A Perfect Weekend Escapade Under the stars

Do you guys love to trek but there is no time for trekking. Then this one-day Skandagiri trek is for you.Skandagiri is situated in a village called Kalavara Halli.This trek starts from Papagni Mutt. This trip is an ideal one-day trip that is very close to Bangalore. Historically Skandagiri is also known as Kalavara Durga or Kalwarbetta. The distance of this trek is 10 km and can easily be completed within four to five hours of journey. The scenic beauty and atmosphere will definitely boost up your adrenaline. Skandagiri trek is very famous for walking above the clouds. The beautiful sun rising above a bed of clouds will be enough to stir your mind. You will be amazed to see the various types of flora and fauna. At night one can enjoy the camp under the sky with a bonfire.

Here, in this article, we are presenting a beautiful trek. which will be a perfect weekend tour for you.

Quick Information:

1. Location: Karnataka, Chikkaballapura.
2. Starting/Ending Point: Kalwara Village/Skandagiri Hill
3. Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours.
4. Trekking Level: Easy to Moderate.
5. Total Distance:900 meters.
6. Altitude:1350 metres approx.

How To Reach Skandagiri:

Using own vehicle:

This is in the hill town of Chikkaballapura.

By Road:

You need to take National Highway 44 and head towards Chikkaballapura.

Then pass Bengaluru Airport Toll Plaza. About 40 km you have two routes to reach Skandagiri.

1st route: 

Take NH 44 for 12.7 km from Nandi Cross. Then take the left on Chikkaballapur Road. Take the left in about 27 km and you need to continue 1.8 km.

At T junction take the left turn and continue 550 mt then you need to take the right turn. Muddenahalli Bus Stop is here

From this point go for 2 km and take the left Kalwara village T junction. In about 900 mt you will reach Papagni  Mutt, the starting point of the Skandagiri trek.

2nd Route:

Turn left from NH 44 to the state highway 104 at Rani Cross and need to continue to Skandagiri by taking a right turn at Karahalli Cross via Nandi Grama and then turn left at Gantiganahalli. From this route, you can follow the first route.

Best Time To Do:

This is one of those treks that can be done any time of the year.

The best time for this trek is during the fall and winter. During the Summer season, you should wear a hat or a cap and need to take a lot of water. Which will help you to survive in this humid climate condition. In monsoon season the variety of flora and fauna will provide a fresh vibe to this trek. But we will.

However, during the monsoon don’t forget to carry a raincoat along with a rain cover for your backpack to keep yourself dry from heavy rain.

Some Highlights:

Skandagiri Sunrise View Point:

This is the main attraction of this trek. The beautiful sun rising above a bed of clouds will be enough to stir your mind. For this reason, it is called the sunrise trek to Skandagiri.

Night trekking:

One can experience a beautiful night under the canopy of twinkling stars. You can also create a bonfire under the starlit sky. It will be a memorable experience.

Spiritual:

This peaceful trek also has a spiritual essence to it. The trek starts from Papagni Temple. There is an ancient Shiva temple one can take a rest here and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

There is another temple named Kukke Subramanya Temple also known as Skandagiri temple.This is a hindu temple of Deva Senapati Kartikeya.

Pack a good first aid kit

These trekking days are too long unless you are in Namche Bazaar first aid medication and equipment will not be readily available.

What to pack

• Combiflam –  ( Fever + Reduce Muscle Pain )
• Zintac/Aciloc/Rantac/ Omez ( Acidity)
• Allegra ( Allergy )
• Cough Syrup ( for cough )
• ORS sachets ( for dehydration)
• Dettol ( to clean the wound 
• Waterproof Bandaids ( to cover cuts )
• Neosporin powder – ( antibiotic powder to prevent infection of the wound), Cotton – ( for cleaning), Crepe bandage.
• Diamox – ( to prevent symptoms of AMS. 125 to 500 mg a day. 12/ 24 hourly until you return to a safe altitude)
• Dexamethasone – ( To prevent symptoms of HACE. 4 to 8 mg depending on severity. Descend. )

Things To Carry:

1. Identity Card.
2. Water bottle.
3. High-calorie snacks like chocolates, dry fruits, and nuts.
4. Raincoat(during monsoon).
5. Medicines.
6. First Aid Kit (basic).
7. Torch or flashlights.
8. Tents, sleeping bags.
9. Cap or hat or scarf.
10. Sunscreen (SPF 50+).