Melange of Tales

Category: Karnataka

Coorg: Ultimate Guide to 10 Must Visit Places And Things To Do
I have been visiting Coorg since the age of 7 almost every other year. Having relatives living in Coorg has its own perks like the one that I am enjoying. Even though not a local, I think I well placed to guide you on the top must visit places while you are in Coorg. If you are travelling with kids, then they will love Coorg as there as umpteen activities of their interest.
Note: Coorg and Kodagu are one and the same 🙂

1. Bylakuppe Namdroling Buddhist Monastery

The moment you step into Bylakuppe, you will feel that you are transported to Tibet. You will find monks of all age groups there who are either playing, studying or having their own businesses within the monastery premises. Out of the many monasteries in Bylakuppe, the one where tourists are allowed is called Namdroling Monastery. It was founded by His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche in 1963. It is home to over 5000 aspiring monks and nuns.

Prayer hall

Things to know before visiting Namdroling Monastery:
- There is no entry fee
- Please dress modestly covering your shoulders, stomach and thighs as this is a place of worship
- You must remove your shoes before stepping into the prayer hall and there is a place for the same within the monastery
- There are restrooms within the monastery for the tourists but they aren’t well maintained so be prepared for it
- There is ample space for parking your vehicle right in front of the monastery
- There are eateries and other places to shop souvenirs around the monastery
2. Nisargadhama

It is a small river island which looks like a park. Nisargadhama is full of bamboo trees. There are many structures within the park where tourists can click pictures of themselves but those structures aren’t well maintained. There are tree huts within the park. You can also do short ziplines if interested. There is boating as well under the hanging bridge of the park.

Clicked in 2023 Vs 2021

Kids will enjoy this park as there is a portion of the park where you will find Deers and other wild animals close to their natural habitat but in reality, they are still caged. There is also an area where you can dip your feet in the Cauvery River and enjoy the mild flow of the water caressing your feet along with fishes feeding onto the dead skin . This is the natural fish spa for your feet without the side effects of what you find in certain malls in India in the name of fish spa.

At Nisargadhama

Tree House

Ziplining

Things to know before visiting Nisargadhama:
- When the water currents are high during monsoon avoid getting into the river as there are many rocks and even a gentle slip can be dangerousDo not feed the wild animals within the park
- There is place for paid parking within the park premises
- Entry fee: Rs.60 (adults), Rs.30 (kids)
3. Dubare Elephant Camp

The elephants you find in this camp are trained for Mysore Dussehra. The camp lies in a beautiful place surrounded by the Cauvery River. The elephants are fed, bathed and trained by the Mahouts there and you get a chance to witness it and take part in it if interested. You will have to make separate payments for all such activities. It is a learning experience for anyone and definitely not to be missed.

If you visit the camp during summers or when the water is low, then you will have to cross the river to reach the camp. When the water level is high there are ferries that can transport you back and forth. The ferries are crowded and there are long queues for the same. I have visited during both the times and my preference is always crossing the river on foot.

Clicked this while crossing the river stepping on the sand bags

Things to know before visiting Dubare Elephant Camp
- Timings: 8.30 AM to 11 AM, 4.30 PM – 5.30 PM (All days of the week)
- If you go for the evening slot to meet the elephants then be prepared to stand in the long queue to get the entry tickets and many a times it runs out
- Entry cost is Rs.130/person for Indians, Rs.50/person for feeding them and Rs.300/person for bathing them
- There is ample parking space for vehicles
4. Dubare River Rafting

During monsoons you can experience Dubare River Rafting in Cauvery River. This happens where the Dubare Elephant Camp is situated but the water current is not as strong as the one you will find in Dandeli in Karnataka. You will be provided with life jackets, and it is a fun beginner river rafting experience in Coorg.

Image Source: Dubare River Rafting Google Images

Things to know before experiencing river rafting in Coorg:
- It is seasonal, mainly during monsoons
- It can cost Rs.800/person and Rs.1200 for GoPro pictures for a group (I found this slightly on the expensive side after doing better river rafting in multiple places in India)
5. Chiklihole Dam (Reservoir)

If you are a bird watcher and love nature walks, then you will love the Chiklihole reservoir. You can take a scenic 500 metre walk along the walls of the dam which will take you to an arc shaped structure where the water flows into a large reservoir.

