Skandagiri Night Trekking

skandagiri night trekking

Skandagiri Hills, also known as the Kalavara Durga, is a mountain stronghold located in Chikkaballapura, Karnataka, 62 kilometers from Bangalore. Skandagiri Trek is best ascended in the quiet of the night to watch one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life. It is 4757 feet above sea level and provides an excellent opportunity to stargaze before daybreak. Skandagiri is one of the best destinations to visit from Bangalore, especially for a weekend getaway.

How to reach?

The walk usually begins at the Papagni Temple, which is located near the settlement of Kalwara. The area is demarcated around the perimeter to help you navigate the process and avoid getting lost. The paths are well-maintained, so you should have no problems while trekking. The first section of the walk is covered in a semi-dry patch, so don’t be discouraged if you see nothing. The thick flora of the area follows, and the view from there is spectacular, which you should not miss. Visitors can drive to the Skandagiri base because it is only 62 kilometers from Bangalore. Many travel organizations provide Skandagiri Hills Night Trek/Sunrise Trek packages, as well as pick-up and drop-off services. Both the nearest railway station and airport are in Bangalore. You can alternatively take a bus from Majestic Bus Station to Chikkaballapura and then an auto-rickshaw to the Papagni Temple. There is paid parking at the base camp.

Night Trek

The climb to Skandagiri mountaintop is around 4 kilometers long and takes about 3 hours to complete. It begins near the Kalavara settlement at the Papagni Temple. The Skandagiri Hill climb is difficult because there is no well-defined path and one must step over large rocks and stones to progress. The terrain is arid and dusty, with shrubby vegetation along the road. If you choose the night journey, which normally begins at about 3:15 a.m., you should bring flashlights because the entire trail will be dark. Many travel organizations also offer camping choices, which is a fantastic experience.

Skandagiri Sunrise

Once at the top, you’ll need to find a nice position to see the sunrise. Because each group may have 20-25 individuals, it will be congested and you may not be able to find a nice location. It is quite windy and freezing at the top, so dress warmly and shield your ears. The guides will be aware of the precise time of sunrise. You can use your mobile compass .. You will be able to see the sky changing colors throughout the morning, which is a spectacular sight. After sunrise, it becomes quite sunny, and the view from the hilltop is breathtaking.

Skandagiri Temple

You can explore the hilltop after the morning. The remains of the Skandagiri temple, dedicated to Lord Siva, are a popular photo location for trekkers. Even in its crumbled state, it is a sight to witness after the strenuous hike. Tippu Sultan built this fort, and the ruins clearly show that it was once a grand construction. Even if only a few walls remain, they add to the enigmatic atmosphere of the location. A deeper exploration of these remains indicates the presence of two caves and six samadhis within the building.

Attractions around Skandagiri Hills

The Lepakshi Temple, Nandi Hills, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and Tippu Sultan Fort are the most famous destinations to visit near the Skandagiri Hills.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Skandagiri?

 If you want the finest experience, travelling during the winter or monsoon season is typically recommended. The weather is lovely, and because it is a night walk, you may even sit down and stargaze during the night, which adds to the list of unforgettable memories. A summer journey is also an option, but because the weather may turn hot and humid, most people recommend avoiding it if you don’t have the energy to climb and go through.

Conclusion

Indeed, the trip is typically recommended to begin at night, but if you are a beginner, it is recommended that you begin with the Skandagiri trek route in the afternoon to view the beauty of the surroundings and just explore and travel at the same time.

The quantity of ruins and fortifications that you will come across during the Skandagiri trip is the nicest part about its length. There will be six such alternatives shown to you. There is also an ancient temple at the top of the hills that you will only be able to visit if you complete the walk. The view from the hills is stunning, leaving you with your mouth open. Once you finish the hike, you will come across several little samadhi caves at the top of the hills. After a 5-hour hike, people rest and relax there.