If you're looking for a refreshing one-day trek from Bengaluru that combines adventure, history, nature, and stunning views, Makalidurga is a wonderful choice.
Located about 60 km from Bengaluru, beyond Doddaballapur, Makalidurga Hill is a popular trekking destination known for its rocky terrain, ancient fort ruins, a Shiva temple, and spectacular views of the Gundamagere (Gunjur) Lake. The trek is not extremely long, but the steep and rocky ascent makes it an exciting experience for trekking enthusiasts.
Starting the Journey from Bengaluru
My Makalidurga adventure began early in the morning. The pickup point was BMC, Indiranagar, where I arrived at around 6:30 AM.
After picking up the other trekkers from different locations, we started our journey towards Makalidurga in a tempo traveller. The early-morning drive was pleasant, and the excitement among the group slowly grew as we moved away from the city.
During the journey, we stopped briefly for breakfast. After refreshing ourselves, we continued towards the trek's starting point.
Reaching the Trek Starting Point
After crossing the railway track, we reached the starting point of the trek. Before beginning the climb, our trek lead conducted a short introductory session. Everyone introduced themselves, and it was a nice way to get acquainted with the group.
Soon after, we reached the forest checkpost, where the forest officer checked our entry tickets.
At around 9:30 AM, we finally began our ascent.
The Beginning of the Trek
The first part of the trail was relatively easy. Within the first 100 metres, we spotted the Muthurayaswamy Temple on the right side of the trail.
As we continued climbing, the terrain gradually became more rocky. Greenery surrounded the trail, and the cool breeze and soft morning sunlight made the climb pleasant.
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| Makalidurga Hill |
We took frequent breaks to catch our breath and enjoy the surroundings. The route was easy to follow, thanks to the arrow marks and paint markings on the rocks that guided trekkers towards the summit.
Although the climb was tiring at times, every break offered an opportunity to look around and appreciate the beautiful landscape.
The First Stunning View: Gundamagere Lake
As we climbed higher, the landscape suddenly opened up.
And there it was — the beautiful Gundamagere (Gunjur) Lake, shimmering in the distance.
The view was one of the highlights of the trek. From the hillside, we could see the lake surrounded by greenery, along with other hills and the roads winding towards the base of Makalidurga.
It was one of those moments when the effort of climbing suddenly felt completely worth it.
You can also see other mountains and the road ahead to base of the hill.
Reaching the Summit
It took us approximately two hours to reach the top.
As we approached the summit, the ancient fort walls came into view. The weathered stone structures immediately gave the place a sense of history and mystery.
Makalidurga is believed to have historical connections dating back to the Vijayanagara period, and the remains of the hilltop fort stand as reminders of its past.
The strategic location of the fort, high above the surrounding landscape, makes it easy to understand why the hill was historically important.
The Ruined Fort Walls
Walking among the ruined fort walls was a fascinating experience. The old structures, surrounded by rocks and open skies, created a beautiful contrast between history and nature.
Standing there and looking at the remains, it was interesting to imagine what the hill might have looked like centuries ago.
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| The Ruined Fort Walls |
360-Degree Views from the Summit
The summit was undoubtedly the highlight of the trek.
From the top, we enjoyed spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Rolling hills stretched into the distance, while the deep-blue Gundamagere Lake stood out beautifully against the greenery.
The hilltop can also be quite windy, and depending on the season, trekkers may encounter fog and changing weather conditions.
During the dry months, the sharp, dry grass can make parts of the trail uncomfortable. During the monsoon, however, the greenery transforms the landscape, although finding the trail can sometimes become more challenging.
One of the most memorable sights from Makalidurga is the railway track running near the foothills. Watching a train slowly chug past the hills feels almost like a scene from a children's storybook.
Makali Malleshwara Temple
A few steps ahead of the fort ruins was the Makali Malleshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A beautiful Nandi statue stood at the entrance. Surrounded by the old fort ruins and the peaceful landscape, the temple had a calm and spiritual atmosphere.
According to local tradition, the hill is also associated with Sage Markandeya, who is believed to have performed penance here.
At the summit, the combination of the ancient temple, fort ruins, rocky terrain and vast landscape made the place feel truly special.
Lunch with a View
After exploring the fort and temple, we found a comfortable spot at the summit and spent some time relaxing.
The weather was wonderful, and the cool breeze made it tempting to simply sit back and enjoy the surroundings.
We had carried packed lunch with us, so we sat together and enjoyed our meal while taking in the panoramic views.
There was something incredibly satisfying about having lunch after a challenging climb, surrounded by hills, clouds and open skies.
The Descent
After spending a good amount of time at the summit, we started our descent at around 2:30 PM.
Going downhill was easier in terms of effort, but the rocky terrain required careful footing. We slowly made our way back, taking occasional breaks along the route.
Eventually, we reached the parking area.
After completing the trek, the sight of a tender coconut seller near the parking area was especially welcome! A chilled tender coconut was the perfect way to end a tiring but memorable trek.
The Makalidurga Trek turned out to be a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Bengaluru. For anyone looking for a short getaway from Bengaluru with a mix of nature, adventure and history, Makalidurga is definitely a destination worth exploring.