Image source: Chiklihole Reservoir Google Images

Things to know before visiting the Chiklihole dam in Coorg:
- There is no entry fee
- Do not venture into the waters as they are infested with crocodiles
- This is a beautiful place to visit only during monsoons and post monsoons
Read also: Bangalore Travel Blog 2025 – Places to Visit in the Garden City

6. Bhagamandala Temple

Shri Bhagandeshwara temple is located at Bhagamandala which is about 36 km from Madikeri. Many temples in the Western Ghats of Karnataka are built in the style of Kerala temples, so is the temple at Bhagamandala. It is located between Madikeri and Talacauveri. It has the confluence of 3 rivers Triveni Sangamam – Cauveri, Kannike and Sujyoti.

Cropped my family 😛

Things to know before visiting Bhagamandala
- Wear modest clothes covering your shoulders and thighs as this is a place of worship
- Annadhana prasadham is served here during 1-3pm everyday
- There is car parking available outside the temple
7. Talakaveri Temple

The origination of the river Kaveri is from the point where Tala Kaveri temple is located, in the Brahmagiri hills of Coorg. This temple is a holy place for Hindus. Kaveri being the river that starts from this place and flows into all of Tamil Nadu making the land fertile and drains in Bay of Bengal. You will find a pond (kulam) in the temple where you can see the origination point.

Entrace to Talakaveri Temple

Things to know before visiting Talakaveri temple:
- Wear modest clothes covering your shoulders and thighs as this is a place of worship
- You will have to park your vehicles at least 500m before the temple and will have to walk to the temple
- It is an uphill climb, but you have stairs to make it easy. The walk is not for people who can’t climb stairs.
8. Jeep Safaris

If you are in Coorg then your visit can’t end without you doing a jeep safari within the estates or to the Mandalapatti peak. Estate jeep safaris cost around Rs.200-Rs.300/person for which you can check with your stay owners/reception whereas Mandalapatti jeep safari will cost Rs.600/person in shared jeeps. These jeep safaris are not for the faint hearted because these are off road rides and it is always recommended to experience it with drivers who have mastered the terrain.

Off roading

9. Shopping in Coorg

All of us look forward to buying ground coffee from Coorg. The flavor and authenticity of coffee that you get in Coorg and Chikmagalur is unmatchable. Apart from coffee, you can buy honey from Coorg Progressive Bee Keeper’s Co-op society. The honey you get here is authentic and cheap. Pepper, cinnamon and cardamom are spices that I’d recommend you get from Coorg. There are many other spices available as well in Coorg, but they are mostly imported from the Gulf countries.

10. Treks in Coorg for Adventure Lovers

If you love adventure like me, then why not trek in Coorg? Coorg can excite you with multiple short and long trekking trails. You can enjoy yourself being surrounded in the lap of nature. If you are trekking in monsoons then watch out for the leeches 😉 The well-known amongst all the treks in Coorg which are also my favorites treks are Tadiandamol and Kumaraparvata. These treks are not baby or child friendly. Kumaraparvata especially needs you to be super fit and with great stamina. It is the most challenging trek that I have done in the Southern part of India.

Read also: Kumara Parvata Trek – One of the Most Challenging Treks in South India

I have been visiting Coorg almost every other year since 2002. I have experienced Coorg before and after the IT boom in Bangalore. Considering the proximity of Coorg to Bangalore, Coorg is becoming over touristy every growing year apart from becoming increasingly expensive. This also results in traffic jams around all the tourist spots in Coorg. You can avoid travelling to Coorg during weekends and long weekends to save you from experiencing Bangalore’s traffic in Coorg.

Still, Coorg is one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka that I have visited, and I will return whenever possible to enjoy nature in the best possible way.

Read also: My other blog posts from Karnataka
February 22, 2025
Bangalore Travel Blog 2025 – Places to Visit in the Garden City
‘Namma Bengaluru’ is an emotion to many including me. The place, people, weather, food and activities you get to experience in Bangalore is one of its kind. Anybody in my circle who is new to Bangalore and would like to visit, will ask me for what are the places that they can visit. Hence, I decided to create a blog post on the places to visit in Bangalore as my backyard travel list.

1. Iskcon Temple (Rajajinagar)

Internation Society of Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) was founded by a spiritual Guru referred to as Srila Prabhupada. The mission of Iskcon is to impart God Consciousness into human beings for a happy and peaceful life.

