Makalidurga Night Trek

Makalidurga is ideal for tracking who have less time and want to enjoy the vintage style track. For trackers who are new on the track let me tell you this track is around 60 kms from Bangalore. Its importance is increasing because it’s a night trekking. There is a small fort on the peak which is near the temple dedicated to goddess Makalidurga. The hill has a beautiful lake on its west side. You will be more thrilled once you start tracking during the night as there is a railway track which passes through the hill. You will get the feeling of ancient India.

You can start night tracking journey at 1 am. The railway track is hardly 3 km from the base of the hill. It’s so exciting to see the stars and blue sky; it gives you a romantic feeling. Once you start walking you will come in contact with the open sky. There is plenty of grass and plantations so try to wear good pair of shoes.

As you continue walking you will come across two big rocks and a road that leads to the fort. You can do rock climbing on these two rocks. The pleasure of rock climbing on these two big rocks will be thrilling and will increase your confidence. You can have fun by shouting loud and listing to your echo. Then take some break, have a glass of water or juice and again start the journey.

In the middle of the journey you will able to see a beautiful lake which is like the map of South America. There is a for nearby which was used by Empire of Vijaynagara to give training to their soldiers. It was later captured by Shahji, father of Shivaji.

On the centre of the hill there is Lord Shiva Temple and local villagers go to pray occasionally. On the west side of the fort you can view the beautiful lake from the top and as you go to the east side you will able to see the beautiful sun rise. Sunrise from such a huge height is the most beautiful part of the whole trekking. You will feel on top of the world and feel like coming here again.

Carry a pair of jacket, torch, sport shoes, Avoid going in monsoon as the road becomes very slippery and there are chances of accidents while climbing the rock. Best time is to visit after the monsoon when there is full greenery.

Trek Difficulty : Moderate to difficult (around 1.5 hours of climb)

Trek Distance : 5 km (one side)

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 0 : 11:00 PM : Pick up starts from Bangalore

Day 1

03:30 AM Reach Makkalidurga base and start the trek
05:00 AM Reach peak, explore and take relax
06:00 AM Watch Sunrise and descend
07:00 AM Reach base and leave for a local restaurant in Doddaballapur to have breakfast
09:30 AM Start back to Bangalore
12:00 PM Reach Bangalore