Kalavara Durga (Skandagiri)
Kalavara Durga (Skandagiri)
Kalavara Durga (Skandagiri)
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4.0
81 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
25
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
6
Nomad31536060335
1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
The trek was terrible with no proper view at the top but only scorching heat. Useless after doing 2 hrs of terrible trek with path of 98% rocks and no plain path. They charge u 600 per person for this useless never ending trek.
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shukla_siddharth
Bangalore, Karnataka, India39 contributions
June 2014 • Friends
What to Bring for this Trek (Must) :
1. LED Torches Fully Charged. (Without them you will not be able to Trek in Night)
2. Water and Energy Drinks, Snacks, Cookies. (Chewing Gums helps a lot.)
3. Warm Cloths. (It's too cold out there) [Winter Caps, Jackets, Gloves, Thermals]
4. Rods or Sticks. (Helps a lot in climbing up and down the Trek)
5. Fire Wood, Matchstick/Lighter. (Small amount of Petrol/Camphor to help lit the Camp Fire.)
6. Mats. (For sitting purposes)
7. GPS and 3G/4G Enabled Smart Phones/Tablets. Fully Charged and Google Map Installed.
8. Cameras.
9. Medicines and First Aid Kit.
10. Light Weight Shoulder Bag Pack to hold your all your stuff.
11. Non-Slippery Shoes with a very good Grip.
12. Knifes. (Just for Self-Protection purpose, it's all barren out there.)
What to Bring (Nice to Have) :
1. Sleeping Bags
2. Camping Tents.
3. Folding Light Weight Chairs.
4. Raw Non-Veg Items and Barbecue Rods if you want to do a Barbecue up there.
5. Tea Bags, Milk, Sugar etc. (If you are planning a Morning Tea there.)
6. Rain-Coat or Umbrella to Protect from Rain.
7. Bluetooth Speakers. (For Music Lovers)
8. Pets if you have. (Your Dog will love it.)
9. Beverages. (Drink with Responsibility, don't endanger your life there.)
What not to Bring:
1. Very Heavy Items. (It will tire you easily and slow your movement )
2. Slippery Shoes, Chappals, Floaters.
3. Summer Clothing.
What you can purchase up there on the top: (Subject to Availability and Luck)
1. Firewood of Bad Quality (200 or 150 Bucks)
2. Cigarette. (20 Rs. Each.)
Beware of :
Locals who come for help and are self-proclaimed Guides. They just fool you and do nothing. This Trek can be completed without any prior knowledge just with Google Maps. All you need is patience, will power, courage and sense of Adventure. The Trek Route is easily identifiable and marked with directions at various places.
The Locals will try to confuse you with directions and Trek Route but just follow Google Maps.
Parking is on your own Risk but I think you need to pay locals some bucks to park your vehicle down the hill. We hired a Tempo Traveler so I don't have much Idea about that.
*****************************************************************
Now my own Experience about the Skandagiri Trek:
*****************************************************************
On 20'th June 2014 we decided to visit Skandagiri on the very next day i.e. Saturday. We were 12 friends and we booked a Tempo Traveler. We left Bangalore Friday Night at 12 and reached Skandagiri in two hours. On Nandi Hill Road you have to take a right turn from Dead End. The Road which Takes you to Dr. Vishveshwarya village.
** Starting the Trek **
There is a Math (Hindu Religious Place) at the footsteps of the Sakandagiri from where we started our Trek @ 2 AM in Night. We saw SUV's, Cars, Bikes parked there.
Locals approached us as Guide but we avoided them. We used Google Maps for navigation and went ahead on the Trek. It was too dark even in the moon light and LED Torches helped a lot. The Trek Route was as it is, as marked in G-Maps.
We took several halts in the way and enjoyed our journey up the hill. The Trek Route is difficult and need very good energy Level. It was too cold in the night and cold air was gushing all the way.
** In the Middle of the Trek **
On navigating through the Google Maps path on the Trek Route, there is middle point on the hill where you have to take a sharp left. The Trek Route is not that visible there and we lost our way here. However, after investigating about half and hour in that Area we found the clear markings of the main Trek Route. At one point of time we thought that we need to camp here only and we can't go up now, but finally with some determination we made it.