The main Iskcon temple is in Rajajinagar. It is huge and mostly crowded during weekends. You are not allowed to click pictures inside the temple where you see Radha Krishna idols. There are food stalls within the temple premises, as you exit. Food at Iskon is yummy and a must try.

How to reach Iskcon temple?

Commute from Majestic metro station: Take the green line metro to Sandal Soap Factory. Iskcon temple is a 10 min walk from the metro station.

2. Cubbon Park

My most favorite place to go to in Bangalore on any day would be Cubbon Park. It is a 300-acre green land with beautiful trees and is very well maintained. I can say that the city’s air quality is better mainly because of Cubbon Park being in the heart of the city.

Many marathons are conducted here during weekends. You can also see photoshoots, people doing Yoga, playing frisbee, walking, having potluck and people engaged in many community activities. There is also a dog park dedicated to pets within Cubbon park.

How to reach Cubbon Park?

Commute from Majestic metro station: Take the purple line metro to Cubbon Park/Vidhana Soudha

3. Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha is where Karnataka Legislative assembly meetings are held. This also houses the office of the Chief Minister and other key officials. It is very close to Cubbon Park and tourists are allowed to view the building from outside the Vidhana Soudha premises.

How to reach Vidhana Soudha?

Commute from Majestic metro station: Take the purple line metro to Vidhana Soudha

You can view the same location on your Google Maps.

4. Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Lalbagh is a 240-acre botanical garden which is at least 250 years old. You will find ornamental plants, Bonsai trees and many species of birds. There is a lake, Lotus ponds and glass houses where flower shows are setup within the Lalbagh premises. You will also always spot some schools who have brought their students for education purposes.

How to reach Lalbagh?

Commute from Majestic metro station: Green line metro to Lalbagh

5. MG Road, Brigade Road and Church Street

MG Road is one of the busiest streets in Bangalore filled with various kinds of shops and restaurants.

Brigade Road lies at the intersection of MG Road and Residency Road and it is a paradise for shoppers.

Church Street is a 750 m stretch from Brigade Road to St.Mark’s Road. There are various book houses, art galleries and restaurants.

You can see the same on your Google Maps.

Read also: Must Read Adiyogi Chikkaballapur Visitor Guide

6. Commercial Street

One of the oldest and busiest shopping streets in Bangalore. It is located very close to Shivaji Nagar shopping bazaar. You will find clothing, accessories, home décor, furniture and stationery items.

How to reach Commercial Street?

You can walk from MG Road metro station to Commerical Street.

You can find the same on your Google maps.

Is Commercial Street and Shivaji Nagar the same?

People new to Bangalore get confused between Shivaji Nagar and Commercial Street. Please note that Commercial Street is a lane full of branded stores to shop in the area called Shivaji Nagar. Shivaji Nagar has a market as well which is huge and you will find everything from utensils, shoes, clothes, food, stationery, furniture, accessories etc.

7. Bangalore Palace

The Bangalore Palace is located within its 454 acres of land. The palace spreads across one acre of land and it is surrounded by greenery. The palace grounds are rented out for events, concerts and parties. There are movies that have been shot in the palace as well.

Timing: 10 AM to 5.30 PM (Closed on Sundays)

How to reach Bangalore Palace?

You can take any bus with the number 114, which will take you to the Ganesha Temple stop near the palace.

8. Bull temple Basavangudi

You will find the old charm of Bengaluru in Basavangudi area and the big bull temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi in Kannada) is one of the oldest with a 15 feet tall and 20 feet long bull (Nandi). The Nandi is said to have been carved out of black granite. Whenever I visit this temple I feel happy and peaceful.

Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM

9. Visweswaraya Museum

If you are interested in Science and Technology then you should consider visiting Bangalore’s Visweswaraya museum. It is fun for kids and science enthusiasts. It is conveniently located within the Cubbon Park premises.

Timing: 9 am to 6 PM

Visweswaraya Museum

How to reach Visweswaraya Museum?

You can take a metro to Cubbon Park/Vidhana Soudha and from there you can walk to the museum.

10. Bannerghatta National Park

If you are going to Bangalore with kids then Bannerghatta National Park is a must visit. I highly recommend you take the safari. Tickets can be booked online as well.

Timing: 9.30 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

How to reach Bannerghatta National Park?

