Easy Treks Near Bangalore – A Beginner’s Guide by escape2explore

1.Skandagiri Trek

Skandagiri or Kalavara Durga is a beautiful hill fort around Bangalore, Karnataka. The Skandagiri trek is best known for the view of sunrise amidst clouds, and hence it's a weekend retreat for adventure lovers. Approximately 70 km from Bangalore is the hike to Skandagiri, a hike that includes hiking over green fields, remains of old forts, and stone trails with a peaceful but exhilarating experience. The hike also has historical significance because Tipu Sultan once owned this land as one of his forts. Skandagiri Trek is moderately demanding and best suited for an amateur with normal fitness or typical trekkers who need a short trek. The total path is about 4-5 kilometres in one direction, and 2 to 2.5 hours will be required to climb up. Rocky trails, steep inclines, and thin tracks are found in the trek, which require cautious steps, especially for seasoned trekkers during night or dawn.

Places to Visit

• Nandi Hills – Just 15 km from Skandagiri, another extremely popular hilltop with beautiful sunrise views.

• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple – An extremely old temple close to Nandi Hills, renowned for its Dravidian style.

• Lepakshi – An ancient town approximately 60 km away from here, renowned for its hanging pillar and Veerabhadra temple.

• Avalabetta Hilltop – A Peaceful hill with a nicely proportioned view, approximately 40 km from Skandagiri.

How to reach Skandagiri

• By Road: Drive or taxi from Bangalore on NH44. Kalavara village or Papagni Mutt is the base point or the trek point.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Chikkaballapur, approximately 3 km from the base of the trek.

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, approximately 30 km from Skandagiri.

Best Time to Visit

• November to March is the best time for trekking in Skandagiri as it has pleasant and cool weather.

• Blue clear sky and early morning fog for these months give glory to the beauty of the view of sunrise.

• Night and early morning trekking is very popular to see the sunrise from the top.

• Never attempt during monsoon months (June to September) as it will be slippery on the tracks and views will not be nice.

2. Nandi Hills Trek

Nandi Hills, which is 60 km from Bangalore, is a well-known hill station and trekking destination famous for its natural beauty, thick cover of greenery, and wide vistas. The hill, which is 1,478 metres above sea level, used to be Tipu Sultan's summer palace but is now frequented by trekkers, bikers, and nature lovers in general. The Nandi Hills trek is not just a trek, it is an experience along dewy roads, medieval forts, and picturesque vantage points, which is a respite from city life.

Trek Difficulty

The Nandi Hills Trek is an easy to moderate trek and therefore a perfect trek for beginners, families, and laid-back trekkers. The trek trail is well marked and consists of stone steps, forest trails, and gentle slopes. It will take 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your speed. The trek is simple and secure even for the beginners.

Places to See Around

• Tipu's Drop – A heritage cliff with a fine view.

• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple – A well-engraved temple at the foothill, famous for its structure and peaceful ambience.

• Skandagiri Hills – A stone’s throw away literally via virtue of an immediate drive, Skandagiri offers for a tough trekking experience with sunrise options.

• Grover Zampa Vineyards – On our doorstep next to the location, perfect for wine tasting and relaxation after trekking.

How to Reach Nandi Hills

• By Road: Taxi or drive from Bangalore through NH44 to Devanahalli and then road trip to Nandi Hills. Parking facility available near the top road entrance of the hill.

• By Train: The nearest railhead is Chikkaballapur, 20 km from Nandi Hills. A taxi or bus facility is locally available from there.

• By Air: Kempegowda International Airport, which is only 40 km from Nandi Hills and thus easily accessible for tourists to Bangalore.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March is the best time for trekking at Nandi Hills due to the nice and cold weather.

• Early morning is especially magical with breathtaking sunrise views above the cloud line.

• Steer clear of monsoon months (June to September), when roads are slippery and visibility is weak.

3.Savandurga Trek

Savandurga is Asia's largest monolithic hill, situated about 60 km west of Bangalore. At 1,226 meters mean sea level, Savandurga is a twin-hill formation, the Biligudda (the white hill) and Karigudda (the black hill). Rock-climbing Savandurga is thrilling but well worth the trouble, and gives a bird's eye view of the hills amidst forests, Arkavathi River, and distant hills. It is also a rock-climbing spot and trekking old-timer and adventure sports aficionado's haven.

Trek Difficulty

Savandurga Trek is equally challenging, subject on which trail one takes. The more sought-after trekker trail is the Biligudda route, a less challenging and safer route to ascend. It's a rocky route with a steep rocky slope, fewer shades, and a uniform climb up, thereby physically strenuous. The trekker will have to wear good grip shoes and plenty of water. This trek is not recommended during monsoons or for people suffering from vertigo, as the rock face in front of the view is slippery.

