Top 5 Treks Near Bengaluru ( My Picks )

If you are someone who is looking for places which aren't usually on someones hit list, Gudibande Fort is a good option. Not very popular on the hiking circuit, the walk to the top is fairly easy and the fort on the top is still in a decent condition after so many years.  On some days you might be the only one there, although the Gudibanda town can get quite crowded.

The views from the top are spectacular and you can picnic there. Overall a perfect day out with some hiking, picnicking and driving on the highways. 

3) Madhugiri Hill / Fort - Approx Time to Climb 2 Hours - Difficulty - Easy-Moderate-Extreme - Distance from Bangalore - 100 Kms

Madhugiri like Savandurga is a monolith, people claim its the second largest in Asia after Savandurga. Madhugiri town is usually busy but the hike up the fort is not. 

The hike to the top is in 3 levels. With each level the difficulty level increases. The reason why I say that level 3 is extreme is because in many places the grab rails are broken (last visit was 2018 ) and it is insane to cross the slopes. Even the slightly experienced hikers will tread with caution and the amateurs might not try to go beyond level 2. But that should not stop you from going there. Even the hike up to Level 2 is brilliant. 

You get good views all around including that of Madhugiri Town. The fort complex is still clearly visible and the walls have been kept intact with regular maintenance.  

2) Channarayana Durga Hill / Fort - Approx Time to Climb 1.5 Hrs - Difficulty - Easy to Moderate - Distance from Bangalore - 100 Kms

Channarayandurga Hill & Fort complex is close to Madhugiri. In fact you can spot Madhugiri from the top and also the other way around. 

This is a fun hike. Has all the elements. The start of the hike itself is daunting, where you need to climb a slope of rock, the inexperienced ones might find themselves on all fours. But once you cross the first level the next bit is easy, you go swaying through different levels of the fort complex and some wild grass growth and then the final hike to the summit might give you some concerns but with each step you take you find that its easily doable. Once on the top the views are spectacular. You can also picnic at the top, but make sure not to litter the place. 

1) Makalidurga Hill/Fort - Approx Time - 1.5 Hours - Difficulty - Moderate - Distance from Bangalore - 55 Kms 

My top spot goes to Makalidurga Trek. Some of you might wonder why, there is a story behind it. This hill has always been a part of my fantasy while growing up. I remember that I would take the train between Bangalore - Delhi during my summer break ( during the late 80's and early 90's and the train would go through this very hill ). From the train I could see the hill and the meandering highway and it was then that I knew I would take to the roads. Since then I always wanted to come back to this very spot and ride on the road and hike up the very hill I saw as a kid from the train. 

But nostalgia apart, Makalidurga is a great spot for a weekend hike. The climb starts through some wild growth of tress and shrubs and soon you find yourself climbing the rock. You can easily get lost if you don't follow the markers. You need to be careful as some rocks may be lose and you may lose your balance. Once on top you can just sit there hours on end, spot Nandi Hills from a distance, admire the nature around you or even count the trains that go by ( like me ). In the last 2 years alone I have been here over 7 times and I can keep going back to relive my dream as a boy from the train :) 

PS - Please make sure that you wear the right footwear while hiking up these hills. Be sensitive towards the environment and don't litter as these places are difficult to maintain. The fort complexes are a part of our history, please don't destroy them or throw stones etc.

 Enjoy the hike, admire the beauty and respect the environment.   PEACE!