Skandagiri Trek – One Day Trek from Bangalore

History of Skandagiri Hills:

Skandagiri near Bangalore offers breathtaking sunrise views and is popular for night treks and camping under the stars. It once housed a fort built by Tipu Sultan, now mostly in ruins, with two temples still standing. Trekkers enjoy the moderate 10km trek to the hilltop, which stands at 1450 meters amidst the Nandi Hills. Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga locally, was once home to a grand fort built by Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of Mysore. After Tipu Sultan’s defeat in battle against the British, the fort fell into disrepair under British rule. Today, only a few fort walls remain intact; much of it lies in ruins. The landscape includes two temples—one at the base and another at the top of the hill—that have remained undamaged. 

How to reach Skandagiri Hills?

By Air: The nearest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore. Upon arrival at BLR airport, you can take a taxi, directly drive to Skandagiri Hills from Bangalore Airport. The distance is around 36.4 km and takes about 50 minutes to reach.

By Train: Skandagiri Hills doesn’t have a direct railway station. The nearest railway station is Chikkaballapur Railway Station. From Chikkaballapur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Skandagiri Hills. It’s about 20 km from Chikkaballapur.

By Road: From Bangalore, you need to catch a bus heading towards Chikkaballapur. Which is the nearest town to Skandagiri Hills. You can find both government-run (KSRTC) and private buses. Once you reach Chikkaballapur, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Chikkaballapur to Skandagiri Hills which is about 20 km.

Best time to visit Skandagiri Hills:

Summer Season: The summer months from March – May at Skandagiri Hills can be quite warm during the day, with temperatures ranging from moderate to hot. Summer is a good time for trekking and outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

Monsoon Season: Skandagiri experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season which is from June – September, which can make the trails slippery and muddy. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful with mist and fog enhancing the experience.

Winter Season:  Winters at Skandagiri are cool and pleasant during the day, with colder temperatures in the early morning and evenings which is from December to February. The hills may have a mix of greenery and some dried vegetation .Winter is considered the best time for trekking and camping as the weather is comfortable during the day and cool at night. The clear skies offer stunning views of sunrise and sunset.

Things to do at Skandagiri Hills:

Trekking: Skandagiri is renowned for its sun rise trek experience, The trek, though moderately challenging, rewards climbers with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the rising sun from the summit. The trail winds through rocky terrain, lush forests, and occasionally steep slopes, offering trekkers both physical exertion and the thrill of conquering nature’s obstacles.

Photography: Photographers flock to Skandagiri for its stunning vistas and dramatic landscapes. The trek itself provides numerous photo opportunities, from panoramic views of the valley below to close-up shots of indigenous flora and fauna. The highlight, however, is capturing the breathtaking sunrise from the peak. The changing hues of the sky and the sun casting its first rays over the horizon create a spectacle that is a photographer’s dream.

Visit Papagni Mutt: At the summit of Skandagiri lies the ancient Papagni Mutt, a historically significant site with spiritual significance. The mutt, believed to be several centuries old, holds a mythological tale associated with Lord Kumaraswamy. It serves as a place of pilgrimage for devotees and a resting point for trekkers before they descend back to the base.