Location: Kalavara Village – 65+ Km from Bangalore, 3 Km from Chikkaballapura
Trek Timings: 4.00 AM and 8.00 AM
Ticket Booking: https://www.karnatakaecotourism.com/treksdetail/TRK130
Ticket Cost in INR: Weekend – 500 (Adult), 250 (Child), Week days – 250 (Adult), 125 (Child). Online facility charge and taxes (18%) extra.
Availability: 150 tickets per slot
Duration: 2-3 Hours (1-1.5 Hours Uphill and 1 Hour Downhill)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time To Visit: 4.00 AM slot – sunrise trek, except during rainy season / monsoon
Trek Starting Point: Park the vehicle at Papagni Mutt, walk 800-900 Metres to forest check-post/ trek entry point
Skandagiri, nestled among the renowned five hills of Chikkaballapura, stands as an enticing weekend escape from the bustling city of Bangalore, drawing in adventurers seeking thrills. This destination isn’t just for seasoned trekkers; it promises a delightful outing for the whole family, with trails suitable even for children. While the ascent poses its challenges, the breathtaking panorama awaiting atop makes every step worthwhile. Embarking on the journey at 4.00 AM promises a spectacular sunrise spectacle; during summer, the crimson hues paint the sky, while in winter, clouds enshroud, offering a sensation of being on the summit of the world itself. At the pinnacle, remnants of a fort and a serene Shiva temple add to the allure, enriching the trekking experience with historical and spiritual significance.
Useful Tips:
- Book the ticket in advance, especially for weekends
- From the Papagni Mutt, look out for the signboards towards the entry gate
- Usually there will be a crowd at the entry gate during weekend 4.00 AM slot
- Ignore the crowd and proceed to the gate / guard if you have tickets
- The waiting crowd is typically part of an organized group trek or awaiting ticket purchase
- Reach before the slot time to avoid waiting at the entry gate
- Once you reach the rocky landing, don’t give up. The summit is just 10-15 mins away!
- It is recommended to stay somewhere nearby if it is 4.00 AM slot. Stay options are available near Skandagiri or Nandi
- There are toilets available at the forest check post, but they are not very clean or maintained well
- Club the trip with a visit to Bhoganandishwara temple or Isha Foundation
- Things to carry
- ID card
- Torch or headlamp must for 4.00 AM slot
- Water and snacks / energy bar
- Cap / scarf
- First aid kit
- Pair of good trekking shoes
- Trekking pole is highly recommended since the trail is steep with a unique mix of rocks, boulders and mud
30th Mar 2024
In anticipation of our upcoming Har ki Dun trek, our group decided to kick off the adventure with a sunrise excursion to Skandagiri. With the trek scheduled to begin at the crack of dawn, we opted to bunk down nearby the night before. After a lively dinner filled with laughter and camaraderie, we retreated to our rooms, setting alarms for an early rise at 3:00 AM.
After a quick round of morning rituals, our group reached the Skandagiri parking lot at 3:45AM, only to be greeted by a surprising sight – it was nearly packed to the brim! Hastening to the entry gate, we found ourselves amidst a bustling crowd of over 150 people. Fortunately, a couple of savvy souls from our group managed to wriggle their way to the front, discovering that the crowd was actually queued for the 8:00 AM trek. This stroke of luck allowed us to bypass the gathering and enter through the gate.
With our tickets checked and our entry duly recorded by the forest guards, we embarked on the trek around 4:15 AM. Despite the pre-dawn darkness, our trusty headlamps and torches, along with the stream of fellow trekkers ahead, illuminated the dusty, slippery, and rocky terrain, making it navigable. The steep incline proved challenging, especially for those new to trekking. Observing others grappling with their footing, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for our sturdy trekking shoes and poles, which lent us confidence with each step.
After a strenuous ascent punctuated by several brief pit stops to catch our breath and hydrate, we finally reached the summit just in time for the main event – the sunrise at 6:10 AM. Securing a prime spot to soak in the breathtaking spectacle, we also took the opportunity to capture the moment on film. The summit, adorned with a quaint Shiva temple and remnants of an ancient fort, offered sweeping views of the surrounding hill ranges and a picturesque quarry on the western side.
Following a blissful half-hour at the summit, we began our descent, aiming to beat the influx of 8:00 AM trekkers and avoid congestion on the narrow trail. As daylight gradually enveloped the landscape, we couldn’t help but marvel at the arduous path we had conquered. With the sun now bearing down on our backs, the journey downhill proved to be a sweaty and exhausting affair.
Despite the challenges, the experience was undoubtedly rewarding, with the stunning sunrise serving as a fitting reward for our efforts. However, the overcrowded conditions and the sorry state of the restroom facilities did detract slightly from the overall enjoyment of the trek.