A dog started accompanying us from here. We halted at many points again for refreshments and rest. The views on the way is awesome. There is very good green cover on the hill and the Trek Route is full of Trees, Bushes, and Slippery cliffs.
** Reaching the Top **
We reached the top in 3 and half hours as we taken long breaks and also lost our way in the middle. When we reached on the top we saw many other groups already there. Many of them sitting in groups surrounding their camp fire and many in their tents and sleeping Bags.
There is a ruined old Nandi Temple. We sat nearby the temple. Lit out firewood and started making Tea. By Sunrise time we were done with our tea.
Unfortunately there was a dense fog cover due to which we were not able to see the mesmerizing sunrise view you get from here. I believe it all depends on luck. You never know when is the best time to visit here.
Anyways, we did our campfire here, danced, played music and clicked a lot of photographs.
** Down the Trek **
At 7 AM in Morning we packed up and started to move down. As morning light was there we were now clearly able to see the Valley and the beautiful Trek we walked in the night. We clicked several photographs on our way down and also halted at many places. To our biggest surprise we met two local kids in the middle of the down Trek who were selling tea.
Finally we reached the foot of the hill completely exhausted and tired. It was an awesome trek and an excellent weekend getaway for all the nature enthusiast and adventure loving people living in Bangalore.
This Trek will definitely surprise you and will leave you with many memories to remember.
Our legs and Body pained for two days after this trek and I have to take Monday PTO from office.
:D
Thanks
Sid
Word of Caution:
1. This Trek is not for individuals suffering from Breathing Problems, High/Low BP, Senior Citizens, Kids, Pregnant Women. There is no Hospital Nearby.
2. Research about the weather in this area before you go. This Trek is not advised when it's heavily Raining there. Knowledge of Sunrise Time will also help you plan your Trek Timings better.
1. LED Torches Fully Charged. (Without them you will not be able to Trek in Night)
2. Water and Energy Drinks, Snacks, Cookies. (Chewing Gums helps a lot.)
3. Warm Cloths. (It's too cold out there) [Winter Caps, Jackets, Gloves, Thermals]
4. Rods or Sticks. (Helps a lot in climbing up and down the Trek)
5. Fire Wood, Matchstick/Lighter. (Small amount of Petrol/Camphor to help lit the Camp Fire.)
6. Mats. (For sitting purposes)
7. GPS and 3G/4G Enabled Smart Phones/Tablets. Fully Charged and Google Map Installed.
8. Cameras.
9. Medicines and First Aid Kit.
10. Light Weight Shoulder Bag Pack to hold your all your stuff.
11. Non-Slippery Shoes with a very good Grip.
12. Knifes. (Just for Self-Protection purpose, it's all barren out there.)
What to Bring (Nice to Have) :
1. Sleeping Bags
2. Camping Tents.
3. Folding Light Weight Chairs.
4. Raw Non-Veg Items and Barbecue Rods if you want to do a Barbecue up there.
5. Tea Bags, Milk, Sugar etc. (If you are planning a Morning Tea there.)
6. Rain-Coat or Umbrella to Protect from Rain.
7. Bluetooth Speakers. (For Music Lovers)
8. Pets if you have. (Your Dog will love it.)
9. Beverages. (Drink with Responsibility, don't endanger your life there.)
What not to Bring:
1. Very Heavy Items. (It will tire you easily and slow your movement )
2. Slippery Shoes, Chappals, Floaters.
3. Summer Clothing.
What you can purchase up there on the top: (Subject to Availability and Luck)
1. Firewood of Bad Quality (200 or 150 Bucks)
2. Cigarette. (20 Rs. Each.)
Beware of :
Locals who come for help and are self-proclaimed Guides. They just fool you and do nothing. This Trek can be completed without any prior knowledge just with Google Maps. All you need is patience, will power, courage and sense of Adventure. The Trek Route is easily identifiable and marked with directions at various places.
The Locals will try to confuse you with directions and Trek Route but just follow Google Maps.
Parking is on your own Risk but I think you need to pay locals some bucks to park your vehicle down the hill. We hired a Tempo Traveler so I don't have much Idea about that.