There is no direct metro train or bus from Majestic bus stand to Bannerghatta Zoo. You either have to take 2 buses or switch between a metro train and then a bus.

You can find the bus route to Bannerghatta here.

11. VV Puram Food Street

If you are a vegetarian foodie and love to have Indian street food, then this should be your go to place. It is located very close to Lal Bagh.

Food Street

This food street serving yummy mouthwatering delicacies is always crowded. You can have both South Indian and North Indian items and some Indian Chinese. You will find food starting from Idli, Dosa, Upma, Paddus to Dabelis, Parathas, Fried rice, Kulhad Pizzas, Noodles, Veg Barbecue and Desserts.

Timing: 12.30 PM to 1 AM

12. Breweries

If you are visiting the pub capital of India then your visit cannot end without you visiting at least a brewery. Toit is the most famous and one of the oldest. That was my first brewery experience in Bangalore but I later also felt that it was over hyped. There are many new and better breweries with amazing ambience in Bangalore which you can try. Below are my top 5 choices out of all the breweries I have visited.
1. Iron Hill (Marathahalli)
2. Byg Brewski (Sarjapur)
3. Long Boat Brewing Company (Marathahalli)
4. Communiti (Brigade Road)
5. BLR Brewing Co. (Whitefield)
At a brewery in Indiranagar

Brews from Communiti

At Hoot

Read also: My other blog posts from Karnataka
December 2, 2024
Must Read Adiyogi Chikkaballapur Visitor Guide
Visiting Adiyogi Chikkaballapur near Bangalore was in my bucket list since the time it was inaugurated in Jan 2023. I kept hearing that it is always super crowded by everyone who visited. This kept pushing my interest away as I don’t find it fun when I visit extremely crowded places. Finally, I decided to visit the Adiyogi statue near Bangalore with my family on a weekday in July 2024.

The word Adiyogi translates to the first Yogi. The first Yogi is Shiva who gave us the knowledge of the science of Yoga more than 15000 years ago.

How to reach Adiyogi from Bangalore

If you are travelling from Marathahalli, Mahadevapura, Whitefield, Sarjapur, Harlur or Varthur then I’d recommend you to take the Hoskote-Sulibele route which goes behind the airport. The distance is 72 km from Kadugodi but the traffic is less.

If you are travelling from anywhere else in Bangalore then you can prefer the Hebbal-Airport road route of 65 km which will take you to the Adiyogi statue in Chikkaballapur.

You can check the below picture from Google Maps to get an idea about the location from Hebbal and the nearby landmarks.

Mode of transport to Adiyogi

It is preferrable to either drive to the Adiyogi statue or to rent a taxi at 2.5-3k INR for 6-8 hours but if you would like to explore the public transport option then you can take a bus from Majestic bus stand platform no. 1A to Chikkaballapur. You get frequent buses to the Isha Foundation from Chikkaballapur bus stand.

View of Adiyogi from a distance

My drive to Adiyogi near Bangalore

We drove down to Adiyogi with my family on a Monday evening. I combined my Adiyogi trip with a day trip to Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. It can also be combined with a trip to Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple and Nandi Hills.

Read also: Lepakshi: The Perfect Kid-Friendly Day Trip Near Bangalore

We reached the foothills around 4 PM. The roads were laid but at some places it was uneven and bouncy, and it takes good driving skills to reach the location by yourself. The views were beautiful and we were able to spot the 112 feet Adiyogi Shiva statue from a long distance as we were driving up the hill. The view of the Adiyogi statue from far felt like a bliss.

As we reached the entry gate, we noticed the huge parking space. It felt like the premise had space for thousands of cars to be parked at the same time. They charged Rs.50 for car parking on exit, which got auto-deducted through FASTag.

Parking space

Note: It is recommended to park only within the Isha Foundation parking and not any other private parking space.

Also read: Bangalore Travel Blog 2025 – Places to visit in the Garden City

Experience at Adiyogi Chikkaballapur

We placed our footwear in the shoe rack before we entered the Naga Mantapa. Since I went on a Monday, the crowd was extremely less and it felt peaceful with less commotion around. Many people were doing different offerings. We felt at peace within the Naga Mantapa.

