weeks, 42 treks, ~9.5 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 30th trek in 29 weeks for 2026, with 27 first ascents. :)

Virabhadra Durga Fort Trek in Tamil Nadu⛰️: Horizontal Rain Showers | Chap 249 (July 4 2026)

Virabhadra Fort Trek

• Place: Virabhadra Durga Fort Trek (Bodarahalli)
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Distance: 110 km x 2 = 220 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Hosur > Rayakottai > Virabhadra Fort.
• Krew: Anwar (Bhai), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Jalasiddeshwara Betta Trek.
• Budget: Rs 242/head (Petrol = 484/2; Breakfast = 0/2)
• Next Visit: Maharajakadai Fort Trek

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Virabhadra Fort Trek is one of the most beautiful trails we have hit so far. The trek per se is an easy one, but the rains made our climb tricky. Had real fun, welcoming the monsoons.

And this marked 40 weeks, 41 treks, ~9.0 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 29th trek in 28 weeks for 2026, with 26 first ascents. :)

Jala Siddeshwara betta trek in Ramanagara ⛰️ | Chap 248 (Jun 27, 2026)

Jala Siddeshwara Trek in Ramanagara

• Place: Jala Siddeshwara Betta Trek (Ramanagara)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 50 km x 2 = 100 km.
• Directions: Bangalore > Bidadi > Ramanagara > Jala Siddeshwara 
• Krew: Madhu (DD), Karthik (Sp).
• Bikes: Pulsar.
• Previous Visit: Devarayasamudra Trek.
• Budget: Rs 200/head (Petrol = 200/2; Breakfast = 200/2)
• Next Visit: Virabhadra Fort Trek.

IN LESS THAN 50 WORDS:

Alright, Jala Siddeshwara is a perfect short grinder. It has vertical rock faces, but offers good grip. The view from the summit is something out of this world as it is covered by many hillocks.  Pulling this one off for our 25th first ascent of 2026 felt really special.

And this marked 39 weeks, 40 treks, 9.0 months, non-stop, since Oct 12th, 2025. This was our 28th trek in 27 weeks for 2026, with 25 first ascents. :)