*****************************************************************
Now my own Experience about the Skandagiri Trek:
*****************************************************************
On 20'th June 2014 we decided to visit Skandagiri on the very next day i.e. Saturday. We were 12 friends and we booked a Tempo Traveler. We left Bangalore Friday Night at 12 and reached Skandagiri in two hours. On Nandi Hill Road you have to take a right turn from Dead End. The Road which Takes you to Dr. Vishveshwarya village.
** Starting the Trek **
There is a Math (Hindu Religious Place) at the footsteps of the Sakandagiri from where we started our Trek @ 2 AM in Night. We saw SUV's, Cars, Bikes parked there.
Locals approached us as Guide but we avoided them. We used Google Maps for navigation and went ahead on the Trek. It was too dark even in the moon light and LED Torches helped a lot. The Trek Route was as it is, as marked in G-Maps.
We took several halts in the way and enjoyed our journey up the hill. The Trek Route is difficult and need very good energy Level. It was too cold in the night and cold air was gushing all the way.
** In the Middle of the Trek **
On navigating through the Google Maps path on the Trek Route, there is middle point on the hill where you have to take a sharp left. The Trek Route is not that visible there and we lost our way here. However, after investigating about half and hour in that Area we found the clear markings of the main Trek Route. At one point of time we thought that we need to camp here only and we can't go up now, but finally with some determination we made it.
A dog started accompanying us from here. We halted at many points again for refreshments and rest. The views on the way is awesome. There is very good green cover on the hill and the Trek Route is full of Trees, Bushes, and Slippery cliffs.
** Reaching the Top **
We reached the top in 3 and half hours as we taken long breaks and also lost our way in the middle. When we reached on the top we saw many other groups already there. Many of them sitting in groups surrounding their camp fire and many in their tents and sleeping Bags.
There is a ruined old Nandi Temple. We sat nearby the temple. Lit out firewood and started making Tea. By Sunrise time we were done with our tea.
Unfortunately there was a dense fog cover due to which we were not able to see the mesmerizing sunrise view you get from here. I believe it all depends on luck. You never know when is the best time to visit here.
Anyways, we did our campfire here, danced, played music and clicked a lot of photographs.
** Down the Trek **
At 7 AM in Morning we packed up and started to move down. As morning light was there we were now clearly able to see the Valley and the beautiful Trek we walked in the night. We clicked several photographs on our way down and also halted at many places. To our biggest surprise we met two local kids in the middle of the down Trek who were selling tea.
Finally we reached the foot of the hill completely exhausted and tired. It was an awesome trek and an excellent weekend getaway for all the nature enthusiast and adventure loving people living in Bangalore.
This Trek will definitely surprise you and will leave you with many memories to remember.
Our legs and Body pained for two days after this trek and I have to take Monday PTO from office.
:D
Thanks
Sid
Word of Caution:
1. This Trek is not for individuals suffering from Breathing Problems, High/Low BP, Senior Citizens, Kids, Pregnant Women. There is no Hospital Nearby.
2. Research about the weather in this area before you go. This Trek is not advised when it's heavily Raining there. Knowledge of Sunrise Time will also help you plan your Trek Timings better.
Written 28 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
uvahere
58 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
We (Me and my 3 other friends) reached Skandagiri hill base@ 2:30AM on 31st Jan 2015. We traveled in a car guided by Google Maps from TinFactory, Bangalore. Since lot other people have explained the route and other stuff, I will share my advise for other people who wish to go in future,
1. Where ever you search in Google the first impression you will get is "Skandagiri is banned for trek since 2011 (after a techie accidentally died) and sometime in 2013 the ban was relaxed to allow morning treks and the night treks are still banned". Well, if you are climbing the hills at night i.e before 7 AM you are trespassing the prohibited zone illegally.
2. There is a temple at the base of the hill along with two other buildings (I guess, it is a Mutt) and all are fenced and gated as one campus. I couldn't enter the gate with my car as it was chained and locked. So there is no way to overcome the thugs looking for your money posing as Guide and Parking owners. I saw many such thugs trying to stop my vehicle at different places from 2km ahead of the temple. My advise is, dont stop the vehicle until you reach the gates of the temple.
