Makalidurga Trek, Bangalore With Transfers Included

Pickup points:

• RR Nagar (11:00 PM) – Gopalan Arcade, Mysore road
• Banashankari (12:20 AM) – Bus Stop
• BTM (12:50 AM) – Udupi Garden Bus Stop, Near A2B
• Silk Board (01:15 AM) – Prashant hotel (towards marathali road)
• Bellandur Near Central Mall (01:50AM)
• Marathahalli (02:20 AM) – Opposite to Kalamandir
• Tin Factory (02:40 AM) – Bus Stop
• Hebbal Opp Esteem Mall (02:50AM)

Makalidurga is a secret gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers that is only two hours away from the busy city of Bangalore. Karnataka's lush greenery and rough hills make this beautiful hiking spot the perfect weekend getaway for people who want to get away from the noise of traffic and enjoy the sounds of birds and beautiful views.

There are stories and beautiful views all around Makalidurga, which is about 1,117 metres (3,665 feet) above sea level and isn't just another hill. It's a historical fortress built on top of a granite hillock. The trail to the top goes through paths with lots of rocks, thick bushes and sometimes railway tracks. It's a fairly difficult adventure that can be enjoyed by both new and experienced trekkers.

Makalidurga isn't just about the climb, though. Watching misty sunrises, hiking in the dark for a night walk, and enjoying the peace that comes with being away from city life are all part of the experience. The Makalidurga trip has something for everyone: a physical challenge, some alone time, and a beautiful walk with friends.

Details of the Trek

Beautiful nature, interesting history, and a bit of excitement all come together in a way that makes the Makalidurga Trek a great choice for both new and experienced trekkers. This walk is about 60 kilometres north of Bangalore and about 17 kilometres from Doddaballapur. It is easy to get to by both road and rail. The Makalidurga Trek entry fee​ is included in your package.

Trek Overview

• Makalidurga Trek Distance: around 3.8 kilometres one way
• Makalidurga Trek Starting Point​: Muthurayaswamy Temple
• Makalidurga Trek Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate, appropriate for fit beginners
• Elevation: Approximately 990 feet
• Duration: 2.5 hours to ascend and 1.5 to 2 hours to descend

Trek Timings:

• Pick up from Bangalore: Starting from 11:00 PM
• Trek Trail Start: 6:00 AM
• Reaching Peak: Around 8:00 AM 
• Downward Trek: Around 9:30 AM
• Return to Bangalore: After 1:30 PM

Note:

Timings are subject to change based on factors such as weather conditions, group pace, road traffic, and other operational considerations.

About the activity:

• Embark on the exhilarating Makalidurga Trek, located just 60 km from Bangalore, where adventure seamlessly intertwines with nature, offering stunning views of Gundamagere Lake, rugged terrain, and the historic remnants of an ancient fort at the summit.
• Set off on an unforgettable sunrise trek, featuring stunning views, rock climbing, and a rewarding experience at the summit, 1117 meters above sea level.
• Enjoy hassle-free pickups from designated locations in Bangalore, ensuring a smooth start as you head toward the picturesque base village.
• Prepare for an exciting 7-8 km round-trip trek, guided by expert instructors who will ensure your safety and provide insights as you navigate the rugged terrain.
• Conquer rocky paths, engage in light rock climbing, and marvel at breathtaking views of Makalidurga Lake, an ancient Shiva temple, and the historic Makalidurga Fort ruins.
• Reach the summit to witness a spectacular morning view, where panoramic landscapes stretch across the horizon, creating unforgettable moments to cherish.
• After descending, savour a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant and relax before shared transfers return you to Bangalore, wrapping up an exhilarating day of adventure.

Important Information

• Permits: People who want to go trekking must get permission from the Karnataka Forest Department. The official website, Aranya Vihaara, is where you can get permits online. You should know that you can't go trekking at night; you can only go hiking from 6 AM to 5 PM.
• Best Time to walk: You can do the Makalidurga walk any time of the year, but the post-monsoon season is better because the trees are greener and the sky is clearer.
• Connectivity: While most of the trail has mobile network service, weaker signals may appear in some places.
• Facilities: There are no rest stops or water sources along the way, so hikers should make sure they bring enough water and snacks. On top of that, there are no bathrooms on the path.

Starting the Makalidurga trek will not only be hard on your body, but it will also be a journey through history and nature that will end with stunning views and a sense of achievement.

