For Giriyatra fanatics, Skandagiri trekking stands out as one of the fascinating treks, even among other Panchagiris of Chikballapur district Nandi Giri, Channagiri, and Brahmagiri, and Hema Giri. Have you heard about this historic trek that blends nature with history?
Attributing the location of skandagiri in a village called Kalavara Halli, some also call it skandagiri fort kalavara durga and others only kalavara durga. Head here; it will be both; if you are into history, you will be thrilled to know that the trek starts from Papagni Mutt, one of Karnataka’s ancient and most sacred mutts. From this point on, the path goes on to the fort’s remains, which were built in the 18th century.
Are you aware that this place was a fortress of Tipu Sultan and his regime? Tipu conquered it from a local ruler and used the fort to protect his interests from the British until he gave it up in 1971. Can you even picture how you would feel walking where history happens?
Once an individual reaches the top, they are enthralled by a view of the four surrounding hills known as ‘Giris’ in Kannada. Have you ever seen a sunrise at an elevation of a mountain? It is a remarkable feeling that a person would not wish to have at any other place other than Skandagiri Hills.
Skandagiri trek is about 70 km from Bengaluru and about 3 km from Chikballapur, making it a convenient tourist spot. It does not matter if you are a first-timer or an expert at trekking; this trek would take up to five hours maximum for a comfortable completion. The upward journey would take approximately 2 hours, after which one would spend an hour on top and 2 hours going down.
What’s your take on this kind of trek? Would it be seeking the temple at the top or enjoying the peacefulness of the Skandagiri hills instead? So, are you excited to witness stunning sunrises and travel back in time?
Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga, is an ancient mountain fortress in Karnataka. Skandagiri to Bangalore approximate distance is 70 km and just 3 km from Chikballapur. This historic hill stands within the famous Nandi Hill ranges and offers a stunning view of Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli.
The trek begins at a happier point near Papagni Temple, at the foot of Kalavara village. It is a beautiful combination of natural beauty and historical importance.
Would you like to forget the noise of Bangalore and go on a thrilling trek to Skandagiri instead?
Going through its database, we found that the Skandagiri trek has also been categorized under the ‘Moderate – tough’ trek category, which makes it ideal for those who seek adventure with a tad bit of trekking experience.
Ascending about 1350 meters and covering a total distance of 8 km, the trek requires moving through thick foliage and over rocky terrains. While it may not be the easiest of walks, as one would say, it is worth every moment. Would you like to try out this ancient fort that needs to be scaled to achieve it?
Skandagiri trek is non-threatening and is usually done within one day without camping in between for the entire hike. It takes that much time to go up. The same time is taken to descend, and some period of close to 1 hour is spent at the top relaxing and taking clear views of the hilly surroundings.
The night trek at Skandagiri is suitable for people eager for extra fun and thrill. What can be better than hiking in the wilderness at night and reaching the height to view the daybreak? Would you want the sun to shine on your adventures or be enchanted and exhausted by a night’s walk with the stars as your company?
While you can go to Skandagiri any time during the year, the sheer beauty of the place will intoxicate you season by season. Trekking is most suitable in winter when the weather is warm but not hot. Misty mountain tops and the blooming green of the rain forest can be expected on treks during the monsoon season, but precautions should be taken when walking since they can be slippery.
The summer season makes trekking difficult because of the high temperatures; hence, treks are best in the early mornings. When would you want to go for a trek? When is it cool and there is fog, or when are there bright and sunny blue skies?
Papgni Mut, situated at Kalavara village, is the starting point for this trek, which is about 8 km in the distance round trip and covers all sorts of terrain from flat dirt paths, rocky climbs, and vegetated areas, then rewarded with astounding views from the top. Here is a well-elaborated itinerary that will assist you in managing this excellent venture.
It is about 3 km from Chikballapur to Papagni Mutt, an old temple and the starting point of the trek. This location also provides parking and a water tank, the last reliable water source along the trek. You are advised to fill up your bottles here, as there are no other water points during the climb.
From Papagni Mutt, you will walk 800 meters along a flat dirt trail to the Forest Checkpost. This gentle walk lets you settle into the journey surrounded by the peaceful forest. Before proceeding with the trek, you must show a government ID card to the forest guard at the checkpoint.
It is at the Forest Check Post that the real trek starts, for it is from this forest region that the Skandagiri Hills is entered. This portion is quite difficult. It, however, adds a little more to the rest of the features of this trek in terms of rugged trails, rocks, and muddy parts that are sporadically slippery.
