Sunrise Trek To Kunti Betta

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 exile 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 trail, 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.