Skandagiri or Kalavara Durga is the most exciting and well-liked Bangalore weekend trek. It is 60 kilometres from Bangalore, close to the old town of Chikkaballapur, which is a highly adventurous blend of adventure, nature, and heritage. The old hill fort dates back around 1,450 meters (4,757 feet) high above, and perfect experience for newbies as well as seasoned walkers. Climbing is well-renowned for sunrise ascents at break of dawn and sunrise from the top view. The ascent to the peak of Skandagiri is about 4 to 5 km and takes about 2 to 3 hours to hike up to the top. The trek includes a rock face, a walk in the woods, and patchwork bits of deteriorating fort walls in the tranquil retelling of the past. Half of this midnight trek is one of the best parts of this trek. The majority of hikers on this trek leave early morning or even earlier, around 3 or 4 AM clutching flashlights in their hands and shining stars on the nighttime horizon ahead. The further one climbs, the more this trek challenges your degree of endurance as well as your sense of direction, but all for the best. Reaching the summit with the sunrise is an experience gifted by the gods. Sunrise trekking and outdoor adventures are widely featured in our Treks Near Bangalore guide.As the sun rises in its earliest rays, caressing the skyline softly, there descends on the valleys and hills beneath your feet a warm, golden light of morning. There appear clouds on fine mornings in the form of a light blue sea at the foot of the mountain, hence forming the legendary "above the clouds" sense that astonishes the trek groups. The scenery from the summit and the sense of accomplishment at the trek make the trek all the more special. Aside from being nature in itself, it is also carries with it a pinch of history. Fossils of an 18th-century Tipu Sultan fort along the trek route add a bit of adventure and mystery to the trek. The ruins are testimonials that the hill boasted a hill of yore. Permissions are reserved months in advance for this hike, and a booking facility is provided at the Karnataka Forest Department’s official website. It will be safe to carry water, snacks, good trekking shoes, and a flashlight, also as a precautionary measure if one attempts this hike at night. This Trek is perfect for adventure lovers, nature lovers, and photography lovers, all equally, for a peaceful holiday in the hills, long ago, after having climbed downhill tops. For a guided sunrise adventure, many travelers choose our Skandagiri Trek Package.Trek Information of SkandagiriTrek is a moderately tough one and gives you nothing but a view and adrenaline rush experience, very much for the person who looks for night walks or early morning visits.Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate. It is an easy-grade hike for first-timers with average physical conditions and seasoned visitors who require an early-dawn hike without investing too much time. The hike is minimal, but the boulder landscape will challenge your patience and tolerance level, especially when undertaking it early morning.Trek Distance: ~5 km (one way), The climb is approximately 5 kilometres one way and approximately 10 kilometres round trip. It's a perfect distance for a half-day tour, and with an overnight or dawn climber tour to be present there to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise at the top.Duration: 4–5 hours (round trip), Up will be 2 to 2.5 hours and down will be 1.5 to 2 hours, depending upon your speed and resting time. The total trek duration is 4 to 5 hours, and hence, morning trek planning is best so that sufficient time is left out for free roaming around the spots.Nearby Places of SkandagiriNandi Hills: Nandi Hills are reachable by road from Skandagiri and Bangalorean's choice weekend hill station. It is famous for its salubrious climate, morning mist, and view of scenery, and offers tourists viewscapes at par, if not higher, at dawn. Tipu Sultan's summer palace and ancient temples dating back to a century are also situated on the hilltop, giving it a historical touch to its landscape. It is also a good place to unwind after a long tiring trek or another peaceful sunrise watching.Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple: Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is located at the foot of Nΰndi Hills and is one of the good places to visit for history enthusiasts and architecture enthusiasts. Shiva temple built in the 9th century is a very old temple built with masterpieces of Dravidian architecture. Its finely carved pillars, large courtyards, and peaceful atmosphere are the best of all visit spots and recreation spots. The temple also provides peaceful surroundings and a spiritual atmosphere.Chikkaballapur Local Places: There is some old local character in the town of Chikkaballapur. You can while away your time in old-style bazaars, dine at local restaurants serving traditional Karnataka cuisine, or simply roam the town to imbibe the local character. The other offbeat hillocks and attractions such as Brahmagiri, Avalabetta, and Vidurashwatha (the "Jallianwala Bagh of the South") are easily accessible. It is near Nelamangala Mahadeva Temple.Best Time to Visit SkandagiriNovember to March (Best Time)Weather: Clear, cold mornings and cool nights make the trek very comfortable.Weather: Good weather gives us the best chance to view the beautiful sunrise and the typical "cloud bed" scenery.Crowd: It's the best time to trek, so there will be more other trekking people, mostly on weekends and holidays.April to June (Summer)Weather: Hot sun and heat throughout the day, hence the trek becomes extremely tiring.Tip: Trek early morning or night in summer to escape the sun. Carry loads of water and a sun canopy.July to September (Monsoon)Weather: Slipping rocks because of rains during monsoons, cloud/fog cover lowering visibility.Caution: Vegetation is everywhere, but monsoon treks are to be avoided with slipping rocks and leeches.Ideal for: Experienced trekkers with proper gear and monsoon trail lovers.Weather: Nature is provided with a fresh new coat of colours and new greens, and the winds are provided with some rest to recharge themselves once again.View: Opportunities to take good sunrise pictures are higher with the weather finally settling after monsoons.How to reach SkandagiriBy Road (Bangalore)Distance: Around 60 kmTime required: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by motor or two-wheelerRoad: Bangalore → Hebbal → Yelahanka → Devanahalli → Chikkaballapur → Kalavara villageBy BusKSRTC Bus from Bangalore Majestic KSRTC Bus Stand to Chikkaballapur.Auto taxi or local from Chikkaballapur town to drop near Kalavara village (around 4-5 km from town).By TrainBangalore to Chikkaballapur Railway Station (code: CBP) train.Base to station taxi or auto for Kalavara village trek.By AirportThe nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore Airport), 30 km away.Taxi pick-up from the airport to the base for the trek.
