Avalabetta

I never wrote anything related to travel before. This would be my first attempt to write about a small trip I took to Avalabetta. Avalabetta during summer....Yes!!!!

Avalabetta is a place which is around 103 kms from Bangalore. It is way outside the busy city. The place is well off the Bangalore -Hyderabad highway. We started our drive at around 5.30 am in the morning from Marathalli. The driving experience was awesome because the roads were good and quite empty. We did not have our breakfast because it was quite early. On the way, we stopped to have tea and continued our trip further.

The maps show the perfect way to Avalabetta so there was no problem with it. Once you take left towards Avalabetta from the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway, the roads are single lane. Even if you miss your way dont worry just ask around, the villagers are very friendly and they will guide you. The view on the either sides are good along the path. There are a plenty of grape farms and mango trees.

Following the route on the map, we reached the foothill and parked our car. It was 7.30am by the time we reached. Here, you have two paths one where they used to let the vehicles till the top of the hill. (Now you cannot take vehicles but you can walk); other one you can walk all the way to the top. There is no parking fee involved. You can see many kids selling water bottles, mangoes, cucumber and biscuits.

We started walking on the way where they used to let the vehicles before. Now the road is empty and its good to walk. Once you climb a few steps there are two ways one is the rocky path which goes through the bushes

and the other is a smooth driveway till the top. It is a bit tiring during summers but you can take breaks in between.

The scenic view on the way towards the top is amazing. On the top there is a small temple (Lakshmi Narayana Temple). There are a lot of monkeys who might block your way (In case you have a snacks bag, better be careful).

If you go on the right from the temple there is a lovely view.

The path narrows down to a small passage between huge rocks. At the end of this narrow passage is the famous photography spot of Avalabetta. After a strenuous trek of 30 mins, only thing which stands between you and the iconic spot is, the tricky fence. Though the fence is installed for the safety of the visitors, the rock extending over the deep cliff drives the visitors to venture towards it. It is a miracle that this rock has stood the test of time, continuing to mesmerize the people in its own way. People throng this place to capture some unique perspectives.

We spent an hour there enjoying the lovely wind soothing our sun-burnt faces. We traced the same path down the hill. The journey back to Bangalore was a smooth one.

Overall it was a great trip! I would like to visit this place once again during the winters, hoping to catch an 'above-the-cloud' view from this hill.