History

This popular tourist spot has an illustrious past because it is home to fort ruins that hold a significant place in Karnataka's history. The mighty Tipu Sultan and the British engaged in battle at this fort. The British conquered and demolished the fort in 1791 A.D., putting an end to the ruler of the Mysore Kingdom's insurrection.

About the Trek

In the Indian state of Karnataka, Skandagiri—also known as Kalavara Durga—is a mountain fortification that lies roughly 62 kilometres from Bangalore and 3 km from Chikballapur.

The Skandagiri Trip is distinctive since it is a night trek. You did read that correctly. Ever imagined what it might be like to trek into the forest at the dead of night?

Woah! I promise you it's not as scary as it sounds. You'll feel like a true traveller when you're up in the mountains at night under the stars.

The Skandagiri Trek should be your destination if you're looking to go away for a short weekend. It is off Bellary Road, which is National Highway 7 between Hyderabad and Bangalore, and it has views of Muddenahalli and Nandi Hills.

The peak is situated at a height of roughly 1450 metres. It may be reached from the village of Kalavara, which had roughly 1093 residents as of the 2011 Census. In order to arrive at the base camp, which doubles as the tour operators' pickup location, at around 2 AM, you'll need to leave Bangalore at around 11:30 PM or 12:00 Midnight. We reserved our trip through Adventuresome. The trip, which is about 4 kilometres long, lasts about 2 hours, depending on how often you stop and take rests. then you can begin.

If you need to, you can take a quick snooze in this time, or you can just stroll outside while the owls' owling accompanies you. As I mentioned, it seems a little creepy, but it's exciting and wonderful.

Karnataka Forest Department and Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board are in charge of overseeing the trekking route from Kalwara village to Skandagiri summit. It is therefore safe to assume that your security won't be jeopardised.

The climb is easy to moderate, so it is advised to wear trekking shoes and engage in some exercise two to three days prior to the walk to increase physical endurance and stamina and get your heart rate up.

The real action starts now because there are no city street lights to guide you. Keep your torches close by because you don't want to get lost in the pitch-black forests. Joking aside, there were eight of us travelling with an Adventuresome guide.

It was simple to find your way about with their assistance because these people are professionals who are familiar with the geography and flora and wildlife of this magical region. It's best to wear comfortable clothing; avoid wearing jeans because of the friction because the climb could appear difficult in some sections. Even if it's rather chilly outside, you'll start to feel the heat and perspire as the pace of trekking and climbing up rocks and stony terrains picks up.

The Skandagiri mountaintop, which overlooks the Nandi Hills, is breathtaking. You've probably heard the expression "on cloud nine," and if you take that literally, you will indeed be on that cloud. Your dream of a cotton candy land might come true, surrounded by clouds that resemble Snow.The far-reaching, massive clouds will begin to play hide-and-seek with the early sunrise's lava-lit sun rays. The sun was trying to break through the clouds to emerge at the horizon as it moved slowly towards the sky. The clouds were draped in a soft orange hue. It is soothing, quiet, and captivating. The monotony of city life will leave your system due to the wind's incessant thumping against your headphones. This is the best of nature. Enjoy it. Enjoy the now. Allow the sun's warmth to fill you up, and just take it all in.

The descent is considerably more difficult because you'll have to struggle against gravity to stay balanced on the incline.

Is there anything else that a fan wouldn't enjoy? Once you return to the base, you may also savour a satisfying meal before setting off again to make it to Bangalore by 1 PM.

Do cities offer the chance to witness sunrises like these?

I suppose not. You ought to try it out and get a taste of it.

Quick facts

• Chikkaballapura is in the state of Karnataka.

• Starting point is Kalwara Village.

• Skandagiri Hilltop is the final stop.

• Approximately 1350 metres are above sea level.

• Eight kilometres of trekking were covered in five hours.

• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Initially at 4:00 a.m.

How do you get to the Skandagiri Hills?

Skandagiri Hills Night Trek/Sunrise Trek packages are widely available, and many travel firms also arrange pickup and drop-off services. Bangalore is home to the closest airport and train station. Bus service to Chikkaballapura is also available from the Majestic Bus Station. From there, you can take an auto rickshaw to the Papagni Temple. At the base camp, parking is accessible for a fee.

Season of Skandagiri Trekking

This journey can start whenever you want. The majority of individuals concur that the best time to begin this experience is in the winter, specifically between November and January. Nothing beats stargazing on a winter night after a strenuous climb, and during the monsoon season, the vegetation and wildlife add a new dimension to the walk. You can hike to Skandagiri in the summer if you have the stamina to survive the dangerously high temperatures of South India.

Travel and Safety Tips

• When you go night camping, bring lots of water with you to stay hydrated.

• Bring a little backpack along.

• Wear a windbreaker in the cold and a raincoat in the monsoon.

• Put on some reliable canvas or hiking shoes.

• Bring tiny snacks and energy bars.

• Carry a battery-operated flashlight to help you see better at night.

• Wear sunglasses and a hat.

• Bring a few essential toiletries with you.

• In addition to authorization from the Forest Department, you must a Karnataka Eco-Tourism Board online ticket in order to access. Before going to the trekking area, be sure you collect both of them.

• Skandagiri is the ideal starting place for first-time trekkers. You'll enjoy a quick and enjoyable hike that will inspire you to travel beyond.

Locations To Stay

Overnight lodgings will be made for you if you have a reservation with a trekking company. Otherwise, you can set up your own tent and camp there. If you opt against the night climb, you can get cheap accommodation in the adjacent Nandi Hills (tariffs start at Rs. 1500). Try Mount Palazzo or Discovery Village.

Food

There are several shacks and tea shops along the trek path that provide refreshments including water, tea, and cookies in addition to food. In Chikkaballapura, a lot of restaurants are open for lunch, including Kamat Upachar Restaurant, Chandru Hotel, Hotel Babuji, and Swathi Restaurant.

Expenses

• Travel: The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Bangalore to Chikkaballapur with a private operator is Rs 600. A KSRTC bus will set you back roughly Rs. 350. To get a car to the starting point from there will cost about Rs. 50. A self-drive cab would set you back approximately Rs. 5600 for a journey.

• Food costs between 300 and 600 rupees for one day's supply.

• Accommodations: You are able to spend the night in your own tent in the top campgrounds.

• Other: The government has recently started charging 450 rupees for the Skandagiri excursion. In reaction to certain irresponsible hikers who would abandon the area in disrepair and with rubbish, this decision 

Bangalore to Skandagiri

For those who live in or near Bangalore, the Skandagiri hills night trek is one of the best hiking opportunities nearby and a fantastic weekend vacation. It's difficult to describe the exhilaration of stumbling across the boulders with a flashlight.

Temple of Skandagiri

You can explore the hilltop after sunrise. Trekkers frequently stop here to take pictures of the Lord Siva temple ruins at Skandagiri. After the strenuous hike, it is still beautiful to see, even in its ruined form.

Fort Tipu Sultan

The ruins of this fort, which Tippu Sultan built, are a blatant reminder of its former grandeur. Even though only a few walls are still standing, it contributes to the location's eerie vibe. In these remains, further exploration revealed the presence of two caverns and six samadhis.