Skandagiri Morning Trek
Starts From
₹ 1399/-
About The Trip
Situated a brief 70 km from Bangalore, Skandagiri is the perfect morning trek for those who are looking to immerse themselves in nature. In an elven city of sprouting starlight, with a skyline so high you can hear whispered secrets from end to end across the plains.
Skandagiri, also historically known as Kalwarbetta or Kalavara Durga, is a mountain fortress located approximately 3 km from Chikballapur in the Indian state of Karnataka. Legend has it that the fort was abandoned by Tipu Sultan in 1791 after his defeat in the Anglo-Mysore War. Since then, it has been battered over time, and beautiful ruins remain that speak of its history. Yet, the rough-hewn, age-old beauty of the Skandagiri Hills has only become more alluring with time. Once hailed as a sunrise trek, it has become more of a bracing morning wander.
Starting the hike in the morning allows you to arrive before it gets too hot. The prize at the top is still spectacular: a glorious view with, usually, an ethereal sea of clouds beneath you, all bathed in the rosy hues of morning.
Note on Skandagiri Trek Timings
Unlike others who market this as a “sunrise trek,” we stay true to the experience. The forest gate opens only between 5:30 and 6:00 AM, so it isn’t possible to reach the summit in time for the sunrise. Instead, you’ll trek under the dawn sky and reach the top to witness breathtaking morning views, rolling clouds, and golden light — an experience that’s just as magical and memorable.
Trek highlights
Your Hassle-Free Escape: We handle the transport and permits; you just show up for the adventure.
Walk Above the Clouds: Witness the legendary post-monsoon cloud sea on an expert-led trek to the top.
Adventure with Your Tribe: Share the experience and a hearty breakfast with fellow explorers.
Rise and Hike: Skandagiri Sunrise Adventure
Price
Tickets
₹ 1399/-
₹ 850/-
Starting From : INR 1599/-
INR 1399/-
per person
12
Tickets
₹ 1399/-
₹ 850/-
Download PDF
Brief Itinerary
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
Pickup Points
Detail Itinerary
Meals Not Included
Private Vehicle | (Non-AC Tempo Traveller/ Mini Bus (Push Back seats))
Stay Not Applicable
Details
We’ll be departing at 11:30 PM from Bangalore to reach the base camp at around 2 AM. But rest assured we shall make the best of this 70 km bus journey as this would be the best opportunity for all of us to get to know each other. And our trek-leads have some fun ice-breaking sessions planned, designed to do just that.
Once at the base camp, you can either take a quick power nap and catch up on your sleep or take a short walk under the moonlit sky along with a whiff of the midnight breeze as we while away some time before the exhilarating Skandagiri trek.
The trek starts at 5:30 AM from the Papagni Temple near the village of Kalwara towards the forest checkpoint, where we’ll have our permits checked and forest guides allocated. From this point, you’ll be making your way through pitch darkness over rocky terrains with just the silence of the forests for company. Make sure to carry headlamps or torches as you’ll be navigating over slippery boulders and loose stones all along this tricky trail.
The trek starts along a semi-dry trail from the checkpoint for a few minutes before making its way through thick forest cover. You soon make your way up through the dense foliage into more rocky terrains as the hike becomes more challenging and the inclines steeper. But the views of Chikkaballapura town glistening in the distance amidst the darkness make it well worth the effort. Don’t worry about the missed photographic opportunities, as you’ll have plenty of time to grasp it all on your way down.
All through this narrow trail, one will find several rocky platforms in between where you can take a quick break to catch your breath or simply take in the midnight views down below. Keep a steady pace as you climb closer to the peak with the sky now giving out various hues of blue and orange, letting you know it’s almost show time! The chilly early morning breeze also adds to the electricity in the air.
