Uttari Betta Trek – Chasing Sunrise Through Ancient Hills

Sometimes, the city gets too loud — not just in decibels, but in energy. You crave silence, stars, and that cool early-morning breeze you can only find on a hilltop. That’s exactly what led me to plan the Uttari Betta trek, one of the most underrated but incredibly beautiful night treks near Bangalore.

With a bunch of friends and a whole lot of excitement, we packed our bags, booked a night trek package, and set off on a little adventure under the stars.

The Journey Begins – Midnight Escape from Bangalore

Around 11 PM, we gathered at the pick-up point in Bangalore, our backpacks loaded with essentials — water bottles, snacks, torches, jackets, and that thrill of the unknown.

Located about 75 km from Bangalore, Uttari Betta (also known as Hutridurga Hill) sits quietly in the Shivagange hill range, waiting for city folks like us to discover its charm. The drive was smooth and sleepy, but as soon as we reached the base around 2 AM, sleep was the last thing on our minds.The stars were visible. The air was fresh. And the excitement was real.

Climbing Into the Darkness – Uttari Betta Night Trek Begins

Torchlight in hand, we started the Uttari Betta night trek under a starlit sky. The trail was rocky but manageable, winding through an ancient stone pathway flanked by old fort walls, caves, and thick vegetation.

One of the best things about this trek is its historical vibe — you’re literally walking through the remains of a 17th-century fort. It makes every step feel like part of a forgotten story.

There are seven stone archways you pass on the way up, each one feeling like a gateway to a different era. At one point, we passed through a small cave — crouching, laughing, helping each other — and emerged to see the vast sky opening above us.

The night was silent except for crickets and the crunch of our shoes on rock. It was peaceful, even in motion.

The Summit – Finding Stillness Before Sunrise

We reached the peak of Uttari Betta around 4:30 AM. It wasn’t too crowded, which made the experience even more special. At the top, there’s a small Shiva temple, and just beyond it, an open cliff that gives you an unbelievable panoramic view of the valleys below.

We sat there in silence, wrapped in our jackets, sipping hot chai from a local vendor who’d hiked up before us (bless him!). There’s something about the stillness before sunrise — it feels sacred. You talk less. You feel more.

Sunrise on the Rocks – A Moment That Stays

And then it happened.

The sky slowly started to shift from black to indigo to orange. The horizon lit up as the sun began to rise over the hills, casting golden light over everything it touched.

Watching the sunrise from Uttari Betta is something I’ll never forget. The rocks glowed, the sky blushed, and everyone fell into a quiet trance, just staring.

It’s not just the view — it’s the journey that makes it so powerful. You climb in the dark, and then you watch the world light up in front of you. It’s symbolic, poetic even.

Descending With Memories

After soaking in the sunrise, we explored a little more around the summit. The landscape is raw and rugged — perfect for photos and peaceful moments. Then we started our descent, which is much easier and quicker in daylight.

We made it back to the base by around 8:30 AM. Tired but buzzing, we grabbed breakfast at a nearby local shop — soft idlis, spicy chutney, and strong coffee — the perfect end to a perfect trek.

By the time we reached Bangalore again, the city was just waking up. But we already had an entire adventure behind us.

Why Uttari Betta Trek Deserves Your Weekend

✅ Beginner-friendly: It’s an easy to moderate trek, perfect even for first-timers.

✅ Night + Sunrise combo: You get both the thrill of a night trek and the magic of a sunrise.

✅ Historical charm: The old fort walls and Shiva temple add depth to the experience.

✅ Offbeat & peaceful: Less crowded than Nandi Hills or Skandagiri.

✅ Close to Bangalore: Just 1.5–2 hours drive from the city.

Whether you're a nature lover, a night owl, a photographer, or just someone looking to escape the routine — Uttari Betta gives you everything.

Quick Trek Facts:

Location: Near Kunigal, around 75 km from Bangalore

Trek Distance: Approx. 5 km round trip

Elevation: Around 3,700 feet

Time to Trek: 1.5–2 hours one way

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Best Time: October to March (cooler nights, clearer skies)