Trekking in Channarayana Durga

Bangalore is so much more than its vibrant city life. Amongst travellers and locals, the key draws of this urban hub seem to be its diverse shopping localities, rhythmic nightclubs and pubs with a laid-back ambience. However, if you love spending your days soaking up the sun in the midst of nature, trekking in Bangalore should be at the top of your list.

If you are a trekking connoisseur or simply a thrill-seeker, there are plenty of options for trekking in Bangalore. Make your way to the summit of spectacular rock formations that give you a birds-eye view of the city’s rich, vibrant landscape. Looking for a one-day trip out of the city? Trekking in Bangalore can be completed over the weekend with your loved ones. As a bonus, you could even pack a picnic and feast on home-made food in the enchanting outdoors.

Rocky hills, dense forests, pleasant weather - the trio makes a perfect combination for trekking.

Devarayanadurga Hill is rocky and surrounded by dense forests. You will spot many caves along your way and temples upon reaching the summit. The “Bhoga Narsimha" temple is dotted at the base of the hill whereas the “Yoga Narsimha” rests on the hilltop.

You will also spot idols of Lord Rama, Lord Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita on your way to the top. Namada Chilume, the spring that is believed to have served as a source of water for Ram, Lakshmana, and Sita, also flows from the Devarayanadurga Hills.

Difficulty: Medium

Best Time to Visit: October to May

Duration: One day

Distance from Bangalore: 72 km

Highlights: Namada Chilume, Sunrise View

Elevation: 3940 feet

Known as ‘honey hill’, Madhugiri is a single hill that grabs the rank of the second largest monolith in Asia. This makes it a little more challenging than other trekking places near Bangalore. At an elevation of 3,930 ft, this beautiful hill has the ruined temple of Gopalakrishna at the top.

A series of doorways leads to the hill and this adds a certain quaint charm to the monolith.

The highlight is a rock dome on which stands a fort. Although the climb can be steep, the summit rewards you with a lovely panoramic view of the green surroundings and nearby rock formations.

The difficulty level is moderate to difficult but you emerge at the peak feeling as though you have tested your limits and emerged victorious.

Tadiandamol, also known as Thadiyandamol, is the highest peak in the Madikeri Taluk of the Kodagu district in Karnataka. After Mullayyanagiri and Kudremukha, it is Karnataka's third-highest point. In the valleys of the range, there are lovely shola forests that spread out in thick green tufts. It is a 15 km journey to the peak of Tandiandamol.

Green and lush, Tadiandamol draws you with promises of a spectacular view from its summit. With tall trees, wildlife that gambols happily in their natural habitat and a beautiful sunset at its top, this famous hill is a must visit for trekking enthusiasts.

Although there are two routes to reach the Tadiandamol hills, the Honey Valley route is the most common and easiest. The Honey Valley Road is the perfect way to see the unique beauty of the Tadiandamol hills.

The Tadiandamol trek begins from Kakkabe, which can be reached from Madikeri or Virajpet. Kakkabe is about 35-40 kilometers from Madikeri. The initial point is 4 kilometers away from Kakkabe, and the nearby landmark to the point is Nalakanad Palace. The area is densely forested, with streams running through it.

·Difficulty: Easy to moderate

·Best Time to Visit: November to March

·Duration: 2-3 days

·Distance from Bangalore: 270 km

·Highlights: Wildlife-spotting, sunrise view

·Elevation: 5735 feet

Also known as Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri is famous for the spectacular sunrise and sunset views from its summit that can be seen after trekking through strenuous trails. A popular spot for night trekking in Bangalore, Skandagiri is located approximately 61 kilometres away from the urban hub. It is one of the most visited spots for trekking in Bangalore, particularly for the younger crowd. The trek starts at the base of Papagni Temple and it has two routes to reach the summit. The ruins of Tipu Sultan's Fort rest at the mountain top along with several caves across the trail. Many people prefer bird watching and pitching a tent to camp after reaching the hilltop.

Skandagiri is famous for catching the sunrise from the hilltop but we only recommend night trekking with an experienced guide. The day and night treks were banned a few years ago and you need to take permission for this trek before making your plans.