3. I was totally not prepared to see a closed gate after skipping 3 thug group who tried to stop me on the way, so I finally gave up and had to talk with one who stood up next to the gate. The words uttered from his mouth are "This place is closed by Police during night, and you have to pay for the parking. The price would be Rs.100/- for car and Rs.50/- for Bike". I was reluctant to pay Rs.100 and slight hesitation he told "Rs.50 goes to police and Rs.50 for us, You have to pay upfront because Police will come for collection before dawn". I thought its wise to pay Rs.100 instead of leaving my vehicle there with some angry thugs.
4. We used "Iphone 6 plus" with Airtel 3G for GPS navigation. Though the Google Maps are useful to climb there are more chances you will get lost during initial path because of the accuracy level in smartphones (~6 meters). The maps will not show the other paths around so it will be really tricky to choose the path if you end up in multiple paths joining in one place.
5. The arrow marks that show the way to reach top is not available in most of the critical places. I advise you to see the trial marks of other trekkers - look for shoe marks and litters (What I saw - Beer bottles/cans, pet bottles, Biscut cans, chocolate wrappers, piss).
6. Be careful while taking a seat during breaks, we saw a 7inch centipede crawling under our legs during a break while descending, luckily it was after dawn.
7. An average person needs atleast 1.5 litre of water for the trip considering the climb is at night and descent shortly after dawn. However, Its always safe to have more water.
8.I saw other people skid while descending because of their shoes (especially girls), Please have a nice pair of trekking shoes with good ankle support. It will be more slippery during monsoons.
9.We were sweating while initial climb and got colder as we ascend. In the top,the wind will be at max; along with the cold weather it will make you feel uncomfortable if you are not prepared. It will be hard to find a place to escape the blowing wind. My advise is to take a winter cap, winter gloves and a shawl. If you are okay to spend some bucks have a bonfire.
10.Finally - is it worth going? Well, its up to you and your luck. This is my first time Night Trek so it was a new experience and not lucky enough to see clouds during the sunrise. The panoramic view from the top is blissfull.
What I see there is an organized crime, I guess the thugs acting as guides have wantedly erased the Arrow marks so that people will be forced to seek their help. It is hard to find the initial path after the temple and there is no signboard, the guides will follow you upto one kilometer asking for their need because upto that point there are multiple paths and you could easily get lost; once you know they are not following you, then you are on the right track :). The police is also teaming up with these thugs for money, there were about 150 people on the top, I dont see how could so many people trespass the prohibited area without the knowledge of Police. Instead of make using of these thugs they can legally allow the trekking for some nominal price and put proper signboards.
1. Where ever you search in Google the first impression you will get is "Skandagiri is banned for trek since 2011 (after a techie accidentally died) and sometime in 2013 the ban was relaxed to allow morning treks and the night treks are still banned". Well, if you are climbing the hills at night i.e before 7 AM you are trespassing the prohibited zone illegally.
2. There is a temple at the base of the hill along with two other buildings (I guess, it is a Mutt) and all are fenced and gated as one campus. I couldn't enter the gate with my car as it was chained and locked. So there is no way to overcome the thugs looking for your money posing as Guide and Parking owners. I saw many such thugs trying to stop my vehicle at different places from 2km ahead of the temple. My advise is, dont stop the vehicle until you reach the gates of the temple.
3. I was totally not prepared to see a closed gate after skipping 3 thug group who tried to stop me on the way, so I finally gave up and had to talk with one who stood up next to the gate. The words uttered from his mouth are "This place is closed by Police during night, and you have to pay for the parking. The price would be Rs.100/- for car and Rs.50/- for Bike". I was reluctant to pay Rs.100 and slight hesitation he told "Rs.50 goes to police and Rs.50 for us, You have to pay upfront because Police will come for collection before dawn". I thought its wise to pay Rs.100 instead of leaving my vehicle there with some angry thugs.
4. We used "Iphone 6 plus" with Airtel 3G for GPS navigation. Though the Google Maps are useful to climb there are more chances you will get lost during initial path because of the accuracy level in smartphones (~6 meters). The maps will not show the other paths around so it will be really tricky to choose the path if you end up in multiple paths joining in one place.
5. The arrow marks that show the way to reach top is not available in most of the critical places. I advise you to see the trial marks of other trekkers - look for shoe marks and litters (What I saw - Beer bottles/cans, pet bottles, Biscut cans, chocolate wrappers, piss).
