The most well-known trekking destination among the various ranges in South India is Skandagiri, which is an ideal one-day trip for Bangaloreans. The rugged but rewarding terrain of Skandagiri is well-known. In the Chikballapur district of Karnataka, India is a popular trekking destination also known as Kalavara Durga. At 1,447 meters, the peak offers a breathtaking view of the valleys, hills, and sunrise surrounding it. A comprehensive Skandagiri trek guide can be found here.
Why visit in winter?
The best time to go on the Skandagiri trek is in the winter, from October to January, when the weather is nice and the view is good. Even though the weather is inexplicably cold, the vibes around are surreal and calm.
How to reach?
Skandagiri is accessible by road and is approximately 70 kilometers from Bangalore. From Bangalore, you can take a taxi or a bus to Chikballapur, which is about 10 kilometers from Skandagiri. The village of Kalavara, which is approximately 3 km from the Skandagiri base, is where the trek begins.
Difficulty level
In terms of difficulty, the Skandagiri trek is rated as moderate. It takes about three to four hours to complete the approximately 8 km trek. It’s best to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks because there are some tricky sections and a steep climb.
Permit mandates
Skandagiri trekking does not necessitate the purchase of a permit. However, prior to beginning the trek, it is recommended to notify the forest department or local authorities.
What should you get?
Because there are no food or water sources along the way, it is essential to bring plenty of snacks and water with you on the trek. You should also have a first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a raincoat with you in case it rains unexpectedly.
The Skandagiri trek is about more than just the mountain. The Muddenahalli Museum, the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and the Nandi Hills are just a few of the region’s other tourist attractions.
Safety measures
When trekking Skandagiri, following some basic safety guidelines is critical. These include making sure to bring plenty of water and food, wearing sturdy shoes, carrying a map or GPS, and avoiding the trek during the monsoon season.
One of the most well-known routes to Skandagiri is the trek to Nandi Giri, Channa Giri, Skanda Giri, Brahma Giri, and Hema Giri, which are the five hills in the Chikballapur district that are known as the “Panchagiris.”
Because it is in a village called Kalavara Halli, Skandagiri is also known as Kalavara Durga. One of Karnataka’s oldest mutts, the Papagni Mutt can be found at the base of Skandagiri.
Where does the trail start?
The trail starts at Papagni Mutt and goes up to the summit, where you can find the ruins of an 18th-century fort. The fort, which belonged to a local ruler, was conquered by Tipu Sultan, who then used it as a stronghold to fight the British. However, Tipu Sultan gave up after being defeated in 1791.
From the summit, the four surrounding “Giris,” or hills, are breathtaking.
Skandagiri is all around associated by street and rail, being under 60 kilometers from Bengaluru and only 3 kilometers from Chikballapur. Consequently, it is an excellent year-round trek for both novice and experienced trekkers, and it can be comfortably completed in five hours (two hours to ascend and two hours to descend, with an hour spent at the summit).
Traveling to the site
Skandagiri is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. Depending on how simple it is for you, you can take the train or the plane if you want to get there from a faraway location. In both instances, Bangalore’s airport is the cleanest and has the railway station that is closest to Skandagiri’s hills. The next step is to drive the remaining distance after arriving in Bangalore by flight or train. Bangalore and the Skandagiri Hills are separated by nearly 62 kilometers. The Skandagiri trekking distance is 10 kilometers in advance, so be aware of this. It will take you at least five hours to complete the trek if you want to climb the hill and walk at a normal high pace simultaneously. Although this time is directly proportional to your speed, the ideal time to reach the peak is nearly two hours. When you get to the top, you can relax in the picturesque midst of nature while taking in the most stunning view of the Nandi hills that surround you. The descent from the peak will take you about one and a half hours.
What is the best time to visit?
Any month, with the exception of the windy season, is a great time to plan a trip to this wonderful location. In any case, if you want to get the most out of breathtaking views, you should plan your trip for winter and storms. Stargazing is impossible during the winter because there is no respite from the mist. When it rains, the lush vegetation inspires a new enthusiasm for traveling. A trip to Skandagiri can also be planned during the summer, but ultimately it is up to you to decide whether or not you can brave the scorching sun. So, be careful when choosing the time of the trip.
Sight-seeing and other amusements
There aren’t as many places to visit here as you might like. The few that the establishment offers, on the other hand, are well worth your time. In addition to taking in the nighttime stargazing and daytime scenic views, there are additional options to explore. The Vivekananda Falls can be seen 12 kilometers from Chikkaballapur village in the stunning Kethenahalli village. Ranganatha Swamy Temple is also a must-see. At Nandi Hills, you can take pleasure in Tipu’s Drop and Tipu’s Summer Residence. After mountain biking, you can try paragliding in the Nandi Hills. Brahmashram Cave, Amrita Sarovar, and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple are also worth a visit.
Conclusions
In general, the Skandagiri trek is a thrilling and adventurous trek that is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It can be an unforgettable experience that you will treasure for a long time with a little bit of preparation and caution.
