Skandagiri Trek begins from Papagni Temple in Kalwara Village. There is a nice spot near the temple which is a good place for a snack break before you make the climb up to the hill. The trekking trail has rugged and dry terrain and midway through there are spots to view the scenic Skandagiri Valley.
Once you reach the top, you will see an old fort that now lies in ruins. It once belonged to the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan. If you walk up a little further, there is an old, abandoned temple where there are rocks to sit and rest on.
Our Skandagiri Trek package is a great experience for every kind of trekker. Conducted by trek leaders who are experienced and skilled hikers, the Skandagiri Trek is a lot of fun. We ensure that all our guests have a safe journey to Skandagiri from Bangalore and back. Besides a day trek to Skandagiri, we also offer a night trek that comes with the added benefit of camping and bonfire facilities. For the Skandagiri night trek, permission from the forest department has already been taken in advance.
Skandagiri Trek - An Overview:
Location: Kalwara Village in the Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Distance from Bangalore: 70 kilometres
Famous for: Stunning views of Skandagiri Valley, an ancient ruined fort, view of the sunrise from Skandagiri Point
Trip Duration: 1 day
Skandagiri Trek Distance & Duration: 8 kilometres one way, approximately 10 hours to complete the trek. Timings and distances may differ due to multiple route options.
Altitude: 1450
Difficulty Level:
When compared to other treks in and around Bangalore, this trek is fairly easy. The route is only about 8 kilometres long. That being said, the terrain is a little rough, so you would want to be reasonably fit before making the climb up to the fort.
How to Reach the Skandagiri Hill:
1. You can drive down from Bangalore to Skandagiri, the distance is a mere 70 kilometres and it should not take you more than 2 hours to reach. There is enough parking for vehicles near the Papagni Matt. Parking fee for a bike is Rs. 50 and for cars it is Rs. 200.
2. You can also take a bus from Bangalore to Chikballapur and then hire an auto rickshaw to get to the Papagni Matt, the journey takes around 15 minutes from Chikballapur.
Weather Conditions:
1. The monsoon season in Karnataka kicks in June and lasts till the end of August.
2. Skandagiri gets cold and misty during the months of November and December.
3. In the months of May and June, temperatures can get hot, but not uncomfortable to trek.
Skandagiri Trek Route:
1. The Skandagiri trek route begins from Papagni Temple and the route is fairly easy.
2. The first part of the trek is amazing as you have to pass through lush green plains.
3. Along the way, you will pass Kalwarbettar Fort.
4. Towards the end of the climb, you will pass through dense forests with shrubs and bushes with thorns.
Best time for Skandagiri Trek:
The best time to trek in Skandagiri is either in December or in January. The climate is excellent for trekking and during the season, you can catch stunning views of the sun rising over the misty Skandagiri mountains.
One-Day Itinerary for a Skandagiri Trek:
1. Leave Bangalore at 7.30 am, pick up other passengers along the way.
2. Reach Papagni Temple by 9 am, have a quick breakfast before making the climb up to the peak.
3. At 9.30 am instructions will be given by trek leaders who will lead the trek through Skandagiri Hill.
4. Reach the top of the hill by 1 pm.
5. Take a break for about 40 minutes at the fort.
6. At 1.45 pm to 2 pm we make the climb down.
7. Reach base by 5.30 pm, have snacks and tea and then board the bus back to Bangalore to reach by 7pm.
Things to Carry:
1. A good, comfortable pair of trekking shoes.
2. Drinking water
3. A cap or a jacket (if required)
4. Carry your camera (if interested in taking photos)
5. Sunscreen and moisturizer lotion, mosquito and insect repellent
6. A hand towel or tissue paper
Inclusions & Exclusions:
The package includes:
1. Transport from and to Bangalore
2. Veteran trek guides
3. Meals
4. First-Aid support
Items not included in the package:
1. Meals on the bus
2. Insurance
3. Anything else not mentioned above
Disclaimer: The information about the trek here is general. We request the trekkers refer to the details on the specific Event / Trek Booking page for specific detail.
Best time to visit:
There are two seasons that are great to go on the Skandagiri Trek - the early part of the monsoon or in the winter. The temperatures are cooler, which means it is easier to scale the mountain without tiring too much. If you want to do some photography along the way, it is best to go in the rainy season. The valley is all lit up with green vegetation.
Skandagiri Trek - Map Location:
Skandagiri Hill is located about 70 kilometres away from Bangalore and it is a great place for a weekend getaway. Many visit the place for a one-day or an overnight trek.
3 Amazing Things to Do on the Skandagiri Trek:
1. Visit an Old Fort: At the top of the mountain is an old fort that once belonged to Tipu Sultan. Although the fort now lies in ruin, it is worth visiting because of its rich history.
2. Photography: Midway through the trek, you will come across scenic spots, ideal for photography. An added bonus is the fabulous, landscape view of the Skandagiri Valley.
3. Devanahalli Fort: The Devanahalli Fort is amazing for a quick sightseeing stop over, located about 30 minutes away from Skandagiri, the fort lies in ruin and has old temples within its premises.
Safety Measures:
1. The terrain on the Skandagiri trek is rugged, so if you are not physically fit, check with your doctor if it is okay to go on the trek.
2. Follow instructions of the trek leader carefully.
3. Stick with the trekking group at all times.
4. Carry along all personal medication as there might not be chemists located near the trekking spot.
Treks Similar to Skandagiri Trek:
There are a number of places for trekking in Bangalore. Here are the top picks for adventure treks, similar to Anthargange Trek:
- Ramanagara Trek
- Kudremukh Trek
- Skandagiri Trek
- Makalidurga Trek
- Kopatty Trek
- Savandurga Trek
- Sakleshpur Trek
- Nishani Motte Trek
- Mullayanagiri Trek
- Tadiandamol Trek
- Kodachadri Trek
- Anthargange Trek
- Sharavathi Trek
- Kotagiri Trek
- Kunti Betta Trek
- Bheemeshwari Trek
- Brahmagiri Trek
- Kurangani Trek
- Kemmangundi Trek
- Pushpagiri Trek
- Dudhsagar Trek
- Kundadri Trek
- Baba Budangiri Trek