Location: Makalidurga Village – 60+ Km from Bangalore, 15 Km from Doddaballapura
Trek Timings: 6.00 AM
Ticket Booking: https://www.karnatakaecotourism.com/treksdetail/TRK132
Ticket Cost in INR: Weekend – 400 (Adult), 200 (Child), Week days – 250 (Adult), 125 (Child). Online facility charge and taxes (18%) extra.
Availability: 150 tickets per slot
Duration: 2- 3 Hours (1 Hour Uphill and 45 Mins Downhill), depending on the time you spend atop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time To Visit: This trek is suitable year-round, excluding the rainy season, yet the most optimal time for the best views and weather is immediately after the rainy season.
Trek Starting Point: Park the vehicle at the parking area, then walk 500 meters to the forest check-post / trek entry point
Makalidurga, located near Bangalore, is indeed a gem for trekkers seeking a serene and less crowded experience compared to popular spots like Skandagiri. It’s an ideal destination for families and friends, including kids, who can manage the trek with relative ease. However, caution should be exercised during the rainy season due to steep rocks along the trail. It’s advisable to plan the trek during dry weather to ensure safety.
The highlight of the Makalidurga trek is undoubtedly the breathtaking views from the summit. Upon reaching the top, trekkers are greeted with remnants of a fort and a functioning temple, adding historical charm to the natural beauty. The panoramic views of Gundamagere Lake on one side and the railway track on the other are truly mesmerizing, making the ascent truly rewarding. Exploring the fort and its various nooks and corners can easily occupy an hour, providing trekkers with a chance to immerse themselves in history and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Overall, Makalidurga offers a fantastic outing for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a memorable trekking experience near Bangalore.
Useful Tips:
- Book the ticket in advance, especially for weekends
- It is recommended to reach the parking area by 5.45 AM so that trek can be started at 6 AM
- Follow Google maps to reach the parking area, unlike Skandagiri, Makalidurga has a very good parking space with clean toilets
- From the parking spot, walk for around 500 meters, cross the railway track and show the trek booking to the forest guard
- The trail is easily identifiable with arrow markings on the rocks
- After the trek, enjoy refreshing tender coconut sold near the entry point / railway track, offering a perfect post-hike refreshment in the absence of nearby shops.
- On the return journey to Bangalore, stop by Doddaballapura for breakfast where Durgashree Samruddhi Grand Veg stands out as a recommended option.
- Things to carry
- ID card
- 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
7th Apr 2024
Despite our grumblings about kids being glued to gadgets, we’re truly blessed with little adventurers who relish outdoor escapades. What’s more, we’ve been on a roll with back-to-back weekend treks, the latest being our Makalidurga expedition following our last week’s Skandagiri adventure. Planning these outings has been a joy, thanks to their enthusiasm.
We hit the road from home at the crack of dawn, 4:10 AM precisely. Our friends joined us en route, adding to the excitement. By 5:30 AM, we rolled into the parking lot at Makalidurga, only to find it shrouded in darkness, contrary to our expectations. We had smugly left our headlamps and torches behind, thinking we wouldn’t need them. But as luck would have it, just as we finished using the spotless restrooms at the parking lot, the sky burst into hues of dawn, as if someone had flipped a switch.
After traversing the railway track, we encountered the forest guards, who swiftly checked our tickets before allowing us to commence our trek. The path began its ascent after about 400 meters through the plains, marked by clear white arrows. While a guide wasn’t deemed necessary, the steep and rocky terrain necessitated sturdy trekking shoes and poles for stability.
Covering the 3-kilometer trek took us roughly 2.5 hours. We made numerous pit stops along the way to hydrate, rest, and explore the fort, temple, and a couple of vantage points.
Compared to our previous trek to Skandagiri, this one was a delight on two counts: the sparse crowd, lending an air of tranquility, and the trail’s orientation shielding us from the harsh sun and heat.
