Uttari Betta /Hutri Durga

 We returned from a lovely holiday at Coorg a few days ago. Sanchitram (my son) had made plans to go on another trek with BMC (Bangalore Mountaineering Club). While making the booking, he inquiringly looked at Arvind and me, and instinctively, I said yes to the trek that was less than 10 days apart. That day, I had half a mind to slide out of the program. But before I knew we were on the road driving to Uttari Betta.

Uttari Betta, also known as Hutridurga, is a popular trekking spot about 80 km away from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore city. The total trek distance is 5 km leading you to the top of a hill with spectacular views of surrounding villages and lakes. Arvind never misses the opportunity to let us know that Bangalore was once like this during the 70s, and we fervently wish that development/progress does not come to these parts. 

a landscape dotted with boulders

The unique feature of this trek is that you walk through 7 stone walls/ archways that lead you to the summit. The hike's starting point is a fort-like structure said to be built by Kempegowda. We cross a small village from the fort with huts on both sides with the overpowering smell of cow dung. Buffalos and goats gazing lazily amongst villagers' houses were unique for a city dweller like me. Overnight heavy rains had left a muddy slush intensified by many couples of two-wheelers driving to the nearest point to begin the trek. 

slushy village roads leading up to the trek

Starting off on an easy stride

The BMC group was a bunch of 15, including us. True to the Bangalore representation, the youngsters mainly were tech. After small introductions, all around,  we began, and it seemed easy enough, with cemented steps leading up to the hill. All of us, raring to race each other started off for the trek. Within no time, we spotted the first of the seven gates. Crossing over the gate, we realized the hike was not as easy as it looked initially. 

Crossing over the first archway.

There were steep rocks to climb that tested our strength. The stones were smooth and slippery in parts. The guides from BMC helped us to negotiate the rough patches. The narrow, winding, slippery path led us higher up the hillock. 

One step at a time.. gingerly

Made it to gates 4 and 5, or is it 5 and 6

Parts of the trail were relatively narrow, and we, as a group, had a single-file formation. The tall grass on either side of the pathways was perfect camouflage for any animals lurking. Luckily, we were the jungle animals intruding on the natural inhabitants. We walked through abundant vegetation, some caves, and huge boulders. Some of the boulders were sun-warmed and comfortable to sit on to rest our tired feet. 

Weaving our way through the tall blades of grass

The halfway point of the hike is the temple at the top. The temple is Shankareswar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. One can get extensive views of the surrounding landscape from here. The landscape is dotted by rocky hills and boulders.

View of the temple and the surroundings 

Rest after the lift

The natural architecture of the boulders is fascinating. Some boulders are huge and precariously perched on each other, with the more enormous ones supporting the smaller ones. I thought that it is such a beautiful lesson of life to strike and achieve a delicate balance, the strong to be sensitive and support the weak and to be confident even at the edge of a precipice.

A delicate balance 

Beyond the temple, the trek continues reaching a small cave. From there, there was a climb down some rocky steps sandwiched between two huge boulders. We get a small grassland clearing that is a nice picnic spot. 

picnic spot with a view 

The beauty of nature can be admired and revered in a trek. A day away from the usual busy life allows us to pause, reflect and think. Our outlook is more of acceptance rather than reluctance. The thrill and adrenalin of the trek stay on until our next hike. 

We receive more than what we seek

Ready for the next..