Makalidurga is a trek to one of the most enchanting places as this hill has twinkling skies, a rich history, and a railway line running through the lush greenery of the hills. Makalidurga is located only 60 kilometers away from Bangalore and 10 kilometers away from the town of Doddaballapur. It’s because of this that a number of people, ranging from travel junkies to adventure lovers as well as those who adore nature, make their way to this stunning hill every weekend.
Makalidurga hill stands above the rest of the world at a height of 4430 feet and has a fort located at the top of its peak. The foothill is surrounded by a lake that is similar to the shape of the continent of South America, while a train runs through the lower half of the hills. Everything is amidst lush green grasses and stunning views of nature. This day-trek will never fail to rejuvenate your mind and nerves!
Day 1
Following are the pick-up points & timings:
Is trekking amidst thorny shrubs rimming the boulders and climbing rocky hilltops in your bucket list? Are you a novice trekker from Bangalore or looking for a day off from the mundane Bangalore chaos? This Makalidurga is surely meant for you! Embark on this day trip from Bangalore to Makalidurga hills to rejuvenate your soul.
Rising 4430ft, Makalidurga hill is one among the most sought-after trekking destinations around Bangalore. Equally immersed in history and greenery, the hillock at Makalidurga is situated at about 60km from Bangalore and around 10km from Doddabalapur. It is indeed a scenic ride. Makalidurga trek has something in store for people from different walks, including photography enthusiasts, travel junkies, adventure lovers, and even those into bouldering.
We will kick start the journey to Makalidurga hill from Bangalore at 6:30 am with an expected time of arrival fixed at 9:00 am to 9:30 am. Yeah, the views en route are indeed scenic, we agree. But experiencing this picturesque scenery with a shuffled group of friends is what your trek leaders at PTU would help you with. In between, we shall arrange a rest stop for breakfast. After having got to know each of your fellow trekkers and fuelling yourselves with a scrummy breakfast, we’d head for the base camp.
Base camp for the trek would either be right at the foothills or at the Makalidurga railway station which is about 1.5km from the foothills. Makalidurga hill, with its fort ruins at the top, looms right ahead as you head straight towards the railway tracks from the parking lot (foothills). Click as many pictures as you can here; the hill, the tracks, yourself, and the train speeding past.
Straight up you’d see the tourism signboard which is where the Makalidurga trek trail commences. There is a temple here, dedicated to Lord Krishna. You may also find a whole bunch of monkeys ‘hanging’ around.
Slippery, rocky trails with shrubs to grab on to, this trail would liven up the adventure trekker in you. The trek begins with a gradual climb and is fairly easy. The path is well guided with arrow marks painted on to the rocks. Keep track of these and it’ll lead you right to the top.
Unlike the first stretch, now you’ll be climbing up rocks perched amidst the trees. Bear in mind that the inclination of the hill becomes steeper at about midway through the trek. You can hold on to the grass and other vegetation around, but be careful of the thorny ones. Make sure to watch your steps. Have sturdy feet and be aware of wobbly and slippery rock piles.
Once you cross the small watercourse that snakes its way down, go ahead & hike up the huge rock, an open, barren area awaits you. You can stretch your legs a bit over here. Feel the breeze that rushes past. Sit down cloud-gazing the puffy whiteness that dots the azure sky, and of course, click pictures of the lake far below that looks a lot like the South American continent. Give all the sweating and panting some rest to soak in the view Makalidurga offers. The trek becomes a bit strenuous toward the end.
The panorama from up here – cultured fields that spread across, the mesh formed by the railway tracks with the train crawling by, and the lake that resembles a continent.
Once at the top you can hunt around for the gates that used to open up to the fort. This fort, once a granary, at Makalidurga is known to be used during the realm of Vijayanagara to train their army. It was later on seized by Shahji, father to the very famous Shivaji, which was recaptured and ruled by Kempagowda.
Makalidurga, which got its name from Makaliraya, the late ruler, also has a live Shiva temple at the top-central part of the hill, still used by the locals here. Wade your way around and look out for the broken idols of Garuda Gamba, Basava, and a Shiva Linga.
In return, you can even hike down to the lakeside at the foothills of Makalidurga.
The day trek to Makalidurga hill from Bangalore is a must-do for those in search of history, nature, and adventure in one. This trek, covering 5 to 6 km from the foothills, is rated between easy to moderate. If you find the Makalidurga trek too easy for your taste, do check out more of our adventure treks from Bangalore.
Be it a solo trip, treks with friends, or even corporate outings, leave it up to us at Plan the Unplanned. Buckle up and book your tickets immediately!
Happy trekking!
Went for the All women’s 1 day trek to Makalidurga. This was my second trip with PTU. This trek was particularly a short and sweet trip. The view of the lake and surrounding hills is wonderful, after the short trek. Monisha and Gowtham, you guys were great trek leads. Pleasantly surprised to see women of all age groups in this trek and deeply inspired by a fellow traveller, 64 year old aunty, trekking right along with everyone else.
visiting Maklidurga with my office colleagues. I have been in a lot of treks arranged by other tour operators but none compare to this one. A special thanks to Rucha and Oshin our tour guides from Plan the unplanned. These girls are just amazing. I thought that this trip was going to be one where we just go up the hill get divided along the way n come back but as it turned out, it was far away from the truth. Both of them engaged each and every one in every activity whether it be climbing the hill, singing n dancing along the way, playing games, having lunch and dancing back in the bus as well. I can easily say that it’s because of them that I have actually created a much better bonding with my colleagues. They even carry seed balls and ask us to plant them along the way which is such a good initiative. I would highly recommend them as the way to go for planning any trip. Thanks guys ?
visiting Maklidurga with my office colleagues. I have been in a lot of treks arranged by other tour operators but none compare to this one. A special thanks to Rucha and Oshin our tour guides from Plan the unplanned. These girls are just amazing. I thought that this trip was going to be one where we just go up the hill get divided along the way n come back but as it turned out, it was far away from the truth. Both of them engaged each and every one in every activity whether it be climbing the hill, singing n dancing along the way, playing games, having lunch and dancing back in the bus as well. I can easily say that it’s because of them that I have actually created a much better bonding with my colleagues. They even carry seed balls and ask us to plant them along the way which is such a good initiative. I would highly recommend them as the way to go for planning any trip. Thanks guys ?