15 Day trekking trails from Bengaluru ~ Ecotrails

Skandagiri, Papagni Matt  kalavara village skandagiri . also known as Kalavara Durga, is an ancient mountain fortress located approximately 70 km from Bangalore city, and 3 km from Chikballapur in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is off Bellary Road ( NH 7 Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway), and overlooks Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli. The peak is at an altitude of about 1350 meters.

Skandagiri is a perfect weekend getaway near Bangalore, preferred by most adventure and nature lovers. Located in the Nandi Hill ranges, at a distance of about 68 kms from Bangalore, the historic hill fort of Skandagiri is also famous by the name of Kalwarebetta. It is one of the most loved destinations for trekking near Bangalore that offers a perfect break from the busy and stressful city life and transports the participants into a calm and peaceful environment. The trek is an exciting climbing adventure for enthusiasts.

Skandagiri hiking is a day long trip that is usually commenced after breakfast in the morning. The total hiking distance is 8 kms moderate to tough difficulty level, which makes it important for the participants to be physically and mentally fit.

Hiking to Skandagiri commences from the Papagni Temple, which is located at the foothills of the Kalwara village. The participants get to see a majestic view of the fortress located on the peak at a height of 1350m above sea level, through the entire hiking trail. The trail itself passes through a maze of dense shrubs which can be quite intriguing.

Upon reaching the top, hikers often feel mesmerized by the sight of old fortress, which despite being in a dilapidated condition reflects the majestic appeal it once held. There is also an old abandoned Shiva temple at the top where the hikers can relax and enjoy the view of their magnificient surroundings.

Alone Nandi sits on top, overlooking vast swathes of fields, small towns, and hillocks at a distance. He is witness to historical events that have occurred here over centuries. The small mantap where he rests marks the end of the trekking trail at Savandurga, one of the largest monolithic rocks in Asia. Situated about 7 miles from Magadi town, Savandurga has become one of the many trekking hot-spots around Bangalore, testing the rock climbing skills of enthusiasts.

Named Savandurga by Immadi Kempe Gauda, this hill fortress was believed to be unconquerable until the British took over in 1791; Lord Cornwallis has written a detailed account about its capture. The hill looks imposing as one drives closer to it and it is easy to understand why it is called the ‘rock of death.’ The Nandi mantap looks like a small square on top and all visible sides of the rock look steep and dangerous; only upon reaching the base does one see the rock’s gentle slopes.

Savandurga has a lot to offer, the base of the temple is surrounded by a forest; with thick bamboo groves and dense shrubs, some part of the forest has now been converted to an herbal plantation and is open for people to explore. The forest has close to 60 species of trees. A lot of these trees are used for local herbal medicines.

Apart from this, there are two temples – Sri Savandi Veerabhadraswamy Temple and Lakshmi Narashima Temple. The former temple is of Dravidian style and situated inside a courtyard; the structure is beautiful and worth a visit. The latter temple, though, is an old temple which has been renovated and painted, thus losing some of its old-world charm.

The initial stretch of the Savandurga trek is on bare rock with small boulders, and it is better if the trek is started just as the day breaks. As one gains height, the Arkavati River surrounded by green trees becomes visible at a distance.

A short while into the trek, one encounters the first of the many remains of the fort walls. This spot is well-suited for enjoying some rest in the shade that the trees here have to offer; the next shaded patch comes along only after a long distance. If you observe birds that hop around, the chances of finding a Blue Rock Thrush, White- browed Bulbul or Rock Agamas are high around this area.

The steepest climb of the trek lies beyond this stop, and takes one to the next fort wall, post which it is a gradual incline. The rock has some depression here and it is quite possible that rain water wall collected here during the good old days. Closer to the top, one come across some trees and dilapidated old structures which are currently used as a place to camp or cook. This is also the place where one is likely to find Oriental Honey Buzzards perched on tree-tops . At the slightest disturbance, they take to the air.