•Difficulty: Moderate

•Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year (except monsoons)

•Duration: Full day

•Distance from Bangalore: 61 km

•Highlights: Tipu Sultan Fort, Grover Zampa Vineyards

•Elevation: 4750 feet

Ramanagara is a city in Karnataka that is famous for the majestic circle of hills that surrounds it. When the cult classic Bollywood film Sholay was filmed amidst the Ramanagara Hills, the granite hills received the

nickname ‘Sholay Hills’.

The Ramanagara region is famous for trekking and rock climbing in Bangalore with routes and lovely trails that wind to the top of summits that feature beautiful vistas. Ramadevara Betta and SRS Hills are both popular for trekking but the list does not stop there.

With a belt of rugged granite hills that spread out for miles, you can discover lesser known hiking routes in this trekking paradise.

Ramanagara is also a great place for camping, and kayaking at the nearby Manchanabele Dam.

Antharagange, is a peak in the Shathashrunga mountain range in Karnataka's Kolar district. In Kannada, Anthara Gange means 'Deep Stream' or 'Inner Stream.' It is approximately two miles from Kolar and 70 kilometers from Bangalore. Antharagange is well-known for its Sri Kashi Vishweshwara temple, also known as Kashi of the South. Lord Shiva is the patron of the temple. A pond in the temple receives a constant supply of groundwater from the mouth of a Basava (stone bull). Drinking water from the pond is thought to cure a variety of illnesses.

Trekking in Antharagange caves is moderate with a steep and narrow path that leads behind the Visheshwara Temple to the top of the mountain.  The caves are about 3-4 kilometers from the temple. After a visit to the temple, exploring these mysterious caves adds to your trekking experience as it unveils the hidden secrets of this enchanting hill. Trekking through the caves at night is very popular as well as pitching a tent at the foothills and sleeping under the sky.

·Difficulty: Easy to Medium

·Best Time to Visit: September to March

·Duration: 1 day

·Distance from Bangalore: 70 km

·Highlights: Anthargange Caves, Anthargange Temple, camping, night trekking

·Elevation: 4050 feet

Kodachadri is the 13th highest mountain peak in Karnataka with thick, lush green forests and several waterfalls.

If you are passionate about challenging yourself through strenuous treks, pack your bags for Kodachadri the next time you plan an adventure trip. Located in the Shivamogga District, the hill derives its name "Kodachadri" from "Kodacha" meaning "Kutaja or jasmine flowers" and "adri" meaning "mountain" in Sanskrit.

It is a scenic hilly region full of dense forests and jasmine plants, refreshing the air with a lovely fragrance. The trekking trail is quite challenging and gives you occasional views of rustic Indian huts, agricultural grasslands, small streams and a few waterfalls.

The trek starts at the foothill and gets more difficult with altitude as the rocks get sharp and slippery. The Mookambika temple rests at the top of the hill, attracting a large number of pilgrims every year.

·Difficulty: Moderate to Intense

·Best Time to Visit:

·Duration: 2 nights

·Distance from Bangalore: 380 km

·Highlights: Hidlumane Waterfall, Mookambika temple, day & night trekking, sunrise view.

·Elevation: 4406 feet

Located just 60 km west of Bengaluru, Savandurga (Fort of Death) is considered to be amongst the largest monoliths in Asia. It has the perfect beginner trekking trails that one needs to build confidence in trekking.

Savandurga comprises of two hills known as the Billigudda and the Karigudda that attract a large number of pilgrims annually. Billigudda means white hill in Kannada while Karigudda means black hill. Named by the Magadi ruler, Kempegowda, these hills were considered unconquerable until the British did so in 1791 during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. The mantapa of the Nandi at the top marks the end of the trek.

Trekking across the Biligudda trail is more challenging than the Karigudda trail. Therefore, you can decide to trek between the two based upon your prior experience of trekking. The initial stretch is on bare rock with small boulders, but the way is quite evident. As you gain height, the Arkavati River, Manchanabele dam and the forests make for a spectacular vista. The terrain is mostly granite so it’s better to start early and attempt to complete the trek during the winter period.

If you’re a trekking enthusiast that loves to test their limits, Savandurga should be on your list, not just for its history but for the beauty that awaits you at the peak.

