The “K” Betta
I would call this the K betta or 5 min hike betta and its Kundana betta located near Devanahalli, Bengaluru rural district. it served as strategic military outpost and a capital, seat of power during and pre Vijayanagara empire!
Back in the late 1200s, Kundana functioned as a key secondary capital for the Hoysala king Vira Ramanatha. With the kingdom split between brothers at the time, Ramanatha managed the southern territories and leaned on the hill’s natural defenses for his operations.
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Later, the location became even more critical under the Vijayanagara Empire. Around 1537, Kempe Gowda I — the mastermind behind Bengaluru — transformed the site into a tactical military outpost, or Thana. To secure the region and solidify his authority, he reportedly built an impressive four-layered fortification system across the hill.
A paved road allows vehicles to reach close to the top, followed by a short walk via stairs. I like to walk so I parked my bike at the starting point of road and did 5 minute hike to the top!!
This hilltop is a fantastic vantage point for aviation photography because of its proximity to the Bengaluru International Airport. Since flight paths often bank directly over the summit during takeoff, you get a clear view of the planes. Unfortunately, I don’t have a long zoom lens, so these shots are the best I could manage with a simple point-and-shoot camera.
This is a perfect spot to catch the sunrise or sunset and spend a couple of hours. Pack your own food and water, bring some warm tea or coffee, and just sit back to enjoy those incredible 360-degree views. Please help keep this beautiful little place pristine — make sure to pack out all your trash and leave no litter behind. Until the next summit, peace!