Follow the directions via signboards and arrows on the rock mosaic painted in the woods. The trek is also enjoyable because of the rich greenery and different kinds of plants and animals.
As you move higher, the path gets tougher with steep-sided slopes, beginning with slight slopes. The surfaces shift from slippery mud surfaces to rocky surfaces. It is essential in this situation to stay balanced all the time and wear good trekking shoes that have appropriate grips.
After about an hour of hiking, you’ll get to Rest Point I, a convenient stopping point to help you recover and appreciate the beauty of the dense forest. This view is comfortable, resting only before the last effort to the top.
The final section of the Skandagiri trek is the most demanding and rewarding. The path gets even steeper, and the surface changes to large boulders and slushy mud. These are incredibly slippery during rain, so take extra caution. Be careful here, especially during monsoon months when the rocks become more treacherous.
On the way up, you will also come across the remains of the Skandagiri fort for the first time. These remains of fort walls and the abandoned pillars take you back to when the enormous fort was in its most grandeur form in the 18th century when it was an important fort.
Out of the many risks involved during the ascent, one most feared is a ‘narrow’ part of the trail such that one wrong step can tumble you into a deep fall. Watch your steps closely, even when ascending the 50-foot steep Paso over a rock slab, which seems funny. Such rocks sometimes get so slippery that even crawlers slide down.
But after taking this section, you are greeted with stone steps leading to the summit. You will then come to the middle of old shrine structures and a Shiva temple, which further hunts your imagination of the valley, infused with historical substance.
From the peak, sit there for 30 minutes, have snacks, and be fascinated by the 360-degree view of the mountains, hills, forests, and village. If one stays on time, the Skandagiri Sunrise trek offers a delightful sunrise view with its golden ball coming up the horizon, all the colors of the sky being mixed with pink and orange shades.
The descent from the summit follows the same path but presents challenges. The steep sections and slippery rocks make descending more complex, so proceed cautiously and take your time. The loose mud can cause your feet to slide, and the lack of visible markers can lead to confusion, so ensure you follow the correct trail.
While descending, enjoy the opportunity to reflect on your journey and take in Skandagiri Hills, Karnataka’s natural beauty again. The downhill hike may be faster, but it requires equal attention to safety.
Skandagiri Trek Map
As you go up on Skandagiri Hill, you will see a large boulder erected behind Nandi Giri. This natural beauty has also been a crowd-puller to some people like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sir M. Visveswaraya during British rule. Can you imagine being in their place and absorbing the same sights they had for the same purpose?
The Skandagiri trekking route consists of rocky trails, large stone boulders, and muddy areas, all covered with many plants.
This differs from most treks around Bangalore, which are less entertaining with more of a similar set of terrain rather than a different variety, making every single step more enjoyable. Are you ready to hop from rock to rock and traverse through shaded trees on this 8 km trek?
As you near the summit, the crumbling fort walls and ancient pillars transport you back to the 18th century when the Skandagiri fort was alive with activity. It’s a humbling reminder of history, echoing stories of Tipu Sultan and the battles fought here. Can you picture life when this fort stood in all its glory?
Even though the fort is mostly in ruins, the Shiva Temple at the summit remains surprisingly intact. Devotees still climb to the top to offer prayers, making this a sacred and spiritual end to your Skandagiri trek. Have you ever experienced such serenity at the peak of a challenging trek?
It’s not just a feeling of conquering when you reach the top; rewards exist. Skandagiri gives you breathtaking views of Chikballapur town and the hills surrounding it. On a clear day, there are four of the five Giris: Nandi Giri, Channagiri, Brahmagiri, and Hema Giri. How about capturing the perfect sunrise from here on a Skandagiri night trek?
Let’s cover everything from the gear you need to fitness requirements and essential safety tips to help you prepare effectively.
Having the right equipment for the Skandagiri trek is significant as it will increase your comfort and safety levels. Here’s how to break it down into the main essentials:
You must carry a first aid kit for small injuries such as cuts, bruises, and blisters. Here is a list of some of them: Here is a list of some of them:
This is carried out after consultation with a doctor. Always have the required medication if you have ever been prescribed one.
To enter the Forest Checkpost requires one to carry along a government-class-issued ID card, so there should be an application for copying x2 copies of the application forms in case they are for uploading during registration, and many forms will be catered for.
