- What – A very descent hike near Bangalore about 70Km in Doddaballapura.
- When – Multiple times
- Travel –
- About 70 Km car ride from Bangalore – Very good roads once you pass the Yalahnka.
- Possible to go by Train, First time we took Passenger train from Cantonment railway station
- Highlights –
- This is my goto place if I am preparing for any Himalayan Trek. Most of the hills/hike near Bangalore are solid rocks and one hardly see green cover on top. This too is rocky but there are many green passages + the water body nearby makes this trail very different.
- Best trail near Bangalore to experience a short hike of 4Km
- Very good view of Makailidurga railway station from the top, if you are lucky to catch glimpse of running train from the top, dont miss it.
- There are multiple (at least 3) logical view points, where one can terminate the hike if one dont want to go till top for any reason.
- I have not seen vendors selling items on the trail, so relatively calm trail.
- Lowlights
- I choose this place whenever I have some confidence on the people joining me, don’t prefer this with first timers. Couple of places, trail becomes tricky, also if it has rained, it could become slippery.
- Forest Department/State government has started charging to use the trail. Around Rs 400 per person. Absolutely no issue regularizing the trail, it gives some accountability. However charges are I think on higher side which unfortunately may de-motivate student community. On paper the guide fee is included in these charges.
- Must follow the predefined trail, other side is very stiff and dangerous.
- General Location hints
- Makalidurga starting point – Trek/Walking starting Point — Map
- Parking Area
- Trek Booking – Link. Better to do prior booking, on the spot booking feasible, however if network is not there, unnecessary time gets wasted.
- Suitable Time Period
- Any day morning try to reach before 7.30 AM.
- Avoid during heavy rains due to slippery surface.
- Arrangements – Self.
- STAR Rating – 5/5