View of Naga Mantapa in front of the statue

Adiyogi Statue

A sudden sense of happiness and inner peace hit me when I reached the statue climbing the stairs next to Naga Mantapa. The 112 feet statue in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by hills with a cloudy sky and cool breeze blowing on my face, told me that I was meant to be there at that moment. I enjoyed being there and so did my family, especially my then 9-month-old daughter who was crawling around. It was a blissful evening.

After we came down it started pouring cats and dogs. We took shelter in the Naga Mantapa when it rained and so did a lot of other people. Once the rain slowed down, we walked back towards our car. We decided to try out some food at the restaurants.

Gaushala at Adiyogi

Indian indigenous cattle breeds are found in the Isha Gaushala at Chikkaballapur. You can buy food at the Gaushala to do the offering.

Restaurants at Adiyogi Chikkaballapur

There are only pure vegetarian eateries available within the premises as you walk towards and back from the statue. I relished chaat items, onion uthappam and coffee after our visit to the statue. Food was absolutely yummy, and pricing was reasonable.

Important points to keep in mind:
- Visit ONLY on a weekday for a peaceful trip
- There is no entry fee
- Paid offerings can be made within the Naga Mantapa
- Wear appropriate clothing as it is more of a spiritual place than a tourist attraction
- Ample parking space is available for 4 and 2 wheelers at Rs. 50 and Rs. 20 respectively
- You will have to keep your shoes in a stand before entering Naga Mantapa or the Adiyogi statue
- Currently this place is not differently abled/disabled friendly
- Bathrooms are available
- Restaurants are available
- Standard timing for the sound and light show is at 7 pm and the timing might change subject to rain
- No hotels to stay as of now near/within the premises
- Many facilities are under construction
- 1.5 – 2 hours can be spent if you aren’t involving yourself in any spiritual offerings
- The centre is open from 6 am – 8 pm
Light show

The 112 feet Adiyogi statue in Chikkaballapur near Bangalore is more of a spiritual experience than just any place of attraction. I would like to do this again, on a weekday 😉

Also read: Kumara Parvata Trek – One of the Most Challenging Treks in South India

Read also: My other blog posts from Karnataka
November 19, 2024
Kumara Parvata Trek – One of The Most Challenging Treks in South India
Total Trek Distance : 22 km
Difficult Level : Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Trek : Sept to March
Time Required : 2 days
Altitude : 5600 ft

When it comes to trekking in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, the Kumara Parvata trek falls under the renowned trails category. This challenging trek in South India is located at the borders of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts. There are 2 different trails of the trek, one starts from Somwarpet in Coorg and the other starts from the ancient Kukke Subramanya Temple in Dakshina Kannada. Trekkers can ascend and descend from either side. Having trekked from both the sides I’d say that the former trail is easier compared to the latter in terms of its difficulty level. In this post I will be giving details on the trek from Kukke Subramanya to Kumara Parvata which is one of the most challenging treks in South India.

Note: The pictures of this trek were clicked in the month of March

How to reach Kukke from Bangalore?

Kukke is around 280 km from Bangalore and will take 5.5 hours by car and 7-8 hours by bus. There is parking space near the trek starting point for 10-12 cars.

Nearing the trek starting point

I boarded a non-AC sleeper KSRTC bus on a Friday night at 10.30 pm from Bengaluru to Kukke Subramanya which costed me Rs.592. I reached Kukke at 5 am on Saturday morning.

Where to freshen up?

As soon as you reach Kukke bus stand you can find plenty of auto rickshaws who will suggest/take you to the nearby stays that they’ve tied up with for a minimal cost. You can also find many rooms for refreshing close to the temple street.

This is where we refreshed after our journey from Bangalore

Room rent: Rs.100/- for refreshing

The stays are at a walkable distance to the temple and you can have light breakfast at shops on the temple street.