6. Be careful while taking a seat during breaks, we saw a 7inch centipede crawling under our legs during a break while descending, luckily it was after dawn.
7. An average person needs atleast 1.5 litre of water for the trip considering the climb is at night and descent shortly after dawn. However, Its always safe to have more water.
8.I saw other people skid while descending because of their shoes (especially girls), Please have a nice pair of trekking shoes with good ankle support. It will be more slippery during monsoons.
9.We were sweating while initial climb and got colder as we ascend. In the top,the wind will be at max; along with the cold weather it will make you feel uncomfortable if you are not prepared. It will be hard to find a place to escape the blowing wind. My advise is to take a winter cap, winter gloves and a shawl. If you are okay to spend some bucks have a bonfire.
10.Finally - is it worth going? Well, its up to you and your luck. This is my first time Night Trek so it was a new experience and not lucky enough to see clouds during the sunrise. The panoramic view from the top is blissfull.
What I see there is an organized crime, I guess the thugs acting as guides have wantedly erased the Arrow marks so that people will be forced to seek their help. It is hard to find the initial path after the temple and there is no signboard, the guides will follow you upto one kilometer asking for their need because upto that point there are multiple paths and you could easily get lost; once you know they are not following you, then you are on the right track :). The police is also teaming up with these thugs for money, there were about 150 people on the top, I dont see how could so many people trespass the prohibited area without the knowledge of Police. Instead of make using of these thugs they can legally allow the trekking for some nominal price and put proper signboards.
Written 2 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viklogs
Bengaluru, India48 contributions
The way to skandagiri is very well put on google maps, follow it till the temple and park your vehicles.
A group of ppl acting as guides will stop you well before the actual spot and ask you to park . They expect you to hire them and pay up the charges - remember they are cheats and will lead you to the wrong side. If you don't hire them they'll ask for parking charge and lead you into the bushes to find your own way. That is not the starting point of skandagiri- its the backside of the hill and you will lose your way and get tired as you won't find anyway to reach the top of the hill. Just make sure you follow google maps till the temple. Its a 10 min walk from the temple to the starting point of the hill. The trek's difficulty is moderate and can be completed in 2hrs. Make sure you carry essentials like torch and water. You get maggi,omelet & tea on the top of the hill on weekends. The view is beautiful and magnificent, with clouds(fog) covering the entire hillock.
Points to remember-
1. Follow google maps till the temple.
2. Do not let anyone stop you and ask you to park and hire them.
3. Carry essentials.
4. Enjoy the trek.
5. Do not litter the hill, kindly respect the nature and environment.
A group of ppl acting as guides will stop you well before the actual spot and ask you to park . They expect you to hire them and pay up the charges - remember they are cheats and will lead you to the wrong side. If you don't hire them they'll ask for parking charge and lead you into the bushes to find your own way. That is not the starting point of skandagiri- its the backside of the hill and you will lose your way and get tired as you won't find anyway to reach the top of the hill. Just make sure you follow google maps till the temple. Its a 10 min walk from the temple to the starting point of the hill. The trek's difficulty is moderate and can be completed in 2hrs. Make sure you carry essentials like torch and water. You get maggi,omelet & tea on the top of the hill on weekends. The view is beautiful and magnificent, with clouds(fog) covering the entire hillock.
Points to remember-
1. Follow google maps till the temple.
2. Do not let anyone stop you and ask you to park and hire them.
3. Carry essentials.
4. Enjoy the trek.
5. Do not litter the hill, kindly respect the nature and environment.
Written 15 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abhishek r
India22 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
The Hill is located near famous nandi Hills of Banaglore ,around 10 kms from Nandi Foothills. You can take a village person as a guide for trek. They are very nice people and ready to guide you , also wlll let u park ur vehicle safely. Trek become Moderate after Halfway. View is beautiful and mesmerising.
I went for a night trek and was a very good experience.
I went for a night trek and was a very good experience.
Written 30 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shashishas
Bengaluru, India176 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
If you want to visit Skandagiri, be ready to pay Rs 550/-
Rs 450/- per person And Rs 50-100 Parking charges.
you can visit some other places near by NANDI HILLS, DANDIGANAHALLI DAM Bcak water, you can visit 365 days and enjoy.
