Are you looking for a unique and adventurous way to explore the beauty of nature and history in Bangalore? Do you want to experience the thrill of trekking through the scenic hills and valleys of Skandagiri? If yes, then you should definitely consider visiting this hill station near Bangalore as your next destination.
Skandagiri is a small hill station that offers a stunning view of the sunrise and sunset over the lush greenery and rocky terrains. It is also a site of Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British, who tried to capture him in 1799. You can learn about the history and legends of this hill by visiting the Tipu Sultan fort ruins and the temples nearby.
But that’s not all. Skandagiri also has a challenging trekking route that leads to Kalavara Durga, a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The trek covers 8 km along the winding paths and steep slopes, and takes about 4 hours to complete. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the majestic Kalavara Durga temple at the top.
If you are looking for a memorable night trekking experience in Bangalore, then you should book Thrillophilia’s night trek package to Skandagiri. They will take care of everything for you, from transportation, accommodation, food, safety measures, etc. You will also get to enjoy the company of other like-minded travelers who share your passion for adventure.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Skandagiri as a night trekking destination in Bangalore. So, let's get started!
History of Skandagiri
Skandagiri is located about 40 km from Bangalore city center. It is situated at an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with moderate rainfall and pleasant temperatures.
Skandagiri was named after Lord Shiva’s mount or vehicle called Skanda or Kartikeya. It was also known as Kallur or Kallur Hills. The name means “the hill where Kartikeya resides”.
Skandagiri has been inhabited since ancient times by various tribes such as Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire etc. It was also ruled by Tipu Sultan, who made it his headquarters during his rebellion against the British.
Tipu Sultan was born on 6th May 1750 in Gajendragad fort near present-day Belgaum. He was the son of Hyder Ali Ali Khan Bahadur (also known as Hyder Ali), who was one of the most powerful rulers in South India at that time.
Tipu Sultan inherited his father’s throne after his death in 1782. He expanded his empire by conquering many forts and territories from Mysore Kingdom , Maratha Empire , British East India Company etc.
He was known for his courage , intelligence , generosity , religious tolerance , military prowess , etc . He fought against the British with great determination and courage , but he could not defeat them due to their superior resources , technology , etc .
He died on 4th May 1799 at Gajendragad fort after being wounded by Captain Arthur Wellesley. His death marked the end of his rebellion against the British .
After his death , his son Hyder Ali II continued his father’s legacy until he was defeated by Wellesley again in 1799. After that, his son Mir Hassan Ali Khan Bahadur (also known as Mir Hassan) became the ruler of Mysore Kingdom.
Skandagiri remained under Mysore Kingdom until it was annexed by British India in 1848. Since then, it has been developed as a tourist destination with various attractions such as temples, forts, caves, viewpoints etc .
Trekking Route to Kalavara Durga
One of the most popular attractions in Skandagiri is Kalavara Durga temple , which is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. It is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka and has a unique architecture.
The temple is located at the foothills of Skandagiri, near Papagni Matt. It is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka and has a unique architecture. It has a rectangular shape with a pyramidal roof and four entrances. The temple has four shrines, each dedicated to a different aspect of Durga: Lakshmi, Saraswati, Parvati and Durga.
The temple is surrounded by two caves that lead to it from different directions. The caves are believed to be the places where Durga manifested herself to defeat the demons. The caves are also known as Kallur caves or Kallur Ghat.
The trekking route to Kalavara Durga starts from Papagni Matt, which is about 3 km from Skandagiri. The trekking route covers 8 km along the winding paths and steep slopes, and takes about 4 hours to complete. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the majestic Kalavara Durga temple at the top.
The trekking route is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. However, it requires good physical fitness and stamina. The trekking route also passes through some dense forests and rocky terrains, which may pose some challenges for some trekkers.
Tips and Tricks for Night Trekking
Night trekking is an adventurous activity that requires proper planning, preparation, equipment, clothing etc. Here are some tips and tricks for night trekking:
1. Plan your trip well in advance. Check the weather forecast, road conditions, availability of accommodation etc. before booking your trip.
2. Choose a reliable travel company that offers night trek packages. Check their reviews, ratings, policies, etc. before booking your trip.
3. Choose a suitable time for your trip. Avoid night treks during monsoon season, heavy rainfall, foggy weather etc. Opt for dry days with clear skies.
4. Choose a suitable destination for your trip. Avoid hill stations that are too high or too low. Choose hill stations that are moderate in altitude and have good visibility.
FAQs about Skandagiri night trekking
Q: What is the best time to go for the Skandagiri night trek?
A: The best time to go for the Skandagiri night trek is during the winter or monsoon season, when the weather is pleasant and clear. The summer season can be too hot and humid for some trekkers.
Q: What are the requirements for booking a Skandagiri night trek package?
A: The requirements for booking a Skandagiri night trek package may vary depending on the travel company, but generally they include: a valid ID proof, a passport size photo, a medical certificate (if required), a travel insurance (if required), and a payment receipt.
Q: How much does it cost to book a Skandagiri night trek package?
A: The cost of booking a Skandagiri night trek package may vary depending on the travel company, but generally it ranges from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 5,000 per person for two people sharing a room.
Q: How can I reach Skandagiri from Bangalore?
A: You can reach Skandagiri from Bangalore by:
- Driving your own car or hiring a taxi
- Taking a bus or auto-rickshaw from Majestic Bus station or Chikkaballapura
- Taking a train or flight to Bangalore city center or airport and then taking a bus or auto-rickshaw to Chikkaballapura
Q: What are the safety measures taken during the Skandagiri night trek?
A: The safety measures taken during the Skandagiri night trek include:
- Providing headlamps, torches, first aid kits, etc. to the trekkers
- Having experienced guides and drivers who know the terrain and wildlife well
- Having trained staff who can handle any emergency situation
- Having emergency contacts who can be reached in case of any problem
Q: What are the things to carry for the Skandagiri night trek?
A: The things to carry for the Skandagiri night trek include:
- Comfortable clothes and shoes that can withstand dust and dirt
- Warm clothes and blankets that can keep you warm at night
- Water bottles and snacks that can keep you hydrated and energized
- Camera and phone that can capture your memories
- Medicines and personal items that you may need
Q: Where can I stay near Skandagiri?
A: You can stay near Skandagiri in various options such as:
- Hotels or resorts in nearby towns like Chikkaballapura or Bangalore
- Homestays or guest houses in nearby villages like Kalavara or Papagni