Best Time to Visit

Makalidurga is a great place to go trekking all year, but each season has its own difficulties and charms. Depending on your tastes for weather, scenery, and trail conditions, picking the right time to visit can make your trekking experience much better.

• September to February (Post Monsoon): A lot of people agree that this is the best time to hike Makalidurga. After the summer rains, the land is lush and green, the weather is nice and cool, and the skies are usually clear, making it a great time to take pictures of the views from the top. The hills are often misty in the mornings during this time, and the sunrises are often very beautiful.
• March to May (Summer): During the summer, the trail is still open, but expect it to be warmer during the day, especially on hills in the middle of the day. It gets hot quickly on the rocky ground, which makes the walk harder. Bring a lot of water with you on your walk if you plan to go during these months. Start early in the morning to avoid the heat.
• June to August (Monsoon): The monsoon gives the hill a deep green colour and makes the natural beauty stand out, but it also makes the trail slippery and possibly dangerous. If you're not a skilled hiker with the right gear, you shouldn't go trekking at this time. For safety reasons, the Karnataka Forest Department also often limits trekking when it rains a lot.

Pro Tip: The weekends from October to January are the busiest, so get there early to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet climb.

How to Reach

Makalidurga is easy to get to, so a lot of people from Bangalore and nearby cities like to go there on the weekends. The hill is about 60 km from Bangalore, and you can get there by public or private transportation.

1. By Road (Starting in Bangalore)

• Distance: About 60 km
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Going from Bangalore to Makalidurga is easy. You can drive or take a taxi. The easiest way to get there is to take the Bangalore–Hyderabad Highway (NH44). Take the turn that says Doddaballapur" and keep going until you reach Makalidurga village. You can park your car near the train stop or the beginning of the trail.

2. By Train

• Nearest station: Makalidurga Railway Station (MKL)
• There are several passenger trains that go between Bangalore and Makalidurga. This is a cheap and beautiful way to travel. As you walk along the tracks, the start is only about 2 km away from the train station. This gives your hiking a unique feel.

3. By Bus:

• A KSRTC or private bus will take you to Doddaballapur. From there, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to get to Makalidurga station. This choice is less handy than driving or taking the train, though, because you might have to transfer more than once.
• The trail officially begins near the Muthurayaswamy Temple, which is about 2 km from the Makalidurga railway stop. Follow the GPS directions or look for signs to get to the base.

Note: If you want to take the train, check the schedule ahead of time because Makalidurga Station only has a few stops. Also, bring a hard copy or digital copy of your forest pass with you, because it will be checked at the entrance.

Places to Visit After Makalidurga Trek

After you finish the Makalidurga trek, you might want to visit these nearby places to make your trip better:

1. Ghati Subramanya Temple: The temple is very old and is dedicated to Lord Subramanya and Lord Narasimha. People from all over Karnataka come to the temple to worship the one-of-a-kind figure, which is thought to have appeared on its own. It's a peaceful place to stop after a walk because of the spiritual atmosphere and rural scenery. 

Distance from Makalidurga: about 6.4 km 

2. Lepakshi: The Veerabhadra Temple in Lepakshi, built in the 1600s, is famous for its beautiful frescoes, hanging pillar, and huge Nandi figure. It's a great cultural side trip for people who like art and history. 

Distance from Makalidurga: Approximately 70 km

3.Nandi Hills: Nandi Hills is one of the most well-known hill stations near Bangalore. It has beautiful views of the sunrise, buildings from the colonial era, and green walking trails. Enjoy some peace and quiet there, or go back for another look at the highlands' beauty after your Makalidurga hike. 

Distance from Makalidurga: Approximately 40 km

4. Skandagiri (Kalavara Durga): Known for its treks at night and sunrise views from the top of Skandagiri, which has a slightly more difficult track and stunning views. 

Distance from Makalidurga: Approximately 70 km

5. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple: This well-kept temple complex is one of the oldest in Karnataka. It is near the base of the Nandi Hills. It's a great place to relax and think after a trek, with its peaceful gardens, intricately carved pillars, and holy tanks. 

Distance from Makalidurga: Approximately 25 km

6. Doddaballapur Town: Please stop by Doddaballapur if you're hungry for a quick snack or a cool drink after your walk. There are small restaurants, shops, and friendly people who are happy to tell you about the area.

Distance from Makalidurga: Approximately 18 km