A hill fort with rich history and mythological legends, Makalidurga makes for a perfect day trek from Bangalore. Makalidurga is said to be named after two things, one, a medicinal plant called ‘Makali Beru’ and two, ‘Makaliraya’, a king who governed the region and used the hill fort as a granary. Located just 60 kms away from Bangalore, Makalidurga has so much to offer to adventure enthusiasts. The exciting climb to the top, the ancient ruins and views of Gundamagere Lake make Makalidurga an enticing trek, particularly if you live in Bangalore.
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This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Makalidurga trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Makalidurga Trail
Surprisingly enough, the trail starts from a railway station! While there are two options for approaching the trail, one of them begins at the Makalidurga railway station itself. The other option is to reach the parking lot of Makalidurga by a vehicle and then start the trail from the Muthuraya Swamy temple.
If you are walking from the Makalidurga railway station, a right turn from the station as you are facing the Makalidurga hill will take you to the beginning of the trail. A flat walk for 2.2 kms marks the first part of your trail. The walk is easy and exciting with the landscape changing and offering picture perfect sceneries. The walk leads you to a signage that reads 54/300 and 100 metres ahead of this sign you will find a Forest Department board on your left. Cross over the railway tracks to the left. The dirt track from here marks the beginning of the second part of the Makalidurga trail.
From here you will reach the Muthuraya Swamy temple. If you wish to reach here directly by road, a Forest Department sign board will lead you to the parking lot from State Highway 9. Cross the railway tracks to the other side with a sign board by the Forest Department. A short walk from here is the Muthuraya Swamy Temple.
Continue straight ahead on the trail until you reach a diversion. The trail here splits into two routes, with one going to the Gundamagere lake and the other to the top of Makalidurga. Take the trail on the right which goes up to Makalidurga.
The trail from here is clearly demarcated with directions on the boulders leading you to the top. As you climb higher, the trail gradually inclines with steeper sections ahead through rocks and boulders. This part can be challenging due to the loose rocks and gravel that could increase your chances of slipping. A good pair of trekking shoes will give your feet and ankles they required support to get through this section.
Beyond the steep climb through the rocks is an opening that offers panoramic views of the surrounding regions and most importantly, the Gundamagere lake. Take a break here, sip on some beverages and get a bite to eat while you enjoy the scenery.
A little ahead of the view point awaits a steep climb up a granite rock. This section can be slippery so ensure you make use of the boulders around you for support to make you way up. Once you complete this section, the fort at the summit becomes visible.
The trail towards the fort is a little steep and a 30 minute climb will take you to the top of Makalidurga. Explore the ancient ruins here, you might even find interesting historical engravings on some of the rocks. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Gundamagere and Gunjur lakes below. Do not forget to pay a visit to the Malleshwara temple which is home to the idols of Lord Shiva and Nandi.
The way back is the same you took to reach the top. Be extra careful during descent on the tricky sections to avoid injuries.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trek
1. Gundamagere Lake
The Gundamagere lake is visible from an opening on the trail and enhances the beauty of the scenery. It is a highly relaxing experience to sit at the opening and enjoy the views with some tea to sip on!
2. Ancient Ruins
The ruins of the hill fort on top of Makalidurga take you back in time and you can’t shake off the feeling that these walls have so many tales to tell. Exploring these ruins can be very interesting especially if you are someone who is keen on history.
3. Malleshwara Temple
The Malleshwara temple, surrounded by the wall ruins, is home to Lord Shiva and Nandi. It is frequented by worshipers from nearby villages and is definitely a point of interest on the trail.
Challenges: Things to Prepare For
1. Trekking during monsoon
The trail can be extremely slippery during monsoon, particularly over the rocks and boulders, making it very challenging to climb. Check the weather forecast and avoid trekking on days of heavy rainfall.
2. Traversing the Rocks and Boulders
Navigating your way on the steep rock and boulder sections can be tricky. A small slip can result in serious injuries so it is extremely important to be cautious of where you place your foot and ensure that you get a good grip before taking a step forward.
3. Loose Gravel and Mud
Even on days when there is no rain, the sections with mud and loose gravel are slippery and lack of proper grip can send you tumbling down. The importance of good trekking shoes and a trekking pole cannot be emphasised enough. They truly are a lifesaver on most trails!
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Makalidurga is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale making it a perfect trek for anyone who wants to get introduced to the outdoors.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Makalidurga Trek
Makalidurga can be done all year round! However, be mindful of the heat and sun during peak summers as there is little to no tree cover on the trail. Ensure you are well protected with a cap and lots of sunscreen. Carry sufficient liquids to keep hydrating!
Trekking during heavy rains is a big-no on the Makalidurga trail. The chances of slipping on the muddy sections or even on the rocks is extremely high.
How to Reach Makalidurga
If you reaching Makalidurga by public transport from Bangalore, there are two options:
By bus: Take a bus to Doddaballapur from Majestic Bus Station. From here take a private bus towards Gaurbidanur and ask to be dropped at Makalidurga Railway Station.
By train: There is a direct train from Majestic Railway Station to Makalidurga Railway Station.
If you are planning to drive down from Bangalore, it is a straightforward route via NH 44 an then State Highway 9.
Frequently Asked Questions about Makalidurga
1. Do I need permissions for the Makalidurga trek?
Yes! You need prior permissions from the state tourism department before starting your trek. You can apply for permits online at:
https://www.karnatakaecotourism.com/dashboard
You will receive a form once you have completed the process. This form can be submitted to the forest department on the trail.
2. Is cellular network connectivity on the trail?
Yes, you do have access to cellular network from all major operators throughout the trail except for certain parts where the signal might be weak.
3. Are there food stalls on the trail?
There are no food or water stalls at the base or on the trail. The highways have dhabas and restaurants from where you can get your meals before you start your trek. It is advisable to carry some snacks and sufficient water for the entire duration of the trek.
4. How long does the trek take?
The trail should take you roughly 4-5 hours to go up and come back down, depending on your pace.
5. Is this trek for beginners?
Makalidurga trek is easy and is accessible to beginners. A bit of preparation will go a long way in making your trek more enjoyable.
That’s all about the Makalidurga trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to this adventure filled trail in Karnataka, please feel free to reach out to our team.
