Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga, is a hill fort  62 km from Bangalore city and 3 km from Chikballapur in Karnataka state of India. Off Bellary Road (National Highway 7 Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway), and looks out on Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli. The summit lies at an elevation of approximately 1,450 m or 4,760 ft. It is  reached from Kalavara village, whose population is, according to the 2011 census 1093. 1 The hill remains on a fort claimed to have been constructed by the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore , Tipu Sultan. It was a military centre and a watchtower. Also, this is one of the notable trekking places near bangalore, which can be visited during the day and at night. Undertaking a trek on the trail up the hill on a night of full moon is one of the adventurous things that you can do at Skandagiri. At the top of the mountain, the display of natural beauty around you will be an enchantment to cherish!The Karnataka State Forest and Tourism Department has made it highly accessible , and it is one of the most  popular destinations to trek, as it just so happens to be near Bangalore. Before climbing Skandagiri, the online fees must be paid , and the reservation needs to be made. The 150-person limit is set per trek  , starting at  4 am or 8 am. Moreover, guides from the Tourism Department are also available here. Trekking takes about five hours in all seasons . The trek is from behind the Papagni Mutt of Kalwar village, which is 3 km. m. The trek begins from the Kalwar village behind Papagni matt. Total distance is 3 km (1.9 mi)m. A fort encircles the hill at 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. At the peak, there is a temple and a pond. You can see a few sides of the fort. SKANDAGIRI HIGHLIGHTS:It is a moderately challenging trek that requires 2 to 3 hours to reach the top. The trek passes through dense forests and rocky terrains, offering a mix of natural beauty and adventure. This trek is top-rated for night trekking, where one can witness sunrise from the summit. Scenic views surrounding the landscape reward summit trekkers, such as that of Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli, with the hilltop commonly experiencing a sea of clouds, especially early  in the  morning,  that has been described as spectacularly surreal. Eminent personalities , including Jawaharlal Nehru and Sir M. Visveswaraya, had visited and appreciated  this beauty on their visits to Nandi Hills during British Rule. As we approach the summit, the crumbling walls, sculpted pillars, and stones take us back to when Skandagiri Fort was alive and majestic. Even the Lord Shiva temple is worshipped by  devotees who climb  to the top to see the idol. This is a rare sight for a fort whose surrounding structures are in ruins. Much of it is in ruins today, but the remnants   give an insight into the history and architecture of the region. As you explore the fort, you can see stone structures, walls, and remnants of buildings that reflect the architectural style of the time. The fort gives a glimpse into the past and is a fantastic vantage point for panoramic views. This location is full of folklore and history, often giving reasons for historians  and those passionate about  culture to pay particular attention to the place. Stories revolving around the region's historical significance  abound around this fort and its environment , and  your visit there will be exciting. Skandagiri is  a destination that experiences a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Whether it's trekking to catch the sunrise at this place or exploring the ruins of the fort, it is a place  where  you would have a truly memorable experience. It is a perfect getaway near Bangalore for day trips or weekend excursions for locals and tourists alike. Check Out: One Day Trip From Bangalore | Trekking Near Bangalore | Two Day Trip From BangaloreBEST TIME TO VISIT :The best time to visit Skandagiri is between April and June and between November and March. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, and the atmosphere turns into a lovely display of ambient colours. From July to October, the hilltop witnesses the rainy season, which must be avoided when visiting Skandagiri.TIPS FOR VISITING SKANDAGIRI:The monsoon season is not one of the best times to visit Skandagiri. The wet roads and slippery trails make it very tiresome and difficult to stay afoot, and the terrain can be a major problem to traverse.Always carry enough water with you to avoid incidents of dehydration.Ensure you wear comfortable clothes and footwear to avoid unease.Since the trail is long, ensure you are physically fit to undertake the trek. Exercising and stretching activities a few days before the trek might be helpful.For a night trek, make sure that you are equipped with adequate torches and batteries, which will be very useful.HOW TO REACH: The nearest airport lies in Bangalore, and this hill town lies  about 60 km from Bangalore. From Bangalore  to  Skandagiri hill town, it is also possible to catch a KSRTC bus ride from Bangalore , which runs at periodic intervals. From that place, the bus would have dropped the passengers here , the last bus drop point on this  route. From  here on , they can either take the usual relaxed walk to Skandgiri or hire an auto to drop you a couple  of  minutes  short of the foot of the hill; walking would consume almost 45 minutes of your precious time. The best time to visit Skandagiri is between April to June & November to March. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, and the atmosphere turns into a lovely display of ambient colours. From July to October, the hilltop witnesses the rainy season, which must be avoided when visiting Skandagiri. Read: Hogenakkal Falls |Devarayanaduraga |Kabbaladurga |Karadikallu Betta |Madhugiri