The Ancient Secrets of Skandagiri Hill

Skandagiri Trek or Kalavara Durga is the most exciting and well-liked Bangalore weekend trek. Skandagiri 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 dating back is 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 ascends in break dawn and sunrise from the top view. The ascend to the peak of Skandagiri is about 4 to 5 km and 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.

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, Skandagiri 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. Skandagiri 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.

Historical Significance of Skandagiri

Skandagiri or Kalavara Durga has the legacy of the 18th century. It is a fort hill still very close to the former town of Chikkaballapur within the state of Karnataka. It was one of the most important features of Karnataka’s strategy and defence. "Kalavara Durga" is the "Fort of Kalavara" and was a feared fort ill-treated by the governments in power as it was tactically well-located and naturally a fort. The hill is remembered to be linked with Tipu Sultan, King of the Kingdom of Mysore. Tipu Sultan employed Skandagiri his hill fort as the focal headquarters of his army as a buffer against encroaching British forces during his late 18th century reign. The site had an open view from top to bottom around it and was hence appropriate for military defence as well as observation. But since Tipu Sultan's death, the Wall had collapsed and now there would be room to see the remnants of walls and fortifications. These, whatever were the whims of time, even today testify to the ancient position and status of the hill.

Even before the times of Tipu Sultan, the hill might even have been religious or sacred. Skandagiri is named so after "Skanda," but another is named after Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), one of the best Hindu deities. People within the area do believe that maybe these could have been temples or shrines of Lord Skanda, but no such material proof until now has been discovered. There is one monastery (papagni mutt) at the base of this hill and it still exists today and pilgrims and trekkers pay a visit there even today. The geographical location, and history of Skandagiri as one among the local conflict sites and having existed in mythological past and mystic tradition provide to Skandagiri a distinct identity. Nature enthusiasts make the trek a hike and sun's view, but history buffs are also there who want to know about the footprints that have centuries' worth of secrets. Walking along the gates and walls of the fort, it is impossible not to think of the soldiers, monks, and kings who called this place home centuries ago. Skandagiri today is a trekker's place as well as a silent witness to Karnataka's rich multi-faceted past.

Trek Information of Skandagiri

Skandagiri Trek 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, Skandagiri 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 own 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.

Terrain and Route Description of Skandagiri

The path goes up to Papagni Mutt, whose height is at the hilltop. The initial trail start of trekking is not very tiresome, with forest cover and slithery roads spread all around. The proper trek happens above but the road starts winding on rocks steep and high and pretty rough to tread upon. You might view worn-off fort walls, steps in rock and slitheringly thin ridges that are wonderful to ascend. It also ignites but not that much that you can walk upon it while doing early morning or evening climbing and thus you must carry a flash or a headlight along with you. The trees are more crowded when you climb higher towards the peak, and you also get great views above the hills and valleys down below. You also get a lot of room at the summit to sit peacefully, unwind, watch the sunrise, and take some good pictures. Even on a clear day, you can see clouds floating below the hill so getting you that "spooky cloud bed" feeling Skandagiri is famous for. A good hiking shoe, water, and snacks are highly recommended to make the tour relaxing and comfortable.

Nearby Places of Skandagiri

1. Nandi 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 Skandagiri Trek

November 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 heat throughout the day, hence trek becomes extremely tiring.

• Tip: Trek early morning or night in summer to escape the sun. Carry loads of water and 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 Skandagiri Trek

By Road (Bangalore)

• Distance: Around 60 km

• Time required: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by motor or two-wheeler

• Road: Bangalore → Hebbal → Yelahanka → Devanahalli → Chikkaballapur → Kalavara village (bottom of Skandagiri)

By Bus

• KSRTC 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 Train

• Bangalore to Chikkaballapur Railway Station (code: CBP) train.

• Base to station taxi or auto for Kalavara village trek.

By Airport

• The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore Airport), 30 km away from Skandagiri.

• Taxi pick-up from the airport to the base for the trek.

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