Early morning breakfast

What to carry?
1. ID card
2. 2L water bottle
3. Basic first aid kit
4. Snacks
5. Trekking shoes and pole
6. Trekking pants and t-shirt
7. Cap
8. Tents for stay at the Forest Office
9. Blanket
10. Mosquito repellent
11. Torch
12. 100g of salt to get rid of leeches on you (needed for the first few post-monsoon treks)
13. Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
14. Volini Spray
15. Power bank
16. Toiletries
Things to know about Bhattara Mane
- Bhattara Mane is Bhattru’s house and the only place where you will get food in the Kukke-Kumaraparvata trail. I’d suggest giving them a call and informing prior on how many people are coming for the day. Bhattru’s house will charge Rs.150/- per person for a meal. You will have to clean your plate once you have food.
- People who trek from Kukke to Bhattara Mane and back don’t have to pay the trekking fee.
- Refrain from playing loud music in the dense forest area on the way to Bhattara Mane.
- You might hear the sounds of wild animals and snakes in the dense forest on the way to Bhattara Mane.
- People who don’t have tents can check with the Bhattru if you can stay at their place at a minimal cost.
Bhattara Mane

The Kukke – Kumara Parvata Trek Trail

The trail for the most challenging trek in South India is well defined and you wouldn’t need a guide.

The temple road from where we will take right turn for the trek

We started the trek at 5.45 am and walked for 1.5 km from the Kukke Subramanya Temple Street taking a right turn which led us straight to the trek start point.

The right turn on the temple road.

Forest entrance/Trek Start Point to Bhattara Mane (Distance: 6 km)

In the first 10 minutes of the ascent itself you can find that the trail becomes steep and you start sweating. Don’t forget to hydrate yourself with sips of water every 10-15 minutes.
Note: You won’t get mobile reception once you start the trek.

Trek starting point

Follow the arrow

The first landmark will be the big stone in the below picture where it says that you have covered 2.5 km. We sat there for few minutes before continuing the trek.

After completing 2.5 kms of the steep climb in the forest

Dense forest

After crossing the first forest section

If the density of the forest reduces, it means that you are close to Bhattara Mane. In the below picture you can see the arrow mark that shows left to reach Bhattara Mane. If you don’t take left you will directly reach the forest office.

Take left to go to Bhattara Mane and straight to reach the Forest Office

We reached Bhattara Mane at 10 am and had our breakfast and went to the forest office at 10.30 am to pay the trek fee.

Bhattara Mane

Forest Office to Sesha Parvata (Distance: 3.5 km)

Many people take rest at the forest office area for the day and start their early morning trek to Kumara Parvata peak to witness the sunrise. We went ahead trekking soon after the registration. You can start the trek from the forest office only before 11 am and not after that. You should reach the Forest Office before 6 pm on the way back.

The Forest Office

At the Forest Office, the officials will count the number of items and plastic wrappers that you are carrying in your bags and you will be asked to pay a deposit of Rs.500/- which will be returned after the trek, if the count of the plastic items match.

Trek to the peak starts here

Trekking fee: Rs.350 (Indians) and Rs.1000 (Foreigners)

Once you cross the Forest Office, comes the steep climb

If you are visiting post monsoon, there will likely be streams from where you can fetch drinking water if you are short on it. The trail keeps ascending and after 2 km of trekking from the Forest Office you will find Kallu Mantapa which indicates that you have covered the trek half way to Sesha Parvata.

Kallu Mantapa view

Fetching water on the way

Beyond Kallu Mantapa the ascent becomes steep and hence the trail becomes more difficult. On reaching Sesha Parvata’s peak you will experience a beautiful panoramic view of the Western Ghats. And if there is a cool breeze blowing like it did for us , you can’t possibly ask for more 🙂

Follow the arrows to go to Sesha Parvata

At the peak of Sesha Parvata

Sesha Parvata to Kumara Parvata (Distance: 1.5 km)

From Sesha Parvata we again entered the forest area for a few meters to reach the Kumara Parvata peak. Midway you will find a very steep and slippery area which is almost vertical. Be extra careful while climbing and follow the arrow marks in this area.

The steep and almost vertical climb to Kumara Parvata

You can see flags when you reach the Kumara Parvata peak. It took us almost 5 hours to reach the peak from the Forest Office. The time taken depends on the trekker’s speed and fitness.

At Kumara Parvata Peak

The mighty Pushpagiri range

Board in the left goes to Kukke and the right goes to Somwarpet

The descent was quick, and we reached the Forest Office around 6 pm.

Camping at the Forest Office

You have to be quick in finding some space to camp in the Forest Office area especially during weekends due to the high influx of trekkers and trekking groups.

There is a restroom for public use, and there is also availability of fresh water from the taps for washing yourselves up after the trek. I remember getting refreshed and having an early dinner at Bhattara Mane around 7 pm, going back to our tent and sleeping. When I woke up it was 5 am in the morning. 🙂

Tents in the Forest Office area

We got our deposit of Rs.500/- and put on our trekking clothes again and started descending around 6.45 am. It hardly took 2 hours for us to descend to the trek finishing point (same as the starting point).