Rs 450/- per person And Rs 50-100 Parking charges.
you can visit some other places near by NANDI HILLS, DANDIGANAHALLI DAM Bcak water, you can visit 365 days and enjoy.
Written 4 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thebackpackzombie
Bengaluru, India546 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
This is the second time I have been to Skandagiri for night trek. According to some source it has been banned, but we din't find anyone to stop us. We started the climb by 2230 hrs, reached top by 0030 hrs. Took sufficient breaks on the way up. Spent the night above the clouds. Enjoyed the campfire.
The night trek here is awesome. If you are is lucky enough, you will be blessed with cloud of bed and a beautiful sunrise. The trek is of moderate difficulty (depends on your fitness level) and takes around 2 hrs to reach the top.
Few points to remember:
- Carry a powerful torch, even on a full moon day, cloud cover and fog will reduce the visibility significantly.
- Start by 3 AM to enjoy sunrise, cloud cover.
- If one is interested in campfire, try to collect twig/ wood on the way up.
- Carry sufficient snacks and water (2 ltr should do fine).
- Trek trail is pretty straight forward, especially if you have Google maps. Switch to terrain mode and you can see the clear trail.
- Wear proper shoes and clothes, will get chilly up there.
- Skandagiri doesn't have much tree cover as the place is covered in shrubs, so expect harsh weather in the day time.
- There is a Nandi temple at the top, one can take shelter there.
- Expect an unexpected guest to accompany you (dog).
The night trek here is awesome. If you are is lucky enough, you will be blessed with cloud of bed and a beautiful sunrise. The trek is of moderate difficulty (depends on your fitness level) and takes around 2 hrs to reach the top.
Few points to remember:
- Carry a powerful torch, even on a full moon day, cloud cover and fog will reduce the visibility significantly.
- Start by 3 AM to enjoy sunrise, cloud cover.
- If one is interested in campfire, try to collect twig/ wood on the way up.
- Carry sufficient snacks and water (2 ltr should do fine).
- Trek trail is pretty straight forward, especially if you have Google maps. Switch to terrain mode and you can see the clear trail.
- Wear proper shoes and clothes, will get chilly up there.
- Skandagiri doesn't have much tree cover as the place is covered in shrubs, so expect harsh weather in the day time.
- There is a Nandi temple at the top, one can take shelter there.
- Expect an unexpected guest to accompany you (dog).
Written 9 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sujay K
Bengaluru, India783 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
TRAVEL: we started from Majestic in a cab at mid night 12am and reached base (papagni mutt) by 1.30am It's better to hire a vehicle instead of going in own vehicle since the village you park your vehicle is famous for thieves. Do not pay any parking fees to men who pretends like land owner.
TREK: We started trek around 1.45AM, initially we lost the correct way. Then we returned back and followed a group which hired a guide. After 1 hour trek we got thorough with trail and overtook the group with the guide. After several breaks and beautiful view of Chikballapur at night we reached top by 4.30AM. It was too cold out there. We literally started to shiver. Arranged a camp fire in a closed area and saved ourselves.
SUNRISE: By 6.30AM sun started to rise, the fog below the hill turned to golden color and appeared like golden ocean. Other hill top around were looking like tiny island in that golden ocean. It was worth of taking such risk to climb that hill.
NOTE:
-Beware of men posing like in charge of parking and avoid getting looted.
-If you went in cab / own vehicle with driver, ask them to park outside village. Since mobile network is good all over place you can call them back when you reach base.
-Take warm clothes and blankets even. Cold wind will blow on top at 40-50kmph
-Torch is must for night trekkers.
-Give priority to safety than enjoyment. Avoid liquor/smoking. If you get caught to night patrol police with alcohol, you will end up in jail for entire weekend losing your valuables.
-Shoes,Water,Swiss knief, full arm shirt, warm clothes are must for this trek.
Trek Date: 5 Jan 2014
Total Members: 5Boys / 3Girls
TREK: We started trek around 1.45AM, initially we lost the correct way. Then we returned back and followed a group which hired a guide. After 1 hour trek we got thorough with trail and overtook the group with the guide. After several breaks and beautiful view of Chikballapur at night we reached top by 4.30AM. It was too cold out there. We literally started to shiver. Arranged a camp fire in a closed area and saved ourselves.
