ಯಪ್ಪ ಎಷ್ಟು ದೊಡ್ಡ ಬಂಡೆ 🥴 | Big Rock Lord Shiva temple in Kotebetta | Hidden Place

ಕೋಟೆಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಶಿವನ ದೇವಾಲಯ 🙏 | Big Rock Lord Shiva temple in Kotebetta | Hidden Place | Kannada vlogs follow me on Instagram   / explorer_kannadiga   #youtube #kannadavlogs #lordshiva #rock #youtuber #madikeri Kote Betta Hill Overview 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. 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.  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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Trek Routes to Kote Betta The first leg of the trek starts from a point close to Hattihole junction. The peak lies at a distance of 10 km from this point. Visitors have the option to trek from here or travel in a jeep up to the foot of the Kote Betta Peak. The jeep journey takes visitors through a rough ride on asphalted and mud road to the base point of the trek. From here, guests walk along the jeep trail, through verdant coffee estates, and locals’ dwellings. On further trekking, one will come across dense woods and swirling streams that gush with water during monsoon. The quintessential quietude of the surroundings gets broken by the occasional tweeting of birds, quirky noise of insects or chatter of the trekkers. Trekkers need to leave the trail, take a left turn and walk 0.5 km before taking a right to come across a rocky path that leads to Kote Betta. Trekkers should be careful as most of the rocks may turn out to be slippery due to rains in monsoon.