You are simply wrong if you believe that hiking is solely an activity that should be done in the morning. At night, when the moon shines brightly, Skandagiri, a hill town near Bangalore, offers the opportunity to trek and explore the hills. Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga or Kalavara Betta, is surrounded by the Nandi Hills at an elevation of 1450 metres. On the approach to the top of the hill, there is a destroyed fort, which adds to the thrill of the night trip. The nicest aspect is that you may spend the night under the stars on the hilltop. Not to mention the bonfire, which has been lit specifically for the hikers to relax around and enjoy the warmth.
History of Skandagiri
You’ll be surprised to learn that on Skandagiri there stood a magnificent Tipu Sultan fort, built in the 18th century by the famous ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, to battle the British Raj. Unfortunately for Tipu Sultan, he lost the battle and the fort fell into British hands. It was held by the British Raj until the Treaty of Paris in 1792. After that, the fort was forced to take the brunt of the damage, and it now stands in ruins, with only a few of its walls standing strong to tell the story of an incredible historic event. The two temples, one at the bottom and one at the top, are the only ones that have survived the destruction, while the rest are in ruins.
Points To Remember Before You Visit Skandagiri
- Avoid visiting Skandagiri during the monsoon because the sand makes the ground slippery, which increases the risk of slipping down the slope when walking.
- Bring water with you to stay hydrated and avoid getting sick.
- Dress comfortably and wear comfy shoes.
- To hike 10 kilometres, you must be mentally and physically fit. If you’re planning a trip ahead of time, start stretching and exercising two days ahead of time to get your body in shape.
- If you’re going on a night hike, make sure you have torches and additional batteries with you. The torch’s illumination will assist you on your journey.
How To Reach Skandagiri
Bangalore is 70 kilometres away from Skandagiri. Buses from Bangalore to Skandagiri are accessible at regular intervals via the KSRTC bus service. However, you must disembark at Chikballapur, which is the final stop before Skandagiri. To go to Skandagiri from Chikballapur, you can either take an auto or take a stroll while admiring the lovely scenery. Autos are readily available and can drop you down at the bottom of the slope in under 15 minutes. Another approach is to go for a stroll and take in the scenery. The climb to the top will take between 30 and 45 minutes, but the scenery will captivate you. Along the way, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of the country’s lifestyle. You can also go on a road trip by renting a car or driving your own car. At the bottom of the hill, there is a parking lot that costs Rs.50.
Places To Visit in Skandagiri
1- Papagni Mutt
The Papagni Mutt is a well-known temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and a number of local deities, and it is regarded to be unique. The temple’s aura is so strong and enticing that worshippers may sense spiritual vibrations as soon as they step inside. If you go on Saturdays, be sure to attend the special Pooja held to appease the deity. Almost every trekker makes a point of worshipping in this temple to obtain blessings before embarking on their journey.
Timing- 5:00 AM To 8:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1 Hour
2- Grover Zampa Vineyards
This is the place to go if you’re a wine enthusiast. Despite the 80-kilometer distance between Skandagiri and this vineyard, it is well worth a visit. This is the only vineyard in Bangalore that grows French grapes. For Rs.500, you can have a tour of this location and learn about the aging, fermenting, and bottling of wine. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be able to partake in beautiful and extraordinary wine tasting.
Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- INR 500 Onwards
Time Required- 3-4 Hours
3- Shiva Temple
This Shiva temple, located at the top of the Skandagiri hill, is known for its magnificent architecture. Lord Shiva, the Hindu legendary God, sits pleasantly on the apex of the hill, where all the worshippers flock to seek blessings after completing their ascent.
Timing- 5:00 AM To 8:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1 Hour
4- Tipu Sultan Fort
Even though Tipu Sultan’s fort is in ruins, some of its walls are still standing. The architectural magnificence of six concentric defense walls can be observed, allowing an estimate of how this fort was built. Six samadhis are said to be housed within the fort, which also features two caverns. One is at the bottom and the other is in the center. You must visit these caves if you want to get a true sense of the place. At the very top, there is also a stone house building where you may unwind after a long hike.
Timing- 10:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 50 Per Person
Time Required- 2-3 Hours