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Duration: Full day

Distance from Bangalore: 49 km

Highlights:  Night Trekking, Dawn View, KempeGowda Fort

Elevation: 4022 feet

75 km from Bangalore and 15kms from Doddaballapur, this trail is a moderate one with rocky terrain, wild shrubs, and dense vegetation, all of which make it a delight for the tre

Located just 60 km North of Bangalore, Makalidurga is a beautiful hill-station with the ruins of a fort at its summit. The trail is moderate with a rocky terrain, wild shrubs and dense vegetation, all of which makes it a delight for trekking enthusiasts. The best part of this trek is that it fits into a one day expedition.

Starting from a temple of Lord Krishna (Muthurayaswamy Temple), this trail is very photogenic as it winds its way up the hill covered with forests and you get a beautiful view of the lake nearby. You’ll also glimpse the odd train chugging by next to the hill. As there are no shops or stalls at the base of the hike, make sure you carry enough food and water for this spectacular trail.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, take your DSLR with you to click some memorable photographs of the vistas from the summit.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Duration: One day

Distance from Bangalore: 60 km

Highlights: Fort ruins, night trekking, Lord Krishna temple

Elevation: 4430 feet

Known as the tallest peak in Agumbe Ghats, the Narasimha Parvatha is a perfect hiking spot for experienced trekkers.

Deemed as the tallest peak in Agumbe Ghats, Narasimha Parvatha is an arduous trekking location in Karnataka. High mountain peaks, deep valleys, dense grasslands spread across miles in different shades of green and an inimitable assemblage of fauna– is there anything else you need for a fantastic trek?

The trekking route for Narasimha Parvatha starts at Agumbe but it is compulsory for trekkers to register their names at the Agumbe police station before getting on with the trek. On the route to the summit, you may spot the Barkana Falls and the Sirimane Falls.

Many people choose to camp upon reaching the hilltop. Night trekking is also very popular at Narasimha Parvatha. No signboards and thick forests across the trail make this trek challenging and difficult.

·Difficulty: Moderate

·Best Time to Visit: October to June

·Duration: 1-2 days

·Distance from Bangalore:

·Highlights: Barkana Falls, Sirimane Falls, Night trekking, Camping

·Elevation: 3780 feet

Located in the Somwarpet Taluk of Coorg, Kumara Parvatha is also known as “Pushpagiri”. Boasting a height of 1,502 meters above the sea level, this peak is the second highest and the most challenging trek route in Coorg. If you are an experienced trekker, Kumara Parvatha or Pushpagiri is one of the best trekking places near Bangalore.

It is the highest peak in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and shares its borders with Dakshina Kannada. The scenery at Kumara Parvatha keeps changing on the trek and never fails to mesmerize. Not recommended for novice trekkers, Kumara Parvatha is a destination for people having prior experience of trekking in the Western Ghats.

The trekking distance at Kumara Parvatha stretches for approximately 22 kilometers. Located about 258 km away from Bangalore, this trek is meant for intermediate and expert trekkers. This demanding trek is usually completed in two days. This peak starts from Kukke Subrahmanya Temple in the Subrahmanya village. This is why the natives also call it Kukke Subramanya trekking.

·Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

·Best Time to Visit: October to March

·Duration: 2 days

·Distance from Bangalore: 272 km

·Highlights: Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Night & Day Trekking

·Elevation: 4930 feet

Nestled in picturesque environs, Kudremukh is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Lush greenery, white floating clouds, dense forests, plenty of waterfalls, rugged trekking trails and bamboo bushes make Kudremukh one of the best trekking places in Karnataka. It is also a great option for those looking for a trek near Bangalore over the weekend.

As you walk up to the summit, the Kudremukh Peak reveals a spectacular view of the green landscape that looks like a lush carpet from above. The second highest peak in Karnataka, Kudremukh gives you a 360 panoramic view of Chikmagalur that is indescribable. Meadows, waterfalls and emerald forests dot your trekking trail from the Kudremukh Trek Base.

Upon reaching the hilltop, you can also occasionally spot some peacocks and Sambar Deer.

·Difficulty: Medium

·Best Time to Visit: October to May

·Duration: 1 day

·Distance from Bangalore: 340 km

·Highlights: Camping, meadows, day trek

·Elevation: 6207 feet