Karnataka’s Ettina Bhuja is now open for trekking

Karnataka’s one of the most beautiful spots, popularly known as ‘Ettina Bhuja’ (which translates to shoulder of an ox and it looks like one), will now be accessible to trekkers. The Forest Department recently announced that it has been making efforts to regulate trekking at the said spot, located in Chikkamagaluru district.

What makes Ettina Bhuja an intriguing spot for trekking is that unlike other hillocks in the Western Ghats, it has only one trekking trail till the peak.
Referring to this development, a forest official from Chikkmagaluru said that since Ettina Bhuja has always been a favourite trekking spot for all, the Forest Department has introduced certain restrictions for safety purposes. In fact, the department will now be regulating trekking activities too. The department will see to it that the path is not littered just like other popular trekking spots in Karnataka. However, interested people will now be able to book their trekking trips via the official website of the board.
If one starts the trek from Byrapura village, it will take less time to reach the peak; whereas climbing from Shishila will take around four hours to the summit. Though the later route is regulated, wildlife experts have raised a concern with the Forest Department regarding the opening of lesser-known hillocks to travellers because of lack of waste management and other issues like starting a forest fire by irresponsible trekkers.
Apart from Ettina Bhuja, there are some other scenic trekking spots in the state of Karnataka, such as Bheemeshwari, Nandi Hills, Skandagiri, Kodachadri, Brahmagiri hills, Kudremukh, and Ramanagara, which you can explore if you are an ardent trekker.