For a stress relieving weekend getaway there are many destinations around Bangalore. Depending on one’s personal preference one can choose a spot. Nijagal Betta is one such spot which can be a perfect picnic spot situated close to Dobbasprt town in Karnataka. It can be enjoyed with family, friends and colleagues. Though it is not very popular destination but it is a perfect place for trekking. Trekking here is not very difficult. Nijagal Betta also called Siddrubetta is located around 55 kilometres from Bangalore at the Bangalore Tumkur Highway. It is basically a hillock having historic ruined monuments like forts, temples, caves and other outstanding rock formations. You can’t see anything major from the foot of the hills but as you climb up the things become visible. There is more than one way to access the hill but the way from the Highway is the shortest.When you start climbing up initially you may find it difficult trek because there are loose stony path but as you go up the path becomes easier to climb with strong footholds on the big rocks. When you reach half way up you get to see the remains of the fort built here in the mid seventeenth century by Chikkadevaraya Wodeyar. You can see the outer wall of the fort. There is a small shrine of Hindu God Hanuman at the entrance of the Fort. When you cross the first wall of fort the path gets clearer to recognise. But at the end you get to face some huge rocks. There are some small water bodies like ponds can be seen inside the fort. The ponds may be formed automatically because of the rain water that dripped from the rocks and couldn’t find any outlet. The path from here leads you to the caves. These interesting shelters always attract me. These caves house two religious shrines, one is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other is a Muslim shrine Dargah. Many local people from nearby villages come here to worship their respective Gods.After these shrines the path leads to the final step and you get to face the steep projection of rock. There are some shelters in the rocks can be seen here apart from the caves. After reaching the top of the hill you can see the panoramic view of the surroundings including the National Highway NH4 that gives a look like a reptile from height. The nearby hills with the beautiful view of countryside can be enjoyed from the hill top. On your way to the top there comes many rock structures that are abandoned now but invites you to explore as they have connections with pre-historic times and who knows you may find something exclusive and significant. On your way you can study many sculptors and rock carvings belonging to Hoysala period. It is said that this place was the venue of war between Hyder Ali and Peshwa Madhv Rao.Expected time to complete the trekOne and a half hours to two hours depending on climber’s age and staminaType of trekkingEasy to moderateCautionBe cautious of slippery stones, monkeys and narrow path with thick thorny bushes.What to wearProper climbing shoes and suitable clothingThings to carry with youA water bottle and some snacksKind RequestDo not throw plastic wrappers or water bottles anywhere on the hills.What to look forward toHills, caves, fort ruins, ruined temples, rock formations, leisure trekkingBest time to visit Nijagal BettaFrom September to January as during this time sun is not that hot.Distance from Bangalore55 kms near Bangalore Pune National Highway (NH4)Food and accommodationSnacks, refreshments and fruits are available in the nearby town Dobbaspet.RouteBangalore -> Tumkur Road -> Nelamangala -> Dobbaspet -> NijagalbettaFrom Dobbaspet Nijagalbetta trek is just three kilometres away. Just opposite to the Nijagalbetta you can see a Reliance Petro bunk. State transport is available from Bangalore to Dobbaspet.RUCHI MAJAHAN