Even though Skandagiri is a grade trek, the summit trek involves unending steps, and many trekkers who need to get used to this kind of activity may find it difficult. Conditioning yourself can enhance your trekking experience.
Since a significant part of the trek entails climbing up, which involves quite a bit of walking, good cardiovascular fitness is required. Here’s how to build it:
Strength training will help you handle steep climbs and rugged terrain better than without it. Do the following exercises using your lower body and mid-section stabilizers:
Flexibility is vital for minimizing muscle soreness while increasing the extent of movement in joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back. Optimize your range of motion by regularly stretching the hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, and lower back after and during the hike.
There are negligible risks involved, and even though Skandagiri can be categorized as an easy to moderate-trek, safety is of utmost importance. Pray, bear in mind the following preventive measures:
Extreme altitude acclimatization is not required for Skandagiri; however, it is also recommended that one is quick to get to the top. You may have to rest often while doing mountain trekking so that your body avoids exhaustion, particularly if it is your first time.
Segments of the trek, especially in the last part of the ascent, can be experienced to be wet and, therefore, slippery, mostly after drizzles. There are measures to take to prevent falls:
For those traveling from Bangalore with their own vehicle, the journey to Skandagiri is smooth and enjoyable, with scenic views. Here is a step-by-step guide to reaching Skandagiri from Bangalore:
To begin, drive on NH 44 (National Highway 44) towards Chikballapur. While going, you will encounter the Bengaluru Airport Toll Plaza. This toll can be skipped on a two-wheeler, but there will be toll fees for a four-wheeler. After you get on NH 44, there are two routes to Skandagiri.
This picturesque route through Nandi Grama is preferable since it makes the journey enjoyable with beautiful sceneries and the town of Nandi Grama.
Distance from Bangalore: About 70 Kilometers (from Vittal Mallya Road, a typical city center).
For those who would instead use local transport, getting to Skandagiri can be achieved using a bus or train followed by a taxi handling a short distance to Papagni Mutt.
Tip: You may also opt to trek from Chikballapur to Papagni Mutt, which is 3 km from Chikballapur Bus Station and which will also prepare you for the warming up to the main trekking.
Bus timings from Chikballapur to Bangalore – 10 min intervals Chikballapur bus station to majestic bus station buses, you have plenty of options when you desire to return.
Return Train Options: To return to Bangalore, trains depart from Chikballapur at:
Getting to Skandagiri by driving or public transport is easy and straightforward. Make your itinerary, sit back, and enjoy the beautiful journey ahead as preparations for an exciting trek are just around the corner!
1) KSTDC Mayura Pine Top
2) Silver Oak Farm
3) Vama Retreats
4) Karnataka Tourism Resort (Nandi Hills)
1) The Hilltop Cafe
2) Sankey’s Nandi Hills
3) Chikballapur Udupi Hotel
4) Nandi Hills Resort Restaurant
Important Updates for Skandagiri Sunrise Trek (as per Karnataka Eco Tourism Board):
Absolutely! Skandagiri is appropriate for first-time trekkers if you are active as well. If one is more passive, we encourage some preparation to be done in advance to avoid discomfort.
Booking is compulsory for the Skandagiri trek. Registration online before the commencement of the journey is necessary. An entry fee is payable of ₹250 for adults and ₹125 for children. You can register here: Karnataka Eco-Tourism.
The nearest town is Nandi Grama, located at the base of Nandi Hills, where you’ll find a few small eateries. For a better dining experience, Chikballapur offers decent restaurants. Water is available at Papagni Mutt, the starting point of the trek, where there’s a small groundwater tank.
Hospital: The nearest hospital is New Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, about 12 kilometers away. You can contact them at the number 081562 72388 for help.
Police Station: The nearest station is the Town Police Station in Chikballapur Town. One may contact them at 081562 74000.
Emergency Services: If you require urgent attention, kindly contact the Pan India Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) at 112.
No, they are different. Skandagiri is about 23 km from Nandi Hills, and both fall under the Panch Giris of Chikkaballapur District.
No, leeches are not possible in Skandagiri. The terrain is more of a rocky and wooded forest; even then, the leech encounters during the monsoon are limited in scope as compared to treks in the Western Ghats.
Skandagiri has one of the best sunrise treks and spectacular views from the top. It is a conspicuous hill in the Pancha Giris of Chikkaballapur range.
Skandagiri is a simple trek for basing exploration for children aged eight and above. The terrain of the trail does not have any cumbersome parts; hence, it also serves as a perfect entry into trekking.