SUNRISE: By 6.30AM sun started to rise, the fog below the hill turned to golden color and appeared like golden ocean. Other hill top around were looking like tiny island in that golden ocean. It was worth of taking such risk to climb that hill.
NOTE:
-Beware of men posing like in charge of parking and avoid getting looted.
-If you went in cab / own vehicle with driver, ask them to park outside village. Since mobile network is good all over place you can call them back when you reach base.
-Take warm clothes and blankets even. Cold wind will blow on top at 40-50kmph
-Torch is must for night trekkers.
-Give priority to safety than enjoyment. Avoid liquor/smoking. If you get caught to night patrol police with alcohol, you will end up in jail for entire weekend losing your valuables.
-Shoes,Water,Swiss knief, full arm shirt, warm clothes are must for this trek.
Trek Date: 5 Jan 2014
Total Members: 5Boys / 3Girls
Written 7 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vinamra Jain
Bengaluru, India91 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
Skandagiri Hills is an amazing beauty of nature. People often go her for trekking. Let me tell you about my trekking experience. We went to skandagiri Hills on bikes from Bangalore. When you reach the trekk start point. You need to park your vehicles there and head to the trekking. Before starting the trekking you need to pay 250₹/head to the authorities. You can pay online in advance. The trekk is 4kms long and very steep. So I would recommend wearing proper shoes and comfortable clothes. Also the morning batch starts at 4AM and around that time it can be freezing cold. Also the place is too windy so wear warm clothes. The Trek is moderate level. And it can be slippery at places so take care. Finally when you reach the top the view you get to see as your reward is amazing and worth the effort you put in trekking.
Note: there is no tea shop or any kind of shop there. So you must carry some snacks with you to have there.
Note: there is no tea shop or any kind of shop there. So you must carry some snacks with you to have there.
Written 5 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dipanwitad99
6 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
I had trekked this beautiful hilltop in 2014 October. The place was quite good for hiking even in night. We had done a night trek. The crowd there is quite much. But the sunrise is worth to even tolerate the crowd. But some people made the place junkyard. There used to be a small cafe that time which serves maggi and tea. The route to top is not very confusing though we had trekked in night. In 2015 dec again I had went to trek there in night but some villagers told it got banned for night trekking because the cheetahs keep coming in night so its not much safe. Again I had went for a day trek in nov 2016 but its now fully banned as some filthy people litter when they come for hiking here. When will these people will be responsible? Why do they litter that a step needed to be taken to ban the place for visiting? When we had trekked on 2014 we too had carried a lot of food and drinks stuff with us but atleast we didn't litter the place we had taken all our junks with us. People should understand and keep the places clean when they visit. Its awful and shameful to see even the literate people do littering.
My request to these kind of people please carry your junks when you visit any place otherwise who knows how many such place will get banned. Please be grateful to the nature try to keep the environment around you clean,filth free. I wish this place will be accessible to people again.
My request to these kind of people please carry your junks when you visit any place otherwise who knows how many such place will get banned. Please be grateful to the nature try to keep the environment around you clean,filth free. I wish this place will be accessible to people again.
Written 22 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is basically a trek which takes place through reserved forest so to reach any viewpoint you have to pass the forest checkpoint and hence pay the entry fee.
Written 17 January 2023
Is it open for trekking now. Heard it was closed
Written 31 January 2020
Arjun s
Bengaluru, India
How much is the entry fees now ? And from where should i get the tickets ? If online then from which website? We are just 4 members and we dont need a guide ,we could go by ourselves . And what are the timings ?
Written 30 January 2020
Trekking will be limited to few people for early morning slot. So for this slot, I guess fee should be paid online only. For rest of the slots, they may allow on the spot, need to check.
Written 29 April 2019
Is there any entry fees for trekking ?
250rs per head anything like that ?
Written 29 April 2019
Where can I get spot tickets.is there any counter at the gate?
Written 30 January 2019
Is night trek allowed? Can we buy tickets on spot? What is the best time to start night trek?
Written 26 January 2019
4AM is the earliest you can start tracking and that's the best time to start Trek as well.
Yes you can buy tickets on the spot.
Written 28 January 2019
Yes you can buy. I bought on the spot tickets.
Written 28 January 2019
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