The last leg of the trek breaks the monotony of walking on the rock with the sun blazing down; one now needs to walk under gigantic boulders. Stretches along this leg are strewn with Plumeria, and the air has the whiff of wild-flowers and resonates with bird calls. It is also a spot where one has a chance to sight the Elusive Yellow Throted Bulbul.

Within close vicinity of the Savanadurga trek is the Bidarakatte Trek which starts of from the Kempegowda tree park and following an incline reaches to the top of the hill at Doddarebylu.

All along the path one gets to enjoy the vegetation mainly in form of small trees to stunted growth mainly bushy interspersed with rocks. Among many myriad life forms keeping company to the trekker is the Rock Agama and its many hues depending on the season whether it is the breeding season or not. Breeding season indicates vivid colors.

The monsoon is an amazing time to do this trek with the greenery dominating the landscape and for a while the rocks take the backstage. Encountering butterflies and beetles is a way of life on the trek trail. What makes this trek more interesting is the presence of an historic old Fort and the reminisces of the a old walled city in its precints. The aura is heightened more with the presence of an old temple along the trail. Interesting birds like the Endangered Yellow Throated Bulbul along with the Sirkeer Malkoha and many more birds make it a interesting bird trail as well.

The waterpond with its lilies is an great point of attraction and a welcome break to the weary trekker. Bidarakatte offers immense surprises for a seasoned trekker also. Keeping one’s eye open for the encounters will make it a memorable one.

How To Reach :

From Bangalore : Head to Ramanagara from Bangalore (preferably through NICE Ring Road to avoid traffic). Take a right from Ramanagara bus station and head straight for around 40 minutes. Take a right under the arch saying – Kempegowda Vanadhama Savanadurga to reach the Ramanagar division forest department in about 5 minutes.

Note : If you are using Google Maps to navigate, then choose the destination as Savanadurga state forest (near Ramanagara). Please don’t confuse it with Bidarakatte off Tumkur.

Chinaga betta is situated very close to Tumkur town and one of the major attraction for the nature lovers. This trail starts from Torana anjaneya swamy temple and ends at Sri Lakshmi Ranganatha swamy temple.

This trek is about 5.50kms in length and will take about 4 hours to cover.

This place is most visited by trekkers, adventures as well as piligrims who came to Siddara Betta for the shrine of lord Siddalingeshwara which is a placedinside the caves.

Siddara Betta in kannada means “Hill of Saints”, so called because many Hindu saints performed penance and meditation here.The hills are also renowned for the medicinal plants and hence this is also known as a center for medicinal plants used in traditional medicine.

The natural springs, lush greenery, extremely picturesque landscape seen once reaching the top, the rocky terrain and caves add to the thrilling trek experience. Points of Interest along the trail.

Sightings or signs of wildlife like Leopard, Sloth Beer, Peafowl, Jungle Fowl and other birds. Panoramic View of Landscape.

COMMON FLORA

Shorea roxburghii, Bucchanania lanzan, Anogeissus latifolia, Sterculia, Firmiana colorata.

Buses operate upto Koratagere, Siddara Betta is 12 kms from there. Rail/Air connectivity – Bengaluru nearest, 100 kms away.

OTHER PLACES NEARBY

Channarayanadurga Fort, Madhugiri Fort, Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary

Nijagal Betta, also known as Siddarabetta, holds a fascinating, albeit not extensively documented, history. Here’s a brief glimpse into what we know:

Early Mentions:

• The earliest known mention of Nijagal Betta comes from the 17th century. Historical accounts suggest it served as a strategic point during the rule of Chikkadevaraya Wodeyar, a king of the Mysore Kingdom.
• He is believed to have constructed the fort that stands atop the hill, most likely for defensive purposes. The three-layered fort walls and watchtowers hint at its potential role in safeguarding the surrounding territory.

Legends and Folklore:

• Local legends and folklore often intertwine with historical facts, adding a layer of intrigue to the story of Nijagal Betta. Some tales suggest the presence of a secret escape route from the fort, though its existence hasn’t been verified.
• Another legend revolves around Hyder Ali, an 18th-century ruler known for his conflicts with the Maratha Empire. It’s said that Hyder Ali might have engaged in battles near Nijagal Betta, although concrete evidence for this remains elusive.

