Update: Vehicle entry is now banned at Avala Betta. You've to park near main road and trek 1.5-2 kms to reach hilltop. Not worth all the circus and effort- find some other hill to visit



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Nandi hills is so 1990. Avalabetta seems to be the new hill that is beckoning weekenders from Bengaluru like crazy. It is a small hill some 95 kms from Bengaluru closer to Andhra border.





Avalabetta has a temple, rocks and some views- but what is driving people crazy is a piece or rock that is protruding. It appears wafer thin but is strong enough to support a few people standing on it. Youngsters are going to this point like crazy to get their photos clicked on this cliff.

But though rock appears strong, it is brittle. A small crack developing in a corner can eventually result in a large piece getting separated. It is only a matter of time before this small piece of rock is abused by the youth flocking here and results in death of a few.



Besides rock giving away, other risks are stampede (too much crowd in a hurry to get clicked), strong winds and people losing grip and slipping off the cliff.





Of course it is very easy to ban entry altogether, but there could be safer alternatives- such as mandating that a harness be worn which can stay connected to a strong support in case person slips, or build a support platform 10 feet below- so that in case someone falls, he/she doesn’t have to vanish into deep valley below. Till then, proceed with caution.





Some more photos clicked from top of Avala betta

Above: Our transport to Avalabetta- Honda City from Revv A guest house building exists on top of Avalabetta, out of bounds for tourists. Roadside shops sell tender coconut, cucumber etc. Not much facilities available.