Kuntibetta

A 130 km drive on the Mysore road towards Mandya and then a right turn, past sugar cane plantations with the characteristic smell of jaggery plants, will take you to Pandavapura. The Pandavas are said to have ended their 14 year long here, hence the name "Pandavapura".
With its steep rock faces and a stone pillar on its summit, Kunti Betta(950 mts) is hard not to notice from here. A short drive from Pandavapura to the temple at the base, and then a stair climb and you are on the trail to Kunti betta.

The Kunti Betta trail is a short but fairly technical one. It includes steep ascents and descents (sum rock faces require rope aid for the inexperienced trekker). Traversing first up and over a hillock and then all the way up Kunti Betta, you constantly have the Thonnur Lake in view. The terrain consists of volcanic granite rock and boulders, with brief stretches of moorland (short grass, shrubby trees and bush). You know you are at the summit when you see the Stone pillar. Great views of surrounding fields, hillocks and the Thonnur lake, make the Stone pillar the perfect viewpoint. If on a night trek, there are spots sheltered from the high winds by boulders that are great for lighting a campfire.

With its challenging yet interesting trails, naturally sheltered summit and close proximity to the Thonnur lake (you can trek down to the lake for a dip), Kunti Betta is an excellent trek for both the absolute novice* hoping to take up serious trekking, as well as for the seasoned trekker wanting to do a more laidback trek over the weekend.

*Caution:

-Please don't register if you are very unfit or suffer from weak joints. This event requires basic fitness and a decent amount of stamina.

Nearest Towns:

Location info:India>Karnataka>Mandya

Route Info:

Bangalore>Mandya (towards Mysore).Kuntibetta is just a few kms from PanDavapura - around 120 kms from Bangalore. Drive down on the four-lane Mysore road and take the diversion to Pandavapura immediately after Mandya. If you are driving from Mysore, there is another diversion just after Srirangapatna that takes you to PanDavapura.

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Summary:

Kuntibetta is a small hill ideal for trekking. It is actually two hills, namely Kuntibetta and Bheemanabetta, near the town of Pandavapura. It is believed that the exiled Pandava brothers and their mother Kunti spent some time here.

The height of Kunti Betta is 80 metres and is at a distance of 4 kms from Pandavapura (Mandya district). The hill is named after the mother of Pandavas/five brothers in Mahabharatha. The legend of this place narrates that Pandavas spent the last few days of their exile in the hills and named the hill after their mother Kunti whom they missed. Kunti Betta is the location where Bheema destroyed the demon Bakasura. The town nearby is called as Pandavapura after the Pandavas.

The hill was also popularly known as French rocks as the French troops had camped in this region in the 18th century to help Tipu Sultan in his war against the British. From the top of the hill the expanse of Tonnur Kere/lake can be viewed.

As the climb gets steeper you will be surprised to land on a flat terrain, where there is evidence of the land having been cultivated a few centuries ago. This place has a rock pond (water collects in the rock like a pond) known as Kunti Kola and a footprint of Bheema is present on the rock.

The view from the top of the hill is astounding with alternate square sugarcane and paddy fields spread like a design on a quilt till the horizon. This hill can be seen from Karighatta / Black hill.

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Things To Carry:

• Personal medication (if any)
• One strong backpack
• Water bottles (enough to carry at least 2 liters of water)
• Energy Food (Chocolate bars, flavored milk, Electrolyte drinks - Glucon-D, etc.)
• Headwear - Hats, caps, bandanas
• Sun screen lotion & sun glasses
• Light colored - full-armed clothes (suggested)
• Sports shoes (for better grip)
• Camera (Optional)
• Rain Coat (Just in case)

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