Harihara Betta (Kaurava Kunda) Trek and Camping: A Complete Guide (2026)
- Nagabhushan M N
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
There's something magical about waking up to a sunrise from your tent. No alarm, no rush—just unzipping the tent flap to find the sky painted in orange and gold.
That's exactly what happened on my recent camping trip to Harihara Betta which is also known as Kaurava Kunda, and it's an experience I'd recommend to anyone looking for a quick escape from Bengaluru.
My Harihara Betta Camping Experience
We started from Hebbal around 3:30 PM on a Saturday. The drive to Harihara Betta is just 62 km, and despite some traffic near the city, we reached the base by 5:00 PM—plenty of time to trek up and set camp before dark.
The trek itself is refreshingly easy. It took us about 1.5 hours to reach the camping spot at the top, walking at a leisurely pace. There are no tricky sections or technical climbs—this is genuinely one of the most family-friendly treks near Bangalore.
Here's something most guides don't tell you: there are two hills at Harihara Betta, and a third viewpoint that's worth knowing about.
When you reach a fork in the trail:
Left path → First hill, best spot for sunrise.
Right path → Viewpoint for the Adiyogi statue at Isha Foundation. From here, you can watch the Adiyogi Divya Darshanam—the evening light show—from a distance, away from the crowds. This is also a good camping spot, though you'll need a 5-minute walk to the sunrise viewpoint the next morning.
Straight path → Second hill. You'll go down into a small valley and climb up again to reach it.
We camped on the first hill (left path) and explored the second hill the next morning.
As the sun set, we set up our tents and cooked a simple dinner. But the real show started after dark. Away from Bengaluru's light pollution, the stars were breathtaking. We spent hours just lying on the rocks, looking up.
The next morning, I stepped out of my tent to catch the sunrise—no hiking required. The sun rose right in front of our campsite. On clear winter mornings, you might even see a sea of clouds below you, with just the hilltops poking through.
Harihara Betta Trek Details
Location: Harihara Betta, Chikkaballapura District, Karnataka
Distance from Bangalore: 62 km from Hebbal (approximately 1.5-2 hours drive depending on traffic)
Trek Difficulty: Easy – suitable for beginners, kids, and families
Trek Distance: Approximately 1.5 km one way
Trek Duration: 1.5 hours to reach the top
Best Time to Visit:
September to early March – Pleasant weather for trekking and camping
Late December to early March – Best for sunrise views and cloud bed formations
September to November – Lush green landscapes post-monsoon
How to Reach Harihara Betta
By Car (Recommended for camping): Take the Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway (NH48). After crossing Chikkaballapura, head towards Isha Foundation. The hill is near Hariharapura village. Google Maps
works well for navigation—search for "Kauravakunda Trek Starting Point"
Location- https://maps.app.goo.gl/r2mQk2YJLHj9P7KQA
Route: Bangalore → Devanahalli → Chikkaballapura Bypass → Harihara Betta Base
Parking: Available at the base of the hill. Your vehicle will be safe overnight.
Camping at Harihara Betta
Can you camp at Harihara Betta?
This is where things get a bit unclear. Some online sources say camping is not officially permitted. However, I've camped here twice—once last year with a group of about 20-25 people camping nearby, and again this January with just my friends. We didn't face any issues either time.
That said, here's my advice:
Keep your campsite clean
Don't make excessive noise
Carry out all your trash
Be respectful of other visitors
If any local authority asks you to leave, comply politely
Best Camping Spots:
You have two options:
First hill (left at fork) – Flat rocky areas perfect for pitching tents. Direct sunrise views—wake up and watch the sun rise without leaving your tent. This is my top pick.
Adiyogi viewpoint (right at fork) – Great if you want to catch the Adiyogi Divya Darshanam light show in the evening. You'll need to walk about 5 minutes to the sunrise spot the next morning, but it's an easy walk.
What to Carry for Camping:
Tent (2-person tents work well on the rocky terrain)
Sleeping bag or blankets (it gets cold at night, especially Dec-Feb)
Sleeping mat
Headlamp/torch
Water (at least 2-3 liters per person)
Food and snacks
Cooking equipment if you plan to cook
First aid kit
Trash bags (leave no trace)
Light jacket or sweater for the evening
Entry Fee and Permits
Entry Fee: None
Permit Required: No permit required for trekking
Tips for Your Harihara Betta Trip
Start early if doing a day trek – Begin by 6 AM to catch the sunrise
For camping, arrive by 4-5 PM – Gives you time to set up before dark
Carry enough water – No water sources on the trek
Wear good trekking shoes – The trail has loose rocks in some sections
Check weather before going – Avoid during heavy rains
Weekdays are less crowded – Weekends can get busy, especially for sunrise
Why Harihara Betta is Perfect for Beginners
If you're new to trekking or camping, Harihara Betta is an ideal starting point:
Short drive from Bangalore
Easy to navigate trail
No technical climbing required
Safe for kids and families
No permits or entry fees
Stunning views without the exhaustion
The Verdict
Harihara Betta might not be as famous as Nandi Hills or as challenging as Skandagiri, but that's exactly what makes it special. It's accessible, uncrowded (relatively), and delivers on the promise of a peaceful night under the stars.
If you've been meaning to try overnight camping but keep putting it off, this is your sign. Pack a tent, grab some friends, and head out this weekend. The sunrise view alone is worth the trip.
Have questions about the Harihara Betta trek? Drop a comment below or reach out to us on Instagram @wanderophile.
Looking for more treks near Bangalore? Check out our complete list of weekend treks or join us on our next group trek.
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