Places to See Around

• Manchanabele Dam – A picturesque dam lake ideal for picnics and kayaking, 10 km from here.

• Dodda Alada Mara (Big Banyan Tree) – A 400-year-old banyan tree that spreads across three acres, 20 km from Savandurga.

• Magadi, Town – Renowned for nature and history.

• Ramanagara – Another trekking and rock climbing site, approximately 30 km away.

How to Reach Savandurga

• By Road: Drive or go by cab on Magadi Road from Bangalore. 1.5 hours. Car parking area available in large numbers at the base.

• By Train: The nearest railway station, Magadi railway station, is approximately 12 km from here.

• By Airport: The nearest airport, Kempegowda International Airport, is approximately 80 km from Savandurga.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to trek to Savandurga is from November to February for cold and dry climatic conditions.

• Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to avoid the sun’s heat, as there is no or negligible tree cover on the trail.

• Trek between June to September if possible, since rocks are slippery and risky.

4.Makalidurga Trek

Makalidurga is a relatively lesser known but charming trekking place near Doddaballapur town about 60 km from Bangalore. Of about 1,117 meters in height, the hill has at its summit an ancient fort at the summit and offers a vista of the nearby hills, forests, and Gundamagere Lake which resembles South America at the summit. The trek is adventure, history, and peace and hence a secret pearl for Bangalorean trekkers.

Trek Difficulty

The Makalidurga trek is moderately difficult for everyone with zero or low fitness levels. It is about 4–5 km (there and back) and about 2–2.5 hours. Trek is on loose rocks, rock paths, and trails through thick bush. It is a hill with slopes in the ascending direction and mild strain on rainy or evening days, but the scenery at the top is worth all the trouble.

Places to Visit near Makalidurga

• Gundagere Lake – A panoramic lake from the top can be photographed beautifully.

• Ghati Subramanya Temple – A very holy pilgrim place located 15 km from here.

• Skandagiri & Nandi Hills – Both places are near each other and can be thought of as a good multi-trek weekend getaway option.

• Doddaballapur – A Local town where the local cuisine and bazaars can be visited.

How to Get to Makalidurga

• By Road: Yelahanka-Doddaballapur Road to Makalidurga village. Park near the railway track, the beginning of the trek.

• By Train: The unique thing about this trek is that the trek will begin at the Makalidurga Railway Station. Trains from Bangalore halt at Makalidurga, and trekking will be in front of the railway track.

• By Road: Kempegowda International Airport is approximately 40 km from here and nearest to the location.

Best Time to Visit

• November to February is the ideal time to trek Makalidurga due to favourable weather and clear skies.

• Morning or evening trekking is recommended for easy walking and clear visibility.

• Do not go from June to September as the road will be slippery and you can't see very far.

5. Uttari Betta Trek

Uttari Betta, also known as Hutridurga, is a picturesque hill fort situated 75 km from Bangalore off Kunigal in Karnataka. The sparsely inhabited path takes you through emerald green meadows, boulder land, crumbling remnants of old forts, and a tunnel cave, finally to a picturesque hilltop with views all around. Uttari Betta is ideal for nature enthusiasts and beginners seeking a serene yet adventurous retreat from the city.

Trek Difficulty

Uttari Betta Trek is an easy-to-moderate trek and a great trekking experience for day trekkers, families, and beginners. The trek route is approximately 5 km (trek round trip) and is 2–2.5 hours to trek. The trek begins with a stone road trekking along the fort walls and then climbing slowly via grassland, rock boulders, and a small cave until the peak.

Places Nearby to Visit

• Hutridurga Fort – The trek route itself passes via this ancient Kempegowda-built fort during the 16th century.

• Savandurga Hill – Another destination, also very popular with trekking activities in the area for thrill-seeking enthusiasts.

• Manchanabele Dam – An Ideal place to have a picnic or take an easy kayaking excursion.

• Kunigal Lake – A Calm location to relax and for bird-watching.

How to reach Uttari Betta

• By Road: Drive by road from NH75 via Kunigal, and the village road to the base village of Hutridurga. The trek starts from the base temple.

• By Bus: By bus from Bangalore to Kunigal is available. An auto or taxi can be taken from there up to the trek base.

• By Train: The closest railway station is Kunigal, but for convenience, a car or taxi is used by most of the trekkers.

• By Airport: Kempegowda International Airport is the closest airport, which is approximately 100 km away from here.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March is the ideal time to visit Uttari Betta as there will be cold weather and foliage around.

• The optimal time for trekking is the morning hours to avoid the sun and have misty hilltop views.

• Trek any time except during monsoon seasons (June-September) because trails become slippery and leeches infest the grassland.

Why Book with escape2explore

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