Things To Do Near Makalidurga Overview
The Makalidurga hill fort is near the village of the same name. It lies 60 km north of Bangalore and 10 km after Doddaballapura on the way to Gauribidanur. In its mythology, an old Shiva temple, with Nandi atop the hill, has been used for penance by Markandeya Rishi. Makalidurga Fort is a great granite hillock that lies huddled up amidst the chains of hills, formed like a valley close to Ghati Subramanya, an important pilgrimage center. On top, it has a fort at a height of 1,117 m. It has become one of the trekking destinations for adventure lovers. Many people trek to this place at night. Makalidurga, at about 1,117 meters above sea level, enjoys a panoramic view of the landscape around it. Gazing from the hill presents an attractive, luxuriant verdure of forest cover, rocky terrain, and village vistas, making this an excellent destination for nature lovers. The granitic landscape around Makalidurga has giant boulders and rocky outcrops that add to the rugged beauty of this territory. Makalidurga is one of the most scenic railway-track treks featured in our Weekend Getaways From Bangalore collection. MAKALIDURGA HIGHLIGHTS: The hill is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,117 meters above sea level. The fort at the top of the hill, housed in the ruins, gives the trek an adventurous and historical feel. It was an original military stronghold of the Rulers during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. The hike to the summit is roughly 8-9 km round trip and could take 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on how physically fit you are. The track is pretty moderate to a bit challenging and consists of rugged rocky trails, thorny shrubs, and a few steep areas. The habitat possesses one of the wealthiest biodiversities, full of flora and fauna. Identifying birds, insects, or even the minute wildlife in the trek route is easy. This fort is supposedly constructed by Kempe Gowda (founder of Bangalore) or probably his ancestors but later captured by the Marathas. The hill is named after the local goddess Makalamma; a small temple is dedicated to her at the top. In addition Besides trekking, the site is also available for rock climbing, camping, and other adventure sports. Some tour operators and enthusiasts also arrange night treks that allow the trekkers to see the fort and its surroundings underneath the night sky. BEST TIME TO VISIT : The best seasons to visit the Makalidurga trek are April, June, and November and March. In these periods, the climate is pleasant, and the atmosphere turns into a beautiful display of ambient colors. July to October is when the hilltop witnesses the rainy season; hence, it should be avoided while visiting the Makalidurga trek. TIPS FOR VISITING MAKALIDURGA: The monsoon season isn't the best time to visit the place. Wet roads and slippery trails make the routes quite tiring and exhausting, and it would be tough to stay afoot as the terrain would be a significant difficulty to cross over. Make sure to carry enough water to avoid dehydration incidents. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear to save from uneasiness. You'll need to be in good shape for this hike since it's long. Some exercising and stretching a few days in advance can be beneficial. If you plan to go for night trekking, make sure you are equipped with plenty of torches and batteries. HOW TO REACH: The nearest airport to Makalidurga is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, Karnataka. Once you arrive at the airport, you can book your taxi or take the bus towards Makalidurga. Bangalore and Makalidurga are approximately 60 kilometers apart.
