Amid busy work schedules, long commutes, and the constant pressure to stay connected in a digital world, it's essential to take some time for yourself to reconnect. What better way to do so than by trekking through the great outdoors? Trekking offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, allowing you to switch off from technology, get some fresh air and immerse yourself in beautiful natural surroundings. It's an activity that not only provides physical exercise but also offers mental relaxation, making it the perfect way to take a break from your daily routine.
Bangalore is not only known as the IT capital of India but it also has some amazing trekking spots nearby for thrill seekers and adventure lovers.
If you are looking for some adventure, then Bangalore has plenty of trekking options that can satisfy your thirst for thrill and excitement.
One such popular trekking destination is Savandurga Hill, situated at a distance of about 60 km from Bangalore. This hill is considered to be one of the largest monolith hills in Asia and offers a challenging trek for adventure enthusiasts. The Savandurga Hill trek is a moderate-level trek that takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trek starts from the foothills of the hill and takes you through a dense forest that is home to various species of birds, animals, and reptiles. The trail consists of steep ascents, rocky paths, and boulder hopping that require a good level of physical fitness and stamina. However, the breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the peak is a well-deserved reward for all your efforts.
Apart from Savandurga Hill, there are many other trekking destinations near Bangalore that you can explore. Some of the lesser known locations include Anthargange and Skandagiri, Sholay, Devarayana Durga and Madhugiri Hills. These trekking destinations offer a range of difficulty levels, from easy to challenging, and provide opportunities for both beginners and experienced trekkers. So, if you are an adventure enthusiast looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature, then trekking around Bangalore is the perfect getaway for you on a budget.
Skandagiri hills - Skandagiri hills also known as Kalavara Durga is located 60 km from Bangalore at an altitude of 1450 metres and is a trekkers paradise. The trek begins at Papagni Mutt with the blessings of goddess Parvati before starting the trek. The climb is of moderate difficulty and usually takes a couple of hours before sunrise so that they make it to the peaks for an ecstatic view of the sunrise. It is also a haven for camping at night with breathtaking views of the milky way, galaxy and shooting stars on a clear night. A historic fort is also located at the Skandagiri Hills, which was built by Tipu Sultan and captured by the British Rule. Although, it is still a popular tourist attraction in spite of the fort being in ruins with fallen pillars and carved stones. Upon reaching the summit, there is a Shiva temple and multiple caves in the region.
Sholay hills - It is located in Ramanagara, 50 km from Bangalore. As the name suggests, these hills gained popularity because of the infamous Sholay Movie, where Gabbar decides to hideout in the hills. It is a moderately difficult climb and is famous for rock climbing. The best time to trek this is from March to May just before sunrise as you can avoid the scorching heat during noon, and catch the best views from the peaks. During monsoon, it would be difficult as the rocks may be slippery. If you plan on visiting Ramanagara don't forget to add Sholay hills to your bucket list. If you are visiting Sholay hills don’t forget to visit wild valley mountain bear situated just 20 km from Sholay hills, one of the best resorts in Ramanagara with adventure activities, water activities and much more. If you're looking for resorts near Ramanagara for the perfect holiday, then Wild Valley Mountain Bear is the perfect getaway.
Devarayana Durga/ DD hills - Devarayana Durga also known as DD hills are located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka approximately 50 km from Bangalore. It is located at an altitude of 4000 metres and is not only a trekker's paradise but also a place of worship for devotees. It has 2 temples namely Bhoga Narasimha Temple and Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple which will attract devotees from all over the state. The best time to visit is from March to May when the conditions to trek are ideal. It is an easy trek in terms of scaling with a 2 km trek to the peak taking approximately an hour to climb and the view from the top is breathtaking with greenery throughout. You can view the temple which is located in the foothills from the top.
Madhugiri Hills - Madhugiri hills located in Tumkur district is 106 km away from Bangalore, a 2- hour drive from the city. It is at an altitude of 2582 metres and is challenging to climb, making it not ideal for beginners. Madhu Giri translates to honey hills in Kannada due to the abundance of bee hives on that hill. There is a fort situated in the foothills, the trek is quite spectacular with ancient ruined walls that will take you back in time to the 18th century. The view from the top is mind blowing with Thimmalapura forest greenery as far as the eye can see.
Anthargange Trek - It is located in Kolar which is about 70 km away from Bangalore at an altitude of 1350 metres Anthargange Trek is one on the list for all trekkers and adventure junkies. It is not an easy trek for beginners. Anthargange trek is not only meant for trekkers but also a paradise for cave explorers. There is also Sri Kashi Vishweshwara Temple which will bring in many devotees. The view from the top is picturesque. It is usually best to visit the place during sunrise for the best views.
In conclusion, trekking offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature, discover new places and challenge oneself physically. Whether trekking solo, with a group of friends or on an organized tour, it allows us to disconnect from our digital devices and truly immerse ourselves in nature.