All About It

• Difficulty - Moderate
• For 10+ years
• Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Spring (Feb, March, April) Monsoon (Aug, Sept, Oct)

Kote Betta, the third highest peak in Coorg at 1620 m above sea level, is situated in Hattihole locality, 15 km from Madikeri region. Kote Betta, which literally means Fort Hill. It has a mythical story that locals narrate. It is believed that the famous Pandavas of Mahabharata have spent a considerable period of their exile at this place and built several stone houses that stand till date.           

An ideal place for trekking, the trail takes visitors through villages, undulating terrain of coffee estates, spice plantations, and jackfruit gardens. As one travels deeper, one remains enraptured at the picturesque dense forests and mighty Western Ghats. 

If lucky, one may catch a glimpse of a parade of elephants, wild dogs, Sambars, stripe-necked mongoose, Indian giant squirrels, brown palm civets, gaurs, and several species of otters.

As the ascent ends and reaches the flat ground, the sacred Shiva Temple situated atop a climbable rock comes into view. Over the top, it looks as if the clouds have descended to whisper in the ear and welcome with open hands. 

The scenic beauty from the top, especially the Kumar Parvata ranges & Harangi dam from the Kote Betta peak is only to be experienced. The pond at the peak offers drinkable water. The feeling of spending a night in a makeshift tent breathing pristine air and gazing at the starry sky cannot be explained in words. It makes us feel one with nature and reminds what we are missing in our concrete jungles.

Highlights

1. Trekking

   One of the ultimate trekking destinations, Kote Betta promises an amazing experience to hard-core outdoor enthusiasts and trekkers. A physically challenging expedition that rewards its participants with mental stimulation beyond expectations. 

2. Photography

   Photographers and Scenic Lovers will have a tough time to decide what not to, as against what to shoot, as the place is a nature’s paradise. Amateurs or professionals, one cannot restrain the urge to capture the beautiful landscapes and carry them as souvenirs.

3. Cherish the natural beauty

   Located in Coorg, which is fondly referred to as “the Scotland of India”, the Kote Betta abounds in natural beauty with lush green forests and the imperial Western Ghats. The trail is dotted with villages, gardens of Orange, Passion fruit and Pomelo and small streams and falls. 

   An undulating terrain of coffee estates on one side and verdant hills on another side mesmerize the scenic lovers and alleviate their fatigue. The subtle changes of the landscape from plantations to dense Shola forests and inclines of lemongrass and rocky terrain, elicit a shriek of surprise from the trekkers.

4. Hattihole Bridge

    

   Hattihole bridge situated on the Hatti River is a few paces from the junction from where trekkers start their journey. The initial trial, which the visitors take for trekking is adjacent to the river on the left-hand side. 2.5 km into the travel, a hanging bridge over the river greets the travelers. 

   The gushing waters below with a swing type hanging bridge secured by wooden planks and rope, against the verdant woods in the background call for a photo session to capture the scenic beauty and store it for posterity. 

5. Eco Valley

    

   Eco Valley falls between the trekking base and Shiva Temple on the Kote Betta peak. It is a deep gorge surrounded by hills that reflect the sound.

6. Shiva Temple

    

   The ancient Shiva Temple is located atop the Kote Betta Hill. Visitors can also see the omnipresent Nandi in front of the Shiva shrine. A careful exploration of the rocks around the temple reveal a distinctive sound that suggests a hidden cave beneath the surfaces. 

   A few feet from the temple and behind a whitewashed structure are two ponds. One of the ponds is used by the natives for performing rites during festivities and is suitable for drinking, while the other is left for animals to slake their thirst.

7. Camping

    

   Camping at height of 1620 m above sea level amidst picturesque settings is both fun and adventurous. The body and mind poisoned by the noise, effusions, and effluents of city life finally find a resort to heal naturally at these serene surroundings. 

   The activities like singing, dancing, etc. or cosying up with loved ones around the campfire or relaxing under the canopy of clear skies with twinkling stars leave indelible memories in the mind.