Recent Significance:

• Today, Nijagal Betta has primarily become a popular trekking destination for people seeking a challenging yet scenic exploration. The ruins of the fort, the presence of ancient temples and caves, and the diverse flora and fauna all contribute to its allure.
• While historical documentation regarding Nijagal Betta may be limited, its current popularity as a trekking destination keeps its legacy alive, attracting visitors interested in its unique combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and adventure.

Unveiling the Past:

It’s important to acknowledge that much of Nijagal Betta’s history remains shrouded in mystery. Further research and archaeological exploration could potentially shed more light on its past, offering a clearer picture of its role in the region’s history and providing valuable insights into the lives of those who inhabited this fascinating place.

Ramadevarabetta, located in Ramanagara, Karnataka, India, holds a unique distinction: it’s the first and only vulture sanctuary in India. Established in 2012, this sanctuary plays a crucial role in protecting and conserving vulture populations that have faced a drastic decline in recent decades.

Three vulture species call Ramadeverabetta home:

• Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus)
   

   
• Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
   
• White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
   

   

These majestic birds play a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion, helping to prevent the spread of diseases. However, their populations have plummeted due to various factors, including:

• Diclofenac poisoning: Diclofenac, a veterinary drug used to treat livestock, is toxic to vultures when they consume carcasses of treated animals.
• Habitat loss: The destruction of natural habitats like rocky hills and cliffs, where vultures nest and roost, has also contributed to their decline.

Protecting the Vultures:

The Ramadeverabetta Vulture Sanctuary provides a safe haven for these threatened birds. Here are some key features of the sanctuary:

• Protected area: The sanctuary covers an area of 346.41 hectares, offering a protected environment for vultures to roost, breed, and forage.
• Monitoring and conservation efforts: The Forest Department of Karnataka actively monitors the vulture population and implements various conservation measures, such as:
  • Providing safe feeding grounds: Carcass feeding grounds are established within the sanctuary to provide vultures with a reliable source of food free from diclofenac contamination.
  • Captive breeding programs: These programs aim to increase vulture populations through controlled breeding in captivity, with the eventual goal of releasing healthy birds back into the wild.
  • Raising awareness: Educational programs and community outreach initiatives are crucial in raising awareness about the importance of vulture conservation and the threats they face.

A Symbol of Hope:

The Ramadeverabetta Vulture Sanctuary serves as a symbol of hope for the future of these magnificent birds. By providing a protected habitat and implementing effective conservation measures, the sanctuary plays a vital role in ensuring the survival of vulture populations in India and beyond.

Visiting the Sanctuary:

While the primary focus of Ramadeverabetta is vulture conservation, the site is also open to responsible visitors. Visitors can enjoy trekking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape and learn more about the importance of vulture conservation through informative signs and displays.

It’s important to remember that responsible visitation is crucial to avoid disturbing the birds and their habitat. Visitors should adhere to established guidelines and maintain a respectful distance from the vulture nesting and roosting areas.

Huttari Betta, also known as Hutridurga or Uttari Betta, is a hill fort located in the Kanakapura region of Karnataka, India. It is a popular trekking destination known for its moderate difficulty level, scenic beauty, and historical significance.

Here’s a brief overview:

• Location: 65 kilometers west of Bengaluru, off the Kunigal-Magadi State Highway 94.
• Height: 1,142 meters (3,747 ft) above sea level.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights:
  • Trekking: The trek to the summit is around 5 kilometers and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Sunrise: Witnessing the sunrise from the summit is a popular activity.
  • Shankareshwara Temple: A sacred Hindu temple located on the summit.
  • Historical Significance: The hill fort has a rich history dating back to the 12th century.

If you’re looking for a moderate trek with beautiful scenery and historical significance, Huttari Betta is a great option.