Located just 60 kms away from Bangalore, Skandagiri is a perfect one day hike with historical significance. The ruins date back to the 18th century and the fort is believed to have been built by a local king who then surrendered the fortress to Tipu Sultan who used it as his fortress while fighting the British. It was then taken over by the British when Tipu Sultan was defeated. Although completely in ruins, the walls are witness to history and have stories to tell!
Apart from its historical significance, Skandagiri also offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and villages, which up the scenic quotient of this trail.
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This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Skandagiri trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Skandagiri Trail
Skandagiri is located in Kalavara village, a few kilometres away from Chikkaballapur. The trail starts at Papagni Mutt, which is an old mutt with a temple near it. You can park your vehicles here and fill your bottles with water as there is no other water source on the trail.
You start out with a flat walk for close to a kilometre before you reach the forest department check post. You will be required to present your government identification card here. The trail for the trek starts from here and is clearly demarcated with signboards and arrows. The trail through the forest area is pretty easy to trek and navigate.
After covering some distance, there is a change in terrain from the muddy trail to boulders, rocks and slippery mud and gravel that make this part of the trek tricky. The trail gradually ascends and is also quite steep in certain sections. Ensure you are wearing shoes with a good grip to avoid slips. Sports shoes work best on terrain like this and offer better traction when compared to trekking shoes with a hard sole.
The climb leads to an opening with views of the forest below and the surrounding hills. This makes for a good place to spend some time and get rest as you enjoy the views around you.
The trail from here to the top of Skandagiri can be challenging with steeper ascents and slippery rocks to navigate. Be extremely cautious on these parts to avoid injuries. Tricky as it may be, the trail also offers stunning views of the vast landscape around you so don't forget to peek and enjoy the views.
Around half an hour into your ascent you will start noticing the ancient wall ruins that once protected the fort. A few narrow and steep ascents follow after which you will find yourself at an old shrine. Take a quick break here if you feel the need and make your way to the top. The last part of the climb to the top involves climbing natural steps on a huge rock surface which marks the end of your ascent.
Explore the ruins and temples on the top, you might find a local who will narrate the story about the fort to you! Munch on some snacks and sip on a beverage before making your way back down. You need to take the same route you took to reach the top. The descent is more challenging on the slippery sections and the rocks so ensure that you are placing your foot forward with great care.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trek
1. Panoramic views of Chikkaballapur and Surrounding Hills
The trail and the top of Skandagiri offer striking views of the vast landscape with the lush green colour of the vegetation enhancing its beauty. These views are a pleasant change for trekkers and make the experience a lot more enjoyable.
2. Ruins of the Ancient Fort
The ruins from the fort are an interesting sight to see and revel in their history. The carvings on the rocks and walls take you back in time and one can’t help but wonder what the actual fort would have looked like all those years ago.
3. The Shiva Temple on the Top
The temple on the top which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is built with stone and has stood the test of time. The idols inside are still intact and the temple is frequented by people from nearby villages to offer their prayers.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trek
1. Slippery Mud and Rock Sections
While the initial parts of the trail are easy, the latter sections get increasingly tricky with the change in terrain. Climbing on loose mud and gravel is challenging without the right footwear and climbing techniques. The ascent and descent on rock and boulder surfaces is even more tricky given that it is often extremely difficult to get a good grip on them. Good shoes will go a long way in giving you more support and grip.
2. Trekking During Monsoon
It is advisable to avoid trekking on days of heavy rains as the rocks are more slippery and chances of slipping are extremely high. Water from the rain makes the slippery sections more difficult to traverse and it could be a challenging task.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Skandagiri is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
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 Skandagiri Trek
Skandagiri 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 Skandagiri trail. The chances of slipping on the muddy sections or even on the rocks is extremely high.
How to Reach the Base
Papagni Mutt can be reached by public transport or you can drive down from Bangalore.
If you plan on reaching by public transport, you can get a bus from Majestic Bus Station to Chikkaballapur Bus Station and get an auto to Papagni Mutt. You can also get a train from Majestic Railway Station to Chikkaballapur Railway Station and then get an auto to Papagni Mutt.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skandagiri
1. 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.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
There are no food or water stalls at the base or on the trail. There are dhabas and restaurants in Chikkaballapur 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.
3. 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.
4. Is this trek for beginners?
The Skandagiri trek is easy and is accessible to beginners. A bit of preparation will go a long way in making your trek more enjoyable and you will be able to navigate the slippery sections better.
That’s all about the Skandagiri trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to Skandagiri, please feel free to reach out to our team.