Note: There have been quite a few deaths on this trek mainly due to lightening in the monsoon season. There is also a possibility of forest fires during summer. So you will not be allowed to trek to Kumara Parvata during summer and monsoon.

After Trek Completion

We rented a room to get refreshed, visited the temple and had our lunch there at the temple before reaching the bus stand around 1 pm. We boarded a bus that was going to Bangalore and reached Bangalore around 8 pm.

After trekking to Kumara Parvata we realize that the treks in Western Ghats are no less challenging to their Himalayan counterparts.

Click here to check more of my adventures.
July 16, 2020
Beginner Friendly Skandagiri Sunrise Trek Near Bangalore
Bangalore as the Garden City of India, was originally mainly known for its greenery and lakes. The now turned Silicon Valley of India has something to offer for all age groups in which trekking is one. As an adventure junkie I have trekked many hills near Bangalore in which Skandagiri is one. If you are in Bangalore and if you like to trek then beginner friendly Skandagiri Sunrise Trek near Bangalore is the first trek that should be on your list.

Skandagiri is one among the many short trekking spots and weekend getaways around Bangalore which is at about 70 kms from the Bangalore city. It takes half a day for the trek including the to and fro journey from Bangalore. It is fun to go with a group of friends for the sunrise trek (4 am) or the regular trek (6 – 8 am).
Altitude: 1450 feet

Sunrise at Skandagiri

How to book?

There are many sites that offer booking for Skandagiri but I preferred the Karnataka Forest Department’s exclusive site called myecotrip for booking my tickets which included the trek cost, forest entry permission and guide charges.
Weekday trek slots: 40
Weekend/Government Holidays trek slots: 150
Ticket cost: Rs.250+taxes

NOTE: Guides may or may not always accompany you when you book through myecotrip but from my experience there is no way you can get lost in Skandagiri. You will easily find the way to the peak.

There are sites like Thrillophilia which even take care of the to and fro journey from Bangalore including breakfast but at a comparatively higher cost.

Read also: Must Read Adiyogi Chikkaballapur Visitor Guide

How to reach the trek point?

I started from Marathahalli at 2 am with my friends and by the time I reached the trek start point it was 3.45 am. If you have not booked for transport on the sites that I mentioned above, then you will have to make plans on how to reach the trek start point before 4 am. I’d suggest you rent bikes and ride the whole way to the start point which is more fun.

Once you have crossed the Yerthiganahalli Toll Plaza which is just before the split to the airport, make sure to take the right turn at the split that leads to Nandi hills/Skandagiri.

NOTE: You should double check with the guards few meters before the toll plaza to take the Nandi hills route and not the airport route.

Journey to Skandagiri for the sunrise trek

Since we started early in the morning, we were able to reach Skandagiri within 2 hours from Bangalore. I wouldn’t guarantee the same during the return journey from Skandagiri to Bangalore considering Bangalore’s traffic. Once you get into the Chikkaballapura district, Google maps will take you through the town. Since it will be early in the morning few routes from the town to the trek start point might be deserted and you will definitely be needing a jacket because it will be cold.

Once you reach the start point there will be 2 forest guards who will ask you your online ticket number and the number of people registered on that ticket. Once your ticket number matches with their list you will be allowed inside the forest office premises.

Trek start point after entering the premises

What to carry?
- ID proof
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Torch
  NOTE: You wouldn’t be finding any shops open inside the premises when you start your trek.
Torch is needed while trekking

Taking rest while trekking uphill

Early morning trek with my friends

Sunrise point at Skandagiri

It takes around 2 hours to trek 5 kms uphill. The trek difficulty level would be easy to moderate. There are many a times you will find clouds covering your feet.

Sunrise at the viewpoint

The other side from the view point after sunrise

We spent an hour at the sunrise point. Some of my friends even slept on the rocks after the sunrise because of the early morning ride to the hills.

Return Journey after the Skandagiri Sunrise Trek

We took the same route back and had our breakfast at Nandi Upachar which you will find on the way back to Bangalore on the national highway.

If you are a beginner and you are just exploring beginner friendly treks then Skandagiri should be at the top of your list.

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February 29, 2020