Once at the peak, find your perfect spot and make yourself comfortable for the spectacle about to follow. Watch as the Sun plays hide and seek with the clouds as the first rays of light hit your cold and tired bodies, and all the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and fields down below come into view. Don’t forget to catch a sight of the beautiful Nandi hills located close by as well. Spend some good time exploring the peak that houses the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s fort, along with an ancient Temple or simply enjoying the 360-degree view it offers.
In total there are six such ruined fortresses along the trail which lead to the ancient temple at the top. In case you’ve missed them in the dark, do try spotting them on your way down from the peak. The descent offers a completely different experience as you can now enjoy the glorious views throughout the trail. There are also small samadhi caves in between where you can give your tired legs a break.
We’ll be making our way back to the base camp around 10 AM from where we’ll hop back into our buses and stop for some well-deserved breakfast on our way back to Bangalore. Expect to be back in Bangalore by around 1 PM.
Things To Carry
- Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
- Soft Copy of Adhar Id
- Water bottles – 2 (1 litre each)
- Raincoat/Bag covers in case of rains
- Torch/Headlamp to be used at night
- Warm Layer ( down/fleece jacket )
- Woolen Cap
- Suncap and Sunscreen
Policy and Terms
Refund/Cancellation Policy – Weekend Trips from Bangalore
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
Intimation Period* | Cancellation Fee** |
7 days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
Between 3-6 days | 50% of the total invoice value |
Between 0-2 days | 100% of the total invoice value |
- *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
- **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
- Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at info@plantheunplanned.com and not via call or Whatsapp.
NOTE:
Cancellations on the day of departure or a day prior due to work/family emergencies, health issues, etc. would not be entertained, and no refund or transfer to further dates shall be allowed for the same.
If you are wanting to cancel out on the day of departure and move the trek to a future date an additional charge of RS 1500 would have to be incurred to make the movement to a future date. This can be availed only within 3 months from the date of the actual trip departure.
Additional charges would be deducted (based on from where you booked) if you cancel the trek at any given date (along with the scenario described above), as payment gateway/event listing charges.
Transfer of Dates Policy
If you wish to shift your date of booking due to any unforeseen circumstances, the same should be intimated to us not less than 72 hours before the date of the event. (Not valid for group or corporate bookings)
Only one transfer per booking shall be permitted. Your booking shall stand canceled if you fail to join the event on the transferred dates.
Once the option of data transfer is made, the booking amount shall be held as credits with us, and in no case will a refund be made further on.
For Skandagiri Trek, Makalidurga Trek, Chinaga Betta Trek - Permit Fees will be dedcuted. The charges per person being Rs 600 for Skandagiri, 500 for Makalidurga and Rs 310 for Chinaga Betta Trek. The balance amount will be deducted as per the cancellation policy stated above.
Transfer of dates on the day of departure shall be possible at an additional charge of 1500/- per person (applicable for few events).
Prior to the trek: Make a plan in the event that a trek is cancelled due to a natural disaster (such as a rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake)or unanticipated political disturbance, curfews, local riots, government orders, or directives from the forest department). A VOUCHER for the full value of your ticket will be issued by The Unplanned.
The payment gateway fees will be deducted from any refunds that are granted.
FAQ's
Additional Information
- Consumption of alcohol, intoxicants and smoking would not be tolerated during the entire course of the journey and the trek. Kindly co-operate with us to make the experience more fun.
- Do not expect any luxuries on the trip. The locations that we host are at remote places and we do our best to arrange the basic facilities. The goal is to be outdoors.
- The Food that shall be provided will be Basic Veg Food. We do not serve Non-Veg Food.
- Put Litter in its place, do not trash your travel.
- Plan The Unplanned shall not be responsible for any of your belongings, valuables, jewellery etc. Kindly do take care.
- In the case of traffic delays or breakdowns, expect a little delay in reaching the destination.
Starting From : INR 1599/-
INR 1399/-
per person
12
( From 20th Dec 2025 to 2nd Jan 2026)
Tickets
₹ 1399/-
₹ 850/-
Download PDF
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Skandagiri Morning Trek
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